Safety Tips

From the beach to the forest, check out these important safety tips for exploring the Geopark.

Terrain and Weather

People exploring the wild outdoors should have adequate footwear and protection against both wet and cold, including a hat, gloves, and boots. Sturdy footwear is important as many of the trails and beaches within the Geopark are rocky/cobbly and can be very difficult to traverse, especially when wet as the rocks become slippery. Adequate clothing is important if you are involved in an accident or if you are unexpectedly required to spend an extensive period of time outdoors. Spring weather in Nova Scotia is unpredictable and can change from sunny and warm, to rain, wet snow, and high winds with little notice.

Tides

The most important safety concern throughout the Geopark is the tides. The rising tide can flood parts of some tidal flats and sand bars faster than you can run. The rising tide may block your access route around a headland, creating a “pinch point”. Many coves are completely flooded at high tide, with no escape route up the steep cliffs.

A general rule of thumb is to plan to return to your vehicle two hours before high tide (three hours before if you have passed headlands that will be cut off earlier). In most cases this means you are venturing out on a falling tide.

In windy/stormy weather, the tides can reach estimated high tide levels 2.5 hours ahead of schedule.

It is important to know that high tides in the Minas Basin are delayed from tides in areas like Halifax. To make sure you know the tide time for the SPECIFIC area you are exploring, please visit https://wla.iwls.azure.cloud.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/.

Vehicle Access

Many of the beaches in the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark are utilized by local fishers and access road running down, onto, the beach are commonplace. DO NOT attempt to drive down these roads as many are unmaintained, steep, and cross privately owned land. The natural beach may feel firm underfoot but vehicles can very easily become stuck.

Where possible, park in designated, signed, parking areas at trailheads or adjacent businesses. Do not park on private property without the explicit permission of the land owner.

Coastal Erosion

With the highest tides in the world, comes some of the highest rates of coastal erosion in the world. This erosion and deterioration of the coastal cliffs can be dangerous to navigate as rocky material can collapse without warning! A general rule of thumb when hiking in the Cliffs of Fundy is to keep back from the cliff bottom one school bus length (~10 meters)!

When on a cliff-top trail, do not approach the very edge of the cliff. It may have overhanging soil and vegetation that could give way under your weight. Never attempt to go down a steep cliff from the top!

Cell Reception

Be aware that cell reception can be very poor, or non-existent, in many areas of the Geopark, especially near steep cliffs along the coast or in narrow river valleys. Make sure there is someone who knows your planned route for the day and when you are expected to return.

Historic Mining

Be aware that many of the areas within the Geopark have been mined historically. When exploring areas such as Cape d’Or, Londonderry, and Horseshoe Cove, be aware of abandoned mine shafts and adits. Use caution around these features as they are often unmarked and can be deep and/or unsupported.

Campfires

Open fires (like campfires) are not allowed from 8 am to 2 pm and people must check the BurnSafe map daily after 2 pm to see restrictions for the day or call 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) for this information.

Wildlife

The Geopark is home to a diverse group of plants and animals. Respecting the habitats and maintaining adequate distance from wildlife helps to protect visitors and the many species that call this area home. It is important to know how to act if encountering species such as coyotes, moose, or bears. Many stinging insects, including bees and wasps also live within the Geopark, do not approach or disturb insect nests.

Be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar plants on trails. Many species of mushrooms and other plants are poisonous and/or can cause severe irritation if eaten or touched. Do not consume anything you cannot identify.