A walk on the seafloor of one of the most extreme tidal places in the world

Another highlight of our trip to Eastern Canada was the Hopewell Rocks.

When we arrived, it was low tide, meaning you can actually walk on the seafloor. Right where water would be again a few hours later. So, we strolled between huge red rocks over a mix of sand, mud, and something that felt a bit like very enthusiastic cake batter.

Fortunately, we both wore sandals. A decision that turned out to be absolutely brilliant. The ground was so muddy that white sneakers would probably have instantly given up their warranty there. The red sand sticks to everything.

The landscape itself looked completely crazy:

Everywhere there were red rocks, strangely shaped, some with small trees on top. It felt a bit like being on Mars, only with more mud and fewer space suits.

Mindblowing facts about the Hopewell Rocks

1. This place has the largest tides in the world

The Hopewell Rocks are located in the Bay of Fundy, a place with the highest tides in the world. The difference between low and high tide can be up to 16 meters. That’s about as high as a four-story house, except this house comes and goes every six hours.

2. The same place has two completely different landscapes

At low tide, you walk among the rocks. A few hours later, there’s completely water there. Then you can even kayak between the same rocks you previously walked between.

3. The rocks are really called 'Flowerpot Rocks'

Many of the formations are called Flowerpot Rocks because they look like gigantic flowerpots with trees on top. Wind, water, and ice have shaped these forms out of the sandstone over thousands of years.

4. The landscape is so red because of iron

The intense red sand comes from iron oxide in the rock – essentially rust. That’s why the landscape looks as if someone decided to relocate a small part of Mars to Canada.

5. One ticket, two completely different experiences

The ticket is valid for two days, allowing you to walk on the seafloor at low tide and later (or the next day) see how the same place is completely underwater at high tide. Two worlds, one parking lot.

Conclusion of our visit

Standing between these huge red rocks really feels like you briefly landed on another planet. Only this planet is quite muddy and definitely better explored with sandals than with white sneakers.