Alma is certainly the focus of activities during the weekend fleet launch but consider everything this area has to offer while visiting this weekend and planning trips here in the future. Hiking trails are everywhere, both in Fundy National Park and on numerous local beaches at low tide. For example, just 10 minutes away from Alma is the lovely Waterside Beach and the associated marshes. It’s only one of the gorgeous beaches along the coast that hikers can visit.

During the summer at Cape Enrage, just past Waterside Beach, visitors can see a lighthouse built in 1838 that was constructed to keep ships away from the towering cliffs here. Today those rocky walls provide the perfect spot for the rappelling adventures offered by Cape Enrage staff members. In addition to rappelling, other activities are offered such as zip lining, guided hikes, and fossil hunting. A restaurant in the former lighthouse keeper’s home offers meals during the summer.

Further up the Fundy coast is Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, where tidal erosion has created unusual rock formations. These sea stacks of rocks tower above the beach at low tide and many feature trees and bushes growing at their peaks — earning them the name of “flowerpots.” A viewing platform is available for visitors to overlook the formations and at low tide, a set of stairs leads visitors to the ocean floor where they can wander among the flowerpots.

To the south of Alma is the Fundy Trail Parkway, which offers a breathtaking drive along the Fundy coast. It extends from the top of Fundy National Park (via Shepody Road) to St. Martins. Along the its 30-kilometer length are numerous hiking trails, scenic pull-offs, and observation decks. The parkway is closed during the winter so visitors should consult the organization’s website for hours.

As you can see — there’s lots to do here. Come back often.