a family of four strolls down a boardwalk at the fundy tidal centre in East Hants

Fundy Tidal
Interpretive Centre


Learn about the world’s highest tides and discover the rich heritage of the Bay of Fundy. The Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre is a great place to learn about the world-famous tidal bore, enjoy nature and take in some East Hants history. From educational displays to breathtaking views of the Shubenacadie River, visit us to learn something new and be captivated by the power of nature.

Hours of Operation

We are closed for the season.

The Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October. We look forward to welcoming you again in May 2024!

In-Season Phone: 902-261-2250
Off-Season Phone: 902-883-6239

Location

9865 Highway 236, South Maitland

View map
Two people with their backs to the camera stand reading an information display inside the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre.

Site Information

Arrive early to see low tide and return after a few hours to appreciate high tide and the amazing range of the river!

  • Explore the tidal observation park and interpretive centre – learn more about the history, facts & fun behind the world’s highest tides.
  • Join us for our FREE interpretive talk and see the river change direction and then rise 10 feet in the following 30 minutes.
    • You can watch the tidal bore twice – first by visiting the mouth of the Shubenacadie River and watching the bore pass by the Dawson Dowell Park wharf, and then by driving about 15 minutes to the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre to watch the bore pass our observation deck 50 minutes later.
  • Make sure you see both high and low tide from our tidal observation deck overlooking the incredible Shubenacadie River.
  • Plan a nature walk on the trail, complete with opportunities for bird & eagle watching.
  • Learn more about the ecosystems of our region with the entire family through the Ducks Unlimited marsh program

Twice each day, the incredible Bay of Fundy tides rush into the Shubenacadie River creating a natural phenomenon witnessed only a few places on earth: the tidal bore. 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?

  • 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

The following areas are wheelchair accessible:

  • The Interpretive Centre building via ramps at front and back doors
  • Washrooms
  • Trail to the observation deck
  • Parking Lot and pedestrian gate leading to the trails

Please Note:

  • The caboose is not wheelchair accessible
  • The Wetlands Trail is fairly flat but is not groomed to be wheelchair accessible. Use at own discretion

There is no admission charge to visit the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre. It is owned and operated by the Municipality of East Hants.

Make it a Tidal Road Trip

Experience the world’s highest tides to the fullest by also planning to visit Dawson Dowell Park and Burntcoat Head Park! You can watch the tide go out from the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre 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.