Rules for Safe Beach Access

  1. Stay away from the cliff edges.The cliffs are actively eroding and unstable. Ensure you are aware of the over hangs above and do not venture underneath. A hard hat should be worn if you are a holder of a Heritage Research Permit and are undertaking work close to the cliffs.Please stay back at least 15 metres or 50 feet from the cliffs (about the length of a bus).
  2. Be careful of the cobblestones, beaches and reefs. Wet, loose and/or seaweed-covered rocks underfoot are a hazard. Wear appropriate footwear. Avoid walking on seaweed and wet, loose rocks.
  3. Check the tide charts for the area. There are some areas of the beach that must be left 3 hours before high tide, some two hours and some one hour. Please check upon arrival. The best time to visit the site is from mid-tide to mid-tide (approximately between three hours to low-tide and three hours to high tide).
  4. The weather can be extreme on the beach. Dress in layers and consider carrying a bottle of water with you. The fog can descend quickly.
  5. Cell phone coverage on the Joggins shore can intermittent . If you are required to call 911 from your cell, please ensure that you tell them it is a Nova Scotia Emergency as our calls are sometimes received by the tower in Dorchester, New Brunswick. It is a good idea to let someone know when you are expected to be off the beach.
  6. It is also a good idea to use the “buddy system” (traveling in pairs) while exploring the Joggins Fossil Cliffs.
  7. Ensure that children are under adult supervision. You are responsible for the safety of your children. Please do not allow them to climb cliffs, throw rocks and stones or sit under overhangs.
  8. Sun block should be worn. The wind off the Bay can be deceiving and though it may feel cold the UV can be high.
  9. Avoid going out onto the mud flats, as some areas can be quite soft and you may get stuck.

All visitors to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs and Centre do so entirely at their own risk.