pdf Bay of Fundy RMA Study - Municipality of the County of Colchester

Bay of Fundy
Interpretation & Attraction
Development Plan
Proposal
March, 2010
Bay of Fundy
Interpretation & Attraction
Development Plan
Executive Summary
Introduction
This report is an interpretation and development
plan for the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia.
The Bay of Fundy is a dramatic and diverse
coastline and a natural phenomenon with
international tourism potential.
As is the case with many of the worldʼs greatest
nature tourism destinations, the Bay of Fundy is an
extraordinary classroom of globally significant
topics. The Bay of Fundy can teach visitors about
the relationship between the moon and earth,
about one of the worldʼs rarest mammals and its
struggle for survival, or about the greatest
extinction since life emerged on this planet. These
lessons are all found within the intricacies of the
Bay of Fundy landscape and environment. This
report was prepared as a planning document for
interpretation and development of attractions
within the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia.
The Bay of Fundy region in Nova Scotia has
suffered from a confusing mix of regional
identities, overlapping tourism regions
(administratively), assorted scenic travel ways and
a general lack of a unifying theme and identity.
Glooscap Trail, Evangeline Trail, Fundy Shore
Scenic Drive, Fundy Shore, Fundy Shore Ecotour
are all names used to promote various sections or
the whole region of Fundy.
The Bay of Fundyʼs human history is ably
interpreted at Wolfville and Annapolis Royal, and,
more recently, its geological history at Parrsboro
and Joggins. Yet the visitor who seeks to
comprehend the world-record phenomenon of the
tides is left adrift to piece the tide story together on
their own through visiting a series of un-interpreted
lookoffs and harbours. When travelers come here
they seek opportunities to see, experience, and
learn about the worldʼs highest tides. The tidal
theme lacks sites with professional interpretation,
defined tidal experiences, and safe access for
visitors. The visitor experience of Nova Scotiaʼs
Fundy coast is largely self-guided and random. By
contrast, New Brunswick has invested
considerable effort toward creating several staffed,
iconic tidal experiences.
Over the past several years, there has been
several key new developments in the northern
region of Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy. A new
UNESCO World Heritage Site was designated in
2008 at Joggins and has become one of Nova
Scotiaʼs newest attractions. The Fundy Geological
museum at Parrsboro, already a popular
attraction, was undergoing a complete upgrade at
the time of writing. At Cape Chignecto, a natural
environment park designated 15 years ago, the
new Three Sisters Day Use area opened in 2009
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and provides access to extraordinary rock
formations near Apple River, Nova Scotia.
Prior to these developments, the most highly
visited attractions in the Bay of Fundy region have
been three national historic sites located in the
vicinity of Annapolis Royal and Wolfville.
Yet, it is the tidal phenomenon that makes the Bay
of Fundy a “Natural Wonder” and positions the Bay
in the global nature-tourism arena. The potential of
the Bay of Fundy to be a tourism attraction of
international status and to play an effective role in
generating tourism visitation to Nova Scotia, is
contingent upon highlighting and interpreting
outstanding tidal landscapes and developing the
tidal theme.
Based on these observations and on an
assessment of the existing product, we prepared
the following gap assessment in the attractions
and interpretation mix of Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of
Fundy. Elements that are absent include:
A) Interpreted Tidal Sites and Attractions
Anchor attractions are needed that focus on the
tidal theme or experience in locations offering
good potential for tide-related activities, significant
and extraordinary tidal features and diverse scenic
coastal and inter-tidal landscapes.
B) Bay of Fundy Marine Environment Centre
The Bay of Fundy is, by definition, a marine
ecosystem, and (except during whale watch tours)
there is no interpretation of the marine
environment or wildlife within the Bay of Fundy
region of Nova Scotia. A significant opportunity
exists to develop such an attraction in the Digby
area.
C) Network of Viewpoints
A consistent network of viewpoints is needed to
offer adequate amenities to visitors and to
reinforce the Bay of Fundy theme. Viewpoints
should meet minimum standards and be linked by
a common identity.
D) Way-finding and Orientation (Strengthen the
Identity)
A comprehensive system of way-finding and an
orientation sign program is needed to support a
harmonious Bay of Fundy identity for Nova Scotia.
E) Identification and Market Readiness Standards
for Secondary Attractions
All key sites, whether tidal experience sites, should
meet minimum market readiness and capacity
standards and be featured in a comprehensive
identity program. Similarly, there are a number of
significant smaller interpretation facilities that can
play an important role in the Bay of Fundy product.
Standards for these sites should be established.
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Bay of Fundy Interpretation & Development Plan, March 2010
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Development Plan
The attraction is the Bay of Fundy itself. It is the
location and the phenomenon that collectively
creates the attraction (in the same way that the
Grand Canyon or a National Park is an attraction
in itself).
The tide is the artist of the Bay of Fundy, the
sculptor of the landscape, and the creator of
mystery. ʻTideʼ is the central theme of the area and
the fundamental reason why this vast tidal zone is
an interesting place to explore.
Yet in itself, the tide isnʼt a particularly alluring
idea. Instead, the focus needs to be on the drama
of the landscape, the changes brought about by
the action of the tides. The following are a few
ideas that share the same fundamental highlights
and messages, but from slightly different angles:
Canadaʼs Tidal Shoreline
Living with the Worldʼs Giant Tides
Canadaʼs Natural Wonder
Based on these thematic guidelines, this report
recognizes the need for key activity-based
attractions focusing on the worldʼs highest tides. At
the same time, it is a priority to more strongly
define and promote the identity of the region (the
Bay of Fundy) as a whole, through consistent
signs, infrastructure, amenities, etc., and by
defining boundaries.
Provincial Parks – The Untapped Resource
Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy coastal parks have
expanded by acquisition and designation by more
than 300% since 1995 making them (currently)
one of the most important, if underdeveloped,
coastal park systems in Canada. The extent to
which the extraordinary coastal features of the Bay
of Fundy are now within a significant network of
Nova Scotia Parks is not fully recognized within
the Province, nor is it promoted effectively to
prospective visitors from outside the region.
It is the recommendation of this report that Nova
Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy Parks should offer
interpretation and programming that demonstrate
and showcase their unique tidal, coastal and
terrestrial features and thus become key
attractions within the Bay of Fundy region.
Cape Split Coastal Discovery Site
Blomidon and Cape Split together represent a key
Bay of Fundy themed development opportunity in
the Annapolis Valley region. While Cape Split and
Blomidon are two distinct land areas, they are
essentially considered a single unit by the Parks
Division, DNR. A third site can be included in this
cluster: Look-off Provincial day-use park.
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Cape Split has the qualities of an internationally
significant landmark. The tidal phenomenon at the
Split makes it unique in the world. Cape Split
provides views of the Bay of Fundyʼs most visible
and powerful tidal rip, as well as, a panoramic view
of its narrowest, most turbulent section: the Minas
Channel. In addition, scenic attributes such as the
vertical drop and geological features here are
outstanding.
Walking Experience
The principle walking trail should be designed to a
front-country standard and a moderately low-level
of difficulty. The principle feature of the park would
be a walking trail (although the water tours may be
a significant part of the experience, as well). Cape
Split will have a walking distance of at least 10-12
kilometers and an overall duration of two to four
hours. It is recommended that the trail be designed
to a front-country standard and a moderately lowlevel of difficulty.
Development Recommendations
This report recommends that the planning concept
for the development zone at Cape Split be
revisited with the intention of providing improved
access, parking, viewpoints and the development
of a high quality visitor orientation and education
facility.
Five Islands Tidal Discovery Site
Five Islands is one of the best sites in the Bay of
Fundy for interpreting and experiencing the tidal
and inter-tidal phenomena. Tides at Five Islands
are third highest of monitored sites within the
Minas Basin, and the inter-tidal zone at Five
Islands is one of the most expansive, dramatic
and diverse in the Bay. This park also has a vast
geological history, visible in the cliffs and islands
that can be told and interpreted from this location.
As is often the case, where there is a geological
story, there is also outstanding rock collecting.
Since the beginning of the “Not Since Moses” race
across the ocean floor in 2007, there has been a
significant increase in national recognition of the
breathtaking inter-tidal landscape offered at Five
Islands.
Development Recommendations
Five Islands Provincial Park could have high
market appeal as a tidal experience viewing and
interpretation site, as well as, a staging zone for
adventure or experiential programs. Program
infrastructure components should include:
1. Visitor Interpretation and Orientation Centre
2. Viewpoints and Shoreline Access
3. Tidal Adventure Tours and Excursions
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Digby Marine Discovery Centre
Other Key Attractions
The Town of Digby is a suitable location for
interpreting the Bay of Fundy marine environment.
The town is an active seaport and has a large
fishery with a history closely linked to the Bay. It
has a tourism-friendly town centre and a strong
base of accommodations, the most notable of
which is the premium resort hotel: the Digby Pines.
Brier Island
Enhancements to hiking ʻproductʼ on Brier Island
will naturally draw visitors along the Neck and
Long Island as part of the adventure of making it to
the tip of this intriguing land formation.
Development Concept
Consistent with the goals of the Digby Area
Tourism Association, this report recommends the
creation of a multi-faceted activity centre with
potential to attract a significant market.
Location Options
It is absolutely essential that the centre establish
or maintain a connection with the fishing
community and the town centre. Other factors
such as the flow of pedestrian traffic into and
through the commercial centre of the community,
parking, etc., must be evaluated in a site-specific
development plan.
Parks Canada Marine Park
Parks Canada has had a mandate to create
National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA)
across Canada since the concept was established
in 2002. This report recommends that Brier Island
participate in the research process with Parks
Canada to determine the opportunities and fit of a
marine park in the region.
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
Cape Chignecto is a key component of the trio of
Bay of Fundy parks, strongly representing a
coastal wilderness hiking experience. It has
potential to build its market to 10,000 (similar to
the visitor numbers for the West Coast Trail), if it is
part of a larger integrated system.
In addition to the upgrading of the wildernesshiking trail, the priority is to provide shoreline
access at Eatonville. As in the above case, this
was being reviewed at the time of this report and
programming options were being considered.
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Bay of Fundy Interpretation & Development Plan, March 2010
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Touring Network
In addition to Anchor Attractions, this report has
identified a network of interpretation sites,
viewpoints and hiking trails.
Interpretation Sites
Most Interpretation sites listed in this report are
staffed facilities, each representing key Bay of
Fundy themes and meeting common market
readiness standards. These sites donʼt have the
level of facilities, interpretation, programming, etc.
of anchors, yet they are important sites offering a
particular interpretation topic or story. The use of
a common identity and wayfinding program serves
to link them into an overall touring network.
Tidal Technology Sites
Annapolis Tidal Power Station
Tidal Power Centre at Black Rock (planned)
Themed Tidal Sites
Burncoat Head
Cape dʼOr Lighthouse
South Maitland Tidal Interpretation Park
Halls Harbour
Bear River Tidal Estuary
Heritage – Culture & Marine
Age of Sail Heritage Centre
Cobequid Interpretation Centre
Glooscap Heritage Centre
Lawrence House Museum
Avon River Heritage Museum & Avon Spirit
Shipyard
Blue Beach Fossil Museum (planned)
Prescott House Museum
Historic Gardens (salt marsh)
Viewpoints
Viewpoints are proposed to reinforce the identity of
the travel region, through a graphic program,
provide basic amenities (washroom facilities)
between larger attractions and communities, and
focus on site-specific themes, creating an
interpretation framework for the area as a whole.
Hiking Trails
The final component is a system of hiking trails to
complement the touring network of attractions and
viewpoints. They are self-guided and offer a
nature-based experience of the Bay of Fundy.
Wayfinding and Identity Program
The wayfinding and identity program has an
extremely important role in defining the Bay of
Fundy region, helping to create the allure and
sense of place that will develop a long term and
sustainable growth in visitation. The purpose of a
way-finding and identity program can be stated as
follows:
1. Provide directions
2. Reinforce the identity of the region
3. Unify and link the region
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The required components include:
• gateway entry point
• regional entry signs
• route markers
• site-specific entrance signs
The author of this report believes that there is
potential for substantial growth in tourism numbers
to the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia.
Certainly, there is evidence from New Brunswick
that tourism growth focused around well-rounded
Bay of Fundy experiences can approach the
visitation numbers of a National Park (such as
visitation to Hopewell Rocks). Given the
phenomenal quality and accessibility of the Bay of
Fundy coastline in Nova Scotia, it is believed that,
with the enhancement of several key assets in this
province, visitation can be significantly increased
and can ultimately make a valuable contribution to
the Provinceʼs tourism future.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction…………………………….......................
1
PART A – Situation Analysis
1. Context……………………………………………..
1.1 Defining Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of
Fundy………………………….……...
1.2 Tides……………………...................
1.3 New Brunswickʼs Bay of Fundy
Product……………………………
1.4 Weaknesses of Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of
Fundy Product………………………..
4
4
2. The Tourism Market…………………………..…..
2.1 Global Tourism………………….……
2.2 Tourism in the Bay of Fundy…..…...
2.3 Travel Patterns………………..……..
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12
14
17
3. Potential as a Nature Tourism Destination……..
3.1 What is a Tourism Destination?.......
3.2 Natural Attractions as Destinations...
3.3 Developing a Nature Tourism
Destination………………….…………
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21
22
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4. Current Bay of Fundy Product……….…….……..
4.1 Attractions………………….………….
4.2 Activities………………….......…..…...
4.3 Parks…………………………….…….
4.4 Gap Evaluation………………….…….
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5
7
6. Anchor Attractions…………………………..…………..
6.1 Provincial Parks – The Untapped
Resource……………………………….
6.2 Criteria………………………………….
6.3 Cape Split Coastal Discovery
Site………………………………..…….
6.4 Five Islands Tidal Discovery
Site……………………………………...
6.5 Digby Marine Discovery
Site…..…………………………………...
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7. Other Key Attractions……………………….…………..
7.1 Brier Island…………………………….
7.2 Cape Chignecto……………………….
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8. Touring Network……………………………..………….
8.1 Interpretive Sites……………………….
8.2 Viewpoints……………………………….
8.3 Hiking Trails……………………………..
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112
9. Identity Program…………………………………………
9.1 Wayfinding and Identity…....................
9.2 Entry Concept…………………….........
9.3 Orientation…………………………........
9.4 Identity Program Concept………..........
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129
10. Conclusion……………………………………………...
10.1 Conclusions and Implementation
Guidelines……………………………….
10.2 Implementation Framework…………...
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PART B – Development Plan
Appendices
5. Thematic Concept………………………………....
5.1 Experiences…………………………...
5.2 Creating the Allure…………………...
5.3 Thematic Sub-Regions………...…….
5.4 System vs. Icon………………....……
5.5 Recommended
Strategy…………………………......…
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A1
A2
Concept Illustrations
Viewpoint Charts
132
Introduction
The Bay of Fundy, with its giant tides, is one of
Nova Scotiaʼs most valuable tourism assets. The
Bay of Fundy tides are recognized globally, a fact
that could position it as an internationally alluring
destination with great potential. Indeed, at the time
of writing this report, the Bay of Fundy had
emerged as a top 28 finalist in the New7Wonders
of Nature campaign (from an original roster of 440
global nature sites). The New7Wonders
Foundation reported (March, 2010) that 97.18% of
votes in favour of the Bay of Fundy had come from
outside the country.
Therefore, it is surprising that the Bay of Fundy
has not played a larger role as a tourism generator
and major attraction for the Province of Nova
Scotia. Given the international awareness of the
Bay of Fundy, why has it not become a mecca for
tourists? Simply put, it is because Nova Scotiaʼs
Bay of Fundy product has not been adequately
developed to entice visitors.
Nova Scotia Tourism focuses on attracting the
ʻcultural touristʼ, but examination of its most recent
visitor exit survey reveals that visitors to the
province are twice as interested in hiking and
walking than they are in visiting museums and
historic sites. They are also more interested in
nature observation, beach exploring and visiting
nature parks than watching live music or dance.
Heavy promotion of Nova Scotiaʼs culture,
particularly to international visitors, may not be
enough to boost and sustain visitation to the
province in the long term. Competition from
increasingly exotic ʻcollectibleʼ global vacation
destinations means Nova Scotia needs to bring its
unique, world-renown features to market. Indeed,
the Nova Scotia 2010 Tourism Plan acknowledges
the need to “make our products and experiences
stand out amid aggressive competitors and
seemingly unlimited consumer choices.”
Other locations, such as Australia, have
established themselves firmly on the international
tourism stage through a policy of improving and
promoting Australiaʼs natural and cultural
attractions at the same time (2009 Long Term
Tourism Strategy). Nova Scotia is not alone in its
observation that the cultural traveler and the
nature traveler are often one in the same.
Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy product has yet to be
fully developed as a world-calibre experience.
Among many pristine, well-operated natural
regions throughout the world, Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of
Fundy lacks a clear identity when it comes to
market ready product. It has not yet fully
captivated the imaginations of nature travelers,
possibly because prospective visitors are not
provided with clear expectations about how to see
and become immersed in the tidal experience of
the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Although rafting
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Bay of Fundy Interpretation & Development Plan, March 2010
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Bay of Fundyʼs tidal bore receives some profile in
Nova Scotia marketing, on its own it lacks full tidal
experience appeal for the non-adventure visitor.
Indeed, there is no top-of-mind, signature, or
exciting, memorable experience of the Bay of
Fundy for which Nova Scotia is renown.
Interestingly, there are other tidal attractions in the
world, boasting 2nd or 3rd highest tides that
capitalize on tidal phenomena as a key hook and
that have developed market ready product to
connect visitors to the tides.
Currently, there is ample room for the Bay of
Fundy product to grow: current occupancy rates in
the region are barely sufficient to sustain the small
hotels and inns that are situated here and there,
and many businesses along Bay of Fundy coastal
communities struggle with a lack of customers.
Similarly, current Bay of Fundy attractions are not
at capacity visitation, whether they be nature,
cultural or historical.
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Development of the Bay of Fundy as a
Destination
In 2007, the Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership
Council (NSTPC) began looking at the potential to
promote the Bay of Fundy as a tourism
destination. The NSTPC felt that the Bay of Fundy
had great potential as a destination. The first step
was taken when the Bay of Fundy “Star
Generator” Inventory Report was commissioned
that year. Based on this first report, it was
proposed that a full development concept be
prepared for the Bay of Fundy.
In 2009, a steering committee of regional
development and municipal associations was
formed to oversee this next step. The steering
committee consists of the following:
Devin Trefry ~ Central Nova Tourist Association
Liz Morine ~ Destination Southwest Nova
Creston Rudolph ~ Colchester RDA
Viorica Sporea ~ Hants RDA
Ron Robinson ~ Cumberland RDA
Marianne Gates ~ Kings RDA
Joy OʼNeill ~Annapolis-Digby RDA
Lori Blackburn ~ Nova Scotia TCH
Lisa MacIsaac ~ Nova Scotia TCH
Brian Banks ~ ACOA
Jerry OʼNeill ~ ACOA
This report provides a plan for developing the Bay
of Fundy region of Nova Scotia in response to, and
on behalf of, the current steering committee. The
plan examines the raw product, defines a
development concept, and identifies steps for
creating outstanding visitor experiences of the Bay
of Fundy.
To put things in context, an introspective on some
major international nature tourism destinations is
offered. Used as relevant examples are some of
the most successful and immensely popular
national parks in the US and Canada. An overview
of tourism in the region and perceptions of the Bay
of Fundy, vis-à-vis international tourism, are also
explored.
This report also proposes a touring framework. An
earlier version of this model was set up as the
Fundy Shore Ecotour, but had limited scope and
lacked market readiness standards. The program
concept developed within this report identifies a
network of smaller existing sites, including
interpretation sites, viewpoints and hiking trails
and includes market readiness standards and
development guidelines. The framework is linked
together by a Bay of Fundy Identity Program. This
program would provide a consistent identity
concept and image throughout the Bay of Fundy
region. Such a network offers complementary,
branded touring options for visitors.
As part of the process for determining the potential
of the Bay of Fundy, established regional
attractions with significant visitation, and the
system of coastal provincial parks (within the Bay
of Fundy) are examined.
Following the product review and gap analysis,
this report defines a development concept for the
Bay of Fundy. The concept presented includes:
recommendations for significant enhancement of
key anchor sites and the development of a new
site. The new tidal-themed sites identified would
be completed by major existing geological and
historical attractions, resulting in a well-rounded
group of themed products.
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PART A - Situation Analysis
PART A – Situation Analysis
1. Context
1.1 Defining Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy
The geographic boundaries of Nova Scotiaʼs Bay
of Fundy region encompass the coastal region
from Amherst to Cape St. Marys. The region
comprises (more or less) of the watershed of the
Bay of Fundy (within Nova Scotia).
The Bay of Fundy
region includes the
coastal communities
on Chignecto Bay and
the Minas
Basin (Amherst,
Parrsboro, Truro and
Windsor) as well as
communities within
the Annapolis Valley
region and parts of
Southwest Nova
(Digby area). The
tourism industry in this
region includes over
500 businesses and is a vital part of the rural
economy of the region.
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Within this report, for the purposes of tourism
development under a ʻBay of Fundyʼ theme,
coastal product is preferred over inland product.
The Provincial Travelways Map defines the “Fundy
Shore/Annapolis Valley Region” as an area
mapped by county boundaries.
1.2 Tides
The core element that distinguishes and sets apart
the Bay of Fundy region is the natural
phenomenon of the tides. The Bay of Fundy
features the highest tides in the world, and
(importantly for Nova Scotia) the world-recordlevel was recorded in the Minas Basin at Burncoat
Head (17 meters).
The Bay of Fundyʼs tides are five to ten times
higher than tides on the rest of the planet. For
example, Fundyʼs tides are ten times higher than
tides on the eastern seaboard USA and at least
five times higher than the Pacific Coast of North
America. Although tidal bores exist elsewhere in
the world, some can only be viewed in spring (in
Wales) or only at night (Russia).
