Power of the Fundy Tides: Sea Caves, Reversing Falls and Coastal Walks
Program Number:
16533RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/2/2013 - 6/7/2013
;
9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013
;
Duration:
5 nights
Location:
St. Martin's, New Brunswick
Price starting at:
$898.00 -
Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Natural History
Meals:
13; 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Meal Options:
Low Salt
Explore the New Brunswick communities influenced by the rise and fall of the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides. Discover Saint John’s backdrop of history, architecture and culture and witness the tides’ reversing the flow of the Saint John River at Reversing Falls. Explore spectacular trails along the Bay of Fundy in the seaside fishing village of St. Martins, where 500 sailing ships were built in the golden age of sail.
Highlights
• Travel along the Saint John River by ferry to learn about this lush, historic valley.
• Walk coastal trails with sweeping vistas of the Bay of Fundy and distant Nova Scotia.
• Explore the ecozone around the Bay of Fundy and the St. Martins area, recently established as a U.N. Biosphere Reserve.
Activity Particulars
Walking two miles a day on groomed trails, mostly even terrain. One walk over uneven ocean floor at low tide. Shuttle available as alternative to walking at most points.
St. Martin's
The serene Village of St. Martins on the Bay of Fundy is nestled on miles of unspoiled beaches. The highest tides in the world sweep in and out each day carving sea stacks and caves into the rugged red cliffs that surround the village. As the gateway community to the spectacular Fundy Trail, the village provides easy access to a range of walking, hiking and biking trails.
Accommodations
Historic country inn on the shores of the Bay of Fundy.
Meals and Lodgings
The Tidal Watch Inn
St Martins, NB
5 nights
The Tidal Watch Inn
Type:
Inn
Description:
The Tidal Watch Inn, formerly the Quaco Inn is located on the Bay of Fundy just 150 feet from a three mile long beach. The highest tides in the world rise and fall at the front doorstep of the Inn. All 12 guestrooms in this luxurious, historic country inn are different and appointed with unique furnishings and decor.
Contact info:
16 Beach St
St Martins, NB E5R 1C7 Canada
phone: 888-833-4772
web:
www.tidalwatchinn.ca
Room amenities:
All rooms have private, four piece baths. Hairdryers. Some rooms have whirlpool baths and fireplaces. Please note that the assignment of these rooms is random.
Facility amenities:
Full service dining room and decks overlooking the Bay. Licensed for the service of alcohol.
Smoking allowed:
No
Additional nights prior:
$100.00 to $125.00 CDN. Road Scholar pre-post rate is a special discounted rate that includes breakfast. Complimentary connecting nights are offered to participants taking back-to-back programs at this location.
Check in time:
3:00 PM
Additional nights after:
$100.00 to $125.00 CDN. Road Scholar pre-post rate is a special discounted rate that includes breakfast. Complimentary connecting nights are offered to participants taking back-to-back programs at this location.
Check out time:
11:00 AM
Travel Details
Start of Program:
After 3 p.m. St Martins. You will be staying at
The Tidal Watch Inn
that night.
End of Program:
Check out after 11:00 a.m. St Martins. You will be staying at
The Tidal Watch Inn
the night before.
Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A Passport is required for all air travel to and from Canada.
Parking availability:
Free onsite parking
Transportation
To Start of Program
Location:
St Martins, NB
Nearest city or town:
Saint John
Nearest highway:
Route 111
Nearest airport:
Saint John
From End of Program
Location:
St Martins, NB
(
Additional transportation information same as above
)
Travel Details
Saint John
From Airport
Service:
Hotel Shuttle
Tidal Watch Inn
phone: 888-833-4772
Advanced Reservations Required
Per Person/One Way:
$20
Prices are subject to change.
Travel Time:
20 minutes
The Tidal Watch Inn provides shuttle service on program opening day (Sun 1 - 5:30 p.m.) and on last day of program (Fri. 10:30 - 2:00 p.m.) Cost is $20 per person each way. Check with the Inn for other possible times if necessary.
Saint John
From Airport
Service:
Taxi
Per Person/One Way:
$70
Prices are subject to change.
Taxis available 24 hours a day at the airport.
Saint John
From Bus Terminal
Service:
Hotel Shuttle
Tidal Watch Inn
phone: 888-833-4772
Advanced Reservations Required
Per Person/One Way:
$20
Prices are subject to change.
Travel Time:
30 minutes
The Tidal Watch Inn provides shuttle service on program opening day (Sun 1 - 5:30 p.m.) and on last day of program (Fri. 10:30 - 2:00 p.m.) Check with the Inn for other possible times if necessary.
