Long after the mud has been washed off your boots and the suitcase is back in the basement, you will find yourself thinking about St. Martins Sea Caves. The caves and the area itself is just that unique. For my family, our trip to New Brunswick a couple of summers ago was extremely memorable, even weeks and months after we returned home.
If you’ve never stood on the floor of the ocean and looked up at towering red sandstone cliffs, put it on your bucket list immediately.
We spent a full day exploring the St. Martins Sea Caves and the rugged coastline of the Bay of Fundy, plus the Fundy Trail and honestly, it was something you should definitely see if you visit New Brunswick. The day began slightly overcast and foggy which made it harder to shoot super clear photos but also lent a mysterious atmospheric quality to the day.
Visiting New Brunswick with Kids
Now listen, this is not to say that one of the kids, a teen, was not annoyed that we didn’t have enough food, or that nobody complained but during the Sea Caves portion of our day. But, for the lion’s share of the day everyone was calm and fully engaged with the scenery.
The Magic of St. Martins Sea Caves
We started our morning in the village of St. Martins. It’s a classic East Coast fishing village—think covered bridge, colourful boats resting on the harbour floor, that salty, fresh air and cutesy little Mom and Pop craft and souvenir shops.
The sea caves are the real showstopper here. Because the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, the caves appear and disappear every single day. We timed our visit for low tide so we could walk right across the rocky beach and step inside these massive caverns carved out by millions of years of rushing water. Standing inside, on the incredible red sand, yes it is still red just like it is in PEI, which surprised me, you cannot help but feel both a part of nature and of history.
Pro Tip: Make sure everyone is wearing sturdy, maybe waterproof shoes! The beach is incredibly rocky and can be quite slippery. You’ll be navigating tide pools and wet stones to get into the heart of the caves, and you definitely don’t want any twisted ankles or soggy socks ruining the fun.
Exploring Fundy National Park
After we’d had our fill of the caves, we headed deeper into Fundy National Park. If your family loves a good coastal drive, this one is a dream. The views of the Bay of Fundy from the lookouts are nothing short of spectacular. We spent a part of the afternoon hiking through the Acadian forest and finding hidden waterfalls and some gorgeous lookouts.
The park is a maze of lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. One of my favorite parts was simply standing at one of the “Red Chair” locations—those iconic Parks Canada seats placed at the most scenic spots—and just watching the tide begin its slow, powerful crawl back toward the shore. It’s a great spot for a family photo, too!
The “Must-Read” Survival Tip: Pack Your Snacks!
If there is one piece of advice I can give you for this trip, it’s this: Bring your own food.
While St. Martins has one or two lovely spots (the seafood chowder near the caves is legendary), once you pass the sea caves and head into the Fundy Trail Parkway or deeper into the National Park, food options become incredibly scarce. We learned the hard way that once you’re on those winding coastal roads, your only company is the trees and the waves. In fact, at one point we left the park and got food at a restaurant and then had to return back to the sightseeing because it just wasn’t worth a miserable teen meltdown.
Before you leave St. Martins or your home base, pack a cooler with:
- Plenty of water: Hiking in the humid East Coast summer is thirsty work for everyone.
- High-energy snacks: Think granola bars, fruit, or trail mix to keep everyone’s energy up between stops.
- A picnic lunch or small cooler: There are so many beautiful picnic spots with views of the bay; you’ll be much happier enjoying a sandwich with a view than hunting for a non-existent snack bar.
New Brunswick’s coast is a marvel, and exploring it with the whole family made for some of our favourite memories. It’s a place that demands you slow down, watch the water, search for unique rocks and shells and get a little mud on your shoes.
