Ponderosa Pines | A Campground Review

Hugging the world reknownd Bay of Fundy in Hopewell Cape New Brunswick is the quaint family owned Ponderosa Pines campground. Located just minutes from the Hopewell Rocks and a 30min drive from Fundy National Park this little slice of relaxation is a great spot to unwind for a weekend. 

Easy walking and biking here with a small, clean pool and ample full service shady sites we had no trouble unwinding from the work week. There are two ponds on the property where you can fish or canoe or kayak and if you're up early enough you may spot a moose I'm the marsh having his breakfast. 

The campground overlooks the bay but it is also home to a large flock of Canadian geese who are quite the messy neighbours so watch where you step if you're out for a stroll to see the tides change. 

While we were visiting we took in the Hopewell Rocks and a sweet little cafe called Cinnamon Soul in nearby Hillsborough. We had cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, lattes and lemonades and they did not disappoint! The food smelled delicious although we did not partake...next time for sure!

Take care of yourself, be kind to others, wash your hands and don't pick your nose. 

Adventure is out there!

Love,

The McDonnells

Hopewell Rocks | Where to Visit in NB

One of New Brunswick's claims to fame is the bay of Fundy which boasts the highest tides in the world. In tiny Hopewell Cape these tides have created a beautiful and fascinating experience for tourists to enjoy - the Hopewell Rocks

Thousands of years of high and low tides have carved these cliffs into free standing rock structures with tiny little separated forests still growing on their tops giving the flower pot rocks their iconic appearance. 

Best seen at high tide and again at low tide, visitors can truly appreciate just how high the tide goes in the Bay of Fundy...30ft! At low tide you can walk along the ocean floor and meander in and around these structures looking up at the tide markers waaaay at the top of the cliff side. Hard to imagine from the bottom that at high tide whales can swim right where you're standing. At high tide, guided kayak tours are available and it's just incredible to see how the area changes in a mere 6ish hours. 

If you're planning to visit the Hopewell Rocks on your staycation or your visit to New Brunswick be sure to check the tide tables before arriving to ensure you're going to get the view you want to see and the experience you're after. Pro tip: your entrance fee covers 24hr so you can come back and see the opposite tide if you choose! Wear good walking shoes as you'll hike down groomed trails to get to the rocks and it's all uphill on the way back. Trolly rides are available for $2 per person per trip if you aren't up for the walk...we like to walk down and trolley up just for fun! 

Pack a picnic, bring your camera and plan to have a fun afternoon visiting this beautiful Canadian wonder and don't forget to check out the visitor center while you're here!

Take care of yourself, be kind to others, wash your hands and don't pick your nose. 

Adventure is out there!

Love,

The McDonnells

Escuminac Beach and Family Park | A Campground Review

Located on Miramichi Bay in Escuminac New Brunswick is the family owned campground and beach called Escuminac Beach and Park. Recently we spent a weekend here and this is what we thought:

The campground is small, mostly open spaces and mostly seasonal campers. Our site was grassed, full service, in an open field and backed onto the main road. We were on an end so neighbours only on one side. Very little privacy in a set up like this but we had a bird's eye view of the comings and goings around the campground.

It was very quiet down here. Great for relaxing outdoors in a lawn chair with a book and a beverage. Our site fee included access to the beautiful beach but unfortunately the water was way too cold to get in in early June but we enjoyed the waves and watching the sunset and just being near the ocean. 

Amenities at the campground were scarce. It's the type of place you go when you want the beach, and it certainly delivered in that regard. There were 2 small playgrounds that little ones could enjoy. No real space for walking and biking other than along the beach. There were some beach look out points that provided great views of the beach but looked like they could use some TLC.

The office boasts a canteen and ice cream but offerings were very limited. There is a huge covered porch with book shelves full of novels you could borrow which was a nice touch. Firepits were large and gave off great heat on chilly nights and staff deliver your firewood right to your site which is very convenient and appreciated. 

We spent our days relaxing and enjoying the outdoors and in the evening we were treated by beautiful sunsets and warm campfires. 

The small village of Escuminac is fairly remote from any bustling town so if you plan to visit, make sure you have what you need with you. Some essential things can be found in nearby Baie Saint Anne as far as grocery, hardware, liquor and gas needs. A short drive down the road you'll find O'Neil's fish market located right on the wharf so if you're a seafood lover, be sure to stop in for the best lobster you'll ever have. Fresh caught, live or steamed you can't beat it. You can see the boats they've come in on docked right there so you know it's as fresh as can be. 

Consider Escuminac on your travels around New Brunswick if you'd like a quaint, relaxing place near the ocean with a beautiful beach, friendly people and delicious seafood. Here's the link to their site for you to check out

Escuminac Beach and Park

Take care of yourself, be kind to others, wash your hands and don't pick your nose. 

Adventure is out there!

Love,

The McDonnells