Driving Directions
Bus
Acadian Bus Lines provides bus service to Saint John from across Canada. Some connections can be made from the US. For more information call Acadian Bus Lines 1-800 567-5151. Transportation from the Saint John bus terminal can be arranged via taxi service or the Tidal Watch Inn shuttle.
From Saint John
Turn right onto Route 111 on exiting the Airport following the sign to St Martins. In St Martins turn right onto Main St at the XTR gas station, continue down Main Street and you will see the Tidal Watch's treelined driveway and parking lot on your right, about 3 driveways past the Rite Stop gas station.
Train
VIA Rail offers service to Moncton, 90 minutes away from the Tidal Watch Inn. A bus ticket from Moncton to Saint John can be purchased from VIA Rail along with your rail ticket. Call VIA Rail for more information at 1- 888-842-7245 Transportation from the Saint John bus terminal can be arranged via taxi service or with Tidal Watch Inn shuttle.
Travel by Air
Saint John Airport is just 20 minutes from the Tidal Watch Inn. It is served by Air Canada (Jazz) which offers connections from across North America via Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. West Jet offers connections to Saint John from across Canada via Toronto and also from such Florida airports as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. Ground transportation options include taxi service, car rental at the airport or Tidal Watch Inn shuttle. Moncton Airport is 90 minutes from the Tidal Watch Inn and is served by Air Canada, (Jazz) West Jet and Continental Airlines. Ground transportation is car rental at the airport. Fredericton Airport is 90 minutes away from the Tidal Watch Inn and is served by Air Canada (Jazz) and Delta Airlines which offer connections from across North America. Ground transportation is car rental at the airport. Halifax Airport is four hours from the Tidal Watch Inn. It is served by Air Canada (Jazz) West Jet, American Airlines, United and Continental Airlines. Ground transportation is car rental at the airport. Bangor Airport is four hours from the Tidal Watch Inn. It is served by Delta (Comair) US Airways, Northwest Airways and Allegiant Air offering connections from across the United States. Ground transportation is car rental at the airport.
Equipment Requirements:
Sturdy walking shoes
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Daily Schedule
Day 1:
Arrive at Tidal Watch Inn
(Sunday, September 22)
Arrive To:
3 - 6 p.m. Registration
Dinner:
6:30 p.m. Dinner
Evening:
7:45 p.m. Orientation
Accommodations:
The Tidal Watch Inn
Meals Included:
Dinner
Day 2:
The Legacy of Loyalists & Shipbuilders/Tides & Ecology of the Bay/An Introduction To Saint John
(Monday, September 23)
Morning:
This morning begins at the Quaco Museum learning about the rich history of the area. In a session conducted by the museum curator and a local genealogist learn how Loyalists and shipbuilders made St. Martins the second wealthiest community in the British Empire. Take the opportunity to explore the museum exhibits that showcase some of the 500 sailing ships that were built and launched from the beaches of St. Martins to sail the world.
Lunch:
Lunch at the Inn
Afternoon:
An afternoon walk on the beach with a naturalist guide provides an introduction to the Bay of Fundy's giant tides. Learn about how the geological foundations of the Bay, how its shape and the cycles of the moon and sun produce the highest tides in the world.
Dinner:
Full service, three course candlelight dinner
Evening:
An evening session provides some background for your visit the next day to Saint John, Canada's oldest incorporated city.
Accommodations:
The Tidal Watch Inn
Meals Included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Historic Highlights of Saint John/Fundy Trail
(Tuesday, September 24)
Breakfast:
Cold buffet & hot entrée offered each day
Morning:
Travel by bus from St. Martins over scenic country roads to the historic port city of Saint John. A walk through the city's Trinity Royal Preservation district, one of the best in Canada, will take you past many historic sites and some grand examples of classic architecture. Explore Saint John's bustling harbour as you walk along the waterfront boardwalk and newly created Harbour Passage. Giant cruise ships now come and go from this busy port where the Loyalist settlers made their historic landing in 1783. The morning ends with lunch at the City Market, the oldest common market in Canada.
Lunch:
Lunch on your own at Saint John City Market
Afternoon:
Return to St. Martins in the afternoon to explore the Fundy Trail with a Naturalist Guide. Walk on groomed trails along the cliffs overlooking the Bay, past a flowerpot rock, beaches, panoramic lookouts and a waterfall. Travel down to the Big Salmon river delta for a session with park staff to learn about the logging settlement that flourished in the early 1900's on the river. Explore the Salmon River environs walking out to the mouth of the estuary.