While the Bay of Fundy may boast the highest
global tides, other tidal attractions around the
world have been more proactive in the
development of tide-centered tourism experiences.
For example, there are two sites in Europe that
claim the “2nd highest tides in the world” or
“highest tides in Europe”:
1. Mont Saint-Michel is an abbey located on a tidal
island on the Northwest coast of France. The
visitor experience includes a park and a walk
along a sandbar road leading to the abbey.
Interpretation tours are offered of the inter-tidal
zone at low tide around the base of the tidal island.
This natural attraction, with tours also of the
abbey, receives 3.5 million visitors per year,
making it the second most visited area in France
after the Eiffel Tower.
2. The Severn Estuary is a tidal river located in
Wales. In addition to year round walking tours of
the tidal river, linking several communities, the
region also strongly promotes tidal bore surfing.
Tidal bore surfing only takes place during the
spring equinox, as the bores are not significant (or
non-existent) the rest of the year. To compensate
for this, the Severn region hosts an annual
summer “Magnificent Severn” Festival that
ʻcelebrates every aspect of the tidal Severnʼ. The
event includes: a tidal bore triggered running race
along the banks of the river, an art display of tidal
bore surfers, a tidal bore photography exhibit, a
painting with mud workshop, weir fishing
demonstration, local cuisine, concerts & agritourism, etc. The three-day festival attracts over
100,000 visitors.
One of the Bay of Fundyʼs greatest, but least
promoted, assets is the predictable two high and
two low tides in one 24-hour period, 365 days of
the year. Traditionally, Nova Scotia Tourism has
focused on its tidal bore as its Bay of Fundythemed product. While the bore experience in the
Bay of Fundy is certainly exhilarating as part of the
Fundy tidal experience, it is not of great worldwide
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significance. In fact, there are over 60 bores in
such places as the UK, France, India, Brazil, and
Alaska, with the largest occurring in China. The
bore in Chʼientʼangʼkian, China, is 25.9 feet (7.5
meters). The Shubenacadie tidal bore at its
maximum spring or fall equinox height is less than
half that size.
The Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership, the interprovincial organization charged with promoting the
Bay of Fundy as a Canadian nature tourism icon,
has identified three tidal effects comprising the full
Bay of Fundy experience:
1. tidal bores/rapids
2. vertical tides
3. horizontal tides
It is interesting to note that the most visited site in
the entire Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks, focuses
and interprets the vertical and horizontal aspects
of the tides (not the bore at all).
The Bay of Fundy tides cause a number of
extraordinary phenomena, including tidal rips and
whirlpools, harbours emptying of water, tidal bores
on several rivers, and expansive inter-tidal areas
(more than 5 kilometers wide in some areas)
where the ocean bottom is exposed at low tide.
The effects of the tide are noticeable in the coastal
landscape of this region. In the upper bay, the
coast is diverse and exhibits striking features such
as islands, arches and sea stacks. Moreover, the
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landscape changes between tides, with a vast,
teaming, ocean floor emerging at low tide.
Although the Bay of Fundyʼs tidal effects are
largely under-interpreted and disconnected for
visitors at the current time, there is no doubt that
they are extraordinary in the global context.
To complement its tidal phenomenon, the Bay of
Fundy region is already quite well served by
several significant geological and historical
attractions.
Geological features situated in the upper bay
include:
• sites near Parrsboro where remnants of
Triassic age dinosaurs and the worldʼs
smallest dinosaurs were discovered and
are interpreted at the Fundy Geological
Museum
• world renowned coal age fossil deposits at
Joggins (interpreted at the Joggins Fossil
Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• fossil deposits near Hantsport (interpreted
at Blue Beach Fossil Centre)
• outstanding geological features (such as
the worldʼs best location for witnessing the
breakup of the super continent, Pangaea)
at Cape Chignecto, Five Islands and
Blomidon
Historic sites are situated around the bay; ranging
from early Paleo-Indian sites, pre-European
aboriginal history, Acadian settlement and
deportation sites, and later European and early
Canadian settlements. Interpretation of early
European settlement takes place at Port Royal,
Acadian deportation at Grand Pré, and Miʼkmaq
history and culture at the Glooscap Heritage
Centre.
1.3 New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy
Product
The Province of New Brunswick embraced the Bay
of Fundy in the mid 1990s with a strong emphasis
on vitalizing its Bay of Fundy product and branded
it “New Brunswickʼs Bay of Fundy”. For several
years now, tourism operators in the upper Bay of
Fundy in Nova Scotia report ʻspilloverʼ across the
border from the more popular New Brunswick
sites. When considering development and
strengthening of Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy
product, it is important to evaluate the context and
success of the product in the neighbouring
province.
Hopewell Rocks
This exercise began with the redesign of Hopewell
Rocks Provincial Park as Hopewell Rocks Tidal
Exploration Site. The site expanded from a small
day-use park, with minimal services in the late
1980s, to become New Brunswickʼs top tourism
icon, gracing the cover of their provincial travel
guide for ten years, from 1998 to 2008.
Consequently, Hopewell Rocks is now a ʻmust
seeʼ New Brunswick attraction. The branding of
this site has been so strong that Nova Scotia
Visitor Information Centres observe visitors
frequently asking for directions to Hopewell Rocks,
while visiting Nova Scotia. The Hopewell Rocks
product consists of:
• interpretation centre (topics: Fundy tides, tidal
erosion, formation of the Rocks, formation of the
Bay of Fundy, whale habitat and migrations,
shorebird habitat and migration)
• full amenities (cafe, snack bar, gift shops)
• wheelchair accessible hiking trails
• shuttle service
• upper & lower entrances
• washrooms at both entrances and along the trail
• parking for hundreds of cars and motor coaches
• visitor services for public and coaches
• viewing decks
• beach access with beach interpreters and beach
sweeps (for safety)
• sea kayaking (concession)
The Hopewell Rocks receive over 200,000
(estimated) visitors per year, are open from midMay to mid-October, and charge an adult
admission fee of $8.50. The site is managed by
the Province of New Brunswick. The site receives
7
continuous media exposure and has won many
national and international awards, such as, the
Attractions Canada Award and the British Airways
Tourism for Tomorrow Award.
Fundy Trail
The Fundy Trail is a 15-kilometer long coastal
access network in St. Martins, 40 minutes east of
Saint John. It includes a low-speed autoroute with
a wheelchair accessible pedestrian/bicycle trail
running parallel to the roadway. Features of this
site include:
• access to 10 parking lots scattered along the trail
• accessible scenic lookouts
• footpaths to beaches and river estuaries
• suspension footbridge
• fully staffed interpretation centre
• washrooms, rest stops, and water stations all
along the trail
• bicycle rentals
• guided hikes & guided historical walks
• additional wilderness hiking (day & multi-day)
• food services and accommodations at a
wilderness lodge
• access to the Fundy Footpath: extreme
wilderness hiking trail that connects the Fundy
Trail to Fundy National Park (42 kilometers
away)
• fully staffed for group, school, or individual tour
packages (itinerary planning services)
Phase II expansion of the park has begun which
will see the continuation of the low-speed roadway
8
and coastal trail to connect directly to Fundy
National Park. Completion of the Fundy Trail
Parkway will integrate the Fundy Trail, Fundy
National Park and the Hopewell Rocks into a
consolidated group of first-class coastal tourism
attractions, which, collectively, are expected to
create a World Class “Signature” Destination Area.
Current visitation to the Fundy Trail is 50,000
(estimated). Itʼs open from mid-May to midOctober, with an adult admission rate of $4. It is
operated by a non-profit association: the Fundy
Trail Development Authority.
Reversing Falls
Reversing Falls are one of New Brunswickʼs oldest
tourism attractions. Currently the site consists of:
• interpreters & interpretation panels on geology
and tidal effects
• visitor information
• viewing decks
• 2 restaurants
• interpretation film
• daily boat tours of the rapids
• popular sea kayaking location
• geology interpretation
• linked to downtown by boardwalk
• services for motor coach tours
• adjacent to Fallsview Park
Annual visitation to Reversing Falls Interpretation
Centre is 200,000. Admission to the attraction is
free (there is a fee charged to watch the film). In
November, 2008, a concept plan to fully redevelop the site as the Fundy Vortex was
revealed. The natural attraction is managed by the
City of Saint John and the restaurants and outdoor
adventure are concessions.
Cape Enrage
Cape Enrage is a New Brunswick "top attraction'
heritage lighthouse operated seasonally (May to
October) by a not-for-profit group. Cape Enrage
has been named #1 View in Canada by Frommerʼs
Travel Guide and has won the Attractions Canada
Award. It is located between Fundy National Park
and Hopewell Rocks.
The site offers visitors a panoramic view of the
upper Bay of Fundy coast, as well as, day
adventures consisting of rappelling, climbing,
initiative games, obstacle course and multi day
adventure packages by appointment. Customized
itineraries are available for groups of all types and
ages and may include all or any of the day
adventures.
Other site amenities include:
• a Studio / Gallery of local artisans' work
• a fossil beach
• sea kayaking
• walking trails
• restaurant featuring local/regional cuisine
• lighthouse accommodations
UNESCO Geopark
An application was made in the winter of 2010 to
establish North Americaʼs first UNESCO Geopark
in the Saint John area.
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is another significant New
Brunswick attraction and is profiled in section 4.3
of this report.
9
1.4 Weaknesses of Nova Scotia’s Bay of
Fundy Product
Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy is not capitalizing on
its potential as an internationally recognized nature
tourism destination. Indeed, visitation is low
compared with many of the coastal destinations or
iconic nature based attractions. Despite the fact
that the Bay of Fundy is within two days drive of 30
million people, the most frequented parts of the
Bay of Fundy see fewer than 500,000 visitors
annually. In the less traveled parts of the bay,
such as the Parrsboro and Noel shores, the
number of non-residents is more like 60,000. This
is well below capacity for these areas, and given
what appears to be a potent mix of tourism assets,
there is certainly potential for higher visitor
numbers.
In travel publications, travel trade programs, and
often in the media (which influences the perception
of consumers) the Bay of Fundy experience exists
in New Brunswick alone.
There are a number of reasons for the low
recognition, low occupancy rates and undercapacity outside main corridors.
10
The Bay of Fundy region in Nova Scotia has
suffered from a confusing mix of regional
identities, overlapping tourism regions
(administratively), assorted scenic travel ways and
a general lack of a unifying theme and identity.
Glooscap Trail, Evangeline Trail, Fundy Shore
Scenic Drive, Fundy Shore, Fundy Shore Ecotour
are all names used to promote various sections or
the whole region of Fundy.
This problem has existed for years, and was in
part, the impetus behind the formation of the Bay
of Fundy Tourism Partnership in 1998. Such
fragmentation affects the perception of the Bay of
Fundy, not only by visitors, but as importantly, by
the travel media. Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy is
probably not seen so much as a destination, but
perhaps as an off-the-beaten path diversion.
One need only to talk to frontline staff at Nova
Scotia s Visitor Information Centres to gain insight
into the gaps in Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundythemed product offerings. In November, as part of
the research for this report, managers at Nova
Scotiaʼs three busiest Visitor Information Centres
responded to the following questions:
1. What are people looking for who seek a Bay of
Fundy experience?
• places to go to ʻsee the worldʼs highest
tidesʼ
• places where they can learn about the
tides
• tidal bore (but they often think this is the
only feature of the tides: i.e. that the bore
is 50 feet in height)
• places where you can safely walk on the
ocean floor
• Hopewell Rocks (thinking it is on the Nova
Scotia side)
• whale watching
• places where they can see the tides but
be safe from the ʻtidal waveʼ
2. What could be done at the product level to
improve visitor experiences of the Bay of Fundy in
Nova Scotia?
• more things to do - related to the tides - on
the Bay of Fundy (not just places to drive
by to look at)
• more interpretation at various locations to
describe the tidal experience offered
• ways to educate people so they can go
exploring on their own
• identify locations with flowerpot rocks or
other rock formations with ocean floor
walking and
• easy access to compete with Hopewell
Rocks
•
•
•
•
•
more sites need staff and interpretation
centres or programs (too much left to selfguiding)
better wayfinding signage for Fundy sites
Bay of Fundy attractions with staff
longer season for Bay of Fundy attractions
specific promotion of where key Bay of
Fundy sites are with best tidal experiences
Another issue in Nova Scotia is the limited number
of interpreted tidal experiences. Visitors who come
to the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia ask,
“Where can I see the tides?” and there is no clear
answer. Although the Minas Basin alone has over
200 kilometers of tidal shoreline, it lacks sites with
professional interpretation, defined tidal
experiences, and safe access for visitors. The
visitor experience of Nova Scotiaʼs Fundy coast is
largely self-guided and random. By contrast, New
Brunswick has invested considerable effort toward
creating several staffed, iconic tidal experiences.
There is no reason why the Bay of Fundy canʼt be
a national icon for Nova Scotia - attracting
international visitors and making a substantial
contribution to the economy of the Province.
11
The Tourism Market
2. The Tourism Market
2.1 Global Tourism
In any analysis of tourism, where the scope of the
discussion includes international markets, it is
useful to become re-acquainted with the dynamics
of global tourism.
internationally in 2002, generating more than US
$472 billion in earnings. Forecasts predicted 1.6
billion international tourists by the year 2020,
spending more than US $2 trillion annually – or US
$5 billion every day. By 2008, the number of
people traveling had grown to 922 million
generating $1.2 trillion. A dip in international travel
in 2009 caused by a world-wide recession is likely
to give way to renewed growth in the coming
years.
In 2009, the worldʼs largest tourism destinations
were:
1
2
France 79.3 million
United States 58.0 million
3
Spain 57.3 million
4
China 53.0 million
5
6
Italy 42.7 million
United Kingdom 30.1 million
7
Ukraine 25.4 million
8
Turkey 25.0 million
9
Germany 24.9 million
10
Mexico 22.6 million
th
According to the World Tourism Industry, there
were more than 715 million people traveling
12
Canada is 12 on this list, falling below Mexico in
recent years as American consumers seek new,
more exciting destinations in the global market.
Similar influences have affected the tourism
industry in Atlantic Canada. Many regional
travelers have given up their three-week summer
holiday in favour of a winter week or two in a
southern ʻsunʼ destination, and occasional long
weekends in the Maritimes through the summer
and fall. Indeed, while tourism in the international
market has been expanding, Nova Scotiaʼs
tourism economy has not grown significantly in the
past decade.
Regardless of whether you call tourism an industry
or a social movement, Nova Scotiaʼs success in
the tourism market will depend on how effectively
it can present and promote the unique and
extraordinary features of its vast coast.
Few dispute the positive impact that tourism has
on the global economy. Tourism is an industry
relevant to every country in the world, is an
important source of foreign exchange, is a tool for
economic diversification, and is responsible for
increased standards of living the world over. The
benefits of tourism in communities, whether in
Nova Scotia or in countries around the world, are
significant. Tourism supports local industries from
artisans to agri-tourism and helps to sustain local
economies. Tourism is referred to by some
researchers, not as an industry, but as a social
movement.
The sustainability of tourism in Atlantic Canada
has been affected by recent trends as tourism has
shifted towards an increasingly global industry. To
respond to this shift, Nova Scotia should offer
world-calibre, unique experiences to visitors.
13
2.2 Tourism in the Bay of Fundy
The following illustration shows visitation to Nova
Scotia over a ten-year period from 2000 – 2009.
While international tourism is growing, the overall
numbers of visitors to Nova Scotia have been
relatively unchanged over the past ten years.
Automobile traffic changed little over the period
while air visitors increased by almost 20%.
Consistent with trends in international tourism, air
visitors to Nova Scotia reached a record level in
2008 before retreating slightly in 2009. On the
other hand, Motor coach and recreational vehicle
traffic declined by approximately 40% in the past
ten years.
14
Tourism Activity in the Fundy Shore Region
Using room/night sales as an indicator, the Fundy
Shore/Annapolis Valley region accounts for
approximately 13% of the tourism activity in the
Province. This is based on total room nights sold
of 339,000 in 2009. Occupancy rates in the region
are 35%, substantially lower than the provincial
average of 47%.
The largest proportion of visitors to the Fundy
Shore region is from Atlantic Canada (45%)
followed by Ontario (20%). International visitors
accounted for 24% of all visits. Decreases in
visitation from the US have reduced the number of
international visitors somewhat, although it would
have been partially offset by increased overseas
travel.
Approximately 65% of Fundy Shore visitors from
outside the Atlantic region are traveling for general
pleasure and recreation (compared with the
provincial average of 50%).
Source: Nova Scotia Department of
Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Aug
2005
15
Since most Bay of Fundy visitors are leisure
travelers, it follows that a high proportion of visitors
to the Fundy region participate in leisure activities.
This concurs with the most recent Nova Scotia
Visitor Exit Survey, which shows that the most
frequent activity for Bay of Fundy visitors is
“leisure hiking and walking” (10% higher than the
provincial average).
Interestingly, as the following chart demonstrates,
visitors to the Fundy region are significantly more
likely than the provincial average to participate in
nature observation, and more likely to visit national
and provincial historic sites.
These broad indicators suggest that visitors are
drawn to the Bay of Fundy because of its unique
blend of outdoor experiences, natural features,
parks and cultural/historical sites.
16
Fundy
Shore
Leisure walking/hiking
79%
Visiting craft shops/studios 58%
Nature observation
53%
Visiting a national/provincial 52%
historic site
Visiting museums
47%
Beach
35%
exploring/beachcombing
Visit a national or provincial 34%
natural park
Live performing music or
32%
dance presentations
Visiting nightclubs, lounges 25%
or pubs
N.S.
Overall
70%
56%
44%
39%
36%
33%
29%
22%
26%
Source: Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture
and Heritage, Aug 2005
2.3 Travel Patterns
International Travel
In 2008, the top eight European travel-generating
countries accounted for nearly two-thirds of the
worldʼs entire trip volume. Europe looms large as
a generator of outbound travel to other parts of the
world (including Nova Scotia) and the Province
has spent a considerable amount of money in the
past two years to market to Europeans. Also worth
mentioning are the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia,
India and China). While not currently a large
proportion of the Canadian travel market, these
countries are among the most productive
generators of new international travel.
While international travel is only a small proportion
of the overall tourism market, the international
market provides a revealing look at the Bay of
Fundy. If attractiveness of a destination has
sufficient cache to draw international travelers, the
task of successfully promoting and generating
interest from regional markets is likely
manageable. International visitors are less likely to
be limited by factors related to proximity, cost,
travel-time, language, currency, family ties, etc.
International visitors rarely come to Nova Scotia
for reasons of convenience.
How are overseas visitors attracted to the Bay of
Fundy and where do they go/what do they do
when they get here? A large proportion of
international travelers coming to Nova Scotia is
influenced by travel trade programs (travel
packages sold by wholesale tour operators).
International travelers generally either purchase a
coach tour or a more independent fly-drive or they
use a travel agent to help arrange a trip (the same
travel agents who sell coach tours).
Travel trade patterns are helpful in an analysis of
the current state of tourism in any region because
they are:
• measurable (because they show up as
packaged itineraries)
• strongly influenced by international
demand and travel preferences, therefore
are revealing of the international market
• indicators of historic visitation patterns and
often reflect preferred destinations
They also show how many first-time visitors see
the region. In the Bay of Fundy, there are two key
segments of the travel trade: motor coach tours
and FIT travelers.
17
Motor Coach Tours
Motor coach is the largest component of the travel
trade in Nova Scotia. The coach tour market
generally involves 45-seat coaches on fixed
itineraries. Coach tour consumers are guided by
what they see in traditional tour operator
brochures or corresponding websites. Coach
tours need to be full; every unsold seat is a
perishable product. Less than 100% occupancies
on a frequent basis mean the operator will look at
other means to address the bottom line issue. As
indicated earlier Motor Coach traffic to Nova
Scotia has declined over the past decade.
Typically, coach tour companies are slow to review
or change many of their itineraries, some of which
have been operated virtually unchanged for many
years. Presumed reluctance to change might be
due to the fact that most of these itineraries still
sell. In other words, while consumers might read
about unique travel experiences, the majority of
them still buy the regular brand and most
promoted offers.
The Bay of Fundy region in New Brunswick has an
advantage with coach operators in terms of the
proximity of its key Bay of Fundy attractions to
clusters of hotel rooms. For example, the Disneyesque Hopewell Rocks is 30 minutes away from
Moncton, and the Reversing Falls attraction is on
Saint Johnʼs doorstep.
18
Saint John has also had some success in its
“Cruise to the Bay of Fundy”. This impacts coach
tours because receptives have successfully
positioned shore excursions with up to five hours
of transport time (well above the normal cruise day
trip average). Fundy-themed cruise shore
excursions from the port of Saint John include:
Hopewell Rocks, the Fundy Trail and whale
watching. In Nova Scotia, there are also some Bay
of Fundy-area shore excursions for cruise visitors.
These encompass the Wolfville-area wine region,
as well as, Hallʼs Harbour lobster tours and dinner.
FIT (Fully Independent Travel)
Fully Independent Travel (FIT), on the other hand,
consists of fly-drives where consumers have time
to stop and spend time in places of their choice at
their leisure. This kind of program also allows for
the use of a much wider range of accommodation,
since there is no need to find rooms for a full
coach load.
Tour operators are not as inventive as they could
be with FIT programs. Since there is more money
in coach tours, travel trade companies often reposition coach tour itineraries as their product
offerings for their FIT customers. Often FIT
itineraries are essentially carbon copies of what
the operator offers with a coach, except that the
means of transportation is a rental car, and, they
can sell into the same room block they already
have inventoried for coach itineraries.
