Parks Canada

 In celebration of the 150^th birthday of the Confederation of Canada, free access has been granted to all Canada National Parks for 2017.

 

Fundy National Park

New Brunswick, Canada

 

The Bay of Fundy is famous for extreme tides which can reach 50 feet between low and high tide. Having checked the local tide report we arrived at Hopewell Cape near a low tide when you are able to explore the sea floor. At Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration Site, over the years repeated tides have carved Flower Pot Rocks which at high tide will be only small tree covered islands.

   

Low tide at Hopewell Rocks

 

Cape Breton Highland National Park

Nova Scotia, Canada

Following the Cabot Trail from west to east, the Cheticamp Campground was our first home base in the Cape Breton Highland National Park. We had a full hookup site for our motorhome and for our friends Joyce and Alan Breach we reserved a very comfortable oTENTik, which is part tent and part cabin furnished with beds, table, chairs, outdoor charcoal grill and furnace. This type of tent accommodation is unique to Canadian parks.

Joyce relaxes at her oTENTik

Our guide for Cape Breton Highlands Hiking Trails offered 27 trails to the interior from the Cabot Trail ranging from 0.2 km to 12.2 km in length and from level boardwalks to ascents of over 400 meters. (Note: 1 kilometer is 0.62 miles and 1 meter is 3.28 feet)

For a panoramic view of the hills and the Gulf, Joyce and Alan choose the Acadian Trail of 8.4 km and ascent of 345 meters.  The Skyline Trail provided all four of us with a walk of 9.2 km and ascent of only 115 meters along the headlands overlooking the rugged coast.

    

Along the Skyline Trail

 
On a much easier walk of 0.5 km on a level boardwalk in a high Bog we wandered in the sunshine among orchids and carnivorous plants.

Insect eating sundews and pitcher plants

In many places boardwalks help protect the fragile vegetation.

   

Alpine blueberries                                                              Butter fly pollinators

 
The Atlantic Ocean side of Cape Breton Island is dotted with numerous coves, small fishing villages and swim beaches separated by rocky headlands.
 

   

Rocky Atlantic coast

 

   

Seabirds                                                              Traditional wooden traps

 

Lighthouses continue to warn of danger

 

Throughout Canada, a “RED CHAIR“ encourages travelers to rest and enjoy the view.

 

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