UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark

A UNESCO Global Geopark designation celebrates the connections between geology, local communities, culture, and nature.

The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, established in 2019, was the first geopark in North America to receive UNESCO Geopark status. The geopark is a geological treasure trove, with rocks that are up to 1.2 billion years old.  The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the coming together of the supercontinent Pangea 300 million years ago and how this continent was ripped apart 100 million years later.  

The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark is located along the north shore of the Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia.  It stretches from Lower Truro in the east to Apple River in the west.  Most of the Geosites can be accessed by NS highways 2 and 209 as they meander along this coastline a distance of 165 km.

Cliffs tower 300 feet over The Bay of Fundy which is home to the world’s highest tides.   Because the tides are constantly shaping this unique landscape, one must keep a safe distance from the edge and base of the cliffs while exploring this Geopark.

Visitors to the Cliffs of Fundy geopark can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching and sea kayaking. The geopark is committed to sustainable tourism and conservation.  The geopark works with local communities to protect the area’s unique natural and cultural resources.

This is Mi’kma’ki territory. The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark is on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people who are the ancestral stewards of this place.  The Mi'kmaq peoples have lived on these shores for more than 11,000 years.  The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark honours the ethical space of the Mi’kmaw people and their oral traditions of cultural geoheritage. 

As one travels along NS highways 2 and 209, you pass through many communities.  I am going to tell you about two of these communities and share some of the Mi'kmaq legends about these places. 

One community is named Five Islands.  The Mi’kmaw people have a legend explaining the existence of Five Islands.  According to the legend, there was a giant beaver who lived in this area who was so big he could dam up rivers and create lakes with ease.  One day, this beaver started to dam up the Bay of Fundy and caused the water to rise and flood the surrounding areas. 

Glooscap, the Great Spirit, saw what was happening and knew something had to be done to stop the beaver.  Glooscap transformed himself into a giant moose and confronted the beaver.  They fought for many days and finally Glooscap defeated the beaver and stopped the flooding.  As the beaver lay dying, he used his powerful tail to create the Five Islands. These islands are said to be the beaver’s last gift to the Mi’kmaw people.

Another legend tells the story of the creation of Five Islands this way.  Kluskap, or Glooscap, was annoyed at the giant Beaver, so he flung huge sods of Earth at the Beaver.  These sods formed the chain of islands named Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg and Pinnacle.

The second community is a small town named Parrsboro. The town is home to the Fundy Geological Museum.  The Parrsboro Shore is known for its rugged cliffs, picturesque beaches and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.  The Parrsboro Shore features a variety of geological formations, including sea stacks, caves, and arches, that have been shaped by the powerful waves and tides of the Bay of Fundy. 

Parrsboro is home to some of the highest tides in the world.  Tides can rise and fall by as much as 16 m twice a day. The tides in Parrsboro are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun and the shape of the Bay of Fundy.  When the tide is low, one can explore the vast tidal flats teeming with marine life, including clams, crabs, and sand dollars.

Parrsboro offers a range of activities for visitors to experience the high tides.  There are guided tours, tidal bore rafting, and beachcombing.  The museums and interpretive centres provide insight into the area’s unique geological and cultural heritage. 

Whether you're a geologist, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark is a destination that will leave you inspired and wanting to learn more.

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