Burntcoat Head Park - Wild In Nature

One of the spots I love to poke around is Burntcoat Head Park in Noel, Hants County. This park is just another of the special gifts the Bay of Fundy offers up for us.

Traditional Lands and Highest Tides

The Cobequid Bay area, including Burntcoat Head has been part of the traditional Mi’kmaq lands, fishing grounds, and hunting territories for thousands of years.

Acadians settled here in the late 17th century, establishing farms and developing a unique culture, utilizing the dyke-land farming techniques in areas surrounding the Minas Basin, including Cobequid Bay and the Minas Basin.

Known world wide for having the highest tides on earth, Burntcoat Head entered the Guinness Books of World Records in 1975 as having that designation. However,other communities communities along the Bay disputed the fact and even Ungava Bay in Northern Quebec wanted to lay claim to this title.

A tide gauge installed by the Canadian Hydrographic Services in 1998 confirmed once and for all that Burntcoat Head does indeed own that title. Yay for us. Sorry, Quebec.

Upgrades over the the last several years to the park including a foot washing station,better signage ,and better accessibility to the beach ( the ocean floor itself is not wheel chair accessible,although the upper viewing areas and trails are. And of course the washroom) and upgrades to the interpretive centre and surrounding walking trail all lay testament to the growing popularity of Burntcoat Head Park.

And why not? There is literally something for every outdoor lover at Burntcoat Head Park.

Not to Miss Experiences to Enjoy at Burntcoat Head Park

If you are there for the tides, the best way to experience those are to plan your visit to see both the high and low tides, which are about 6 hours apart.
Feeling like walking on the ocean floor? This is safest done on the ebb tide-allow 2 hours after the tide it at it’s highest, then you will have 8 hours to explore Burntcoat’s caves and beautiful red shoreline Tide times for Burntcoat Head are here. I recommend old sneakers and clothing.I guarantee those red mud stains will not come out. By the way, iron ore particles suspended in the water create the rusty color -and the stains in your new white tee shirt.
Bird lovers will love the varied species of birds who live at Burntcoat Head from pileated woodpeckers to migratory birds such as the tiny sandpipers who stop to feast on mud shrimp before continuing their trek southward.
Take a guided tour.Tours are available in late May until Thanksgiving. These are quite popular so it’s recommended that you book 24 hrs in advance.
Explore on you own.I hate to be a nag but I beg of you to pay attention to the tide and signage and head out 2 hours after the high tide. Absolutely do not go meandering down the beach any later than 3 hours before the high tide.
Find fossils. But please leave them for everyone to enjoy. Fossils can only go a wandering off site with you if you happen to be in possession of a Heritage Research Permit.
Enjoy a picnic or treat your self to Dining on the Ocean Floor. Buy you tickets here and learn more about this unique and popular feast. Unfortunately, is priced way out of my league at $750 per person.
Sunsets at Burntcoat are spectacular.Bring your camera.
Visit the historically accurate replica lighthouse and learn about the mighty Minas Basin tides, Acadians who lived there and the shipbuilding industry locally.