Fundy NP

Indigenous Heritage and OriginsThe region now encompassing Fundy National Park has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia. Specifically, the Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) used this land as a vital part of their traditional territories. Here you will find traces of their deep connection to nature, reflected in their hunting, fishing, and gathering practices.The Mi'kmaq referred to this land as part of Gespe'gewa'gi, one of their seven traditional districts.The rivers, forests, and coastal strips offered rich resources and served as a livelihood as well as for spiritual purposes.Archaeological findings confirm a continuous presence and use of the area over thousands of years.European Settlement and the AcadiansWith the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century, a new era began for the region. The French established the colony of Acadia here, its influence felt even in the coastal regions of present-day New Brunswick.Acadians settled the fertile coastal plains and developed a unique culture and way of life.The Great Expulsion of the Acadians (Le Grand Dérangement) in the 18th century by the British forced many inhabitants to flee or be deported, profoundly changing the demographic and cultural landscape.Later, British Loyalists arrived in the region after the American Revolution, shaping the development of the communities.From Logging Camp to National ParkIn the 19th and early 20th centuries, forestry played a crucial role in the local economy, particularly along the Upper Salmon River. The remnants of this era can still be discovered in the park today.The rivers served as transportation routes for felled trees, leading to the construction of dams and logging camps.The establishment of Fundy National Park in 1948 aimed to protect the unique natural landscape and make it accessible to the public.The creation of the park led to land expropriations from existing communities, representing a complex chapter in local history. Today, the park maintains close relationships with surrounding communities like Alma, which thrive on fishing and tourism and continue to share the region's story.

Getting around the expansive Fundy National Park differs fundamentally from urban areas. Public transport like metro, bus, or tram is not available within the park, which makes a private vehicle the most essential mode of transport to reach the various hiking trails, viewpoints, and facilities.For active travelers, there are excellent opportunities for cycling on designated paths; rental bikes are seasonally available in or near the park, while e-scooters play hardly any role. The park's vast areas are not pedestrian-friendly in the urban sense, yet numerous, well-signposted hiking trails invite you to explore nature on foot.Taxi or ride-sharing services are rarely found within the park itself and are more relevant for arrival from surrounding cities. A detailed park map and the park app are essential to stay oriented and plan the most scenic routes, especially for the picturesque Fundy Parkway.