Dawson Dowell Park
Discover the hidden gem of Maitland, Nova Scotia, at Dawson Dowell Park. Nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia’s very first Heritage Conservation district, this picturesque park offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and families seeking a peaceful rest stop.
Hours of Operation
Park grounds are open year-round.
Washrooms and Beyond the Wharf Artisan Gift Shop are seasonal (mid-May to mid-October).
No winter maintenance, use at own risk in the off-season.
Park Information
- Newly constructed playground with swings and slide
- Sheltered picnic tables and gazebo
- Seasonal, accessible washrooms
- Viewing platform/public wharf overlooking the mouth of the famous Shubenacadie River
- Beyond the Wharf Artisans gift shop (open seasonally)
Twice a day, the incredible Bay of Fundy tides rush into the Shubenacadie River, reversing its flow and creating a natural phenomenon called the “tidal bore”.
You can witness the wonder of the tidal bore from Dawson Dowell Park’s public wharf – but you’ll need to plan accordingly because tidal bore times change daily!
We post a chart of tidal bore times early each calendar year, but did you know you can also calculate the tidal bore times on your own? Here’s how:
- Find the Government of Canada’s predictions for low tide at Burntcoat Head Park.
- Note: when checking future tide times, always ensure your time zone is set to UTC-3
- To find the tidal bore time for Dawson Dowell Park (Maitland), add 2 hours 55 minutes to low tide at Burntcoat
- To find tidal bore time at Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre (South Maitland), add 3 hours 45 minutes to low tide at Burntcoat Head Park
- For more information, visit the nearby Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre.
- Beyond the Wharf Artisans gift shop is located on-site. A haven of local, authentic handmade gifts from the area – stop in to meet the artists whose items are sold right there on the shelves!
- From Dawson Dowell, it’s walking distance to explore the historic village of Maitland, including Canada’s oldest general store, Frieze & Roy.
- Dawson Dowell’s public wharf is steeped in history, just steps away from where Canada’s largest wooden ship was built and launched in 1874. Stop at the nearby Lawrence House provincial museum (open seasonally) to learn all about the village’s rich shipbuilding history.
- Browse local art and find the perfect memento of your trip at Gallery 215, just two minutes down the road.
The parking lot, gift shop, a picnic shelter and washrooms are accessible.
Make it a Tidal Road Trip
Experience the world’s highest tides to the fullest by also planning to visit Burntcoat Head Park and the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre (FTIC)! You can watch the tide go out from the FTIC Observation Deck, then take a scenic drive along the coast, stopping at Dawson Dowell Park for a picnic, play time and gift shopping, before carrying on to Burntcoat Head Park for a walk on the ocean floor. Check out the Tide Times to plan your visit accordingly.