Travel Trade Demand for Bay of Fundy Product
Most international tours that touch on the Bay of
Fundy originate in Halifax and travel the Annapolis
Valley as far as Digby. Travel itineraries, it seems,
rarely include other parts of the Bay of Fundy, for
example, Route #215 (the Noel Shore) and Route
#2 (the Parrsboro shore). While it is common for
travel trade itineraries, that include Nova Scotia, to
highlight a visit to the “Worldʼs Highest Tides” it
must be noted that the sole Bay of Fundy “tidal
attraction" featured is during the New Brunswick
portion of the multi-province itinerary.
shown as the most heavily traveled corridor. Also
heavily traveled (although less so) is the corridor
from Halifax to Wolfville and on to Annapolis and
Digby. The Parrsboro Shore (route #2), the Noel
Shore (route #215), side roads to Scots Bay and
Halls Harbour and route #217 to Digby Neck, are
all shown as dotted lines to indicate that they are
not travel trade routes and have lighter visitor
traffic.
In a search for Bay of Fundy-related travel
programs offered for 2010, Digby, Wolfville and
Annapolis Royal are the three key overnights in
Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy. Very likely, this is a
direct result of available room accommodation and
proximity to the 100 series highway. Among the
itineraries provided by 16 different companies
(including a mix of coach and FIT), 12 had
overnight stops in Digby, seven in Wolfville and
three in Annapolis Royal. Truro and Cape dʼOr
were each mentioned once. Most tours continue
on to New Brunswick and PEI.
The following map is an illustration of travel
patterns based on the assumption that travel
trade itineraries are an indicator of general
patterns of travel. The route between the Nova
Scotia border at Amherst and Halifax (the TransCanada Highway route #104 and route #102) is
19
It should be recognized that the established
patterns exist due to the configuration of services,
(accommodations and dining) as well as
attractions, between Halifax and Digby. The Digby
Pines Resort, for example, provides destination for
motor coach tours. Similarly, the National Historic
Sites are frequently cited as one of the primary
points of interest by visitors to the Province.
It is assumed that this pattern, generally reflects
the status quo of visitor traffic in the Bay of Fundy
region. This assumption can be tested by
examining traffic flow data for the Bay of Fundy
region. Looking at historic visitor traffic flow
patterns (based on 2004 figures), it shows that the
overall flow of visitors is more or less the same.
20
Traffic into the region generally originates from the
metropolitan area of Halifax, Halifax International
airport (probably the main entry point for many
international travelers), from the Amherst border
crossing, or to a lesser extent, from the PEI and
Newfoundland ferries and the ferry from Saint
John.
Yarmouth and Digby Ferries
The Yarmouth ferry has played a major role as a
point of entry to the Bay of Fundy region in the
past. Indeed, with the cancellation of the Scotia
Prince in 2004, both motor coach and independent
visitor traffic to the Digby area has likely been
affected. For example, Motor coach business at
the Digby Pines Resort has declined significantly
since then. Occupancy rates in Yarmouth County
have been negatively affected and it is expected
this has had an affect on the Digby area as well.
Potential as a
Nature Tourism Destination
3. Potential as a Nature Tourism
Destination
3.1 What is a Tourism Destination?
A tourism destination is an attraction or region that
becomes the purpose or motivation for travel.
Many of the worldʼs most popular tourism
attractions are either highlights of the human
achievement (several sources rate Times Square
as the # 1 attraction) or human creations of
fantasy and entertainment (Disney is rated #2).
These key features are reflected in the Forbes
Traveler 2007 List of Top 10 Worldwide
Attractions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Times Square (New York City, NY) 35 million
National Mall & Memorial Parks (Washington,
D.C.) 25 million
Disney Worldʼs Magic Kingdom (Lake Buena
Vista, FL) 16.6 million
Trafalgar Square (London, England) 15 million
Disneyland Park (Anaheim, CA) 14.7 million
Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada & New York
State) 14 million
Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea (Tokyo, Japan)
12.9 million
Notre Dame de Paris (Paris, France) 12 million
Disneyland Paris (Marne-La-Vallee, France)
10.6 million
The Great Wall of China (Badaling area, China)
10 million
21
3.2 Natural Attractions as Destinations
Natural attractions, while not topping the above list
of worldʼs most popular attractions, are still
extremely important for tourism and the world
economy. In some countries, such as Canada,
most top attractions are nature-based. Niagara
Falls is Canadaʼs most visited attraction with 14
million visitors per year. However, surrounded as it
is by hotels, casinos, Ripleyʼs Believe it or Not,
etc., itʼs hard to claim that Niagara is a natural site
in the true sense. Casino Niagara itself reports
visitation of 10 million per year. Either way, the
casino and supporting tourism products were
developed to capitalize upon the natural appeal of
the Falls. Over a billion dollars in tourism revenues
is generated annually in the Niagara Falls area.
National Parks
The US National Parks provide a set of exemplary,
well-developed natural attractions. They are
internationally recognized, frequently offer unique
and phenomenal natural landscapes, attract large
numbers of domestic and international visitors,
and are a source of national pride. Several of the
US National Parks receive over 3 million visitors
each annually.
Similarly in Canada, at least one National Park,
Banff, has the same quality of development and
visitor experiences. Although Banff is Canadaʼs
oldest park, it is really within the past 40 years that
Banff has witnessed (and sustained) exponential
growth. The number of visitors to Banff National
Park has tripled since 1970 to an annual visitation
of 4 million visitors.
Key characteristics of both Canadian and US
National Parks are as follows:
1. they exist to both protect and promote
outstanding natural landscapes
2. they provide an interpretation and
educational role of national significance
3. they are internationally recognized
4. they have clearly defined boundaries
5. they are promoted through iconic images
22
Here are several examples of US and Canadian
National Parks that provide valuable lessons in
creating and promoting natural attractions; lessons
that are transferable to the Bay of Fundy.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, part of the US National Park
system, is situated about 800 kilometers (500
miles) east of Los Angeles. It is over 0.5 million
hectares (1.2 million acres) in size
and attracts about 5 million
visitors each year. Approximately
80% of visitors come from across
the US, but the park also attracts
close to a million international
visitors. It is one of two candidates
in North America for the
New7Wonders of Nature
campaign (as previously
indicated, the Bay of Fundy is the
other). Undoubtedly, the Grand
Canyon is one of the best-known
scenic landscapes in the world.
“below the rim” each year (approximately 8% of
total visitor numbers). Indeed, 50,000 take
overnight trips. Trails into the canyon are neither
easy nor are they for the faint-hearted. This
demonstrates that there is a large segment of the
population who seek a more adventurous
experience. In addition, to those who venture out
on foot, there are 56,000 air tours a year (aircraft
offering flights over the canyon).
The admission fee to the Grand
Canyon is $25 for a 7-day pass.
Buses pay a fee of $300. Summer
is peak season, whereas winter,
when there is often snow, is low
season. While the majority of
Grand Canyonʼs visitors stay
close to their cars, about 300,000 people hike
23
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is almost a million
hectares (2.2 million acres) in size (roughly twice
the size of PEI). Yellowstone is a brand
24
recognized by most Americans, but unlike the
Grand Canyon, the Yellowstone name represents
a collection of natural attractions including:
Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Geyser and
Yellowstone Falls. The Yellowstone identity has
high market awareness. This can be demonstrated
by the fact Canadians would list this as a top US
nature site, yet may not realize in which state it is
located. The brand of the product area is stronger
than any state borders or regional identity.
Despite the fact that Yellowstone is far from any
population centre, (almost 1,500 kilometers - 1,000
miles - from the major cities of California) it attracts
over 3.3 million visitors each year. Furthermore,
Yellowstone is a seasonal park. Located at
northern latitude with high elevation, it has winters
that are more severe than most parts of east coast
Canada. Despite this, winter visitation averages
over 25,000 per month.
Like the Grand Canyon, the admission fee to
Yellowstone is $25 for a 7-day pass. As is the
case with many of the US National Parks, visitor
numbers have increased over the past ten years.
(from 2000-2010).
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is only 300 kilometers (220) miles from
San Francisco, and therefore, is not surprising that
it attracts almost 4 million visitors per year. The
admission fee, like the previous two examples, is
$25 per vehicle. However, backcountry hikes are
significantly higher in cost.
One of Yosemiteʼs famous landmarks, the halfdome, is a mile high rock peak overlooking the
Yosemite Valley. As many as 1,000 hikers per day
climb the dome on a summer weekend, adding up
to about 50,000 hikers who climb it every year.
This is notable since the half-dome hike is a
round-trip hike of 22 kilometers (17 miles) and
considered extremely strenuous.
25
Banff National Park, Alberta
As in the case of Yellowstone, Banff has an
identity that supercedes provincial or regional
brand and identities. Banff truly embodies the idea
of a nature tourism icon.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Fundy National Park in Alma, New Brunswick,
shares many of the characteristics of Nova
Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy region, and therefore, is an
appropriate model for comparison. It is 20,000
hectares (almost 50,000 acres in size). Visitation
to Fundy National Park is significantly lower than
other Canadian or US parks of the same calibre.
Approximately 203,000 people visited the park in
2006. This is interesting, given that Acadia
National Park in Maine, exhibiting many of the
same characteristics, attracts over 2 million
visitors annually.
Banff was the first National Park developed in
Canada, and the second in North America (after
Yellowstone). Visitor data indicates that visitation
at Banff is close to 4 million annually. There are
more than 5,600 hotel rooms, 60 restaurants, and
175 specialty shops within the park boundary. In
all, more than 1,300 businesses are licensed to
operate in the Park. There is no doubt that Banff is
Canadaʼs most popular National Park and one of
the most visited parks of its type in North America.
26
While Fundy National Park is closely linked to the
Bay of Fundy landscape, it doesnʼt have the iconic
images that we find associated with the major
parks listed above. Hopewell Rocks, nearby,
(approx 170,000 visitors in 2006) offers these
images and it appears that the two work together
to generate and promote tourism to the area.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova
Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located
within the Province of Nova Scotia. It is 94,000
hectares in size (slightly more than 200,000 acres)
and has roughly 50 kilometers of coastline facing
both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St.
Lawrence.
Visitor numbers averaged around 350,000
annually from 2001- 2006. These numbers are the
highest among the Atlantic regionʼs National
Parks.
The attraction of Cape Breton Highlands National
Park (for most visitors) is the Cabot Trail, a 350kilometer long roadway that runs along both the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Indeed, by driving the
Cabot Trail, visitors can experience the park to a
great extent without having to leave their cars. The
scenic landscape (and the touring experience) is
the real attraction, rather than a specific natural
feature. While the geography of Cape Breton
Highlands is similar to Bay of Fundy, Fundyʼs tidal
phenomena: geology/paleontology and tidesculpted coasts, are distinctly different.
Source: NS travel indicators (Dept Tourism and
Culture)
27
3.3 Developing a Nature Tourism
Destination
Visitation numbers at many international
attractions are staggering and they make overall
visitor numbers to Nova Scotia pale by
comparison. For example, almost four times as
many people visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris each
year than all the visitors to Nova Scotia. This is
true for many other large attractions, including
museums in London and Paris. Similarly, the large
National Parks in Canada and the US attract two
to three times as many visitors as all of Nova
Scotia. Importantly, the National Parks do so while
being governed by a strict conservation mandate.
Due to this mandate, the National Parks are often
scrutinized on their success in minimizing impacts,
but overall, they have been highly effective in
managing, protecting and interpreting some of the
most extraordinary landscapes in both the US and
Canada.
The role of National Parks in attracting visitors and
offering an interpreted experience is very much
part of their success. The
educational/interpretation role, economic benefits
provided by tourism, and the direct contribution to
financing park management and staff through
visitor fees collectively, have helped to validate the
existence of the National Parks in both countries.
28
These attributes are key guidelines for
development of a nature tourism destination:
Attracting visitors
The destination must have the capacity to attract
and appeal to visitors by:
a) focusing on unique and extraordinary
natural features
b) developing a strong identity (including
defined boundaries)
c) using evocative, iconic images of the
landscape to promote the area
invariably, the images of a place shape visitors
pre-conceptions and influence the perceived
appeal of the destination.
Protecting key landmarks
There must be a program to manage visitor traffic
and expectations, offer educational and
experiential programming, sustain the core values
of the landscape, and protect key sites.
Management of nature sites should be funded (at
least in part) by user contributions.
These key attributes of successful natural
attractions have shaped the strategy proposed in
this report.
Current Bay of Fundy Product
4. Current Bay of Fundy Product
4.1 Attractions
This section looks at the specifics of the actual
product: what visitors do, where they go, what
attractions they visit and what themes are
presented. A complete inventory has been done in
earlier reports, so this report focuses on a product
framework consisting of three categories:
Within the Bay of Fundy region, there exists a
range of attractions, from small community
museums to national historic sites. While even the
smallest interpretation site may contribute to the
Bay of Fundy product, it was necessary to
establish a benchmark for attractions that are of
international value and can be considered
significant tourism generators.
1. Attractions
2. Activities
3. Parks
The purpose of this framework is to focus on
interpretation themes and attractions and thus
identify product gaps. Services, including
accommodations, food and beverage,
transportation, etc. are part of the larger inventory
and are not covered in this profile.
The existing product framework has been
identified on a series of map illustrations (that
follow). In addition, the visitor traffic pattern maps
(that were
Therefore, profiled are only those key attractions
that receive more than 20,000 visitors annually.
This includes three attractions that focus on
history, two that focus on geology and one
focusing on tidal technology.
There are no sites that represent the theme of the
Bay of Fundy marine environment (although
whale-watching operators offer such interpretation
during their tours).
derived in the preceding section) help to fully
illustrate the product as it exists.
29
Historic sites
Three key attractions in the Bay of Fundy region
focus on the theme of human history. All are
national historic sites, managed by Parks Canada
and are located within the Annapolis Valley area
(Kings and Annapolis counties):
1. Grand Pré National Historic Site
2. Port Royal National Historic Site
3. Fort Anne National Historic Site
Geology
There are two geology themed sites, both located
in the upper Bay of Fundy region (in Cumberland
County). One is a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
Fundy Geological Museum
Tidal
There is one site in the product framework that has
a tidal theme ( “tidal technology”). This is a specific
topic which is unique to Nova Scotiaʼs side of the
bay and which attracts a large number of visitors:
Annapolis Basin Tidal Generating Station
30
These six key Bay of Fundy attractions are shown
in the following illustration, historic sites in blue,
geological sites in violet, and tidal sites in yellow.
Two other sites that meet the benchmark number
for visitors are: Upper Clements Theme Park and
Kejimkujik National Park. Both are key tourism
assets for the province and for the Annapolis
Valley region. While Kejimkujik National Park is
potentially a tourism generator, its thematic
context is not Fundy-focused and it is an inland
park. Upper Clements Park is within the zone and
is illustrated on the map. However, the family
entertainment theme is unrelated to the Bay of
Fundy tides, so it is also not included as an
existing Fundy-themed attraction in this
assessment.
4.2 Activities
Also included, within this Bay of Fundy product
framework, are themed tourism activities. In all
cases, these operations, while perhaps individually
small, are clustered in geographic areas with
sufficient critical mass to be Bay of Fundy tourism
generators:
season is long: officially from June to October, with
occasional tours in May and November.
River Rafting
White water rafting of the Shubenacadie Riverʼs
tidal bore is an experience unique to Nova Scotiaʼs
Bay of Fundy product. There are three river rafting
companies, all extensively promoted individually
and in provincial literature. River-rafting takes
place from late May to the end of October.
Culinary/Wine
The wine and agri-tourism experiences in the
Annapolis Valley are becoming a significant
tourism product for Nova Scotia. It is related to the
Bay of Fundy theme because farming in this area
is influenced by the Bayʼs ecosystem and weather.
The primary season for these products is spring
through fall, although some farm markets and wine
shops are open year round.
Whale Watching
The whale-watching industry on Digby Neck and
Islands is a significant tourism product consisting
of approximately twelve tour operators. Whale
watching in the Bay of Fundy is a fairly well known
adventure option for visitors to Nova Scotia and it
is extensively promoted by the industry and the
provincial tourism materials. The whale-watching
31
The following illustration indicates, approximately,
the location of the above key activity clusters
within the Bay of Fundy region.
32
4.3 Parks
The final component of the existing Bay of Fundy
product assessment is parks within the Provincial
Park system. It is the opinion of the author that this
component is largely undeveloped ( consisting of
coastal walking, hiking and camping areas). In
Nova Scotia, Provincial Parks are administered
and managed by the Department of Natural
Resources.
Provincial Parks located within the Bay of Fundy
region comprise some of the most interesting and
significant coastal lands in the Bay of Fundy
region; indeed, some of the most interesting
coastal landscape on the eastern seaboard. The
components of the Nova Scotia park system
located within the Bay of Fundy region are shown
in the following illustration, where small green
circles are picnic parks, larger light green circles
are camping parks and large dark green circles
are significant coastal parks with hiking and
coastal exploring (as well as camping).
33
There are three Bay of Fundy coastal Provincial
Parks that are of particular interest to this strategic
planning initiative: Cape Chignecto, Five Islands
and Blomidon/Cape Split. These parks have been
identified by the Parks Division of the Department
of Natural Resources as core coastal parks with
special significance. While there is currently
minimal interpretation and limited programming at
these parks, except Cape Chignecto, they provide
access to some of the most unique coastal and
inter-tidal landscapes in Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of
Fundy region.
The illustration on the right shows the complete
existing framework with all of the above
components; attractions, activities, and parks.
34
4.4 Gap Evaluation
The existing Bay of Fundy product is strong in two
themes: human history and geology. While they
are both attractive concepts, they are secondary to
the primary theme and thus the motivation for
visitors to the Bay of Fundy: to experience the
worldʼs highest tides. Although these secondary
themes provide variety, if visitors canʼt locate,
understand, access or experience the tides in a
meaningful way, many will be disappointed or look
to the neighbouring province. With the exception
of the Tidal Generating Station in Annapolis Royal,
the Bay of Fundy currently has cursory
interpretation, (Joggins for example, has a section
devoted to the power of the Bay of Fundy, how
the tides expose the fossils, how the Bay was
formed and an explanation of the tides). Overall,
there is a gap in full programming of experiences
related to the worldʼs highest tides.
As this report emphasizes, it is the tidal
phenomenon that makes the Bay of Fundy a
“Natural Wonder” and positions the Bay in the
global nature-tourism arena. The potential of the
Bay of Fundy to be a tourism attraction of
international status and to play an effective role in
generating tourism visitation to Nova Scotia, is
contingent upon highlighting and interpreting
outstanding tidal landscapes and developing the
tidal theme.
The following products or programs are needed in
Nova Scotia to fill gaps in the Bay of Fundy
product:
A) Interpreted Tidal Sites and Attractions
This report recommends anchor attractions that
focus on the tidal theme or experience be
developed in locations offering good potential for
tide-related activities, significant and extraordinary
tidal features and diverse scenic coastal and intertidal landscapes. These key sites will connect the
visitor to the tidal experience and be highly visible
destinations around which tourists can plan their
visits.
Not withstanding the adventure-based tidal
experience offered by rafting operators on the
Shubenacadie River, the best opportunities for
tidal interpretation are largely undeveloped. The
highest tides (not only in Nova Scotia but in the
entire Bay of Fundy) are in the Minas Basin where
the tidal range is 2-3 meters (as much as 10 feet)
greater than elsewhere in the Bay. Not
surprisingly, sites having a phenomenal tidal
landscape are found within this area.
35
Anchor tidal attractions must offer:
• opportunities for a combination of tidal
experience, viewscapes, walks/hikes and
shoreline excursions
• high quality interpretation exhibits
• provide or facilitate guided and escorted
tidal-experience tours
36
B) Bay of Fundy Marine Environment Centre
In contrast to the need for tidal interpretation in the
upper Bay, a centre for interpretation of the Bay of
Fundyʼs marine biology should be developed in the
outer Bay of Fundy region in the vicinity of
Annapolis Royal--Digby--Brier Island. The Bay of
Fundy is, by definition, a marine ecosystem, and
(except during whale watch tours) there is limited
interpretation of the marine environment or wildlife
within the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia. A
significant opportunity exists to develop such an
attraction in the Digby area.
C) Identification and Market Readiness
Standards for Secondary Attractions
All key sites, whether tidal experience sites, the
marine environment interpretation sites or the
historical and geological sites should meet
minimum market readiness and capacity
standards and be featured in a comprehensive
identity program. Similarly, there are a number of
significant smaller interpretation facilities that can
play an important role in the Bay of Fundy product,
and standards for these sites should be
established. Smaller sites that meet rigorous
market readiness standards can also be featured
in an identity program.
Based on these needs, a development concept for
the Bay of Fundy is revealed in the following
section, (Part B). The concept will move Nova
Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy to a leadership position in
nature tourism development and will significantly
expand its market.
D) Network of Viewpoints
The Bay of Fundy region currently has an
assortment of stopping points and look-offs. Some
of these were organized into the Fundy Ecotour
several years ago, but have fallen into disrepair.
Others were developed by municipalities or
community groups or are provincial day-use parks.
Where such viewpoints and look-offs exist, there is
a mix of standards, signs, identities and amenities.
A consistent network of viewpoints is needed to
offer adequate amenities to visitors, to connect the
Bay of Fundy region together and to reinforce the
Bay of Fundy theme. Viewpoints should meet
minimum standards and be linked by a common
identity.
E) Way-finding and Orientation (Strengthen the
Identity)
A comprehensive system of way-finding and an
orientation sign program is needed to support a
harmonious Bay of Fundy identity for Nova Scotia.
The identity program is needed to help clarify the
Bay of Fundy region as a destination area and to
raise the profile and awareness of the region
among visitors, travel writers and even among
residents who can reinforce the Bay of Fundy
theme and message.
37
PART B - Development Plan
PART B – Development Plan
5. Thematic Concept
Throughout this report, it has been shown that the
attraction is the Bay of Fundy itself. It is the
location and the phenomenon that collectively
creates the attraction (in the same way that the
Grand Canyon or a National Park is an attraction
in itself).
