Geoparks Rock!
Fossils, Geological Heritage, and a Profile on Cumberland Region
UNESCO Global Geoparks
A Geopark is an area of “international geological significance” managed strategically to support its protection while prioritizing education and sustainable development.
They’re pretty cool! Who doesn’t want to learn how our geological heritage shaped (and continues to shape) landscapes and cultures around the world?
Geoparks and tourism
Increasingly, Geoparks are looked at as a tourism development solution where communities see their geological heritage as an opportunity to attract visitors. A specific application that’s come up several times in my work is developing Geoparks in old mining towns to promote economic diversification and resilience-building.
Of course, Geoparks won’t be trip motivators for every tourist, but I’d wager there’s some overlap with visitor segments like outdoor-enthusiasts and cultural tourists. Reaching these markets will depend on what stories are shared.
Examples of Geoparks
Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark in China (spectacular sandstone pillars covered in vegetation that inspired the landscapes in the movie Avatar)
Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark in Iceland (where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, think: lava fields, hot springs, geysers, etc.)
Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark in Canada (Cretaceous dinosaur tracks and a dinosaur bone bed)
There are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks around the world. Let’s zoom into one of these, Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, with a profile on a geology-forward destination: Cumberland Region in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Cumberland Region, Nova Scotia
Why is Cumberland Region cool?
Cumberland Region surprised me more than anywhere else I’ve been for work. This Atlantic Canada gem has so much to offer and is pretty under the radar. With three distinct sub-regions, it’s got sandy beaches on the northeast, rolling hills and farms in the middle, and rugged cliffs to the west.
Would recommend it for people into any mix of nature, camping, history, food, and of course, geology! You also need to like road trips because it’s very much a driving destination. It’s also best suited for those with a sense of adventure as some of the driving stretches are long and sans cell service.
PRO TIP: Download offline maps and have an idea of where you want to stop before heading out. You can’t Google ideas en route, so call ahead to make sure places are indeed open.
Where is it? And how do you get there?
Cumberland Region is in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Moncton, rent a car, and drive 40 minutes south.
What Does this Have to Do with Geology?
Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site
Every day a new array of Carboniferous Period (aka Coal Age) fossils are revealed at Joggins Fossil Cliffs. That’s because the cliffs are being continuously eroded by the elements (including the world’s highest tides). The fossils that emerge are of swampy forest creatures including plants, amphibians, and reptiles.
There’s an interpretive centre on site offering walking tours where you’ll learn why this beach has such a concentration of fossils, how coal mining shaped the local community, and of course, search for fossils. Since it’s a protected site (and you’re a responsible traveller), you can’t keep the fossils so take pics of your best finds!
PRO TIP: Plan your itinerary around the tides. Beach tours are not offered on days where high tide is at an inopportune time.
Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark
The Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark has several sites in Cumberland Region.
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park (and nearby)
At the southwestern tip of the peninsula, is a stunning provincial park with coastal trails and beaches to explore. There are 51 hike-in camp sites and 12 kayak-in sites. There’s also a 52km coastal loop hike that you can do over four days/three nights.
Other things to love about the park: sweeping cliff views, sunsets, lots of porcupines, the cutest plovers dancing on the beach, and some dramatic tidal action.
Food wise, Wild Caraway offers tasting menus focused on local ingredients. They also have accommodations on site if you eat too much and need a sleep. It’s closed on Tuesdays, so I couldn’t go, but imagine heading there to refuel after a four-day hike!
Parrsboro
Just a touch west of the park is funky Parrsboro. This small town has a local brewery, cute inns, trails, and seafood. It also has a vibrant arts scene and the Fundy Geological Museum.
Pro tip: Go slow. A lot of places are closed Monday-Wednesday. Plan your nature adventures for the start of the week and your town time for later to make the most of your visit.
Amherst
Coming from Moncton, Amherst will likely be your intro or outro to Cumberland Region. Add it to your itinerary and learn to hook rugs at Deanne Fitzpatrick’s studio. The sales people seem harmless, but they can sense weakness and will lure you in with teas and coffees. All of a sudden, you’re doing a rug hooking lesson and buying starter kits so you too can hook Nova Scotian landscapes onto burlap. Highly recommend!
If you time things right, another unique experience is witnessing the Maccan Tidal Bore, an impressive natural phenomenon where a huge wave comes upriver with the changing tide. Bore times are published online here.
Northumberland Shores
On the other side of Cumberland Region is a very different coast. Northumberland Shores is home to wineries, cideries, and warm waters. The contrast from rugged Fundy is dramatic, but this diversity of landscapes is what makes Cumberland Region so special.
What’s Next?
Hoping this newsletter reminded you that geology rocks! And maybe even inspired you to add a touch more geology to your travels. Next up, we’ll have a newsletter on thru-hiking the GR-34 trail in northern France.
Links and Resources
Explore Cumberland tourism website
Cliffs of Fundy Geopark website
More on UNESCO Geoparks
For the geological-curious or those predisposed to beachcombing, one of my favourite mementos from the trip was a handy Nova Scotia rock guide casually up for grabs at the visitor centre.
Loved reading your take on this region! I’d always heard about it but didn’t know much about it.
I found very interesting how you talked about this type of tourism being viable for ex mining communities. In Honduras there are several, mainly ex silver mines, which could use this as a way of attracting tourists.
I’ll be on the lookout for the GR-34 post! Want to hear a bit about gear and packing and in general about the experience!