IsoEcol 2024 Fieldtrips Wednesday July 31st
Wednesday is field trip day at IsoEcol, and 2024 will be no exception. Join us on day trips to watch whales feed in the plankton rich Bay of Fundy, or take a guided trip through one of Canada’s unique National Parks. Those of you who want to stay closer to home can learn the importance of native plants to indigenous lives and culture, sample some of the best local beers in the Maritimes, or simply spend an afternoon with us paddling on the Wolastoq (Saint John River)
Whale Watching on the Bay of Fundy ($150 includes packed lunch, spaces limited)
Head to the town of St. Andrews by-the-sea for a whale watching adventure on a classic tall ship! Board a coach bus at UNB campus at 9:00AM to St. Andrews (approx. 2 hr drive) nestled along Passamaquoddy Bay in Southern New Brunswick. St. Andrews was named the number one destination in Canada by USA Today. Spend 1.5 hours exploring the historic Water Street before boarding the tall ship for a 3.5-hour whale watching cruise. The rich feeding grounds of the Bay of Fundy attract whales to this region every year, and successful encounters have exceeded 96% in the last few years. Possible sightings include minke, finback, humpback, and if you are lucky, the endangered North Atlantic right whales. After whale watching head back to Fredericton with an estimated arrival of 6:00PM.
Explore Fundy National Park ($60 includes packed lunch, spaces limited)
Head to Fundy National Park to experience the highest tides along the Bay of Fundy! Depart UNB campus at 9:00AM to the West end of the park where an interpreter will hop onto the bus and join the group as we travel along Route 114. Along the way the interpreter will share the stories of what makes Fundy such a unique and special place. If time allows, short stops can be made at vistas and other key areas. The driving tour (~1 hour) will end at Dickson Falls trail where the group can take a moment and experience the sights and sounds of the Acadian Forest. The Dickson Falls trail is a moderate 1.5km loop trail, which takes hikers down into a cool valley along the swift Dickson brook ending at the most photographed waterfall in the park. Participants are encouraged to hike at their own pace and immerse themselves into the experience. Interpreter will share interesting facts and point out features along the way. Washrooms and gift shops available at the Visitor Centre for participants before or after the experience. Break for lunch, then meet back at Alma beach in time to explore the ocean floor at low tide. If time allows, end the day with a quick visit to the town of Alma. Make sure to try the world-famous sticky bun at Kelly’s Bake Shop! Head back to Fredericton for an estimated arrival of 6:00PM.
Wolastoq Kayak Trip ($70)
Wolastoq, (the beautiful and bountiful river) now the Saint John River is the heart of Fredericton. Join us on a two hour guided paddle on the river, learning about its ecology and its role in the history of our city. The tour starts and end close to the downtown core so this will be a leisurely way to spend a mid-conference break.
Medicine Walk with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours ($60)
Embark on a medicine walk through the Old Growth Forest of Odell Park where you will join Wabanaki medicine keepers Cecelia Brooks and son Anthony as they share their knowledge about local flora, fungi and all our relations. They share the fascinating history of local plants and trees along with their use as medicines, food, and in ceremony. As a naturalist and avid hunter of mushrooms, Anthony will share his knowledge, while Cecelia shares the stories and legends of Wabanaki as you walk together through the forest park.
Fredericton Craft Beer Tour ($30, includes $25 drinks tokens)
Fredericton hosts the most taprooms per capita in Canada. Join the SINLAB’s resident brewmaster for an afternoon of light imbibing and delightfully crafty discussion while we explore some choice craft beer spots around Fredericton’s lively downtown (max 20 people).
Explore Fredericton
Feel free to simply take some time out from the meeting and explore the sites of downtown Fredericton, or rent a car and travel further afield. We will be happy to recommend some local points of interest and places and advise groups arranging their own excursions outside of the conference field trips.