Tide Times

Tidal Schedule

A great experience at Burntcoat Head Park starts with checking the tide times. To walk on the ocean floor, plan to arrive as close to low tide as possible (the safest time to explore is three hours before or after low tide). Tides are fast-moving and change daily. It’s important to follow warning signs and plan ahead for a safe visit. There is a risk of getting stranded if you are not back to shore at least 3 hours before high tide.

Tip: Make sure to see both low and high tide for a true appreciation of this natural wonder.

From mid-May to Mid-October, our Facebook page is updated daily with tide times.

Tide Times from the Government of Canada

Learning the tides

The Government of Canada shares annual tide predictions here. When checking tide times online, pay attention to your location – tide times can vary greatly from place to place. For example, the daily times for Burntcoat Head and Halifax would be very different!

  • There are two low tides and two high tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes. This means that tide times change by about 50 minutes each day.
  • 160 billion tonnes of water flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy with each tide.
  • Burntcoat Head was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 1975 for having an average high tide of 47.5 feet with an extreme range of 53.6 feet.
  • Tides are a result of the moon's gravitational pull on earth's oceans. The sun's gravitational pull also affects the tides.

How to plan your visit around tide times

When planning your visit to Burntcoat Head Park, if you want to explore the ocean floor, arrive during low tide. It’s safest to explore the ocean floor within the three hours before or after low tide. For example, if low tide were to occur at 3:00 p.m., the ocean floor would be safely accessed from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. 

To truly appreciate the range of the world’s highest tides, plan to see both low and high tide. Here are a few ways to pack an awesome day trip into the six hours between:

  • Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the serene areas within the park, which is home to a covered gazebo and plenty of picnic tables. 
  • Read the park’s interpretive panels and walk to the top of our replica lighthouse (open seasonally) for a sweeping view of the Bay. Our gift shop is open from 9 am to 5 pm mid-May to mid-October with souvenirs, frozen treats and cold drinks available for purchase.
  • There are places to eat within 10-20 minutes of the park in all directions. Maitland, Walton, and Kennetcook are some of the charming local villages nearby. Check ahead for seasonal open hours of local businesses.
  • Explore museums, artisan shops, and other natural attractions. 

Still need some help planning your visit? Our team is happy to help! Email us at [email protected] for advice.

More local attraction ideas

Watch the tides in real time.

Tune into our Nova Scotia Webcam for a live feed of the stunning view from the top of our lighthouse.
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