"Named for the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park was New Brunswick’s first National Park" Image submitted by Daniel Sinclair In 1948, a large swath of land adjacent to the village of Alma, bordered by the Bay of Fundy, was allocated to become New Brunswick’s first national park. Two years later, it officially opened to the public on July 29th, 1950. As we celebrate Fundy National Park’s 75th anniversary this year, it is a great time to reflect on how the park’s role has evolved over time.
The park’s story did not start with its designation as a national park. The land has a rich cultural history, located in the unceded territory of the Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey Nations, who have been present in the area since time immemorial. After European contact, several communities were established within today’s park boundaries and subsisted on logging, milling, farming, shipbuilding and fishing activities.
The park’s story did not start with its designation as a national park. The land has a rich cultural history, located in the unceded territory of the Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey Nations, who have been present in the area since time immemorial. After European contact, several communities were established within today’s park boundaries and subsisted on logging, milling, farming, shipbuilding and fishing activities.
"During the first few years, the new national park had no official trails and no interpretation programs. Areas like Point Wolfe were a popular destination." Image submitted by Daniel Sinclair Many families called this place home, and several areas within the park still hold names reminiscent of those times, such as Point Wolfe, Herring Cove, Lakeview, Hastings and Butland Settlement, to name a few. As we reflect on Fundy National Park’s 75th, we also acknowledge the rich diversity of the populations who travelled, lived and worked on these lands.
Fundy National Park was originally established to stimulate the local economy while protecting nature. At the time of its creation, the park’s priorities centered mostly around tourism, recreation and appreciation of nature. Fundy National Park was seen as an island of civilization in a sea of wilderness.
"Beginning with only 47 sites, overlooking the community of Alma and the Upper Salmon River, Headquarters campground was Fundy’s first campground.." Image submitted by Daniel Sinclair Canadians have always sought out national parks as places to relax, rejuvenate and explore, and Fundy National Park is no different, presenting unique ecological features. A visitor of the 1950s would have experienced the same rugged coastline and sweeping tides and admired its deep river valleys and forested highlands as much as we do today.
The park continues to be a place to get away from the demands of modern life and reconnect with nature. In addition, over the last 75 years, Parks Canada's focus has evolved to focus on restoring and preserving natural processes and minimizing developmental impacts - national parks are now cherished for being centers of nature and biodiversity in an increasingly developed world. As some areas of the park are allowed to return to their natural state, visitors can experience a different view of Fundy’s true splendor. Native wildflowers, grasses, and trees contribute to this beauty.
The park continues to be a place to get away from the demands of modern life and reconnect with nature. In addition, over the last 75 years, Parks Canada's focus has evolved to focus on restoring and preserving natural processes and minimizing developmental impacts - national parks are now cherished for being centers of nature and biodiversity in an increasingly developed world. As some areas of the park are allowed to return to their natural state, visitors can experience a different view of Fundy’s true splendor. Native wildflowers, grasses, and trees contribute to this beauty.
"The saltwater pool, opened in 1950, continues to be a popular attraction in Fundy National Park. Water is drawn from the Bay of Fundy, filtered, and heated, creating a unique experience. It has undergone significant upgrades since its opening. " Image submitted by Daniel Sinclair Naturalized spaces have many benefits including a greater ability to respond to extreme weather and climate change, potential for lower maintenance costs and the creation of habitat for wildlife (such as native pollinators). Naturalization also brings traditional beauty to our landscapes, creating new spaces for visitors to learn about and connect with nature.
Although the park has taken on new meaning, new responsibilities and priorities over the last 75 years, Fundy National Park continues to offer recreational activities such as golfing and swimming, with a renewed focus on creating meaningful and inclusive visitor experiences, maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems, and growing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners.
Official celebrations will take place on the weekend of July 26th and 27th, with some other special activities throughout the summer. Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FundyNP)!
Come be a part of marking 75 years of Fundy National Park—a truly unique and cherished place that has captured the hearts of Canadians for generations!
Although the park has taken on new meaning, new responsibilities and priorities over the last 75 years, Fundy National Park continues to offer recreational activities such as golfing and swimming, with a renewed focus on creating meaningful and inclusive visitor experiences, maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems, and growing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners.
Official celebrations will take place on the weekend of July 26th and 27th, with some other special activities throughout the summer. Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FundyNP)!
Come be a part of marking 75 years of Fundy National Park—a truly unique and cherished place that has captured the hearts of Canadians for generations!
Submitted by
Mira Dietz Chiasson, Partnering, Engagement & Communications Officer
Daniel Sinclair, Interpretation Supervision, Fundy National Park
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