Most people take Route 111, which is the shortest route to St. Martins. But the Fundy Drive offers jaw-dropping scenery around every bend. And it only takes about five minutes longer. If you don’t stop along the way. But stopping is what it’s all about, right?
From the Saint John Airport, take Route 111 East along Loch Lomond Road. At Junction 820, stay right on Route 111, and then turn right onto Route 825. This is where the magic happens.
As you crest the hill, the Bay of Fundy comes into view on the right. Black River and the tidal salt marsh are on the left. You can park at the end of the causeway. McLeod’s Beach stretches out before you–pristine, peaceful and private.
A few kilometres further, the road opens up to a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy and the Nova Scotia coast. At the end of the causeway, there’s room to park on the right. It’s a short, easy walk to the beach.
Amid farm country and beautiful old barns, you’ll find Moore’s Specialties where you can stop for an ice cream or shop for antiques. The view of Split Rock from here is spectacular, but we’re going to take you even closer.
Down the hill, the road to Duck Pond is on your right. It’s only a few kilometres long and at the end of the road is a parking area. From here, you can hike to Split Rock at low tide or explore the sea caves that bracket the beach.
Leave Route 825 and follow Coleraine Road. As you go down the hill, there’s another spectacular view of the Bay. You can pull over just before the covered bridge and walk across, which is always more fun than driving.
Pass by farmland once owned by Mitchell Franklin, a respected Maritime philanthropist and a major proponent of the Fundy Trail Parkway. At the stop sign, turn right onto Route 111, the main road to St. Martins. The entrance to the Village is breathtaking, with the Isle Haute emerging out of the middle of the Bay. Legend has it that the St. Martins Flaming Phantom Ship sails to the island every seven years. Yet another St. Martins’ secret, perhaps best explored over a meal at one of the Village restaurants.