Actor James Tupper Becomes Bay of Fundy Ambassador - January 18, 2010 press release (English) and (French)
Bay of Fundy Declared Top 28 Finalist in Global New7Wonders of Nature Contest - July 21, 2009 press release (English) and (French)
June 2009 Launches "Twisiter Centre" on Twitter - Prospective and current visitors to the Bay of Fundy can now connect 'live' through Twitter to a destination expert to get trip information. Bay of Fundy "Twisitor's Centre" now open twiiter.com/bayoffundy
The Bay of Fundy has been compared in marine biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest. In addition to having the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy achieved nominee status in the New7Wonders contest for these globally significant features:
Bay of Fundy was the only site in the Maritimes (and one of only 5 sites in Canada) nominated to participate in the New7Wonders contest.
UNESCO Recognition For Bay of Fundy - The upper Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick was recently designated as a Biosphere Reserve for its dedication to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable economic development. On July 7, 2008, Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are two other UNESCO applications in the works: 1. Saint John, New Brunswick, is researching the opportunity of becoming North America's first UNESCO Geopark, and, 2. Grand Pre National Historic Site is working through the process of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cuisine & Wine Meet On Fundy Shores - The Bay of Fundy has long been known for its splendid contributions to the culinary world: Digby scallops, smoked salmon, fresh lobster and fish, dulse, cheeses, fiddleheads, and a full spectrum of fresh produce served up at farm markets all around the bay. In addition to being the home of Canada’s oldest chocolatery, Ganong’s, the Fundy region can now add fine wines to its menu: the Bay’s climate and soil are perfectly suited to wine making. The Fundy region now boasts eight wineries, including Grand Pre Winery in historic Annapolis Valley and Waterside Blueberry Winery near Hopewell Rocks.
Environmental Awards Rain on Fundy - Several Bay of Fundy tourism attractions can now prove they don’t just talk the talk when it comes to protecting the environment. In early 2008, Kingsbrae Garden (NB) received top honours in the Project Evergreen Canada Stewardship Award and Cape Chignecto Provincial Park(NS) won a Globe & Mail/Parks Canada National Award for sustainability best practices from the Canadian Tourism Commission. The new Interpretation Centre at Joggins Fossil Cliffs has been built to LEEDS standards, with features including solar power and an on-site wind turbine.
Coastal Hiking Gets Better And Better - The Bay of Fundy’s longtime cornerstone of coastal hiking experiences, Fundy National Park (Alma, NB), is perfectly complemented by two other world class hiking destinations: Cape Chignecto Provincial Park (Advocate, NS) and the Fundy Trail (St Martins, NB). Cape Chignecto features 18 miles of pristine coastline, including some of the region’s most outstanding geological features, 600 foot high cliffs, coastal rock formations, a raised beach and old growth forests. A summer 2008 expansion includes 5 kilometers of new trails, viewing platforms and an ‘off grid’ interpretation centre. Twenty-four miles long the Fundy Trail opens up previously unreachable coastal areas of incomparable natural beauty, while responsibly preserving and protecting the area’s ecological balance. The Fundy Trail is wheelchair-friendly coastal access network which includes a low-speed auto parkway with scenic lookouts, a pedestrian/bicycle trail, footpaths to beaches and river estuaries, and an interpretive centre.
Ethical Whale Watching in Fundy Bay - Over 15 species of whales, including the rare Northern Right whale, congregate annually in the Bay of Fundy’s “aquarium without walls”. Fundy whale watch tour companies follow a strict Code of Ethics which ensures safe and educational whale tours. Whale watch companies also enthusiastically assist whale scientists with whale research by recording whale sightings and cataloguing data. To assist with whale research, visitors can participate in monitoring and can “Adopt a Whale” through a sponsorship program.
Living The Lighthouse Dream - It’s not just anyone who can dream up ingenuous methods of successfully operating lighthouses in the 21st century. The operators of Cape d’Or (NS) and Cape Enrage (NB) lighthouses have each created a blend of experiences ensuring that they are two of the most sought after destinations on the Bay. Cape d’Or offers clifftop coastal hiking, a perfect view of Fundy’s dramatic tidal rips, stylish overnight accommodations in the lightkeeper’s cottage and a restaurant renown one of Atlantic Canada’s best. Cape Enrage, now operated as a non-profit association by the last keeper’s son, features rappelling, sea kayaking, corporate team building and training, and a delightful sea side tea room.
Bay of Fundy Cruise News - Cruise passenger visitation to Saint John (NB) has blossomed from 28,000 annual passengers (24 vessels) ten years ago to an anticipated record of 188,000 passengers (83 vessels) expected in 2008. The port’s market positioning as a Bay of Fundy cruise destination means more Fundy-themed shore excursions than ever before. A new cruise ship service centre and terminal opens on the Saint John waterfront in 2008.
Outdoor Adventures Put The ‘Fun’ in Fundy - Outdoor activities all around the Bay of Fundy range from safe & exciting to wild & exhilarating. Adventures include: a Bay of Fundy mini-cruise across the Bay with Bay Ferries, coastal sea kayaking, whale watching, cliff rappelling, cliffside hiking, jet boat rides in the Reversing Falls, white water rafting on the Shubenacadie tidal bore, sea cave exploration and walking on the ocean floor at low tide, of course!
Fundy Gardens Continue To Delight - Fundy’s Kingsbrae Garden (St Andrews, NB) is one of Canada’s Top Ten Public Gardens and home of Canada’s first “Jurassic living fossil” wollemi pine tree. Kingsbrae is also a 'Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary'. The Annapolis Historic Gardens (Annapolis Royal, NS), located at the site of first European settlement in North America, has developed many popular interactive programs. They include : hosting Paint The Town live painting exhibit as well as inviting classical musicians to share their talent in the Music in the Garden concert series.
Greening The Bay of Fundy - Environmentally conscious visitors will soon have two new reason to explore the Bay of Fundy. Recently identified as the best site for the development of tidal power in North America, three companies have been selected to develop in-stream tidal energy test sites in the Bay of Fundy. The vast and windy Tantramar marshes will soon be the site of several wind energy farms.
Too Many Shore Birds To Count - The Bay of Fundy’s 50-foot tides heave tons of rich mud deposits ashore creating an annual mecca for over two million shorebirds. Up to 95 percent of the world's semipalmated sandpipers, along with other species, stop over during summer to fuel up on such fare as mud shrimp. The annual shore bird feeding period occurs in peak tourism season and controlled viewing is permitted.
History Lives In The Bay of Fundy - History is very much alive throughout many Fundy towns and villages such as such as St. Andrews By-the-Sea (Canada’s Oldest Seaside Resort Town) or Annapolis Royal (National Historic District and World’s Most Livable Community by the United Nations). Fundy’s historical attractions range in scope from railroad builder Sir William Van Horne’s summer estate on Ministers Island (NB), to the 125-year old Saint John City Market (NB), to the heart of Acadie at Grand Pre National Historic Site (NS), to the first site of European settlement in North America at Port Royal (NS). Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city will celebrate the 225th anniversary of the arrival of Loyalists, who established the city, in 2008.
Golf & Spa Paradise - Long appreciated for its restorative qualities, the Bay of Fundy offers rejuvenating activities of many sorts, including golf and spa. Fundy’s two classic resorts, The Fairmont Algonquin (St Andrews, NB) and the Pines Resort (Digby, NS) feature signature golf courses, stunning architecture, fine cuisine, historic charm and full spa services.