Are you interested in eco-tourism or natural beauty? Canada is an exciting destination for anyone interested in the natural world. Canada boasts an endless array of natural attractions: Lakes and rivers, mountains and glaciers, wildlife and fossils, tundra and ocean. Canada has something for everyone. I grew up on on Canada's East Coast, on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. The Bay is an amazing attraction in itself, and well worth a visit for anyone interested in hiking, kayaking, ocean wildlife, eco-tourism, adventure tourism or beautiful scenery.

The Bay of Fundy, which is located south of New Brunswick and north of Nova Scotia, boasts the highest tides in the world. The difference between low tide and high tide is impressive: According to the Hopewell Rocks website, the difference between high tide and low tide can be as much as 52 feet at the head of the bay. The tides also rise and fall fairly quickly (6-8 feet/hour), which can be dangerous for people walking between the shore and the cliffs that line much of the New Brunswick side of the Bay. The amazing tides are caused by the shape of the Bay which narrows, forcing the water into a smaller and smaller space as it moves from low to high tide. The Bay of Fundy is home to a large variety of sea life. According to bayoffundy.com, "the waters of the bay are populated with approximately 8 species of whales, an abundance of dolphins, porpoises, fish, seals, seabirds and more." Boat tours to view whales, seals and sea birds are popular. There is also an abundance of local flora and fauna on land that can be enjoyed in the many parks and walking trails that New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have to offer.

The Hopewell Rocks, in New Brunswick, is an interesting destination. The constant flux of the tides has carved huge flower pot shaped cliffs, which are mostly under water at high tide. At low tide, however, you can walk along the beach below them and scramble over rocks and into caves in the cliff. The site has been recently upgraded and now has an interpretive centre where you can learn about the tides, many well marked trails and lookout points along the top of the cliff as well as access to the ocean floor. A playground, cafe, and gift shop are also available. There is also a shuttle for those who don't feel up to the walk back up the hill from the rocks to the centre.

Fundy National Park is located in New Brunswick and has some really lovely hiking trails along the bay. There are also many trails in the park's interior that offer a look at the many different landscapes of the New Brunswick shore: Woods, bogs, cliffs, pebble beaches, and lake-shore and river-side trails. The trails vary in length and difficulty. Some offer relaxing boardwalk strolls that can take as little ten minutes; some offer challenging scrambles over rough terrain and through rivers that can stretch to days. Wildlife can be viewed by quiet hikers along the trails; sometimes you can catch sight of a beaver or even a moose. Birds are in abundance and the park is popular with birdwatchers. Camping is available in the park or, if you don't like to rough it, a place to stay can usually be found in nearby Alma. Don't miss out on a stop to Kelly's Bake Shop for the world famous Alma sticky buns. Go early, though, as the buns are usually sold out by early afternoon.

Another great destination on the New Brunswick side of the bay, is the Fundy Trail in beautiful St. Martins. The trail boasts a wonderful scenic parkway and multi-use trail with amazing views over the bay. The multi-use trail can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle and stretches from the park entrance to the interpretive centre at Old Salmon River. It can be walked in an afternoon, especially since for most of the summer season the park offers a free shuttle that stops at various points along the trail. You can walk as far as you like and then take the shuttle back to your car. If you like a more challenging hike, the Fundy footpath, which stretches between the Fundy Trail and Fundy park, is a challenging three to four day hike. The footpath is real wilderness hiking, you have to carry all of your gear on your back and camp each night on your own in the woods.