Adventure brief
Top 10 Highlights & Bay of Fundy Tour
Discover Saint John’s historic streets and witness the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides on a 5.5-hour guided tour with Hugo Bus Tours. Walk the ocean floor, visit vibrant markets, and see nature’s power in action.
Set along the rugged coast of New Brunswick, the top-tier journey offered by Hugo Bus Tours and Shore Excursions unfolds the striking contrasts between urban heritage and raw natural power. Centered on Saint John—the oldest incorporated city in Canada known locally as the Greatest Little City in the East—and the quaint village of Saint Martin, this 5.5-hour guided bus tour delivers a rolling snapshot of historic architecture, vibrant markets, and one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena: the Bay of Fundy tides. Starting in Saint John, travelers navigate cobblestone streets dense with Victorian-era charm and Irish cultural threads woven through neighborhoods like the Trinity Royal Heritage Conservation Area.
The City Market bustles with local artisans and fresh fare, making for an authentic look at the city’s modern pulse within its storied walls. Key landmarks such as Kings Square and the Loyalist Burial Grounds anchor the city’s unique past, while the thunderous Reversing Falls Rapids offer a dramatic view where the mighty Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy’s tidal forces in an unpredictable whirlpool. From there, the tour ventures to Saint Martin, a village resting beside the Bay of Fundy, famed for the world’s highest tides.
Here, guests can walk the exposed ocean floor at low tide, revealing a landscape carved by water and time—rock formations, caves, and tidal pools rich with marine life. It’s a rare opportunity to witness a living geological exhibit, where mudflats reveal secrets of the underwater ecosystem and the Bay’s dynamic environment. This tour stands out for bridging two worlds: cultural heritage and natural wonder, all accessible with expert guides who bring history and science to life.
Hugo Bus Tours and Shore Excursions is an essential partner for visitors wanting to understand New Brunswick’s layered identity, making it a must-visit for outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike, delivering every stop with ease and insight.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Wear sturdy footwearessential
Expect uneven, rocky surfaces especially during ocean floor walks at low tide.
- 02Bring sun protectioninfo
A hat and sunscreen are recommended, as parts of the tour are exposed with limited shade.
- 03Prepare for changing weatherinfo
Pack a light jacket or windbreaker as coastal weather can shift quickly.
- 04Arrive on timeessential
The 5.5-hour tour runs on a tight schedule—prompt arrival ensures you don’t miss key stops.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Sturdy walking shoes
Protect your feet on rocks and mudflats during ocean floor walks.
EssentialSun hat
Keeps you cool and shields your face during exposed parts of the tour.
summerLight jacket
Blocks wind and resists light rain along the coast.
springEssentialCamera
Capture the dynamic tides, historic architecture, and coastal landscapes.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The Loyalist Burial Grounds in Saint John offer quiet reflection away from busy areas., Secluded tidal caves near Saint Martin reveal marine fossils and hidden ocean pools.
Local fauna
Atlantic mackerel swimming in tidal pools, Seals resting on offshore rocks
Historic heritage
Saint John, founded in 1785, grew as a Loyalist settlement, shaping much of its Victorian architecture and urban layout.
Mindful exploration
Efforts in this region focus on protecting marine biodiversity in the Bay of Fundy and managing sustainable tourism to minimize impact on tidal ecosystems.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Kings Square for historic cityscapes, Overlook of Reversing Falls Rapids, Coastal bluffs near Saint Martin facing the Bay
- Subjects
- Tidal river rapids, Victorian buildings, Rocky tidal flats
- Best times
- Golden hour, Late morning, Low tide windows
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, due to uneven terrain and ocean floor walking, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Can children join this tour?
Yes, children under 2 participate for free but must be accounted for during booking.
What should I wear on the tour?
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring layers suitable for changing weather.
Will there be time to eat during the tour?
The tour includes stops near local markets where snacks and meals can be purchased.
How close will we get to the Reversing Falls Rapids?
You’ll have several vantage points to safely observe the rapids’ unique tidal flow.
Are there restroom facilities on the tour?
Restroom access is available at stops along the route but not during transit portions.