The features that make the Bay of Fundy attractive
can be summarized as follows:
Lowest/biggest/highest tides in the world
• dramatic changes in landscape
(astonishing change when the tides go
out and again when they return)
• the mystery of the disappearing tide
(where does the water go?) hints at
the beautiful mysteries of Nova Scotia
waiting to be discovered
• highest tides in world recorded at
Burncoat Head, Nova Scotia
World-class fossils and geology
• UNESCO world heritage site
• opportunities for exploration, learning,
and discovery
38
Authentic seacoast experience
• scenic beauty
• fishing communities (present-day and
historical)
• real life, local (e.g. watch your supper
being caught in front of you, interact
with locals, this is not an interpretation
centre or a historic village)
• potential for unmediated experience
5.1 Experiences
Visitors can discover the Bay of Fundy through a
variety of experiences: walking along coastal cliffs
or out onto the ocean floor (inter-tidal zone),
hunting for fossils and rocks, going out on a whale
watching boat, eating lobster in a wharf restaurant,
rafting the tidal bore, digging clams at low tide (or
watching clam diggers from the shore), and so on.
These experiences share several significant
features:
• they are active (about doing and
interacting with the place – landscape and
people)
• they are nature-based
• and, they take place within a broad ʻtidal
zoneʼ - that area that can be considered to
be under the influence of the tides. This
includes Fundyʼs beaches, walkable
coasts and tidal rivers flowing into the
fertile agricultural areas
Given the variety of tourism themes offered around
the Bay of Fundy (from tide-based sporting
activities, such as rafting, to Acadian history; from
tidal power to gastronomy), a broad thematic
concept is needed: one that reflects existing
products without restricting the development of
new enterprise.
Such a concept must have something to do with
the tide. The tide is the artist of the place, the
sculptor of the landscape, and the creator of
mystery. ʻTideʼ is the central theme of the area and
the fundamental reason why this vast tidal zone is
an interesting place to explore.
Yet in itself, the tide isnʼt a particularly alluring
idea. Instead, the focus needs to be on the drama
of the landscape, the changes brought about by
the action of the tides. The following broad
constructions are a few ideas that share the same
fundamental highlights and messages, but from
slightly different angles:
Canada’s Tidal Shoreline
•
•
•
•
vast amounts of water come in and out of
the Bay of Fundy twice a day, which
results in eroding shorelines, cold water,
warm mudflats, rich fishery, tidal power,
etc.
sense of magic/mystery: where does the
water go?
how low can you go? (The highest tides
are also the lowest tides in the world)
dramatic change when tide goes out, and
again when it returns
39
Living with the World’s Giant Tides
• Five Islands, Cape Split, the Grand Pré
dykes, the Digby area whales, the various
fisheries, the Joggins geology, tidal power,
the rivers… all are either here because of
the tide itself, or are unique because of the
way they are influenced by the tide, or
cope with the tidal effect
• even the flavour of the grapes at the
wineries is influenced by the tides!
• sense of magic/mystery: where does the
water go?
Canada’s Natural Wonder
•
•
•
•
vast amounts of water come in and out of
the Bay of Fundy twice a day, which
results in (eroding shorelines, cold water,
warm mudflats, rich fishery, tidal power,
etc.)
awesome power, wonder of nature
focused on nature, wonder, exploration
Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the
world
5.2 Creating the Allure
The following messages can be used to build on
and enhance any and all of the above thematic
concepts. These messages, as hooks or ideas,
can be used both in marketing and programming.
Mystery of the disappearing tides (conceptual
hook):
• dramatic striking landscape
• mystery (where does the water go?
how?)
Drama/ beauty of coastal landmarks such as
Five Islands and Cape Split (physical/visual
hook):
• hiking/running around the Five Islands
(Not Since Moses Run)
• hike out to the end of Cape Split to
see the swirling waters
• potential signature image
Whale-watching (habitat/environmental hook)
Cape Chignecto kayaking, Shubenacadie river
rafting (adventure hook)
40
5.3 Thematic Sub-Regions
The broad tidal zone can be divided into loose
(and overlapping) thematic sub-regions, each with
an associated attraction and a hub or semi-hub for
accommodations and amenities:
Geology (Joggins/Parrsboro)
• fossils, geology museum
Adventure (Five Islands/South Maitland)
• river Rafting on the Shubenacadie River
• run/walk on the bottom of the sea
• wilderness adventure (Cape Chignecto)
Human (Wolfville/Annapolis)
• how our ancestors coped with living in this
tidal zone (Grand Pré, Annapolis)
• how we live here today (fishery, food,
wine, theatre)
Marine Richness (Digby)
• biodiversity, endangered right whales, rich
fishing area, whale watching
5.4 System vs. Icon
Based on these thematic guidelines, this report
recognizes the need for key activity-based
attractions focusing on the world s highest tides. At
the same time, it is a priority to more strongly
define and promote the identity of the region (the
Bay of Fundy) as a whole, through consistent
signs, infrastructure, amenities, etc., and by
defining boundaries. This report suggests that this
is the most sustainable strategy with the greatest
dissemination of benefits to the region.
One-Anchor Attraction or System Approach?
The possibility of developing a single “iconic”
attraction as an option for building tourism
visitation and revenues in Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of
Fundy region was examined in the preparation of
this study. Developing and branding a single site is
appealing, based on the theory that a site with a
strong identity can impact international markets,
and thus draw significant new visitation into the
province or region. Once visitors are here for the
icon attraction, they will be attracted to other Bay
of Fundy attractions, activities and services.
Indeed, this is the principle behind the Hopewell
Rocks development. Hopewell was intentionally
developed as the iconic attraction used in the New
Brunswick tourism marketing plan. It was
especially well-suited for this role because the
adjacent Fundy National Park (FNP) consistently
attracts (and has attracted) over 200,000 visitors
annually, (thus the two attractions support each
other). Hopewell Rocks is also located strategically
within the Province of New Brunswick where
visitors from the US or central Canada pass on
their way to/from Prince Edward Island and Nova
41
Scotia. Iconic attraction development is a common
strategy, and is seen in many countries. Well
known examples around the globe include Machu
Pichu in Peru, Petra in Jordan, and the Taj Mahal
in India.
Certainly, the concept of an anchor attraction or
the use of iconic images has value. However, a
review of National Parks suggests that a single
site is not the only strategy. There are several
examples of Parks that feature a series of
exceptional or unique landscape values positioned
under a single brand. Banff National Park and
Yellowstone National Park are both good
examples of this.
Provided boundaries of a region are defined, and
the brand message and graphics are used and
repeated throughout the tourism travel area, the
region can collectively assume the role of a
destination. Without question, one or more iconic
images within the branded area are essential for
successful promotion of a nature tourism site.
Indeed, a distinct identity or brand and effective
promotion are essential to attract attention in the
international market. However, while a single site
provides ease in management and promotion, a
network of attractions grouped under a strong
identity has been proven to be highly effective.
42
5.5 Recommended Strategy
This report recommends an approach based on
the following tasks:
1. Develop visitor facilities and programming
at the best sites associated with the tidal
landscape offering extraordinary
interpreted activities related to the tides
and the inter-tidal zone.
2. Build recognition in the global tourism
market through outstanding images of
these key iconic attractions.
3. Consistent with these key sites, establish
a tiered network of themed attractions,
interpretation and amenities. Similarly, the
system will incorporate wayfinding, site
entry and on-site visual components that
will create a visually integrated identity for
the region.
Anchor Attractions
6. Anchor Attractions
This report recommends that the first priority and
the key strategic initiative be the development of
two major tidal experience sites at Bay of Fundy
coastal Provincial Parks. This will provide the lure
for visitors to Nova Scotia. The tidal experience
sites will directly fulfill the need for visitors to see
and experience the tidal phenomenon. The two
sites proposed are different, but in both cases,
phenomenal experiences. This diversity will be a
fundamental strength of the product.
These sites are shown on the following map, along
with the third Bay of Fundy region core Provincial
Park, Cape Chignecto.
Complementing the tidal experience sites will be
the Marine Interpretation Centre in Digby
(described in 6.2).
Each of the three themed Bay of Fundy attractions
will be referred to as “discovery sites as follows:
Five Islands Tidal Discovery Site
Cape Split Coastal Discovery Site
Digby Marine Discovery Centre
These three Bay of Fundy themed discovery sites
will be part of a larger framework that includes
major existing themed attractions within the Bay of
Fundy region (as referred to in section 5),
including the following:
Geology – (Existing)
• Joggins UNESCO Site
• Fundy Geological Museum
Human History (Existing)
• Grand Pré National Historic Site
• Fort Anne National Historic Site
• Port Royal National Historic Site
In its entirety, the plan will include eight key
attractions or anchor sites, the three newly
43
developed sites with five existing sites. This
framework is shown in the following illustration.
For all attractions in this category, there must be
comprehensive and rigorous standards for market
readiness. Anchor attractions will have
correspondingly high visual and wayfinding
elements.
Market Readiness Criteria
All Bay of Fundy discovery sites must meet or
consist of the following criteria:
1. Capacity
Anchor sites should have the capacity to
accommodate a minimum of 25,000 visitors
annually. It is likely that some sites will exceed
this, possibly reaching 40,000 – 50,000.
The parking should be designed to accommodate
a minimum of 30 vehicles with overflow capacity
(roadside, etc.) of a least 30 more. The following
table indicates parking requirements for visitor
flows ranging from 10,000 – 40,000 per season.
For visitor numbers of 40,000, parking capacity
should be 50 with overflow capacity of an
additional 50.
44
Visitor numbers
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
Average (peak season)
100
200
300
400
Peak days
250
500
750
1000
Visitors/car
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
# vehicles (peak day)
100
200
300
400
# vehicles (avg day)
40
80
120
160
Museums
Turnover/day
4
4
4
4
Parking utilization (peak)
25
50
75
100
Parking utilization (avg)
10
20
30
40
Required
15
25
35
50
Overflow
10
25
35
50
Turnover/day
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
Parking utilization (peak)
40
80
120
160
Parking utilization (avg)
16
32
48
64
Required
20
40
60
80
Overflow
20
40
60
80
Parks
2. Other Criteria
• revenue program (admissions, parking,
etc.)
• open: mid-May to end-October (year
round preferred)
• staffed storefront location with welcome
area
• indoor public washrooms
• communication tools: phone, fax, email,
website
• liability, safety equipment, risk
management policies (as appropriate)
• staffed, scheduled interpretation programs
available
• on-site orientation signage and/or visitor
map
• staff trained in customer service
• professional mystery shop
45
6.1 Provincial Parks – The Untapped
Resource
Analysis of the natural and tourism resources of
the Bay of Fundy, the travel patterns and
opportunities, all point toward the conclusion that
the Bay of Fundy region Provincial Parks offer the
best opportunity for interpreting the Bay of Fundy
tidal phenomena. The parks have a significant
land-base, an established management program,
and already have certain amenities in place.
Indeed, four coastal parks have been designated
by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), Parks Division as core sites
within the Bay of Fundy theme region (2009).
These include:
Cape Chignecto
Five Islands
Cape Blomidon
Cape Split (undesignated)
These four park areas occupy 6,000 hectares of
coastal property (almost 15,000 acres).
Collectively, they amount to more than 60
kilometers of the most dramatic coastline on the
Bay of Fundy (if not the Province). It should be
noted that this is more than the linear coastline of
the two combined New Brunswick National Parks Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac.
Similarly, these Provincial Parks include more
coastline than Cape Breton Highlands National
Park.
While Cape Split has yet to be designated as a
Provincial Park, it is generally seen as linked to
Blomidon Provincial Park due to their close
proximity. For this reason, this report refers to
Blomidon/Cape Split as a single park unit.
Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy coastal parks are
relatively new. Indeed, in both land area and
coastline, Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy coastal
parks have expanded by acquisition and
46
designation by more than 300% (since 1995)
making them (currently) one of the most important,
if underdeveloped, coastal park systems in
Canada. The extent to which the extraordinary
coastal features of the Bay of Fundy are now
within a significant network of Nova Scotia Parks is
not fully recognized within the Province, nor is it
promoted effectively to prospective visitors from
outside the region.
It is the view of the author that the coastal
landscape that they occupy is diverse, spectacular
and representative of the Bay of Fundyʼs tidal
phenomenon.
In other Canadian Provinces, Provincial Parks
feature much more prominently as partners in the
growth, diversity and quality of the overall tourism
product. In Quebec, for example, they refer to
Provincial Parks as their National Parks. In
Alberta, Provincial Parks are developed and
managed by the Department of Tourism, Parks
and Recreation. Strategic development of
infrastructure, programs and interpretation in
Alberta Provincial Parks mean that they compare
favourably to National Parks in quality and visitor
perception. Similarly, Manitobaʼs vast system of
Provincial Parks involve a network of ecological
reserves, heritage rivers and outdoor recreational
opportunities. High levels of staffed interpretation
in these three sample provinces insure maximum
visitor usage and appreciation of their provincial
parks system.
It is the recommendation of this report that the Bay
of Fundy Parks should be seen as a vital part of
Nova Scotiaʼs nature tourism product. This group
of parks can and should collectively present the
Bay of Fundy tidal and inter-tidal landscape to the
country. Each park should offer programming that
demonstrate and showcase their unique tidal,
coastal and terrestrial features.
Expanding the Role of Bay of Fundy Provincial
Parks
Historically, the functions of parks such as Five
Islands and Blomidon have largely been to provide
a camping experience. Not discounting this role,
the Bay of Fundy region parks have the potential
to offer programming well beyond their function as
campgrounds. This report recommends that dayuse coastal/tidal exploration and interpretation
programming should be a primary focus of these
parks.
The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) administers and delivers the provincial park
system under the legislative mandate of the
Provincial Parks Act. The Act sets standards for
site management and conservation. Parks are
staffed, have roads, amenities, maintenance
programs, etc., through the management mandate
of DNR.
47
DNR recently designated the Fundy region as a
“Theme Area”. (Five Islands, Blomidon/Cape Split
and Cape Chignecto are considered core sites).
Consistent within this planning arena are major
themed developments at Cape Split and Five
Islands, and a large second phase development of
a day-use area recently completed at Cape
Chignecto Provincial Park.
potential nature tourism attractions, with unique
and phenomenal landscapes.
Modifications or adaptations to visitor
management would enable the development of a
full program of activities and interpretation. While
Parks has limited capacity for management of new
roles, increased visitation and new facilities, it is
likely that there are willing partners such as the
Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage who
could contribute to the enhancement of the Bay of
Fundy Parks within its existing destination
development priorities.
Development
The Bay of Fundy Parks collectively have potential
to fill the gaps in Bay of Fundy interpretation and
provide a complete program of education and
interpretation relating to the Worldʼs Highest Tides.
They should be Anchor Attractions within the Bay
of Fundy region. This report recommends Five
Islands and Cape Split, in particular, be the
themed tidal anchor attractions and activity sites,
expanded to provide high quality day-use visitor
facilities along with complete interpretation and
programming. Cape Split offers the stunning
coastal experience and awe-inspiring tidal rip while
Five Islands will offer programs and interpretation
to experience the drama of the inter-tidal
landscape.
As Anchor Attractions, they must be capable of
providing activities for a minimum of a half-day
visit. This will require an investment in
infrastructure and programming that will, in turn,
create a legacy of a dynamic and diverse Bay of
Fundy Parks network.
Located in between these two core attractions are
numerous smaller tidal interpretation opportunities
and activities, including the tidal bore rafting zone
on the Shubenacadie River. These smaller sites
will complement the two anchors and would
diversify the product for visitors.
Nova Scotia Parks are potentially outstanding
nature tourism attractions that are currently used
by only 10% of Nova Scotians (and even less by
visitors). Yet in this report, the assessment of the
Fundy ones in particular, are of national calibre as
Cape Chignecto should be further developed to
fulfill the role of a multi-day coastal wilderness
park.
48
Partnerships
A larger role in tourism for Cape Split and Five
Islands entails a larger scope of management.
This will require additional resources and may be
beyond Parks current management capacity. It is
recommended, therefore, that a partnership
approach be used with each of these two projects.
This could be based on the partnership model for
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. By engaging a
local partner, federal funding opportunities may
become available. This division of roles does not
have to precisely follow the partner roles at Cape
Chignecto. For example, partnerships could be as
follows:
Parks Division:
• natural resource management issues
• site development
• wayfinding
• campground operation
• site maintenance
• enforcement and security
• waste management
• interpretation planning
• staffing
Regional/Municipal:
Cape Split – Kings CED Agency
Five Islands – CORDA
• interpretation facility development
• interpretation programming
• interpretation facility operation
• program management (directly or private
sector licensing)
The exact nature of the partnership and roles must
be determined through a consensus with the
partners. It is clear, however, that without such a
partnership, and if the Park Division of DNR must
assume an expanded responsibility, they must
have additional staff and resources.
DNR staff participated in initial planning sessions
and a special meeting with Nova Scotia Tourism to
discuss the development of Provincial Parks within
the Bay of Fundy region. The consultant also met
specifically with DNR staff to discuss options for
the development of Cape Split and Five Islands.
Tourism and Culture:
• facility planning
• promotions and marketing
• interpretation infrastructure
• staffing
49
6.2 Criteria
Season
Day-use facilities must be designated to
accommodate a longer season. At Cape Split,
trails should be open year round. At Five Islands
and Cape Chignecto, a 6-month season (May 1 to
November 1) is recommended.
50
Operating Revenue
The idea of a user-pay system within Provincial
Parks inevitably raises questions. It is
recommended to use a modified user pay system
that is based on an environmental ethic. User
fees, (day-use) should be confined to vehicle
parking fees only. Walk-in, cyclists, etc., would
enter without cost. An hourly fee system would
help to manage load by encouraging visitors to
carpool, and reduce the number of visitors who
spend extended periods of time at the site, on
trails, etc. Parking fees would provide an important
source of revenue to cover operating costs.
6.3 Cape Split Coastal Discovery Site
51
Cape Split/Blomidon
Blomidon and Cape Split together represent a key
Bay of Fundy themed development opportunity in
the Annapolis Valley region. While Cape Split and
Blomidon are two distinct land areas, they are
essentially considered a single unit by the Parks
Division, DNR. A third site, Look-off Provincial dayuse park, can be included in this cluster.
Cape Split has the qualities of an internationally
significant landmark. The tidal phenomenon at the
Split makes it unique in the world. Cape Split
provides views of the Bay of Fundyʼs most visible
and powerful tidal rip, as well as a panoramic view
of its narrowest, most turbulent section; the Minas
Channel. In addition, scenic attributes such as the
vertical drop and geological features here are
outstanding.
The Split is part of a narrow and precipitous tenkilometer long peninsula that gracefully arches out
into the Bay of Fundy, separating the inner Minas
Basin from the outer Bay. It is approximately 200
meters high, and, at its most extreme point, is
fractured into a series of
massive columnar
pinnacles. The outer point
is accessed on foot by a
safe, well-worn woodland
trail from the park
boundary. Cape Split is
referred to in DNR s
preliminary management
plan as “most ecologicallyintact portion of the North
Mountain and one of the
most important undisturbed
areas on the Bay of Fundy.”
The combination of its high
narrow peninsula, and the
sea-stacks and pinnacles
that break off from its tip,
52
make Cape Split comparable to many of the great
coastal viewpoints in the world. However, it is the
Bay of Fundyʼs tidal rip rushing around and
through the base of the rock pinnacles that make it
truly unique. These factors provide opportunities
for experiential and interpretation programming
that could make Cape Split a truly inspiring
destination and one of Nova Scotiaʼs ʻmust seeʼ
nature sites.
53
Cape Split showing viewpoint: The meadow visible at the top is over 100 m wide (about the side of a football field). The cliffs are at least 150
meters high (about 500 ft). Measured vertically, thatʼs about a city block in height.
Cape Split illustrating basalt pinnacles that form a series projecting into the Minas Basin
Cape Split illustrating the tidal Rip. The intense whitewater shown here is one of the most exteme tidal rips in the world.
Next page - aerial view of the Cape
Location
Cape Split (and Blomidon) are just 70 minutes
from metro-Halifax and 90 minutes from the
Halifax International airport. Cape Split and
Blomidon are also 20 minutes from a principle
travel artery (Highway 101) and close to services
(within the Wolfville hub). Road access to both
park areas is paved.
Current Status
Cape Split was recently acquired by the Province
and had not been formally designated as a
provincial park at the time of this study. A
preliminary management plan was prepared for
Cape Split in 2009 and presented at open house
sessions in Wolfville and Scots Bay. However,
development cost and funding is yet to
be confirmed.
The preliminary management plan for Cape Split
indicates that vehicle traffic will be limited to a
small development zone in the vicinity of the park
boundary. The Split itself will be accessible by foot
via a walking path. The duration (one-way) for the
average walker is three hours. This limits the
market potential somewhat since a relatively small
proportion of visitors travel more than a few meters
from their cars. However, Cape Splitʼs many
intriguing features promise a walking experience
with high market appeal.
Currently, the development zone designated within
the draft management plan is confined to a limited
area close to the road. This restricts development
of parking, visitor orientation and trails in the
vicinity of the trailhead. The plan and development
proposal are preliminary at this stage and it is
recognized that there are planning issues and
problems that must be overcome if Cape Split is to
fulfill its role as one of the Nova Scotiaʼs most
important parks.
Development Recommendations
This report recommends that the planning concept
for the development zone at Cape Split be
revisited with the intention of providing improved
access, parking, viewpoints and the development
of a high quality visitor orientation and education
facility. With adequate programming and
infrastructure, Cape Split has potential to become
one of Nova Scotiaʼs pre-eminent natural
attractions. Program infrastructure components
should include:
• visitor centre/orientation
• parking
• walking experience
• tidal observation
• boat tours
57
Visitor Centre/Orientation
A visitor orientation, amenity and interpretation
centre should be developed within the
development zone (in the vicinity of the park
entrance) along with a well-developed short trail
system with exceptional viewpoints in the vicinity
of the visitor centre. If road access or parking can
be developed on the upper slope, this visitor
orientation facility could be located where there
are viewing opportunities toward all points of the
compass.
The following illustration indicates two potential
viewing sites that could be developed in
conjunction with a visitor centre.
