Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark

The Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark is located on New Brunswick’s coast of the Bay of Fundy.  

Southern New Brunswick was one of the first places in Canada to be explored by geologists. In 1957 the ‘Steinhammer Club’ was formed by a group of young men in Saint John.  They wanted to explore the geology near their home.  Another Saint John resident, Dr. A. Gesner began work as the first Provincial Geologist in the British Empire in 1838.  Gesner opened one of the first public museums in Canada and the Steinhammer Club members used his reports as a guide to their work. The Club later founded the Natural History Society of New Brunswick. Geologists have been visiting the area now called Stonehammer ever since and they continue to make new discoveries. 

Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark consists of more than 60 geological and fossil sites. More than 12 of these are accessible to the public.  The landscape of this UNESCO Geopark has been created by the collision of continents, the closing and opening of oceans, earthquakes, volcanoes, ice ages and climate change.  

The Stonehammer Geopark was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010. It is a unique geological site that covers over 2,500 km² of land and water along the Bay of Fundy.  The geopark features rock formations, sea caves, waterfalls, and fossils, that showcase the natural history of the region.  

The geopark includes parts of the city of Saint John as well as several surrounding towns and villages.  

1. The largest city is Saint John.  It is a major port and industrial centre.  Saint John is home to several geological sites including the Reversing Falls Rapids and the Irving Nature Park. 

2. Quispamsis is a suburban town just northeast of Saint John.  It is known for its scenic parks and nature trails.

3. Rothesay is an historic town located on the Kennebecasis River.  It is known for its stately homes and picturesque waterfront.

4. Hampton is a rural town west of Saint John.  It is known for its rich agricultural heritage and historic sites, including the Kings County Museum and the Hampton Wharf.

5. Sussex is a small town located northeast of Saint John.  It is known for its scenic drives and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Hopewell Rocks is a famous natural attraction located within the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark.  Hopewell Rocks is a place to witness the effect of the Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides. 

The rocks at Hopewell Rocks were formed over millions of years by the forces of erosion and sedimentation. The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy which rise and fall up to 14 m twice a day have sculpted these rocks. The result is a unique landscape of towering rock formations which have been given names such as ‘The Flowerpot Rocks’ and ‘The Elephant Rock.’

Visitors to Hopewell Rocks can explore the walking trails and staircases, which provide access to the rocks at both low and high tide. At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and explore some of the sea caves and rock formations up close.  At high tide, the water reaches the base of the rocks.

The Stonehammer Geopark also includes the Fundy Trail Parkway which offers a range of activities and attractions.  They include:

1. Hiking - There are over 50 km of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry hikes.  

2. Biking - There are over 16 km of dedicated bike trails suitable for all skill levels. 

3. Scenic drives - The parkway is designed as a scenic drive, with several lookout points.

4. Beachcombing - Long Beach and Fuller Falls Beach are located along the parkway.  Both beaches offer opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and beachcombing. The beaches are known for their abundant marine life and for their unique rock formations.

5. Wildlife watching - The parkway is home to black bears, moose, beavers, and bald eagles.  

The Fundy Trail Parkway is open from mid-May to mid-October.  Admission fees apply to enter the parkway. Proceeds go towards the park’s conservation and development efforts. 

Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark has a lot to offer.  A must-see for locals and visitors alike.

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