Dinner:
Full service, three course candlelight dinner
Accommodations:
The Tidal Watch Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Walking The Ocean Floor/Tidal Harbour/Acadian Dykes & Salt Marshes
(Wednesday, September 25)
Breakfast:
Cold buffet with hot entree each morning
Morning:
A walk through the village with a naturalist guide will take you past historic homes to a tidal fishing harbour where boats sit in the mud at low tide. The walk continues past the harbour through a covered bridge to a spectacular beach dominated by sea caves carved into red sandstone cliffs. Walk the ocean floor at low tide to explore the caves and learn about the geology of the area. Learn how the Bay of Fundy's mighty tides shape the landscape of the area and influence everyday life in the village. The walk continues up to trails on top of the cliffs. Enjoy spectacular views of the Nova Scotia coastline across the Bay of Fundy. Watch the tide come in and fill the sea caves where you walked just hours earlier in the day. (Please note that the schedule for this day will vary with the timing of the tides.)
Lunch:
Lunch at the Inn
Afternoon:
The afternoon walk involves exploration of tidal flats and nutrient rich salt marshes. The straight lines of dikes built by the Acadians in the 1600's are still visible. Learn how they farmed the marshes as they had in their native France. Your naturalist guide will explain how this very special part of the Bay of Fundy ecosystem nurtures, supports and sustains life.
Dinner:
Full service, three course candlelight dinner
Evening:
Local musicians provide a relaxing evening of music.
Accommodations:
The Tidal Watch Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Reversing Falls & Nature Park/Coastal Walking & River Valley
(Thursday, September 26)
Breakfast:
Cold buffet and hot entree served each morning
Morning:
A visit to the Reversing Falls once again allows you to experience the power of the Bay of Fundy's tides. Watch tumultuous rapids form as the tide rises to overwhelm and reverse the flow of the Saint John River, a large river system known as the "Undiscovered Rhine of North America". (If tidal prediction schedules permit, we will try to visit the Reversing Falls at two times during the day, both low and high tide to see the dramatic difference.) In late morning arrive at Irving Nature Park, a 600 acre coastal park created to protect endangered ecosystems. The morning ends with a picnic lunch overlooking the Bay at this park on the western edge of Saint John.
Lunch:
Picnic Lunch at Irving Nature Park overlooking the Bay
Afternoon:
After lunch enjoy a coastal walk through Acadian Forest with a Naturalist Guide. On the walk learn about the various ecosystems along the coastline as you pass rocky shores, beaches, tidal pools, mud flats and a salt marsh estuary and the breeding grounds of shore birds. A boardwalk extending 300 metres onto the marsh allows you to observe the marsh inhabitants. Finish the walk in the treetops at an observation tower that provides a panoramic view of the land, the seascapes and the park. Travel back to St. Martins along the lush, scenic Saint John River valley.
Dinner:
Full service three course candlelight dinner
Accommodations:
The Tidal Watch Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Evaluations and Check-out
(Friday, September 27)
Breakfast:
Cold buffet and entree served each morning
Morning:
Completion and submission of evaluations. Check-out by 11:00 a.m. Late check-out can be arranged to fit with travel plans.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Suggested Reading List
An Intimate History of New Brunswick
Author: Stuart Truman
Birding In New Brunswick
Author: Roger Burrows
Description: A birder's field guide
Mi'Kmag Anthology
Author: Edited by Rita Joe & Lesley Choyce
Description: A history of native peoples
New Brunswick A Short History
Author: Tim Frink
Out & About in New Brunswick
Author: Hank Deichmann
Description: A guide to flora and fauna
Second Wind
Author: Robert M. Rayner
Description: A novel set in a seaside town on the Bay of Fundy
Shipwrecks Off The East Coast
Author: Carel Vivier
The Language Of This Land
Author: Trudy Sable & Bernice Francis
Description: Mi'Kmag History
The Last Billion Years
Author: Atlantic Geoscience Society
Description: A detailed Geological History of the Atlantic Provinces
The Sea Captain's Wife
Author: Beth Powning
Description: A historical novel set in the seaside Bay of Fundy Village of St. Martins
To Hell Or Melbourne
Author: Flora Kidd
Description: A historical novel written about the Marco Polo, a tall ship built and launched from Saint John to sail the world. It became known as the fastest ship in the world.
Trees & Shrubs of the Maritimes
Author: Todd Boland
Description: A field guide
You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.
As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.
Specifically, this program includes:
5 nights accommodations
13 meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 9
Expert-led lectures
Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 8
Field trips
The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 3
Hands-on experiences
Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Plus these special experiences...
Experience the rhythm of the world's highest tides in a walk to a tidal harbor where boats sit in the mud and out to sea caves at low tide.
Witness the power of the tides at the Reversing Rapids where the tide comes in with such force that it overflows a vast river system.
A walk through historic Saint John travels along the scenic Harbor Passage into the bustling old city market.
A walk through a coastal nature park provides exploration of a the unique ecosystem of salt marshes that sustain
View the Daily Schedule to see more
And included with all Road Scholar programs:
Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes
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Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768