The visitor orientation centre should include the
following:
• washrooms
• rest/waiting area
• interpretation and orientation
Interpretation themes at the centre should include:
• the physical aspects of Cape Split (this
could include a map diorama)
• the tidal rip (and Bay of Fundy tides, in
general)
• the geological history of the North
Mountain
• the flora and fauna of Cape Split
• the Nova Scotia Park System
• complete orientation and safety
information
If vehicle access and parking at an upper elevation
is not possible, the visitor/orientation centre should
be developed close to the water with views and
shoreline access.
58
Parking
As a major nature tourism site, parking at Cape
Split must be available for at least 60 vehicles,
with the potential for up to 60 overflow spaces.
Assuming this parking is to be located on site, it
will require a re-evaluation of the development
zone concept. Adequate parking could also be
available in Scots Bay, but this will necessitate a
shuttle service to the trail-head, incurring
additional operating costs, management
challenges, etc. While these costs could be
recovered through a fee for the shuttle service,
fees generated from on-site parking could be
better used for maintenance and staff.
A tiered parking program would be an alternative if
parking for 200 vehicles on site were clearly not
possible. In this case, on-site could be limited to
60 vehicles with an overflow site at Scots Bay. In
this case, a shuttle may still be needed, but
perhaps only for 3-4 weeks annually, during the
peak season.
Walking Experience
The principle walking trail should be designed to a
front-country standard and a moderately low-level
of difficulty. Currently, the Cape Split walk is
inaccessible to people with slight mobility issues
as a result of the 1.5 kilometer steep uphill climb
and descent near the trail-head. As one of the
Parkʼs planning staff indicated, it is a relatively
easy walking trail with a steep 30-minute hike at
the beginning and end. If hikers could embark on
this walk from a higher elevation, it would be a
more accessible hike to a wider segment of the
population. This does not diminish the role of the
park as a “walking” experience, nor does it
diminish the health benefits. With or without the
steep climb, Cape Split will have a walking
distance of at least 10-12 kilometers and an
overall duration of two to four hours.
Tidal Observation
A viewing platform at the water level at the end of
Cape Split, if feasible, would allow visitors to view
tidal rips up close (the most prominent
interpretation and experiential aspect of the site).
Stairs and a lower viewing area would also reduce
visitor loads on the upper viewing area. The
feasibility of stairs in this location must be
evaluated. Currently, close examination of the site
reveals that some visitors are unsafely accessing
the beach via a rope in a rocky gorge.
Water-based Guided Tours to Cape Split
A tour program by boat will be a key part of the
Cape Split experience. It is likely that water-craft
such as zodiacs that can embark from the beach
would be needed, as otherwise, the tides will affect
the logistics of the tours. It is recommended that
the tour program be done under license to a
private sector operator and with a staging area
(embankation) situated on the park property.
59
Visitor Numbers
While actual visitor numbers will depend on factors
such as marketing, quality of programming and the
variances of the tourism market, it is proposed that
the park should be designed to accommodate a
minimum of 30,000 visitors annually.
The principle feature of the park would be a
walking trail (although the water tours may be a
significant part of the experience, as well). The
walking distance will be at least 12 kilometers
which is beyond the normal range of most touring
visitors. However, when a landmark as dramatic
as Cape Split is recognized as an internationally
significant site, the number of visitors who will
participate in a more adventurous experience is
surprisingly high. At the Grand Canyon, 300,000
visitors venture below the rim (almost 10% of
visitors). At Yosemite, 80,000 visitors navigate the
hazardous climb to the summit of El Capitan.
Kejimkujik National Park (the least visited of the
National Parks in Atlantic Canada) attracts roughly
50,000 visitors annually for active exploration.
Fees/Load Management
Parking fees would provide an important source of
revenues to cover operating costs. Based on
5,000 - 10,000 vehicles per year, we would
estimate revenues of $30,000 – $100,000,
depending on the parking fee. At the high end, this
would be equivalent to almost one third of the
60
current revenues from the entire Nova Scotia park
system.
Blomidon
Blomidon Provincial Park (15 kilometers from
Cape Split) overlooks the south quadrant of the
Minas Basin. It is primarily a camping park (70
sites) encompassing 760 hectares (1,900 acres)
offering a network of hiking trails along the upper
parts of Cape Blomidon. Blomidon is a
complement to Cape Split, both in terms of visitor
experience, services, etc., and in terms of
management. At this stage, it is not proposed to
expand the day-use facilities at Blomidon since
programming at Cape Split would fulfill this need.
The possible exception is the beach access point
where there are possibilities for inter-tidal and
geological interpretation. Linked to Cape Split from
a promotional perspective, it is anticipated
occupancy rates at Blomidon to increase from the
current level of 40% to at least 60% (and an
equivalent increase in revenues).
The Look-off
The final segment in the Cape/Split Blomidon park
set is the Look-off. This small, but well-known,
day-use park has significant interpretation
potential focusing on human adaptation,
specifically the transformation of the tidal salt
marshes to dyked farmland. This could be a selfguided program delivered within an open
interpretation kiosk.
6.4 Five Islands Tidal Discovery Site
61
Five Islands Provincial Park
Five Islands is one of the best sites in the Bay of
Fundy for interpreting and experiencing the tidal
and inter-tidal phenomena. Tides at Five Islands
are third highest of monitored sites within the
Minas Basin. Tides in the Minas Basin are roughly
2 m (7 feet) higher than sites outside the Minas
Basin, and the inter-tidal zone at Five Islands is
one of the most expansive, dramatic
and diverse in the Bay.
Since the beginning of the “Not Since Moses” race
across the ocean floor in 2007, there has been a
significant increase in national recognition of the
breathtaking inter-tidal landscape offered at Five
Islands. The locationʼs ability to captivate and
astonish visitors has been well-documented
through this now top-rated Canadian adventure“sport” tourism event. The Bay of Fundy
experience here includes: coastal hiking (cliff-side
and shoreline at low tide) as well as many seastacks, sandbars, islands, and sea-caves to
explore.
Five Islands Provincial Park offers access and
views of the tidal landscape that are among the
best in the Bay of Fundy region (including both the
Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick).
The Park has huge potential for engaging in
dramatic tidal adventures through guided
programs. With a well-developed tidal experience
tour, visitors could very well finally and confidently
62
say: “this is where you go to see the tides in Nova
Scotia”.
Five Islands Provincial Park: Not Since Moses run showing Diamond and Pinnacle Islands
Five Islands Provincial Park: Not Since Moses Run (various at medium and low tide)
This park also has a vast geological history, visible
in the cliffs and islands that can be told and
interpreted from this location. As is often the case,
where there is a geological story, there is also
outstanding rock collecting. Park information
states the following:
“Volcanic action, massive erosion, flooding
and glacial scouring, created the
spectacular scenery and interesting
geological formations found here….
Agate, the provincial gemstone, along with
amethyst, jasper and stilbite, are found
along the beaches and cliffs. Fish fossils,
as well as ornithopod dinosaur tracks,
have been discovered in the loose blocks
on the beach… The park features 90
metre (300 ft.) sea cliffs overlooking the
world's highest tides, a spectacular setting
for camping or any of the many
opportunities that abound for hiking,
beachcombing, rock collecting, clam
digging, and ocean kayaking.
Five Islands Park offers a 90-site, fully serviced
campground. The park is only open in the summer
(2009: May 21 - Sept. 6).
Day-use at Five Islands Park is substantially
under-utilized. Only 10% of day-use visitors are
from outside the local area, although this is higher
among camping visitors. This is not surprising
since the parkʼs season is quite short and it has
focused almost exclusively on camping over the
years. There is a small designated day-use area,
but it needs to be redesigned to allow for proper
visitor management, as well as to connect visitors
more meaningfully to viewpoints along the parkʼs
cliff-lined shore.
While the camping area may have affected the
day-use potential of the site, it provides certain
benefits, including an established management
program, staff, paved road access and amenities.
The park is 1,573 acres in size and has completed
a recent campsite upgrade, but is awaiting funding
for a second phase of development. Five Islands
is 30 minutes from the Trans-Canada Highway at
Glenholme and 90 minutes from the Halifax
International airport.
Development Recommendations
Five Islands Provincial Park has high market
appeal as a tidal experience viewing and
interpretation site, as well as, a staging zone for
adventure programs. Although not as well-located
as Cape Split (relative to Halifax), its proximity to
the Trans-Canada Highway may offset this. More
importantly, it does not have access to the same
quality of tourism services within close proximity
as Cape Split. On the accommodations side, there
is a moderately large accommodations base in
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Truro (40 minutes away) as well as cottages and
bed & breakfasts along the shore, and a cluster of
services in Parrsboro (15 minutes away).
Unfortunately, there is a lack of unique and
experiential culinary attractions near the park.
With adequate programming and infrastructure,
Five Islands Park has potential to become a major
Bay of Fundy-themed natural attraction in the
region. Program infrastructure components should
include:
Visitor Interpretation and Orientation Centre
A visitor orientation, amenity and interpretation
centre should be developed within the day use
area in close proximity to the shoreline access
point, viewing areas and within an easy walk from
the parking area. The centre should provide the
following:
•
•
•
•
orientation and information
well-designed staging area for guided
tidal excursions
interior visitor rest/viewing area
interpretation
Interpretation will focus on the following themes:
•
•
•
66
Five Islands landscape
Five Islands seascape (inter-tidal
zone)
highest tides
• natural history of Five Islands
• Aboriginal and settlement history
The proposed location for the centre is shown on
the following illustration:
Visitor Numbers
As with Cape Split, actual visitor numbers will
depend on factors such as marketing, quality of
programming, and the variances of the tourism
market. However, as an integrated tidal site,
accessible to all with tiered programming, the park
should be designed to accommodate a significant
number of visitors, probably in the range of 20,000
- 30,000 visitors annually. One of the strengths of
Five Islands Provincial Park that factors greatly
into its appeal for broader markets, is the instant
accessibility of the tidal beach (walk out) and
viewpoints.
Parking
As was the case for Cape Split, if Five Islands is
developed as a major tourism nature site, parking
capacity for day use must correspondingly be
designed to accommodate that level of traffic.
This report recommends that a parking capacity of
25 -30 vehicles with an overflow area of an
additional 30 would be needed. The parking area
should be linked to the orientation centre by a
direct walking path.
Walking Trails, Viewpoints and Shoreline Access
A well developed short trail system in the vicinity of
the visitor centre with exceptional viewpoints
needs to be developed. A fog horn-type device
would be installed on a prominent viewpoint
location to signal the low tide (and to warn of the
incoming tide).
Refurbishment of existing coastal trails (now
closed) that were damaged by previous hurricanes
is necessary.
Tidal Adventure Tours and Excursions
Activities at Five Islands Provincial Park should
focus on the tidal experience, but would also
include interpretation of the remarkable geological
formations, rock collecting opportunities, and
nature observation. The tidal experience should
include a tiered system of engagement from
passive self-guided viewing to guided beach walks
and excursions onto the inter-tidal zone (possibly
involving zodiacs, kayaks, etc.). The site itself
should be designed to follow a tide timetable with
appropriate signals, warnings, or beach sweeps
before the incoming tide.
Guided tours must be supported by zodiac and
follow a similar pattern to the “Not Since Moses
Run”, taking visitors out to the outer island on the
outgoing tide and allowing them to walk their way
back in as the tide disappears.
Fees/Load Management
As with Cape Split, it is recommended to use a
modified user pay system for day users confined
to vehicle parking fees only (cyclists, etc. would
enter without cost). Parking fees would be needed
to cover operating costs. Revenue potential would
67
be slightly less than Cape Split, but still in the
range of $40,000 annually.
The impact on the existing camping aspect of Five
Islands Provincial Park will be significant.
Occupancy rates would certainly rise, possibly by
a factor of two. Consequently, revenue from
camping could double. Camping visitors would
benefit significantly from the addition of new
facilities and programs, and there may be an
argument to increase fees as a result. Indeed, if
demand on the camping area increases enough,
an increase in daily rates at the park could help to
manage the demand.
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6.5 Digby Marine Discovery Site
69
Marine Interpretation
While the drama of the Bay of Fundy tides is most
explicit in areas with extreme tidal zones, it s story
canʼt be complete without interpreting the
dynamics of the Bay itself, the extraordinary
characteristics of its marine ecosystem, and the
marine life that thrive in its abundant environment.
Most important to the touring visitor may be the
whales that feed at the entrance to the Bay of
Fundy, just off Digby Neck. The Bay of Fundy is
habitat to over 15 species of whales. Probably the
most unique among them are the North Atlantic
Right Whales, one of the rarest mammals on
earth. Most of the worldʼs population of Right
Whales come to the entrance to the Bay of Fundy
each summer to breed. An active whale-watching
industry has developed on Digby Neck (and in
New Brunswick in St. Andrews/ Passamaquoddy
Bay area).
Until recently, the Bay of Fundyʼs marine
ecosystem was an interpretation topic also underpromoted on the New Brunswick side of the Bay of
Fundy. In October, 2009, a $5 million upgrade to
the Huntsman Ocean Centre in St. Andrews, New
Brunswick was announced. Until now, the
Huntsman was a biological research centre, but
the new development includes: a public aquarium
(themed around the diversity of the Bay of Fundy),
a public lecture theatre, conference spaces, and
public programs.
70
It is more important than ever for Nova Scotia to
provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more
about the Bay of Fundyʼs world-renown marine
ecosystem.
The Digby Area
The Town of Digby is a suitable location for
interpreting the Bay of Fundy marine environment.
The town is an active seaport and has a large
fishery with a history closely linked to the Bay. It
has a tourism-friendly town centre and a strong
base of accommodations, the most notable of
which is the premium resort hotel: the Digby Pines
Resort. Digby is also an entry-point into the
Province with daily arrivals of the ferry, the
Princess of Acadia from Saint John, New
Brunswick.
It is suggested that the interpretation facility be
close to, or immersed within, the town centre and
waterfront area. This will build upon and enhance
the critical mass and viability of the town centre.
Since the Digby fishery is a tangible link with the
marine interpretation story (in addition to the
whale-watching operators), it would be ideal if the
centre was in proximity to the wharf.
Development Considerations
The role of tourism development, and in particular
destination development, is vital in Digby. The
community has a history as a tourism destination,
due to the presence of the ferry at a time when
road travel was more primitive than today. Indeed,
tourism in Digby remains an important part of the
townʼs economy. However, without investment and
revitalization of the tourism infrastructure, the
future will be uncertain.
series of interpretation programs leading
to actual experiences…
coastlines/scenery, culture and heritage,
birding, whale watching, ferry access,
wine/cuisine and access to fresh seafood”
The development of an interpretation facility in
Digby cannot alone transform the town, although it
can be the catalyst to set this transformation in
motion. Equally important is to enhance the
attractiveness of the town, waterfront and wharf
and make this area visitor friendly. Observations in
the recent report by Roger Brooks point out a need
to enhance the character of the town centre.
Annapolis Royal, 15 minutes from Digby in the
direction of Halifax, has a town centre which
exhibits all the charm, character and aesthetic
quality that can attract visitors and would inevitably
generate positive word of mouth. The success of
this proposal will depend on active efforts to
revitalize the Digby centre, both through planning
and development.
Consistent with these goals, this report
recommends the creation of a multi-faceted
activity centre with potential to attract a significant
market. This concept of a visitor plaza may consist
of a mix of fully enclosed and partially enclosed
terrace and/or atrium spaces. For example, it may
consist of a roofed plaza or open atrium looking
out toward the harbour, surrounded by small units
styled as traditional seaport buildings. These
components could include:
• washrooms
• information and orientation
• interpretation of physical
phenomena of the Bay of Fundy
• whale-watching sales and
promotion
• shopping
Within the atrium, public art and opportunities for
recreation for children and youths could be
integrated.
Development Concept
The Digby Area Tourism Association has already
given some consideration to the development of
an interpretation centre and has established
preliminary goals, as follows:
“A proposed centre would act as a major
visitor portal and orientation point for the
multi-faceted phenomena of the Bay of
Fundy… the concept of the centre is a
Interpretation Outline
The focus of interpretation will be on the unique
aspects of the Bay of Fundy marine environment
and the influences on the people who have lived
and worked here. Interpretation should focus on
71
region specific characteristics of the lower Bay, the
marine environment and the landscape, and
stories that are relevant to the Digby area.
The centre should fulfill the role of interpreting the
marine environment and do it well. As such, it will
be part of the larger Bay of Fundy concept,
complementing geological and tidal attractions at
the other end of the Bay. Specifically, the
interpretation concept should include:
1. The Ocean Meets the Bay of Fundy
(the affect of the tides)
2. The Marine Mammals
3. The Digby Fishery
4. The Annapolis Basin
1. The Ocean Meets the Bay – (affect of the tides)
• how the tides make the mouth of the Bay
of Fundy a productive marine ecosystem
(i.e. deep water currents are forced to the
surface, nutrient rich, support abundant
marine life); the reason why fishery is so
productive
• why whales come to the Bay of Fundy
with their young to feed on plankton, tiny
marine creatures
• the Gulf of Maine and the Labrador
current (influence on climate of Nova
Scotia)
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2. The Marine Mammals
• whales as an indicator of marine
productivity
• the story and the tragedy of the northern
Right Whale – the era of whaling, the
verge of extinction, the current population
• other species of whales
• promotion of the whale-watching industry
• other marine mammals
3. The Digby Fishery
• how the tidal bay supports a rich fishery
• size of the fishing fleet
• species and fish products from the region
• the scallop fishery, all about scallops,
how they grow, how they are caught,
cuisine, how to eat them, etc.
4. The Annapolis Basin
• geography of the Basin - diorama
• birthplace of Canada
• tidal power
Location Options
A 2009 waterfront development study prepared by
Cormier Management and Fundy Engineering
included a concept for the construction of a
waterfront expansion. Specifically, it was proposed
that this site would accommodate a tourism
interpretation and orientation centre. It is
absolutely essential that the centre establish or
maintain a connection with the fishing community
and the town centre. The proposed location fulfills
these criteria reasonably well. Other factors such
as the flow of pedestrian traffic into and through
the commercial centre of the community, parking,
etc., must be evaluated in a site-specific
development plan.
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Other Key Attractions
7. Other Key Attractions
7.1 Brier Island
Digby Neck, Long Island and Brier Island may well
be Bay of Fundyʼs hidden gems due to the
undisturbed natural features and the geographic
location at the mouth of the Bay. This scenic
peninsula and islands are part of a dramatic basalt
headland stretching from the town of Digby to the
tip of Brier Island in Southwestern Nova Scotia.
The area lies between Fundyʼs extreme tidal
currents where the Bay meets the Gulf of Maine
and the calmer St. Marys Bay edging the
mainland. The region is largely undeveloped,
although a series of small hiking trails,
lighthouses, whale watch tour companies and
small fishing villages are scattered along its
length.
While efforts have been made by local tourism
groups to brand this part of Nova Scotia as an
ecotourism destination, visitors are largely left on
their own to discover the Neck and Islandsʼ natural
features. There are no guided tours. The hiking
trails, with a couple of exceptions, are under
promoted, under developed and under signed.
If the Neck and Islands are the hidden jewels of
the Bay of Fundy, then Brier Island, at its
furthermost tip, could very well be the “the rugged
diamond in Nova Scotiaʼs crown”. For the
74
purposes of this study, Brier Island has two
particularly enticing features:
• it is the physical entrance to the Bay of
Fundy
• one third of the island is designated by the
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Admittedly, the Nature Conservancyʼs relationship
with the island has been somewhat awkward over
the years, but the fact that the Nature
Conservancyʼs area exists here is symbolic: it
validates Brier Island as being a nationally
renown, ecologically significant area of
biodiversity. These features become important
when anchoring this section of Nova Scotiaʼs Bay
of Fundy product.
Roger Brooks, in his 2009 destination
assessment, suggests the importance of applying
the “4X Rule” to this area:
“Visitors will make a point of stopping or
staying in a community if it has enough
activities that appeal specifically to them
and will keep them busy four times longer
than it took them to get there. “
In order to lure visitors from Halifax (3 hours
away), the Brier Island area needs to have 12
hours worth of things for them to do. A whale
watching tour currently accounts for three to four
hours. As Mr. Brooks also noted, visitors want
things to do, not just things to look at. This report
suggests that enhancements to the vast existing
network of trails in the Nature Conservancy area
may well be the missing link of six additional hours
of activity needed to make Brier Island a stronger
nature loversʼ destination within the proposed,
stronger network of Bay of Fundy anchor
attractions.
Enhancements to hiking ʻproductʼ on Brier Island
will naturally draw visitors along the Neck and
Long Island as part of the adventure of making it to
the tip of this intriguing land formation. There are
complementary sites enroute such as Gullivers
Cove, Balancing Rock and Boarʼs Head
Lighthouse that will add to the exploring
experience.
Brier Island will be more successful in drawing
visitors once it has more market ready hiking trails.
It must work hard to become a destination: there
are no ʻaccidental touristsʼ on Digby Neck and
Islands. Visitors who venture out there are not
passing by on their way to anywhere else: in order
to entice them to make the trek, the experience
must be clearly defined, well-organized and wellpresented. Improvements to the hiking experience
of this area would harmonize with neighbouring
sites (such as Kejimkujik National Park) and also
complement its well-established whale watching
industry.
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Key Features
The key natural features of Brier Island include:
• bird habitat & migratory pathways (Atlantic
Flyway)
• wide variety of many common wildflowers
• favourable habitat for rare and
endangered plant species
• high proportion of coastal hiking
• seal habitat (seal watching from shoreline)
• geology (basalt flows & vertical columns)
• proximity to whale (and other marine
mammals) habitat
• tidal village on stilts at low tide
• local fishery
• accessible lighthouses
Wayfinding
Many trails are currently lacking trailheads and trail
orientation for the islands. Some trails, as
evidenced by the signage sample below, are
marked intermittently with homemade signage.
The researcher for this study spent several days
tracking down trail locations and routes by
checking with local citizens and exploring back
roads: tourists would likely not be as persistent.
Roger Brooks, for example, reported never finding
the Islandsʼ advertised hiking and biking trails. A
full system of branded wayfinding signage is
recommended, including trailhead signage with
distances and level of difficulty marked.
