
Once an island of civilization in a sea of wilderness - now an island of wilderness in a rapidly changing world - Fundy National Park has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past 75 years.
A land with deep roots
At its origin, Fundy National Park was a place of towering trees, rugged coastlines and sweeping tides in the heart of the Mi’gmaq district of Signigt’gewa’gi. The park’s story began long before its designation as a national park. The Mi’gmaq have lived, travelled, and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. The Bay of Fundy region holds a rich cultural history, shaped by Indigenous peoples and European settlers who arrived in the 1820s.

Life before the Park
Before the park’s designation, many European settlers created homesteads in the Fundy region. Several areas within the park still hold names reminiscent of those times, such as Point Wolfe and Herring Cove. These settlers made a living from shipbuilding, logging and fishing. As these industries dwindled beginning in the 1920s, the proposition of a national park brought a new vision – one that would protect the region’s natural and cultural treasures while offering new economic opportunities.
The early days
Fundy National Park officially opened to the public on July 29, 1950. In its early years, the park included only about a dozen staff members, no designated trails and Parks Canada’s focus was on recreation and tourism. Amenities like a swimming pool and golf course catered to visitors eager to explore the area’s scenic beauty.
A living landscape
Over the past 75 years, the park’s landscape and its mandate have evolved. Today, Fundy National Park serves as a model of ecological stewardship, where natural processes unfold with minimal human impact.
Join the celebration!
In acknowledging 75 years, we invite everyone to take part in a few “birthday’’ activities planned for this season. The celebration kicks off during the park’s season launch on Sunday, May 18, with a community tree-planting event. Official birthday festivities will take place July 25-27, with special activities, stories and connections between people. Follow our Facebook page for events details and updates throughout the season.
Contact: Daniel Sinclair, Interpretation Supervisor, Fundy National Park, [email protected], 506-887-6028