Fundy National Park: Canada's Coastal Gem

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
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• YesOui
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• NoNon
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• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
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• Thank youMerci
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• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
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• How are you?Comment ça va?
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• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
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• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
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• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
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• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
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• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
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• I'm lostJe suis perdu
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• I'm illJe suis malade
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• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
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• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
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• How much is it?Combien cela coûte-t-il?
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• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
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• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
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• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
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• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
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• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
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• MorningMatin
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
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• TomorrowDemain
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• 1Un
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• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
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• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
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• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the Fundy region was home to the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet peoples. These Indigenous communities thrived in the area for thousands of years, utilizing the abundant natural resources for sustenance, medicine, and cultural practices. They navigated the Bay of Fundy in birchbark canoes and established seasonal camps along the shorelines, leaving behind an enduring cultural legacy.

In the early 1600s, French explorers, including Samuel de Champlain, charted the Bay of Fundy. The area came under the influence of the Acadians, French settlers who developed close relationships with the Indigenous peoples. The name 'Fundy' is thought to originate from the French word 'fendu,' meaning 'split,' referring to the bay's distinctive geography.

The Acadians established thriving communities in the Fundy region, farming the fertile lands and fishing the rich waters. However, during the mid-18th century, the British forcibly expelled the Acadians in what is known as the Great Upheaval or Le Grand Dérangement. This tragic event dispersed the Acadian people and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the region.

Following the American Revolutionary War, many Loyalists—colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown—settled in the Fundy area. These new settlers established towns and developed the local economy through shipbuilding, fishing, and agriculture. The Loyalist influence is still evident today in the architecture and community names in and around Fundy National Park.

Fundy National Park was officially established in 1948, driven by the need to preserve the unique ecological and geological features of the region. The park covers an area of 207 square kilometers and offers a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including moose, black bears, and numerous bird species. Its establishment marked a significant step in Canadian conservation efforts.

Fundy National Park is renowned for its dramatic tides, which are among the highest in the world. The park also features lush forests, rugged coastlines, and scenic waterfalls. It serves as a living museum, preserving both natural wonders and the cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples, Acadians, and Loyalists who have shaped the region's history.

Fundy National Park is located in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The nearest major city is Moncton, approximately 90 kilometers away. The closest international airport is Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM). From Moncton, you can rent a car and drive to the park, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the nearby town of Alma, which is right at the park's entrance.

Within Fundy National Park, the best way to get around is by car or bike. The park has a well-maintained network of roads and trails that make it easy to explore by vehicle or on foot. Taxis and shuttle services are not commonly available within the park, so plan to have your own mode of transport. For exploring the nearby town of Alma, walking is a convenient option.

The official currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the park's visitor centers, campgrounds, and nearby establishments in Alma. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in more remote areas where card payments may not be accepted. ATMs are available in Alma for cash withdrawals.

Fundy National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard safety precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and not leaving valuables in an unattended vehicle. Wildlife encounters are possible, so follow park guidelines to remain safe. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists within the park or nearby town of Alma. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The park has ranger stations and visitor centers equipped to handle emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are basic medical services available in Alma, and more comprehensive medical facilities can be found in Moncton.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Layering is recommended due to variable weather conditions. Religion: Do respect any religious or cultural practices you encounter, although the park itself is secular. Public Transport: Public transport within the park is limited, so plan accordingly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. Canadians are generally polite and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies, especially in Alma. Don't litter; always use designated trash bins to keep the park clean.

To experience Fundy National Park like a local, visit during the off-peak seasons of spring and fall when the park is less crowded, and the foliage is breathtaking. Engage in local activities such as clam digging, kayaking, and hiking the Fundy Footpath. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the world's highest tides at the Bay of Fundy and explore the tidal pools at low tide. Visit the local farmers' markets in Alma for fresh produce and handmade crafts.