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Interpretation
Although Brier Island has a couple of historical
interpretation panels near the general store, it is
recommended that panel interpretation about its
natural features be developed as part of the trails
or trailhead system. A self-guided map or booklet
(with more detail than the current map) should also
be available.
Trail enhancements
The Nature Conservancy trails are clearly being
used: both for hiking and, in some areas, for fourwheeling. Four-wheeling is a popular pastime in
rural Nova Scotia and a balance needs to be
achieved between both uses in these sensitive but
appealing areas.
There is visible damage from 4-wheelers on
various sections of the trail and also there are
many areas of ʻtrail braidingʼ where hikers have
tramped out new routes around existing trails
(often due to the main trail being wet or muddy). In
the long run, these practices are damaging to the
ecosystem. Most of the trails on Brier Island would
benefit from better definition and built tread in
some areas. A system also needs to be
established for garbage removal on the beaches
and trails (this function is currently being
undertaken on a occasional basis by community
members).
Tidal observation
More interpretation could be made of the tidesʼ
influence on the weather, fishing and coastlines of
the Neck and Islands. This could include be
interpretation panels aboard the two ferries or
waiting areas for the passages between the
islands. There is a huge volume of water moving
through these passages, the movement of which
varies according to the tide cycle. By times these
small ferries appear to make their voyages at full
throttle combating the sideways thrust of Fundyʼs
heavy tidal movement.
Parks Canada Marine Park
Parks Canada has had a mandate to create
National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA)
across Canada since the concept was established
in 2002. An NMCA in Canada is like a ʻwatery
national parkʼ: available for a mix of recreational,
tourism and commercial use while at the same
time preserving and sustaining some core areas of
habitat.
There are currently three National Marine Parks in
Canada:
• Five Fathom National Marine Park,
Georgian Bay, Ontario - celebrates a
Great Lakesʼ ecosystem, rugged coasts,
rock formations, 22 shipwrecks, historic
light stations
• Lake Superior National Marine
Conservation Area, Ontario - celebrates
•
over 70 species of fish, gull-heron-eaglepelican habitat, 50 shipwrecks, geology &
geomorphology, flora & fauna, aboriginal
history
Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park,
Quebec - sea bottom topography, fjords,
15 species of marine mammals, biological
diversity, human history
The Bay of Fundy has recently been identified by
Parks Canada as a possible location for an NMCA,
the first in eastern Canada. In the spring of 2010,
the lengthy research process to determine the
feasibility of establishing a Marine Park
somewhere in the Bay of Fundy will begin.
The designation of a Marine Park includes: the
seabed, the water above it and the species which
occur there. It may also take in wetlands,
estuaries, islands and other coastal lands. Since
one third of Brier Island is already protected by the
Nature Conservancy, it may be the one place in
the entire Bay of Fundy that most easily matches
the criteria for a marine park. This appears to be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to complement and
validate the existing complex marine ecosystem of
the Brier Island area with a prestigious national
designation. This report recommends that Brier
Island participate in the research process with
Parks Canada to determine the opportunities and
fit of a marine park in the region.
77
Partners
Key to the general enhancement of hiking and
nature tourism product on Brier Island will be the
Nature Conservancy of Canada, who owns one
third of the island. In early March 2010, the Nature
Conservancy held an open house meeting in the
region to discuss pending trail development based
on funds recently received for trail and signage
upgrades.
Other potential partners for the development of
this region as a Nova Scotia Bay of Fundy
destination include: the Municipality of Digby,
Annapolis-Digby Development Association, Digby
Area Tourism Association, ACOA, Department of
Economic Development and the Department of
Tourism.
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7.2 Cape Chignecto
Cape Chignecto, the third of Nova Scotiaʼs Fundy
coastal parks, designated in 1995 and developed
over the past 15 years, has become one of the
best hiking trails in Eastern Canada and has won
several awards, including the prestigious Gulf of
Maine, and Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism
Awards. This park is the largest of the three Bay
of Fundy region parks, encompassing 4200
hectares (10,500 acres) and well over 25
kilometers of coastline.
Cape Chignecto is a bit further off the beaten track
than Five Islands Provincial Park and Blomidon
Provincial Park/Cape Split. It is 70 minutes from
the Trans Canada Highway and a little over 2.5
hours from the Halifax International airport.
Indeed, it is closer to Moncton airport and there is
value in seeing Moncton as a key point of entry for
this site.
Recently, Cape Chignecto completed the
development of a day-use visitor area at
Eatonville, to provide access to the Three Sisters
rock formations. This includes a relatively large
and fully equipped visitor centre, day-use trails and
viewing lookouts. The Three Sisters are a striking
set of rock pinnacles that stand just off shore
within the inter-tidal zone. The Eatonville day-use
trail also offers access via an extensive boardwalk
and two viewing platforms to a very rare raised
beach at Squally Point that offers a panoramic
view of the Cape Chignecto coastline (crescent
beaches, sea stacks, seals, etc.). Cape Chignecto
offers beach access at various locations.
The principle attraction of Cape Chignecto is a 50kilometer coastal hiking trail. It is a multi-day
wilderness hiking experience and ranks among the
best in Canada. This type of experience appeals to
a smaller niche market but still has significant
market appeal. In addition, day use trails and
interpretation facilities at both ends of the park
broaden its market appeal.
79
While Cape Chignecto has been open for slightly
more than 10 years, it is probably still maturing as
an attraction. This is evident in the incremental
development of private sector tourism businesses
attracted by the park users. For example, a
privately operated kayak company started
providing tours off the coast a few years ago.
Tourism development creates critical mass and
contributes to the appeal of the area to visitors.
There is no doubt that Cape Chignectoʼs market
growth would be greatly accelerated by the
destination appeal created by branding these
parks as Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy parks. As
previously discussed, enhancements to the other
parks and high profile sites or attractions
described in this report, and stronger promotion of
the Bay of Fundy product in Nova Scotia, will
result in more exposure and appreciation for this
phenomenal Fundy product.
Given the access and the more specialized nature
of the product, Cape Chignecto is a key
component of the Bay of Fundy product, strongly
representing a coastal wilderness hiking
experience. It has potential to build its market to
10,000 (similar to the visitor numbers for the West
Coast Trail), if it is part of a larger integrated
system.
80
Fees
Cape Chignecto has a user pay system in place.
This includes a park entry fee of $5.00 per person
and wilderness campsite fees of $23.00 per
site/night.
Development
Development priorities for Cape Chignecto had
been recognized by the Management Board at the
time of this report and were in progress. The first
priority is remediation of the coastal trail system
itself. In 2009, a trail assessment was completed
and a plan developed for upgrading the coastal
trail. This was to bring the trail up to a standard
whereby it would provide a high quality wilderness
experience to all visitors.
In addition to the upgrading of the wildernesshiking trail, the second priority is to provide
shoreline access at Eatonville. As in the above
case, this was being reviewed at the time of this
report and programming options were being
considered. Eatonville Harbour (the site of a fully
functioning shipyard, lumber mill and company
town), in particular, has great interpretation
potential. Access to the site would provide several
benefits: it would allow visitors to see and
experience the former shipyard, provide access to
the tidal estuary, and offer opportunities for the
adventurous to get closer to the Three Sisters.
Touring Network
8. Touring Network
In addition to Anchor Attractions, this report has
identified a network of interpretation sites and
viewpoints. This section explores how a
combination of tidal sites, natural and human
history sites, scenic viewpoints and hiking trails
can combine to create an informative self-guided
touring route along Nova Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy.
The touring network consists of interpretation
sites, smaller attractions and viewpoints that can
be linked (with the anchor attractions) through a
common wayfinding system and common
standards that extend throughout the entire Bay of
Fundy region. In this way, it can potentially play a
similar role to the former Fundy Eco-tour by
encouraging touring visitors to explore and spend
time in the region.
8.1 Interpretation Sites
Interpretation sites listed in this report are staffed
facilities, each representing key Bay of Fundy
themes and meeting common market readiness
standards. They are generally operated by local or
regional organizations. These sites donʼt have the
level of facilities, interpretation, programming, etc.
of anchors, yet they are important sites offering a
particular interpretation topic or story. The use of
a common identity and wayfinding program would
serve to link them into an overall touring network.
Travelers who visit anchor sites can explore via
interpretation site.
Market readiness criteria for interpretation sites
are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
sites must be staffed and offer basic
interpretation programming
publicly accessible
extended season: late May to mid-October
offers essential amenities: parking,
signage, and washrooms
close proximity to support services (food,
accommodation clusters)
participant in Bay of Fundy Recommended
Program
It is acknowledged that, in the long-term, sites that
have the ability to charge admission will be more
sustainable.
Most of the interpretation sites identified are
completely or nearly market ready (although one
site is still in the planning stages). Specific
requirements to achieve market readiness are
noted with each site description.
Sites that cannot be fully developed as
Interpretation sites, may meet the criteria to
currently be considered as Viewpoints in Section
8.2 of this report.
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Tidal Technology Sites
Visitor centres that interpret the technology of tidal
power have an important role in the interpretation
of the tides in the Bay of Fundy. The popularity
and high visitor numbers at the Annapolis Tidal
Power Station show that there is significant
interest among visitors. They are referred to as
tidal technology sites because they have particular
appeal to the “techie” in each travel party as well
as the interest in green technology that exists in
most people. There are two tidal technology sites
identified, one developed site and one in the
planning stages.
1. Annapolis Tidal Power Station
This centre is North Americaʼs only tidal power
generating station where the Bay of Fundy tides
are harnessed. The site is home to the largest
straight-flow turbine in the world. The Visitor
Centre offers views of the turbulent Annapolis
River above the turbine, interpretation, general
visitor information, and occasional plant tours. The
attraction currently receives 35,000 (est.) visitors
per year making it among the top visited visitor
attractions around the Bay of Fundy. It is owned by
Nova Scotia Power but operated by the Annapolis
Area Board of Trade. No admission is charged.
Key tidal effects : tidal rips and rapids
Season : staffed May to October
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Recommendations:
• enroll in the Bay of Fundy Recommended
• Program
• improve the scheduling, reliability, staffing
and
• professionalism of the interpretation
program
• enhance interpretation space and curb
appeal
• improve wayfinding and site signage
2. Tidal Power Centre at Black Rock
Construction of a research/interpretation centre is
currently underway at the new tidal power
demonstration site near Parrsboro. At this time,
the mandate, staffing and season for this centre
are unknown.
This particular section of the Bay of Fundy has
been identified as the best site in the world for
green energy. The demonstration project marks
the first Canadian deployment of commercial-scale
tidal turbines. The idea is to prove that tidal power
can be successfully drawn from the bay.
In five to ten years, it is expected that 2,000
megawatts of electricity could be drawn from the
bay, enough to power all the homes and industry
in Nova Scotia.
With proper development of the Black Rock tidal
power centre, the authors of this report believe
there is a ʻgreenʼ technology product that can be
very successfully positioned for a growing
ecotourism market.
Recommendations:
•
Provincial Tourism Department to work
with municipal representatives and
FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Centre
for Energy) to encourage tourism &
economic benefits of the site (not just
resource extraction)
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Themed Tidal Sites
High among visitor requests to Nova Scotiaʼs Bay
of Fundy are accessible, interpreted tidal
exploration sites.
Bay of Fundy Tourism identifies three aspects of
the tidal experience around the Bay:
1. Vertical effects (where the 40 - 50 foot rise is
illustrated).
2. Horizontal effects (where the ocean floor is
exposed for exploration for several hours during
the tide cycle).
3. Tidal bores, rips and rapids (where the rapid,
turbulent movement of Fundyʼs tides can be
witnessed).
All three tidal effects are rarely visible in a single
location: itʼs not much wonder that our visitors are
confused!
Criteria for becoming an Interpretation Site in this
network include:
• demonstrates at least one of the three tidal
effects (preferably 2/3)
• offers scheduled, staffed interpretation of the
tidal effects
Due to the complexities of the Fundy tides, sites
that offer staffed interpretation (as opposed to
interpretation panels) are preferred.
Five tidal sites are listed.
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1. Burncoat Head
Burncoat Head is a site that is currently not
market-ready but has the potential to become a
good tidal interpretation site under this networkʼs
guidelines.
Burncoat Head is a community-owned
interpretation site on the south shore of the Minas
Basin. It is the site where measurements of the
record high tides in the Minas Basin were taken.
For that reason, it has a unique role as an
interpretation site. Burncoat could have particular
relevance to the visitor and increase its visitor
numbers substantially, by becoming a permanent
tidal monitoring and research station. This would
require the organization of a partnership with the
tidal research staff of Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, potentially co-funded through ocean
research and/or environmental monitoring
programs.
The site is reasonably accessible with a seasonal
interpretation centre and stair access to the beach.
The beach consists of sandstone ledges and rock
formations (flowerpots).
Key tidal effects: vertical and horizontal effects
Season: mid-May to mid-Oct (staffed in peak
season only)
Recommendations:
• installation of tidal monitoring equipment
throughout the summer season and
continuous monitoring
• development of an improved interpretation
facility with focus on tidal measurement,
the purpose of ongoing tidal monitoring
vis-a- vis sea level rise, storm surge
impacts etc.
• improve exterior site signage for park
orientation
• better trail markers & add to existing trails
to encourage visitors to stay longer
• interpretation panels outdoors to add to
off-season experience
• interpretation tours offered in the summer
• washroom & other facility upgrades
• add food services on site
• extend length of staffed season
Requirements to become market-ready:
•
•
•
•
stable funds for operations
capital funds to implement existing
strategic plan
manager (at least seasonal) to coordinate
site operation
additional staff to offer interpretation
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2. Cape dʼOr Lighthouse
Cape dʼOr is a working lighthouse on a basalt cliff
jutting out into the upper Bay of Fundy, dividing
Chignecto Bay from the Minas Basin. The regional
economic development association manages the
site, leasing it for the operation of a cafe and
guesthouse, which makes it Nova Scotiaʼs only
lighthouse location that visitors can stay in. At clifftop, the site includes two trails and a sometimesstaffed VIC. No admission is charged to the site at
this time. There are interpretation panels about the
tidal rip in the parking lot.
Key tidal effects: Rip tide (visible at specific times)
Season: end-May to mid-October
Local context: Other accommodations and food
services offered in nearby Advocate Harbour, 15
minutes away. Also in close proximity to Cape
Chignecto Provincial Park, Advocateʼs tidal
harbour and Nova Scotiaʼs only Fundy coast sea
kayaking company. In same region as Fundy
Geological Museum & Joggins UNESCO World
Heritage Site (1 hr).
Recommendations:
•
•
•
•
•
86
refresh outdoor interpretation panels,
perhaps add more panels on general tidal
effects to info kiosk
add chart for times during the tide cycle
when best riptide occurs (add seasonal tide
cycle)
regularly staff and train visitor information
kiosk about all three tidal effects
charge admission to the site for long-term
sustainability
consider developing or more strongly
promoting the Sinclair Trail to Advocate
Harbour for 4-wheeling & day hiking
3. South Maitland Tidal Interpretation Park
The South Maitland Tidal Interpretation Park is the
most market-ready and best-interpreted site
around the whole Bay of Fundy for experiencing a
tidal bore. The site consists of an interpretation
centre (which tells the full story ʻwhyʼ and ʻhowʼ
story of the Fundy tides), a wheelchair accessible
walking trail, visitor information, gift shop,
interpretation programs and a viewing deck. The
attraction is a current Bay of Fundy
Recommended Experience program participant.
The site currently charges a small admission fee.
Key tidal effects: Tidal bore & vertical tidal effects
Season: (staffed) mid-May to mid-October
Local context: minutes from popular tidal bore
rafting sites, minutes from Burncoat Head (site of
official recorded tides), near local accommodations
and restaurants, 20 min from provincial highway
.
Recommendations:
• improve wayfinding & site signage
• ensure funding available to deliver
reliable, daily interpretation at viewing
deck as well as in centre for the full
season
• add exterior tide FAQ interpretation panels
on viewing deck
• improve curb appeal (replace chain link
fence)
87
4. Halls Harbour
Wolfville, 30 minutes from other major natural
attractions: Cape Split, Cape Blomidon, Lookoff.
While there are many tidal harbours around the
bay in both provinces, Halls Harbour is the best
serviced, the best known, and the most marketready for the following reasons:
1. Only tidal harbour offering panel
interpretation of the tides.
2. Working tidal harbour with a cobble beach
for low tide walking.
3. Public eating areas (outdoor picnic tables
& restaurant).
4. Lobster pound with tours and takeout.
5. Accommodations and artisansʼ
studios/galleries in the village.
6. Public washrooms.
7. Experienced host to motor coach tour
hosting site (spring through fall).
There are no guided tide tours, but there is a
webcam on the harbour and a seasonal Fish
House Museum.
Key tidal effects: vertical tidal effect, some
horizontal beach
Recommendations:
•
•
•
add tidal interpretation tours
try to lure sea-kayaking company
encourage private sector operator to set
up boat tours to Cape Split
Season: mid-May to mid-October
Local context: within 30 to 45 minutes of additional
accommodations and services in Kentville and
88
Note that other tidal harbours around Bay of Fundy
(not as well serviced as Halls Harbour) are
included in the Section 8.2 - Viewpoints.
5. Bear River Tidal Estuary
Although Bear River is not the only tidal river on
Bay of Fundy, it is the one of the most accessible,
intriguing and well rounded. Low-tide views of
Bear Riverʼs tidal harbour reveal a quaint village
on stilts. The village has become a beacon for
artisan studios and related attractions (wineries,
cafes, and shops). Accommodations are available
in the village and nearby Digby. There is a visitor
information centre with public washrooms on the
riverfront, as well as a small park.
Key tidal effects: vertical & horizontal
Season: river is visible year-round, interpretation
could be seasonal or year-round
Recommendations:
• create interpreted walking trail/ lookoffs
and tours of riverfront
• add sense of arrival for tidal viewing
access
• add wayfinding signage to parking area
beside visitor centre (trail start)
• add publicly viewable tide chart indicating
times for dry vs. full harbour during the
tide cycle
• enhance downtown parking area
• attract adventure tourism operator
(kayaks?) to set up business at the
waterfront
Requirements to become market-ready:
•
•
•
identify local group to take on project
development
extended research on tidal estuary
needed
traffic & safety challenges (perhaps private
property issues) if roadside lookoffs are
created (although it is clear from tire
marks that people are pulling off to look at
the view)
If Bear River had the ability to offer staffed tours
from the waterfront location, it could become an
Interpretation Site for this network, otherwise, it
currently qualifies as a viewpoint (see section 8.2)
89
Heritage – Culture & Marine
There are several sites pertaining to the natural
and human history of the region that should be
considered for inclusion in this Bay of Fundy
themed network. They, too, have to meet
qualifying criteria to ensure that they ʻadd toʼ the
visitorsʼ experience and appreciation of the Bay of
Fundy.
Criteria for Natural & Human History sites
includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
thematic connection to Bay of Fundyʼs
natural history or human adaptation
offers staffed tours and interpretation
display areas
season: late May to mid-October
offers essential amenities: parking,
signage, and washrooms
close proximity to support services (food,
accommodation clusters)
website
Sites that do not meet the Interpretation Site
criteria should be evaluated for their suitability as
unstaffed trails or lookoffs (see sections 8.2. or
8.3).
90
1. Age of Sail
The Age of Sail Heritage Centre overlooking the
tidal Greville River pays tribute to the shipbuilding
and seafaring heritage of the communities along
the Minas Channel. Through interpretation panels,
tours, videos, models, artifacts and hands on
exhibits, the museum brings to life the history of
shipbuilding, lumbering and community.
Key Fundy experience:
• museum in an 1854 church
• local blacksmith shop
• 1908 lighthouse
• boat house
• tea room
Season: end- May to mid-October
Recommendations to become market-ready:
Age of Sail Centre
is market-ready.
2. Cobequid Interpretation Centre
This interpretation centre incorporates a World
War II watchtower, which was moved from the
shoreline when erosion threatened to drop it into
the Bay. The interpretation centre has displays
about the areaʼs natural and cultural history.
Key Fundy experience:
•
•
panoramic views of wide inter-tidal zone
interpretation of tides and other natural
features of the region
Season: June to October
Recommendations to become market-ready:
• guided tours to Thomas Cove
• longer season
• better interpretation of inter-tidal zone,
• clamming industry
• needs own website
• Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience
• Program
91
3. Glooscap Heritage Centre
4. Lawrence House Museum
This centre interprets Miʼkmaq history and culture
through displays, programs, demonstrations and
multi-media. Site hosts special events, group tours
and schools for educational activities.
The W.D. Lawrence, the largest full-rigged sailing
ship ever built in Canada, was launched in this
village in 1874. It was named for its builder and
owner, William D. Lawrence. The Museum, a
National Historic Site, was Lawrenceʼs home, built
in 1870, and it is dedicated to his memory and to
that of the great ship. The museum is located in
Maitland, the provinceʼs first Heritage
Conservation District. It is part of the Nova Scotia
Museum family of museums.
Season: year round
Key Fundy experience:
•
•
•
history of First Nations
Miʼkmaq legends of land use, tides and
coastal
formations
Key Fundy experience:
•
•
•
guided house and history tours
outdoor interpretation platform
panoramic view of Maitland inter-tidal
zone
Season: June 1 to October 15
Recommendations: currently market-ready
92
Recommendations: currently market-ready
5. Avon River Heritage Museum & Avon Spirit
Shipyard
Avon River Heritage Museum and Avon Spirit
Shipyard strive to recapture the art of shipbuilding,
which so dominated our coastal region. While the
museum specializes in the history of the Planters,
early settlers from New England, the shipyard is
involved in re-creating vessels from a variety of
eras. Most recently, an Acadian schooner is the
focus of construction.
