Fall in to Splendour - Fundy
Coastal Drive East
by Tony Thibault - Editor@Large
Fall
in New Brunswick
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The
entire Fundy Coastal Drive is one of New Brunswick's
most traveled routes, for obvious reasons. It winds its way
from the Maine border to the eastern end of the Bay of Fundy,
following that majestic body of water through countless coastal
marvels. The Passamaquoddy Bay area in the west encompasses
wonderful fishing villages, peaceful harbours and bustling resort
towns like St. Andrews. In the Fall, the Eastern leg of the
trip, through bountiful Fundy National Park is a true
eye full.
As
the leaves take on their miraculous fall hues, ranging
from plush summer green, through deep ruby red and the fiery
oranges and yellows, before tumbling to the forest floor to
renew again next spring, we mortals catch a glimpse of one of
Mother Nature's most splendid wonders. It's this time,
the time of Fall, too brief a time, that affords us some of
the best opportunities to just sit back and watch the world
unfold through the windshield. The Fundy Coast offers up some
of the best of these vistas.
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In
the Summertime, when the weather is fine (la da dee da da),
Fundy National Park is one of this region's most populace
areas. With the huge increases in those taking up hiking and
other nature activities, this park has become a prime playground
for the outdoor seeker. It's also a fine family destination,
with plenty of camping space and loads of local activities.
Fundy's challenging 9 hole golf course is also a major
attraction for those who like to tee it up. The activity dies
down in fall, which makes it an excellent time to cruise along
the winding mountain road and drink in the foliage along the
way. The Trans-Canada highway runs right through the Park year
round and some of the local accommodations stay open until mid
October.
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A
cruise along the Fundy Coastal drive would not be complete
without taking the "scenic route" down to Cape Enrage.
More a roller coaster ride than a road, you'll have a fun time
manipulating the old Hyundai from the main route, around the
loop on route 915 through Waterside and Harvey. But it's what's
at the end that counts, Cape Enrage. A truly magnificent
site jutting out in to the majestic Fundy. The lighthouse
and the old keeper's quarters are now privately owned, with
funding from the New Brunswick Government. Eco-tourism
is king here, with everything from kayaking workshops to cliff
climbing programs operating here in the summer months. The onsite
motel and restaurant provides all the amenities the adventure
seeker needs.
When
the Bay of Fundy is mentioned, virtually anywhere on
the globe, the tide is the phenomenon most closely associated.
These "highest tides in the world" have created some
incredible coastal scenery, and Hopewell
Rocks is most likely their crowning achievement. Just
a few miles towards Moncton, along the Fundy Coastal Drive
to Hopewell Cape you'll be able to descend (at low
tide of course) to the bay bottom and engulf yourself in these
geological marvels. The fee is a little steep, but
worth it if you come at the right tide time to get the most
viewing for your dollar.
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Climbing
Cape Enrage
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Your
journey continues on through the hub city of Moncton
and down towards the Nova Scotia border. Take another one of the
scenic routes along the way, highway 106 along the Peticodiac
River. Veer right at  Dorchester
(on route 935) to dip down around the point as the bay of Fundy
begins. Here it is called Shepody Bay, then Chignecto Bay. When
you get around to the other side, the rugged coast of Nova
Scotia is across the Cumberland Basin. The road is dirt, but
in good shape. No need for one of those trendy Sport Utility vehicles
here. Our trusty old Honda (sometimes referred to as Bessy) made
the trip easily. If you like water views, it's worth the detour.
Eventually you'll end up in the town of Sackville. A fun
little college town which offers lots of things to do and see
besides, including a wonderful stay at the Marshlands
Inn.
The
fall is a great time just to play peek-a-boo. Relax, unwind and
enjoy the colourful marvel of the changing leaves amid cool autumn
breezes. It truly is a most wonderful time of the year
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