The Best Hidden Gem in Nova Scotia - Part 2
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I've been fortunate to build an extensive travel portfolio over the years, visiting places like Vietnam, Thailand, British Columbia, Italy, Paris, New York, and the Yukon, to name a few. But sometimes, you don't have to go far to get that far-away feeling. Sometimes, magic is hiding right around the corner.
Welcome to Nova Scotia’s Upper Bay of Fundy Shore and the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.
When I first discovered Parrsboro last summer, I was welcomed by a very enthusiastic, self-proclaimed local ambassador named Sandy Graham. He was eager to share his town's hidden gems and fascinating stories. However, because I was pressed for time that day, he handed me a number of brochures. One in particular caught my eye: "Tide Rollers and Mudlarkers." I loved the name, and the brochure featured amazing images. It also mentioned photography tours. I decided to keep it, and boy, am I ever happy I did.
I want you to meet Anna Hergert. My new BFF, inspiration and best walking tour guide in the Parrsboro area. Anna is the owner and operator of Tide Roller and Muslarker tours. When she moved to the area in 2020, it was love at first site. So much so that in her mid 60’s she decided to train for her remote wilderness first aid certificate and become a tour guide. And let me tell you, that’s no easy feat. It requires a lot of mental and physical strength. Anna is now certified by OCC (Outdoor Council of Canada) as a field leader and a GeoPark Ambassador for Nova Scotia Upper Bay of Fundy Shore.
Not only that but for fun, she hiked Cap Chignecto provincial park trail. That’s 52 km BY HERSELF. In THREE days.
Our Day of Discovery
When I heard the term Geopark, I assumed it was just collections of rocks and fossils at low tide, a kind of open-air museum for rock enthusiasts. My dad was a driller and he brought home shiny rocks when I was a kid. So I figured it was similar to that.
Boy was I wrong.
The Cliffs of Fundy Geopark is so much more than that. The park offers an immersive way to understand and appreciate our planet's history and diversity. Like the fact that Nova Scotia and Morocco were once attached 250 million years ago before the supercontinent Pangea broke apart and formed the continents as we know them today.
Did you know that? That’s pretty fricken cool.
Not that I’m tall in anyway (5’1) but this gives you and idea of scall.
When Anna asked me which tour I wanted to go on, I left it in her hands to decide. Since I was oblivious to the nature of the surroundings anyway, I wanted to see what had made her fall in love with the area. We left at 9am and headed west towards Advocate Harbour. Or as the locals call it: “Down Shore.”
Red Rock
Red Rock in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia, is breathtaking. The contrast of the red sandstone against the blue waters, grey pebble beach and the green forested backdrop is just a thing of beauty. Colour combinations at it's best by mother nature. It’s a true playground for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
What a beautiful spot for a mermaid shoot.
Cap D’or
Cap D'Or offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the powerful tides that define the area. The site is home to a historic lighthouse and foghorn station, which have guided ships safely through these waters for over a century.
When you visit Cap D'or you can explore the picturesque trail that winds along the cliffs. This allows opportunities to observe and photograph the unique geological formations. Don't worry, Anna will tell you everything you want and need to know.
We walked quite a bit and almost reached the tip of the rock formations that jut out toward the Bay. Honestly, my images don't do it justice—you'll just have to experience it for yourself.
The Drive Down Shore
Along the way from Parrsboro to Advocate Harbour mother nature reveals not only the rugged coastal beauty but also her softer side.
Fields of wildflowers and blueberry fields brighten the landscape with bursts of color, offering diverse photo opportunities against the backdrop of rolling hills and distant ocean views.
Whether focusing on the wide-open views of the coast or the intimate details of wildflowers, photographers will find plenty to capture and appreciate along this scenic route.
Anna offers tours and hikes for all ages and skill levels, always prioritizing safety over adventure. She knows these tides like the back of her hand, and let me assure you, the tides of the Bay of Fundy are no joke. If you get stuck at a pinch point, there is no coming back to tell the tale. Let Anna be your eyes and ears while you relax, soak it all in, and capture the beauty that keeps revealing itself to you as the tides go out.
As we concluded our adventure with a sunset solstice walk, the fading light along the rugged coastline became a stunning display of contrasts. The softness of the clouds brought out tones of pastel against the weathered rocks, creating a creative combination between elements that seemed worlds apart.
Thank you Anna for a magic get away just minutes away.
For more details on how to book your own tour with Tide Rollers and Mudlarkers, feel free to contact Anne on her website at the following link.
For a place to stay and other things to do while in Parrsboro, you can visit my previous blog post here all about the Gillespie House.
Sunset Walk on the Ocean Floor
Soft pastel clouds contrasting with the rugged rock faces