Recommendations to become market-ready:
•
•
offer scheduled tours of the boathouse
extend the season
Key Fundy experience:
•
•
•
•
•
•
shipbuilding history through panels and
staff
ship reconstruction viewing
Avon River ecology interpretation
tea room
tidal harbour & waterfront park
bird watching
Season: mid-June to early October
93
6. Blue Beach Fossil Museum
Blue Beach Fossil Museum is a private museum
and public beach area near Hantsport. The area
is now recognized internationally as the earliest
known example of a terrestrial vertebrate
community.
In November 2009, a proposal was made for the
development of a new Blue Beach Fossil Museum.
Currently, the museum is housed on private
property in a Quonset hut with funding from visitor
donations.
This new development proposes a research
centre, tide viewing deck, and interpretation
museum to house and display 10 s of thousands
of fossils in the collection.
Recommendations to become market-ready:
Season: Mid-May to end October
•
Key Fundy experience:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
94
wheelchair accessible tidal beach
fossils older than Joggins complement the
existing fossil record of Fundy
great opportunity to bring the geology
story of
Fundy over to the valley side
funding to transform the site into the
proposed
attraction and research centre
improved facilities, signage, branding and
amenities that would come with this
transformation
7. Prescott House Museum
8. Historic Gardens (salt marsh)
This museum is a historic early 1800s home of
Charles Prescott, the originator of the apple
industry in Nova Scotia. Located at Starrs Point,
on the tidal Cornwallis River.
The Historic Gardens is a 17 acre horticultural
paradise located on a tidal river in historic
Annapolis Royal. Historically, themed areas of the
Gardens tell the story of a Nova Scotian
settlement from an agricultural and horticultural
perspective. This site includes a walking trail to
town along the riverʼs salt marsh. There is some
interpretation (text only) of the marsh and
dykelands.
Season: June 1 to October 15
Key Fundy experience:
• horticultural and agricultural history of the
• reclaimed (dyked) Bay of Fundy salt
marshes
Season: May to October (year round for walking)
Key Fundy
experience:
• indigenous
plants
• salt marsh
and dyking of
coast
Recommendations to become market-ready:
•
interpretation of dyked, reclaimed farm
land
Recommendations to
become market-ready:
• add pictorial interpretation panels to salt
marsh
• board walk (currently text only)
• promote the salt marsh habitat more as part of
the garden experience for visitors
95
96
8.2 Viewpoints
Viewpoints serve to create linkages and unify the Bay of Fundy region (in Nova Scotia), especially for touring
visitors. Their role goes beyond that of a rest stop. They reinforce the identity of the travel region, through a
graphic program; provide basic amenities between larger attractions and communities and focus on site-specific
themes, creating an interpretation framework for the area as a whole. In this respect (together with Interpretation
sites) they play a similar role to the Fundy Shore Ecotour.
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Standards
All viewpoints will be required to meet the following standards:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dept of transportation approved entrance
Class 1 gravel or paved parking (Suitable for motor-coach, travel trailer and/or minimum 8 cars)
Perimeter barrier
Appropriate landscaping to ensure view-planes are open and site is appropriately defined
Site has a clearly defined theme
Interpretation Kiosk or professionally designed outdoor interpretation panels
Safety fence or barrier as per standards (chain-link fence is not acceptable)
Designated organization or agency for maintenance
Recycling and garbage container(s)
Frequent, scheduled garbage removal
Annual painting and grading etc.
Where possible, although not a mandatory criteria, washroom facilities should be included within the development
plan for viewpoints.
These standards will be required in order to be included in Bay of Fundy themed wayfinding, orientation, touring
programs and literature.
Viewpoint Development Framework
The following framework begins at the Nova Scotia border and follows the coast of the Bay of Fundy to Cape St.
Marys. It includes existing and undeveloped sites. By in large, most of the existing sites (many are provincial day
parks) will need work done to bring them to a consistent and appropriate standard. Parks are highlighted in blue.
Note: Locations of “Anchor attractions” and Bay of Fundy interpretation sites are indicated for reference in the
right hand column of each table. However, to avoid confusion only viewpoint locations are shown on the attached
maps.
Amherst to Parrsboro (via Joggins and Advocate)
Distance
Amherst – Parrsboro
135.6 km
(via Joggins and Advocate)
Driving Time
3:23
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Distance (km
from
Amherst)
15.3
Existing
market-ready
Existing
needs work
Undeveloped
Key Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
Maccan - Tidal
Bore
32.7
50.5
65.6
86.0
Joggins
Shulie
Sand River
Cape Chignecto
(West Advocate)
86.0
Advocate Driftwood beach
96.0
96.3
109.8
113.4
Cape dʼOr
Spencers Island
Age of Sail Centre
Port Greville –
Shipyard look-off
Fox Point
119.2
Priorities:
•
•
•
Address infrastructure gap between Joggins and Advocate by developing a new viewpoint at
Shulie or Sand River. Land ownership and coastal access will determine the best site.
Advocate Beach requires improvements and adequate access must be provided to the beach
after new breakwater construction.
Upgrade sites at Nappan, Spencers Island, Port Greville and Fox Point.
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Parrsboro - Truro
Parrsboro - Truro
Distance
91.9
Viewpoint locations
Distance (km Existing-marketfrom
ready
Parrsboro)
0
3.0
6.0
24.8
41.0
75.0
Driving Time
1:26
Existing – needs
work
Proposed
Key Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
Fundy Geological Museum
First Beach
Partridge Island
Five Islands
Thomas Cove
MacElmonʼs
Pond
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Distance (km
from
Parrsboro)
89.0
Existing-marketready
Existing – needs
work
Proposed
Key Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
Tidal Bore
Viewing Site
(Truro)
Priorities:
•
•
•
•
Site options for Partridge Island be reassessed with possible relocation to the outer bar (adjacent
to the Island) considered.
There is a gap between Thomas Cove and Truro. The Provincial day use park at MacElmons
Pond could fill this gap but has no coastal orientation.
The regional partners should review this.
Upgrade Thomas Cove and Tidal Bore site.
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Truro – Windsor (via Maitland and Walton)
Truro – Windsor
via Maitland,
Burncoat Head,
Walton
Distance
144 km
Driving Time
2:57
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Viewpoint Locations
Distance (km Existing-marketfrom Truro)
ready
33.0
Existing – needs
work
Caddel Rapids
Proposed
26.5
Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
S Maitland
Maitland
43.5
Anthony Park
64.8
82.6
Walton
Burncoat Head
Cheverie
124
144
Avondale
St Croix River
Tidal Bore
Priorities
•
•
•
This region has two small but important tidal interpretation sites at South Maitland and Burncoat
as well as an interesting heritage site at Avondale.
Viewpoints at Maitland, Anthony Park and Walton fill gaps between these sites. All require some
upgrading and/or additional elements.
Caddel Rapids has significant potential although it is off the coastal route and requires
improvements. It is best seen as an off-site viewing area vis a vis South Maitland Tidal Bore
Interpretation (same is true of Tidal Bore Park).
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Windsor – Scots Bay (via Wolfville)
Windsor- Scots Bay
via Maitland,
Burncoat Head,
Walton
Distance
62.1 km
Driving Time
1:13
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Viewpoint Locations
Distance
Existing-market(km from
ready
Windsor)
Existing – needs
work
Proposed
Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
Ft Edward,
Windsor
20.0
Avonport
23.5
Grand Pre National
Historic Site
25.0
Evangeline
Beach
28.5
Wolfville
waterfront
48.2
Kingsport
53.0
Look-off
56.2
62.1
Cape Blomidon
Cape Split
Priorities
•
•
•
•
•
Upgrade sites at Windsor, Evangeline Beach and Kingsport.
Wolfville Waterfront is well developed and is an excellent location. Some additional interpretation
of salt marsh to dike-land would be added-value. It could be upgraded to an interpretation site in
the future.
Kingsport not only has potential to interpret history of ferry service but also tidal flats and
shorebird migration (Starrs Point)
Look-off is fully developed but needs interpretation. There is potential for an excellent
interpretation content illustrating the historic change of tidal areas to dyked farmland.
At Blomidon, the waterfront day-use area is largely developed but interpretation is needed.
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Wolfville – Annapolis (via Halls Harbour, Morden, Margaretsville)
Wolfville – Halls
Harbour
Wolfville - Annapolis
(Direct)
Wolfville–Annapolis
Via Morden,
Margaretsville, Port
George
Distance
31.1 km
Driving Time
42
116 km
1:19
162 km
3:39
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Viewpoint Locations
Distance (km Existing-marketfrom
ready
Wolfville)
31.1
Halls Harbour
Existing – needs
work
74.3
Proposed
Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
Morden/
French Cross
100.2
Cottage Cove
139
Valleyview
162
162
169
Historic Gardens
Fort Anne
Melanson
Settlement
(Nat Hist Site)
173.9
187.8
Port Royal
Victoria Beach
Priorities
•
•
•
•
•
While there is not a continuous drive along the Fundy Shore between Scots Bay and Port George
(parallel to the Annapolis Valley), a good option is shown in this report.
Development of the Morden site should interpret the story of Acadian refugees.
Cottage Cove and Valleyview are both provincial parks and have good facilities.
Victoria Beach has an interesting interpretation story of the Pony Express, is a pleasant day trip
from Annapolis and can be combined with a visit to Annapolis Royal.
There are several additional harbour communities in this region that were not listed as viewpoints
but are good stopping points. They include Baxters Harbour, Margaretsville and Parkers Cove.
These may be added to this framework at a later stage if there is sufficient local interest and they
meet all the marketing readiness criteria including the development of a unique and relevant
interpretation theme.
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Annapolis - Digby
Annapolis - Digby
Distance
37.2 km
Driving Time
32
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Viewpoint Locations
Distance (km
from
Annapolis)
8.5
28.5
26.5
Existing-marketready
Existing – needs
work
Proposed
Bay of Fundy
Interpretation Sites
Upper Clements
Wildlife Park
Bear River –
Waterfront Park
Smiths Cove
Look-off
37.2
Digby Waterfront
Priorities
•
•
Upper Clements Wildlife Park is being redeveloped and the new plan was not available. If the
park is opened as a recreational property it has potential for development of a picnic area and/or
trail system.
Bear River has excellent potential for interpretation, is a good side trip from Digby. Enhancements
needed for both Bear River and Smiths Cove.
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Digby- Brier Island/Cape St. Marys
Digby –Brier Island
Digby – Cape St.
Marys
Distance
69.4
74.5
Driving Time
2:11
1:04
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Proposed Viewpoint Locations
Distance (km
from Digby)
5 km
Existing-market-ready
Existing – needs
work
Proposed
Annapolis Basin
Look-off
49.5
58.2
East Ferry
Central Grove
Provincial Park
69.4
70.5
Freeport Ferry
North Head
Lighthouse
25.0
Savary Provincial
Park
37.9
Joseph et Marie
Dugas Park
Smugglers Cove
67.9
Priorities
•
•
•
•
•
•
Digby to Brier Island is a 2-hour drive. Several provincial day-use parks are useful as rest stops
and require only minor enhancements.
The two ferries are both points of interest and viewpoints as both locations are recommended.
Boreʼs Head Lighthouse on Long Island is probably the regionʼs most photographed lighthouse.
At Brier Island, the North Head Lighthouse is a popular viewpoint but requires upgrading.
If the Nature Conservancy trail system is developed as a key attraction (as mentioned), then it is
possible that several other scenic spots could be enhanced such as Western Light, Southern
Point/Big Cove and Pond Cove.
On the Acadian shore toward Cape St. Marys there are also two provincial day-use parks. In
addition, there is an excellent municipal interpretation park at Belliveau Cove.
Specific recommendations for each of the viewpoint sites are included in Appendix 2.
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8.3 Hiking Trails
The final component is a system of hiking trails to
complement the touring network of attractions and
viewpoints. They are self-guided and offer a
nature-based experience of the Bay of Fundy.
The trail network proposed includes excellent
coastal trails within the provincial Coastal Parks.
Cape Chignecto offers the most extensive trail
network and should be highlighted in promotions.
Cape Split and Blomidon also have good coastal
trails, while at Five Islands the coastal trails are
closed pending reconstruction. In addition, the
trails network proposed extends outside the
provincial parks throughout the region and
includes trails developed by other groups that
meet minimum standards and market readiness
criteria.
The focus in this section is on coastal trails and
other good quality hiking trails where visitors can
learn about the terrestrial landscape and ecology
of the Bay of Fundy region. Hiking trails are
generally considered to be trails
that have a minimum distance of 3 km. Longer
trails, including multi-day hikes, are included in the
network.
The following are criteria for inclusion in the
network:
Parking and trailhead standards
• Department of Transportationapproved entrance
• class 1 gravel or paved trailhead,
parking (suitable for motor-coach,
travel trailer and/or minimum 8 cars)
• perimeter barrier
• interpretive sign or kiosk
• toilet (pit or full washroom)
Trail design and construction standards
• includes features (waterfalls, lookouts, landforms etc)
• proper alignment on slopes
• includes designated viewpoints
• surfaced trail (inadequate drainage is
not acceptable)
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Management and maintenance
• organization or agency responsible for
maintenance
• contingency plan or partnership with local search
and rescue
• daily garbage removal
• annual painting, grading. etc.
• annual trail sweep
Nearly all the trails idenfied as best trails around the Bay of Fundy need upgrading to meet the above
standards. Key recommendations are noted in the chart. As sites are enhanced and upgraded, details
pertaining to maintenance and management of the sites will need to be determined between local groups,
municipalities, and possibly land owners.
113
Coastal & Wilderness Hiking Trails
location
Amherst
Point Bird
Sanctuary
pk entra interp toilet landscape beach
trail
nce
needed access dist
30
y
y
n
n
n
5 km
Cape
Chignecto
100
y
y
y
n
y
Cape dʼOr
30
y
y
y
n
y
Wards Falls
20
y
n
n
n
n
highlights
recommendations
433 ha wildlife area, add toilet facilities
trails, bird watching,
improve
affiliated with John
wayfinding
Lusby Marsh as part of
Chignecto National
Wildlife Area
45 km 4200-ha coastal park, add beach access
600 ft cliffs, 29 km
to Eatonville tidal
coast, old growth
estuary
forest, coves, ravines,
wilderness camping,
geology, rock
formations
3 km
two short trails along create website or
top of sea cliffs, good add trail info to
views
website, link to
Sinclair Trail in
Advocate Harbour
8 km
wilderness trail along upgrade
flat valley floor. good interpretive
for hiking and cycling signage on this
large waterfall, 10 foot site, add toilets
bridges, caves
114
location
Partridge
Island
pk entra interp toilet landscape beach trail
nce
needed access dist
60+
y
y
seas
onal
n
Two Islands
4
y
y
n
n
Five Island
Provincial
Park
50+
y
n
y
y
Thomas
Cove
12
y
y
n
n
Kenomee
Trails
30
y
y
y
n
highlights
recommendations
drive on 5 km
walkout
tidal beaches, working improve
fish weir, hike atop
wayfinding
island, salt marsh
signage, add weir
hiking, community
interp, add toilets
museum, interp panels
long 5 km
geological discovery redo panel, add
path
site, wide low tide
tidal info, add
intertidal zone to
toilets, tide
explore, guided hikes schedule
with Fundy Geo
Museum
y
14 km 637-ha, 300 ft cliffs,
reconstruct
woodland trails
damaged coastal
(coastal trail closed), trail, improve
good low tide walking, interp and
90 campsites, rock
wayfinding
formations, tidal
signage
islands, bird watching
y
8 km
two trails (4 km each) add tide info, add
total
broad intertidal zone, tide warnings, tide
sandstone ledges,
times, geology
cliffside hiking
interpretation
n
28 km hilltop lookout to
maintain road
intertidal zone near
access
entrance, 3 wilderness
trails, ravine hiking,
waterfall, interesting
geo features
115
location
Cobequid
Trail
pk entra interp toilet landscape beach
nce
needed access
30
y
n
n
n
n
Miʼkmawey 20
Debert Trail
y
y
n
n
n
Wolfville
dykelands
20
y
y
n
n
y
Blomidon
100 y
y
y
n
y
trail
dist
highlights
recommendations
14 km Walking & cycling
better trailhead
multi-use trail along
signage, more
Salmon River, features prominence in
Acadian dykes, forest, provincial tourism
river ecology, 6
advertising, more
sections of trail in
interpretation
Truro and along river
with various entrances
4.4 km interpretive trail
add toilet,
illustrating significance improve
of site to Miʼkmaq,
wayfinding
national historic site
designation (not
serviced)
12 km excellent walking on mark trail and add
dykes along tidal river, trail orientation
access points from
map, work out
Port Williams &
private property
Wolfville waterfront
issues
14 km 750-ha park, 600 ft
more
high cliffs, tidal beach, interpretation of
rock hunting, 70
tidal effects and
campsites, several
geology
coastal and woodland
hiking trails
116
location
Cape Split
pk entra interp toilet landscape beach
nce
needed access
20
n
n
n
n
y
Delaps Cove 15
y
y
y
n
n
French Basin 12
Trail
y
y
n
n
n
Central
Grove Trail
10
y
n
y
n
trail
dist
highlights
recommendations
16 km woodland and coastal
linear hiking, quite
rough in spots, views
of tidal rips and rock
formations at end,
beach access needs
improving
7 km
two coastal/woodland
trails, 1 access road
connecting, beachside
waterfall
y
build tread, add
interpretation
centre, parking,
toilets, safe
viewing decks,
beach access,
other amenities
improve access
road quality, add
wayfinding
signage to site
from Parkers
Cove, add more
trail signage
1.5 km Ducks Unlimited short this section
loop trail attached to market-ready
longer rail corridor that except for toilets,
runs up entire valley fr rail corridor
Annapolis Royal
largely unsigned
3.2 km shore from provincial trail needs to be
park picnic site to
reviewed and
shoreline.
stepping-stones
Provides needed
added where it is
coastal access.
prone to flooding.
117
location
pk entra interp toilet landscape beach
nce
needed access
Northeast
Cove
12
y
y
n
y
y
Balancing
Rock
15
y
y
y
y
n
Fundy Trail
to Beautiful
Cove
10
y
y
seas
onal
n
y
trail
dist
highlights
unknow series of interpretive
n
panels all around the
cove, good low tide
beach, not set up for
walking trail, small
parking lots for each
sign
4.8 km trail leads to the
Balancing rock basalt
formation. There is an
excellent coastal
viewing, stairway and
platform.
3 km
recommendations
develop or
encourage
walking from
panel to panel
trail needs to be
reviewed and
stepping-stones
added where it is
prone to flooding.
Some
landscaping
needed at the
trailhead.
interpreted trail with
needs trail
panels and lookoffs,
upgrades in some
leads to Bay of Fundy sections, not well
side
advertised (no
website
presence)
118
Location
pk entra interp toilet landscape beach
nce
needed access
Brier Island,
Northwest
Head/Seal
Cove
30
n
n
n
y
n
Brier Island
circumnavigation
trail
40
n
n
n
n
n
trail
dist
highlights
recommendations
unknow shoreline trail from
n
Northwest Head
lighthouse along shore
to Seal cove. Bird and
marine mammal
observation
trail-tread needs
to be constructed
and trail markers
set out.
Orientation panel
needed
Toilets
15- 20 opportunity to link up trail-tread needs
km
various trails and
to be constructed
(est)
Nature Conservancy and trail markers
trails to circumnavigate set out.
the island.
Orientation panel
needed
Map of trails
Toilets
* note: there are many shorter trails and potential trails on Digby Neck, Long and Brier Islands, such as:
Boars Head Light, French Beach Point, Red Head, Gullivers Cove, Sandy Cove. Many of these trails are
currently ʻknown to localsʼ and are unsigned and undeveloped. Some cross private property.
* other Brier Island trails owned by Nature Conservancy covered other sections of this report.
119
Identity Program
9. Identity Program
9.1 Wayfinding and Identity
9.2 Entry Concept
The wayfinding and identity program has an extremely
important role in defining the Bay of Fundy region, helping
to create the allure and sense of place that will develop a
long-term and sustainable growth in visitation. The
purpose of a wayfinding and identity program can be
stated as follows:
• provide directions
• reinforce the identity of the region
• unify and link the region
Gateway Entry
The report provides an option for a main entry point at
Joggins. During stakeholder input sessions there was
some uncertainty about the value of this component. The
report suggests that, due to the recent development of a
UNESCO site at Joggins, there is value to a significant
entry project. Therefore, an option for the Joggins entry
should be considered. An increasing number of visitors
enter at this location and the arrival at the community
would benefit from visual enhancement. The entry point
would influence awareness and may act as an intercept for
visitors who make day trips to Joggins from other parts of
Atlantic Canada (in particular, from Moncton).
Wayfinding Definition
Signs, maps, and other graphic or audible methods used
to convey location and directions to travelers; also written
as wayfinding. Etymology: coined in 1960 by urban
planner/architect Kevin Lynch. Wayfinding signage should
“lead” visitors to the various destination points and identify
those points when they are there. A common theme or
identifying image should be selected and used throughout,
varying only the size/type of sign being used.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Route 236 at South Maitland (westbound)
Route 215 at Tidal Bore park (northbound)
Route 215 at Newport Landing
(eastbound)
Route 14 at Windsor (northbound)
Route 1 at Wolfville (westbound)
Route 358 at Canning (northbound)
Route 12 at Kentville (northbound)
Route 8 at Annapolis (northbound)
Route 1 at Digby (eastbound)
The above entry concept is for illustration purposes only.
Other entry points will have entry signs as shown. These
should be positioned at key entry points including the
following:
•
•
Route 2: 10 km north of Parrsboro
(southbound)
Route 2 at Glenholme (westbound)
sample sign concept
121
The current signs on 100 series highways should be
reviewed and the Bay of Fundy concept consistently
applied at all major entry points on the 100 series highway
including Amherst, Masstown, Truro and Windsor.
Route Markers
Route markers should be positioned to establish and
reinforce a sense of place throughout the Bay of Fundy
region as defined in Section 1 of this report.
The purpose of route markers is to provide recognition that
the visitor is on a designated route and to indicate direction
of specific sites and attractions. The proposed concept(s)
for the route marker/sign is shown in the following
illustration.
