The famous Flowerpot Rocks of Hopewell Cape are setting attendance records in its first weekend of the season.

Less than three days into its 2017 season, thousands of locals and tourists have flocked to see the rocks. Nearly 1,100 were on hand on Saturday alone.

“We're already talking about coming back tomorrow morning so we can see what it looks like at high tide, to imagine the water over us,” says tourist Danielle Nowakowsai

The rocks broke attendance records in 2016 when more than 260,000 people turned out over the season. But a washout on the main route to the cape earlier this year had many worried about tourists potentially turning around.

Luckily, a replacement bridge opened exactly one week before the park officially opened on Friday, serving as good news for many businesses that rely on summer crowds.

Now with a long list of Canada 150 celebrations planned across the province, staff expect more patriotic Canadians and interested internationals will flock to the rocks.

“We really kind of forget what an international draw we really have here,” says Kevin Snair, Hopewell Rocks supervisor of interpretive services. “On Friday I spoke to people from Singapore, also from Australia, France, plus all over Canada.”

Many of the tourists say they’re hoping to beat the anticipated summer rush.

“We're here before the tourist season really starts,” says Oshawa tourist Mich Harrietha. “Miss the crowds, come down for a 10-day road trip, just drive around, take in the scenery (and) eat as many lobsters as we can.”

Snair says Canada 150 is already causing some confusion at the gates.

“The national parks are having free admission this year. That's not the case with us. We're a provincial attraction, so we definitely have to get the word out there that admission fees do apply,” says Snair.

While park admission isn't free for the season, it will be on Monday with a donation going towards the Shepody Food Bank.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Cami Kepke.