The Bay of Fundy has the extraordinary tidal bore phenomenon, when incoming tides overpower the flow of outflowing estuaries and rivers. Twice daily, during high tide, a huge amount of seawater surges out of the Bay of Fundy straight into the estuaries and rivers which feed the bay. The tapered riverbanks force the soaring tidal water in a amazing surge and often a noticeable standing wave, occasionally 1 meter (3 ft) tall! When the roaring and swirling tidal water charges upstream at speeds around 15 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour) it creates rapids in its wake which can be approximately 3 to 3.5 meters (10-12 ft) high.
The majority of estuaries and rivers flowing directly into the northern parts of the Bay of Fundy in between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick get tidal bores. Many of them can be found over on the Nova Scotia half of the Bay of Fundy. However, you might have difficulty discovering all of them without the assistance of a few local people. A few unique locations to check out a tidal bore include:
- The Petitcodiac River. Formerly the highest bore in North America at over 2 metres (6.6 ft); however, causeway construction and extensive silting reduced it to little more than a ripple, until the causeway gates were opened on April 14, 2010 as part of the Petitcodiac River Restoration project and as a result the tidal bore began to grow again.
- The bore is fastest and highest on some of the smaller rivers that connect to the Bay including the River Hebert and Maccan River on Cumberland Basin (about 10 minutes from Amherst), the St. Croix, Herbert and Kennetcook Rivers in the Minas Basin, and the Salmon River in Truro.
Tourists generally prefer to go to the places that feature interpretation panels such as the kinds located around the Maccan River as well as the Shubenacadie River close to the South Maitland Tidal Bore look-off. You'll want to keep in mind that the bore time doesn't always match up with the high tide periods shown on a tide graph or chart. All of it is dependent upon the place down the river you're located, therefore it is better to talk with a few of the local outfitters in advance.
As interesting as it is to watch the tidal bore from the shore, it's even more fun to go white water rafting in it. This experience is unique to the Bay of Fundy because the Shubenacadie River, located in Nova Scotia, is the only place in the world where you can go tidal bore rafting.
During the summer season, skilled guides bring tourists on a one-of-a-kind, upriver white water rafting experience. These excursions usually include an incredibly enjoyable mud sliding session. Tidal bore rafting could just be the ultimate way to feel the Bay of Fundy tides hands on!
About the Author:
The Bay of Fundy tidal bore isn’t the only reason to visit us this summer. Check out our extensive list of 52 reasons to visit the Bay of Fundy Canada at http://bayoffundy.com/52
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