Route markers should identify the following:
• anchor attractions
• interpretive sites
• viewpoints
• hiking trails
• activity areas (rafting, whale watching)
Route (or directional) markers should be located at all
intersections as well as at reentry point for each anchor
attraction (where entry or access roads rejoin principle
routes). Markers located at intersections will indicate
anchor attractions within 50 km, interpretive sites within 20
km and viewpoints within 10 km. In addition site locator
markers will be located.
• 5 km (prior to each site)
• 0.5 km (prior to each site)
sample sign concept
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Route markers are modularized to allow directional
information to be added. Technical specifications are as
follows:
•
•
•
sign panel and landscape features including boulders and
planting.
suggested dimensions of main sign: 24" square
other components based on a derivative of
that...e.g. 24" wide by 16" and 8" in height.
standards must be worked out at a final phase to
ensure consistency with DOT provincial tourism
standards.
Site Specific Entry Signs
Site-specific entry signs have been developed as a
hierarchy of sizes to identify sites and site features ranging
from a gateway entry, interpretive site entry and viewpoint
locations. Materials would be manufactured panels
suitable for a text message and in some applications
applied with a landscaped feature including boulders
and/or plants.
Anchor Site Signs: are designed for large interpretive
facilities that provide a range of interpretation and
programming. Identifying them, as “anchor” sites will allow
development to continue in a logical and predictable
manner. Signage would be a mix of constructed “iconic”
The entry sign concept shown here is for illustrative
purposes only.
123
Interpretation Site Signs are lower in the hierarchy than
Anchor Site signage. They are identified by the
“iconographic” marker shape with an additional panel
listing site name. Could be simply landscaped depending
upon the actual location.
Viewpoints: Signage-identifying viewpoints would be
located at entry roads to viewpoints. The simplest “icon”
form would be used for secondary interpretation sites
described in 8.1 that meet specified market readiness
criteria.
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Cost factors:
•
•
•
The estimated cost of the "gateway" concept
would be in the range of $10-15,000 to design and
build plus landscaping costs. For reference, a
regular sized billboard would cost approx $25,000
to $30,000 and solar light can add approx $7,000
An entry sign for an anchor attraction sign would
be in the range of $7,000.
Estimated costs for route markers are
approximately $500 ea. Installed.
125
9.3 Orientation
An orientation component is proposed to highlight and
explain the tidal message and to cross-promote and link
the various interpretive sites throughout the region. This
will be specific to individual anchor sites, particularly those
with a coastal or tidal orientation. This report recommends
that this be applied to the three tidal and marine sites as
well as the two geological sites. If deemed appropriate
they could be used at the National Historic Sites as well.
Arriving at the parking lot, trailhead, or foyer/lobby of the
site, the visitor would encounter a welcome/orientation
panel. The overriding message (consistent at all sites) is:
Welcome to the Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone – the Lowest
Tides in the World.
There are three main elements to the orientation panel:
a) Tide Time: (What Tide is it Now?)
A digital tide clock shows the time to low and high tides at
this site. e.g.
1h 20 min 15 seconds to Low Tide
7h 50 min 15 sec to High Tide
The tide time display could also include a more ʻtypicalʼ
round clock-face tide clock (of the type likely to be
encountered in local restaurants and accommodations), or
an image of the same, however the digital display would
be essential for the ʻquick and dirtyʼ visitor.
A tidal variation ʻclockʼ could also be included here; it
would give a graphical representation of where the tide is
now, in terms of approximate number of feet/metres above
and below mid-tide. A graphic of ʻstick figureʼ people
standing on each otherʼs shoulders would be used along
one side to convey the extreme tidal variation in terms of
ʻpeople-heightsʼ (where a childʼs height is simply half that
of an adults). A tide-timed ʻliquidʼ (e.g. antifreeze, or a
simple sheet of blue acetate) would rise and fall with the
actual time of the tide.
Accompanying interpretive information (to the extent it is
required) would explain generally the following key
messages:
• what a tide is
• magnitude
• why ours is the biggest in the world
• how to calculate where you are in the tide cycle
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b) Site specific: e.g. How Low Can You Go? (Five Islands)
Tidal experience-related content that is specific to the host
site would be included in this portion of the orientation
kiosk. For example:
Here at Five Islands Provincial Park, you can walk
on the bottom of the sea at low tide. Some
people even jog around the island. Explore. But
keep an eye on the tide time. Itʼs not a tsunami, or
even a big wave, but X feet (Y metres) of water will
rise quickly… Make sure you visit the XYZ (and if
you do, get your [travel program] stamped back at
the gate) [or similar].
Text such as this would be accompanied by site-specific
images (e.g. from the Not Since Moses Run) that relate to
the tidal aspect of the site. Even where the primary story
of the attraction/site is non-tidal (e.g.
fossils/geology/history), the orientation kiosk would make
the link back to tide – by telling how something was
discovered at low tide; explaining how huge tidal variation
contributes to shoreline erosion/fossil discovery; showing
how people in history dealt with or took advantage of the
tide in this area; etc.
This part of the kiosk/panel could also include a tip to visit
the same place or viewpoint twice, once at high tide, once
at low (e.g. walk out on the mudflat at low tide, go eat a
lobster dinner, come back a few hours later and see how
far the water has come).
c) Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone: Going Tidal
At indoor locations, the wall of the kiosk/portion of the
panel would include an interactive touch screen based
on a map of the region. Information on specific operators,
amenities, activities, and so on, would be included here
and would be continually updated. This would be the same
content as on the website.
At outdoor locations, the display would consist of a map of
the Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone, including an inset blow up of
this immediate area. Activity hubs would be shaded in
different colours (fading out, no edges) for e.g.: rafting,
history, geology, whales, and agritourism. An
accompanying tourism guide could be picked up here or at
related indoor sites.
The key message here is ʻwhat to doʼ and ʻwhere to do it,ʼ
(e.g. for whales, go to Digby; for rafting, go to S. Maitland,
127
for geology, go to Joggins/Parrsboro, etc.). It should also
be clear from this map where you are relative to the other
activities in the Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone.
Online (website/downloads)
•
Website (ʻlureʼ; with introductory info, basic facts,
gorgeous pictures), clearinghouse for
activity/accommodation/meals/services, info and
links.
•
Downloadable (and fun) GPS-based mobile app
that works out tide times, locations, ʻthings to do,ʼ
and ʻfun(dy) factsʼ (kid-friendly).
•
Downloadable podcasts for each hub area within
the Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone with information,
history and stories of the place. These should be
local voices, inviting the visitor into their region,
giving hot tips on ʻfavoriteʼ places, and a personal
ʻfeelingʼ about how the tide affects their life (living
life on ʻtide timeʼ). This fits with the overall ʻvibeʼ of
the Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone (people are local,
friendly, welcoming; there are lots of things to do)
In the community
Orientation toolkits would be distributed to all
tourism-related businesses within the ʻtidal zoneʼ
(so that they are like a ʻliving orientation kioskʼ).
This is to foster buy-in to the idea that there is a
Bay of Fundy Tidal Zone, so that this message is
consistently marketed by local businesses.
The toolkits would include: the Bay of Fundy Tidal
Zone map (with coloured theme areas) – this
could even be a mounted panel for them to
display; information on the key highlights and
visitor sites/attractions; a tide clock for the
business to display prominently; the travel
program.
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9.4 Bay of Fundy– Travel Program Concept
Tide and Seek would be a tide-themed Bay of Fundy
scavenger hunt. It can be downloaded from the Bay of
Fundy Tidal Zone website; or picked up at one of the tidal
zone attractions, the visitor information centres, or at the
tidal zone businesses.
More interactive than a travel passport, and less
technology-dependent than a geocaching program, Tide
and Seek could coax visitors to explore the tidal zone
region, while at the same time connecting them always to
the central theme: tide.
The program would have two goals:
•
•
encourage visitors to travel engage in tidal
experiences
immerse and educate the visitor in the tidal cycle,
the time and frequency of the tide.
Seeking tidal experiences
The ʻitemsʼ to be collected on this scavenger hunt are
experiences, for example:
•
•
•
•
•
•
witness each of the tidal bores
accumulate 50 meters of low tide (walk out at low
tide in designated locations)
listen to the voice of the moon
find the place with the highest recorded tides in the
world
hike to Cape Split
solve the mystery of the disappearing tide
These ʻitemsʼ could be as simple or complex as desired,
ideally with a mixture of easy and hard. When the ʻhunterʼ
has completed a task, they get their booklet stamped at
the relevant tidal zone attraction or amenity. In some
cases, the activity can be ʻself-stampingʼ (e.g. Burncoat
Head), where the stamp is attached to an interpretive
panel or lookoff sign. The ʻstampsʼ can be custom-made
punch-outs, stickers, or self-inking rubber stamps that are
somehow thematically connected to the attraction/activity
to be achieved.
The scavenger hunt could be marketed as a ʻchallengeʼ
with three classes of winners:
• a hard-to-achieve ʻfirstʼ (gets all the stamps) that
can win, for example, a collectible Fundy Tidal
Zone t-shirt that is beautifully designed and funky.
129
This would not be available for purchase, and would
serve as marketing for the area and for the challenge.
Alternative types of prizes could be a tide clock, or Fundy
water bottle, etc.
• an easier-to-attain ʻsecondʼ (for e.g. gets 15 out of
20 activity stamps) with a lesser prize
• a relatively easy ʻthirdʼ
Everyone who participates could be entered in a draw (for
e.g. for a return trip to the area), which would create
motivation (and build a customer database).
Where appropriate, some activities on the scavenger hunt
list could be ʻsponsoredʼ with sponsoring attractions
contributing to a fund for prizes. This is particularly relevant
where the ʻto doʼ is some kind of tidal activity that requires
an operator (e.g. ʻride the tideʼ), and the travel program is
effectively providing them with advertising.
The tide cycle component would involve simple tidecalculator. The passport would include a sliding scale that
would determine the phase in the tide cycle. Users would
set the time and date to calculate the height of the tide.
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10. Conclusion
10.1 Conclusions and Implementation
Guidelines
The recommendations of this report are designed
to increase tourism in the Bay of Fundy region by
accomplishing a number of objectives:
1. Enhance or create awareness of Nova
Scotiaʼs Bay of Fundy within the broad
tourism market place.
2. Attract visitors to the region. (the lure)
3. Keep visitors in the region.
4. Encourage visitors to explore and promote
touring.
The Bay of Fundy (The Attraction)
A strong and well-defined identity will enhance or
create awareness of the region as a tourism
destination. The attraction is the Bay of Fundy as
an overall phenomena and nature tourism
experience. The Bay of Fundy identity would be
the “destination” that visitors recognize in the
tourism promotions.
Anchors
Anchors are the lure. They are attractions that
have significant potential to bring new visitors to
Nova Scotia. Anchors should be sites that can
offer significant and extraordinary experiences and
have potential to draw 50,000 visitors annually.
These attractions should be of a caliber to be seen
as unique, “must see” sites by prospective visitors
both from within Canada and internationally.
Experiential Tidal Anchor Attractions
Tidal anchor sites must offer phenomenal and
dynamic tidal experiences that exceed the
expectations of visitors and the perception that the
Bay of Fundy is a landscape where they can see
the record-breaking tides. These sites must lure
experience-seeking visitors by providing unique
tidal activities.
Bay of Fundy Interpretation Sites
Interpretation sites keep visitors in the region
longer. Along with the activity and adventure
themes, they give visitors more things to do and to
learn about by providing a complete natural and
cultural interpretation of the region.
Trails
Trails diversify the product and also keep visitors
in the region longer. They fit the desires of the
traveler who seeks to explore the ecosystem of the
region.
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Viewpoints
Viewpoints consist of amenities and coastal
stopping points that fill in the gaps between the
interpretation sites. Their purpose is to encourage
visitors to tour the region.
10.2 Implementation Framework
Coordination and Planning
It is recommended that the steering committee
form a task force to oversee implementation.
The goal of the task force should be to coordinate,
set timelines and check in with each regional
partner.
Suggested membership/resources for a task force
include 5 people: 2 provincial, 2 regional and
(ideally) 1 industry or non-affiliated.
Development of Anchor Attractions
Development of new anchor attractions will require
funds and time. However, they are key to gaining a
higher profile. The task force should work with
regional partners to:
• set timelines for development
• enter into discussions regarding
partnerships (include RDAs as
appropriate)
review and provide agreement on
development components, budget and
schedule
•
Identity Program
The long term goal for the identity program should
be to establish a consistent identity or theme
throughout the Bay of Fundy region. Tasks or
steps will include:
1. Approve graphics that can be used
consistently throughout the Bay of Fundy
region. If images are not constant, then
colours and type style should be. It is the
recommendation of this report that “Bay of
Fundy” be the consistent name
throughout.
2.
Provide graphic standards for
interpretation sites and viewpoints as
follows:
a. Site identification signs to be
installed in visible locations at
the entrance to each site.
b. Locator signs (minimum 6 for
each interpretation site, and 4
for each viewpoint).
3. Approve concept for entry sign and
implement at key entry points throughout.
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Market Readiness
Review and monitor market readiness standards
and benefit package for interpretation sites, trails,
and viewpoints.
Evaluate interpretation sites according to market
readiness standards, prioritize and set goals for
development.
Prioritize viewpoint locations, evaluate according
to market readiness standards and prepare goals,
schedule, and development plan.
Placement of wayfinding signage will also need to
be planned and organized.
In the long term, each site will have to be attached
to a group that has the capacity and willingness to
manage the site. Site management could include
tasks such as: regular garbage removal, parking
lot grading, painting, infrastructure maintenance
and monitoring, seasonal removal and
replacement of panels, scheduling of pit privy
pumping, and privy cleaning and stocking. A small
budget will be required to achieve normal tasks at
each site.
Similarly, prioritize hiking trail locations as per the
criteria provided in this report.
Set criteria and plans for signage according to
graphic standards as indicated above.
Site Maintenance
In order to sustain the sites developed in this
report, long-term partners for site maintenance will
need to be identified. Such partners could include
a mix of local groups (hiking groups, boards of
trade, community development groups), municipal
and regional organizations. Firstly, each site will
need a local sponsoring organization to help it
access funds and develop its identity according to
the guidelines. This could include the development
of parking, visitor amenities, viewing platforms,
ramps, and railings in the construction phase.
The author of this report believes that there is
potential for substantial growth in tourism numbers
to the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia.
Certainly, there is evidence from New Brunswick
that tourism growth focused around well-rounded
Bay of Fundy experiences can approach the
visitation numbers of a National Park (such as
visitation to Hopewell Rocks). Given the
phenomenal quality and accessibility of the Bay of
Fundy coastline in Nova Scotia, it is believed that,
with the enhancement of several key assets in this
province, visitation can be significantly increased
and can ultimately make a valuable contribution to
the Provinceʼs tourism future.
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Appendix 2: Viewpoint Site Recommendations
Bay of Fundy Market Readiness Assessment
Viewpoint locations (no beach access)
location
pk
entrance interp
signs
y
y
y
?
toilet
recommendations
Nappan Tidal Bore
River Hebert Tidal Bore
15
Shulie
no
n
n
n
y
tidal estuary, coastal view
Sand River
no
n
n
n
y
salt marsh, tidal estuary
Advocate beach
10
y
n
n
y
Cape dʼOr
20
Y
Y
Y
N
long driftwood beach, view
Cape Chignecto & Cape dʼOr
headland
Lighthouse, Tidal rip, cliff
path to lookoff, cliff warning signs,
scapes, views of Cape Split. parking
Spencerʼs Island
20
y
y
restrnt
n
Port Greville
8
y
y
n
n
Fox Point
10
y
y
n
y
Black Rock
5
n
n
n
y
Parrsboro Harbour
30
y
y
restrnt
y
94
n
n
landsc
highlights
needed
n
view of tidal bore
n
view of tidal bore
panoramic view of upper
bay, Spencerʼs Island
shipbuilding site
view of tidal estuary, old
wharf, Cape Split
panoramic view of tidal
estuary, coast, Cape Split
site of tidal turbine demo,
view of narrowest section of
Fundy, & Cape Split
some tidal interp panels,
good vertical & horizontal
tidal effects, quick bore-like
wave at certain times in tide
cycle
better entry sign
better entry sign, landscaping, bore
schedule
create day-use area here or at Sand
River
part of proposed new Cumberland
Wilderness proposal to add to
Chignecto Game Sanctuary
add tidal interpretive panel
better entry sign, interpretive panel
better entry sign
fix fence, update interp panel, sign path
to beach, fix approach road potholes
interpretation, parking, tide info,
wayfinding signage
post tide times, interpret wave
Appendix 2: Viewpoint Site Recommendations
location
5 Islands - Broderick
pk
entrance interp
signs
100+
n
n
field
toilet
landsc
highlights
recommendations
needed
n
n
panoramic view intertidal
add tidal interpretive panel
zone & 5 Islands, historic
lighthouse
n
y
mountain view of coast, 2
signed & interpreted pull off area
islands, 5 islands, Cobequid
Escarpment
y
n
tower view of horizontal tides more interpretation of tidal effects
in Economy
(current interp is history/ecology)
y/n
y
2 locations, view of tidal bore better outdoor interpretation permanent signs with bore description
and tide times
N
y
provincial day-use park with add interpretation. Remove chain link
views of tidal bore. Can be fence, add steps to viewing platform.
viewed from S Maitland.
Y
Y
provincial park with shore
add Tidal Interpretation
access and views of the
upper Minas Basin
n
n
historic lighthouse,
improve signage, add more interp
panoramic view of horizontal panels, improve curb appeal at Route
tidal zone
215
restrnt
y
sandy beach, good intertidal tide interpretation and schedule
zone width, easy access
Economy Mountain
no
n
n
Cobequid Interp Centre
20
y
y
Truro Tidal Bore
20
y
y
Caddel Rapids
20
Y
n
Anthony Provincial Park
20
Y
?
Walton Lighthouse
18
y
y
Cheverie Beach
8
n
n
St Croix River Tidal Bore
no
n
n
n
n
Windsor VIC, Fort Edward
30
y
n
y
n
Hantsport Wharf
no
n
n
n
y
Avonport Viewpoint
?
?
?
?
?
viewing of tidal bore from
interp signage, schedule, proper
farm or Mantua Bridge
roadside parking needed
walk along dykes overlooking add interpretive panels re: tidal marsh
tidal marsh
good high/low tide wharf but add parking, welcome signage, interp
in industrial setting (Gypsum panels (if, in fact, they want tourists in
wharf - factory & chain link this area)
fence)
excellent views of Minas
Improved wayfinding
Basin and Blomidon
95
Appendix 2: Viewpoint Site Recommendations
location
pk
Evangeline Beach
30
Wolfville Harbour
10
Delhaven
2
Medford Beach
no
Kingsport
30
The Lookoff
20
Port Williams bridge
10
y
y
n
y
Baxterʼs Harbour
10
n
n
n
n
Harbourville
30
y
y
restrnt
y
96
entrance interp toilet
landsc
highlights
signs
needed
y
y
restrnt
y
broad intertidal zone, muddy
beach, feeding grounds for
sandpipers in July, private
property, campground &
canteen onsite
y
y
n
n
tidal harbour in town links to
dyke trails
n
n
n
n
good vertical tide harbour,
access at public wharf,
working wharf, not much
parking
n
n
n
y
bench view, dead end road,
canʼt see best rock
formations, Views of
shorebird habitat
y
y
y
y
boat launch, sandy beach,
broad intertidal zone, boat
launch, summer eatery
n
n
n
y
panoramic view, dyked farm
lands, tidal coast
recommendations
current interp panel about birds, add
tidal interpretation
sign and promote dyke trails as if they
are accessible to public
designate public parking, attraction
signage (may have been tried before
with Kings Tourism)
beach access if possible to sandstone
formations
panels are mostly historical, add tidal
panel
more interpretation of tidal aspects that
can be viewed from site, inc info on
dyking
add interpretive panel
accessible site for vertical
tidal effect, access to dyke
trails
low tide beach, wharf, rock orientation sign about tides & tide safety
formations, beach waterfall,
view of Cape Split
working tidal harbour, fishing add tidal interpretive panel
boats, restaurant, historical
panels (above village)
Appendix 2: Viewpoint Site Recommendations
location
pk
entrance interp
signs
y
y
Morden (French Cross)
10
Margaretsville
12
Y
Hampton
Parkers Cove
10
20
n
n
Victoria Beach
4
n
Gullivers Cove
6
n
East Ferry
6
n
Boars Head Light
8
y
Freeport Ferry
8
n
Western Light
Northern Light
20
12
n
y
toilet
landsc
highlights
recommendations
needed
n
y
Acadian interp plaque,
add tide & geology panel
panoramic beach access,
basalt shoals, view of fish
weir, Isle Haute
Y
y
y
public pit privvies
add tidal interpretation
(abandoned?), nice
lighthouse, easy access
n
n
n
double tidal wharves
add tidal interpretation
n
n
y
tidal wharf, fish market in
add tidal interpretive
downtown, shipbuilders
architecture, cove
n
n
y
Fishing wharf, Digby gut
add tidal interpretation
views, Poney Express
interpretation
some
n
y
Basalt Headlands, trails, wind add geological /tidal interpretation
turbines, salt marsh, interp
panels (historical)
n
restrnt
y
ferry waiting area - tidal
add interpretive panel re: tidal currents
currents between islands
n
n
y
lighthouse, unmarked coastal sign & develop trails
trails
n
restrnt
y
ferry waiting area - tidal
add interpretive panel re: tidal currents
currents between islands
n
n
y
lighthouse, trail access
better trail signage & interpretation
n
n
y
lighthouse,coastal trail to Seal better trail signage & interpretation
Cove
97
Acknowledgements:
This Interpretation and Development Plan for the Bay of Fundy was made possible with the generous support of:
The Project Steering Committee
Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture & Heritage
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Parks Division
The Glenn Group
Ideas Unlimited
Individuals who submitted responses
This document has been formatted for 2-sided printing in the interest of environmental practices.