Attractions

Most national park activities are centered around the Alma (eastern) side of the park, where the park entrance has a cultivated and manicured air, as if part of a landed estate. Here you'll find stone walls, well-tended lawns, and attractive landscaping, along with a golf course, amphitheater, lawn bowling, and tennis.

Also in this area is a heated saltwater pool, set near the bay with a sweeping ocean view. There's a lifeguard on duty, and it's a popular destination for families. The pool is open from late June through early September. Entrance costs C$3.40 adults, C$2.90 seniors, C$1.65 children, and C$8.80 for families.

Sea kayaking tours are a great way to get an up-close look at the marine environment here -- but you want expert help when kayaking the world's highest tides. FreshAir Adventure (tel. 800/545-0020 or 506/887-2249) in Alma offers tours that range from 2 hours to several days. The half-day tours explore marsh and coastline (C$48-C$60 per person, including snack); the full-day adventure includes a hot meal and 6 hours of exploring the wild shores (C$90-C$110 per person).

Birders are always pleased to learn that some 250-plus species have been sighted within park boundaries, and almost half of them breed here. Notably, the endangered peregrine falcon has been reintroduced to the bay's steep cliffs.