The Reversing Rapids, previously known as the Reversing Falls, are a sequence of whirlpools, waves and white water rapids that are created as the high tides of the Bay of Fundy - the highest in the world - collide with the St. John River in a rocky gorge in Saint John, New Brunswick. This is an awesome phenomenon that, to be really appreciated, must be viewed 3 times - at low tide, high tide and slack tide.
At low tide, Fundy's tides are below the level of the St. John River. The river flows thru the passage and into Saint John's harbour and the Bay of Fundy. As the water flows through the passage, the terrain at the bottom forces the water to become turbulent with lots of white water rapids and whirlpools that turn in both counter- and clockwise directions.
At high tidethe Bay of Fundy rises above the St. John River and the power of the tides even reverses the flow of the river, creating large waves and rapids.
There are two low tides and two high tides each day - it takes about 12 hours and 13 minutes to move from one end of the tide cycle to the other. Between high and low tide is a period called "slack" tide. At slack tide the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River water levels are equal, thus creating calm waters in the gorge. Lasting for roughly 20 minutes, slack is the only time in the tide cycle that boats can safely cross the Reversing Rapids. To calculate low slack, add 3 hours and 50 minutes to low tide. In a similar fashion, to determine high slack, add 2 hours and 25 minutes to high tide.
To reach the Reversing Rapids, set your GPS to take you to 200 Bridge Road or to 50 Fallsview Avenue. Visiting the Bridge Road location enables you to look down on the rapids from an observation deck above the Falls Diner, gift shop and community visitor info center, while the Fallsview Avenue location sits at water level.
Alternately, on a sunny day, you may decide to leave the City Centre and travel 4km by foot along the Harbour Passage walkway to reach the Reversing Rapids. Interpretive panels along the cranberry-painted trail provide fascinating historical information regarding Saint John and its harbour as well as the importance of the region's geology.
To get an up-close view of the Reversing Rapids, take part in one of two harbor boat tours or a jet boat thrill ride. The well-experienced kayaker might even test their skills by paddling the rapids. For a bird's eye view, fly over the Reversing Rapids on a zip line adventure.
At low tide, Fundy's tides are below the level of the St. John River. The river flows thru the passage and into Saint John's harbour and the Bay of Fundy. As the water flows through the passage, the terrain at the bottom forces the water to become turbulent with lots of white water rapids and whirlpools that turn in both counter- and clockwise directions.
At high tidethe Bay of Fundy rises above the St. John River and the power of the tides even reverses the flow of the river, creating large waves and rapids.
There are two low tides and two high tides each day - it takes about 12 hours and 13 minutes to move from one end of the tide cycle to the other. Between high and low tide is a period called "slack" tide. At slack tide the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River water levels are equal, thus creating calm waters in the gorge. Lasting for roughly 20 minutes, slack is the only time in the tide cycle that boats can safely cross the Reversing Rapids. To calculate low slack, add 3 hours and 50 minutes to low tide. In a similar fashion, to determine high slack, add 2 hours and 25 minutes to high tide.
To reach the Reversing Rapids, set your GPS to take you to 200 Bridge Road or to 50 Fallsview Avenue. Visiting the Bridge Road location enables you to look down on the rapids from an observation deck above the Falls Diner, gift shop and community visitor info center, while the Fallsview Avenue location sits at water level.
Alternately, on a sunny day, you may decide to leave the City Centre and travel 4km by foot along the Harbour Passage walkway to reach the Reversing Rapids. Interpretive panels along the cranberry-painted trail provide fascinating historical information regarding Saint John and its harbour as well as the importance of the region's geology.
To get an up-close view of the Reversing Rapids, take part in one of two harbor boat tours or a jet boat thrill ride. The well-experienced kayaker might even test their skills by paddling the rapids. For a bird's eye view, fly over the Reversing Rapids on a zip line adventure.
About the Author:
An absolute must while you are in the Saint John area is tidal bore rafting. It's also only a short distance to the renowned old sow whirlpool, which is certainly worth the trip!
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