Flying into Toronto after a week touring the Bay of Fundy, I felt it. And, it took me by surprise.

I felt the difference between a city with a manufactured rhythm and a
place where the rhythm is naturally created by the 12 hour cycles of
the ocean tides.

I took a deep breath and re-entered Toronto while wondering whether a cottage on The Bay of Fundy could make sense in my life.

The Bay of Fundy – a Natural Wonder

The Bay of Fundy is a special place in so many ways that it is shortlisted as one of the New7Wonder of Nature. I went to have a look thanks to New Brunswick Tourism and Tourism Nova Scotia.
The final list of Seven will be announced in November. 

The seafood is fantastic - I enjoyed it daily.

Top Things to Do

Here are the top things to do around the Bay of
Fundy by theme.

1. Adventure travel – from hiking to ziplining to sea
   kyaking and horseback riding, there is lots around the Bay of Fundy for
   the adventure traveler. But, top of the list has to be riding the Tidal
   Bore. I had no idea what to expect. I thought it was like rafting but,
   other than than the fact that you’re riding in a zodiac and you get wet
   in wild water, it’s nothing like rafting. Watch for the post on that
   experience on Solo Traveler.
2. Food and Wine – I ate great food and drank local
   wine around the Bay of Fundy every single day. From road side stops for
   excellent lobster rolls to fine dining restaurants overlooking the
   ocean, I had great food. I also discovered a few surprisingly good
   wineries when there – they don’t export to Ontario.
3. Music – Maritimers are known for their music. I
   stepped into the heart of the music scene in St. Andrew’s by the Sea
   when I met Jamie Steel. He’ll show up in a post on music as well as one
   on how to meet the Right Locals.
4. Geology and Paleontology – Who knew? There is lots
   to dig around the Bay of Fundy. For those into rocks and fossels, there
   is the Geological Museum in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia and the geopark in
   and around Saint John, New Brunswick.
5. Marine experiences - This is no surprise but some
   of the activities were. Of course, you can go fishing and whale watching
   but have you dug clams with a man who has done so for 40 years? He’ll
   teach you the technique. Add to that dulce harvesting and you have a
   Fundy Experience.
6. Spectacular Scenery - If all you want is to relax
   and enjoy beautiful scenery the Bay of Fundy is your place. Everywhere
   you look as you drive around the Bay offers beautiful scenery. I’ll give
   you an itinerary soon.
7. History – This history around the Bay of Fundy
   starts with the Mi’kmaq people. Moving forward in time, Europeans were
   there in the 1600s. The City of Saint John was the first incorporated
   city in Canada and it’s right on the Bay. In the 1800s the region was
   alive with summer resorts and private retreats.
8. Acadian Homecoming – In the Expulsion of 1755, the
   Acadians (french speaking) of Nova Scotia were removed from the area by
   the English. Consequently, there is an Acadian diaspora all over the
   world. The Grand Pré National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the
   Acadian settlement and is a destination for those with Acadian heritage
   including the cajuns of Louisiana.
9. Hospitality of the People – There are no people in
   the world like those from the Maritimes. Happy, relaxed and helpful,
   it’s important to take the time to mingle. Go to Slocum and Ferris in
   the Saint John City Market. I’ll give you more details soon.
10. Flora and fauna – How can I forget the pleasure of
    watching deers in the wild or enjoying the beauty of the wild flowers – I
    was particularly taken with the fields of buttercups punctuated by
    stands of wild irises that we rode horseback through.

As I’m sure you can tell, I’m quite smitten with the Bay of Fundy.Have you had a Bay experience? Please share in the comments below. 

Janice Waugh publishes Solo Traveler, the blog for those who travel alone and is author of The Solo Traveler’s Handbook.
She has spoken at The Smithsonian Institute and been quoted in many
media outlets including the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, LA Times
and the Toronto Star. She speaks on a variety of topics including
travel, blogging and life changes. Her blog offers solo travel stories,
tips, safety advice and destination ideas as well as a couple of free
ebooks including Glad You’re Not Here: a solo traveler’s manifesto.