Bay of Fundy x 2

On two recent Saturdays we headed to different areas on the Bay of Fundy. Twice a day the tide comes in and the water level can rise as much as 50 feet. This is among the highest tides in the world. Unfortunately both times we visited the Bay, the tide was out, and because we were on day outings we had to return home before it returned. When it is out, you can see large muddy tidal plains that at other times are covered by water.

The tidal plain of the Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is very different from the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. In contrast to the rugged, rocky shoreline of the Atlantic, the Bay of Fundy (pronounced Fun-day by the locals) is gentle and peaceful. There are many farms and pasture lands adjacent to the shore.

Idyllic coastal scene

One place of special interest was the lighthouse in Walton, Nova Scotia. It is a very small community which historically was the home of the Acadians before they and their cousins throughout Atlantic Canada were expelled in the 1700s to Quebec, England, France and Lousiana (to be known there as Cajuns).

Walton lighthouse

The Walton lighthouse was built in 1873 to aid the shipping industry in the area. It remained in use until the 1970s. Since then it has become a heritage landmark of Nova Scotia. It is a very peaceful and pleasant place to visit. One interesting fact is that the ships would come in when the tide was in and then settle on the tidal plain when it was out. The crews would load the ships before the tide returned. It is said that one ship could never be refloated and eventually had to be dismantled.

Bay of Fundy at Walton, Nova Scotia




More scenes along the Bay of Fundy

On a subsequent trip we went to the Annapolis Valley which is further to the southwest of Walton lighthouse along the Bay of Fundy. The Valley starts in the northeast at Wolfville which is the home of Acadia University. The town is quite quaint. Several Victorian homes, some of which are now bed and breakfast establishments, give a special air to the region. Wolfville is considered by many to be one of the most vibrant cultural centers of the province. Besides the university there is a musical festival, art gallery and museum which attracts people to the area.

Victorian homes in Wolfville, Nova Scotia


Church next to Acadia University in Wolfville

In May the Apple Blossom Festival is held in the Annapolis Valley. It is an annual agricultural and heritage celebration centered on the communities of Wolfville and neighboring Kentville. Community involvement in the festival is strong. We drove through Kentville on a Saturday afternoon just in time to watch the Apple Valley Grand Street Parade. It was interesting to watch the local effort and enthusiasm that went into it. It was complete with floats, bands and boy scouts. It was not like any parade that we have every seen but we have to admit that they put their heart into it and everyone seemed happy.

Apple blossoms and other blossoms in the Annapolis Valley

Locals celebrating the Apple Blossom Festival

We all love a parade!

After leaving Kentville we drove through Port Williams and up a beautiful windy road past lovely little homes and gardens to a "lookoff" overlooking the valley. Although the day was very overcast and at times quite foggy it was still worth the drive to see the view below.

A picturesque house near the lookoff

Elder Foley enjoying the view from the lookoff

The valley below