Monday, September 5, 2011

Tidal Bore Rafting: The best way to experience the Bay of Fundy

By Mike Postma




The Bay of Fundy has the extraordinary tidal bore phenomenon, which is where the incoming tide overpower the current of outflowing estuaries and rivers. Two times a day, around high tide, an enormous amount of seawater surges out of the Bay of Fundy directly into the estuaries and rivers which feed the bay. The narrowing riverbanks force the soaring tidal water in a incredible surge and often also a noticeable standing wave, at times 1 meter (3 ft) high! While the roaring and swirling seawater charges upstream at speeds in the region of 15 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour) it produces rapids in its wake which can be in the range of 3 to 3.5 meters (10-12 ft) high.

Most rivers draining into the upper Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have tidal bores. Most of them are located on the Nova Scotia side of the bay. But, you may have trouble finding them without the help of some locals. A few great places to see a tidal bore are:

- The Petitcodiac River. In the past the biggest tidal bore in all of Canada And America exceeded 2 metres (6.6 feet); unfortunately, causeway development and also widespread silting lessened it to nothing but a small swell, until the causeway gates got opened up on April 14, 2010 as a component of the Petitcodiac River Restoration project and as a direct result the tidal bore begun to increase just as before.
- The bore is swiftest and strongest in a number of the tinier rivers which flow into the Bay of Fundy such as the River Hebert and Maccan River on Cumberland Basin (roughly 10 mins out of Amherst), the St. Croix, Herbert and Kennetcook Rivers inside the Minas Basin, as well as the Salmon River in Truro.

Visitors usually like to visit the sites with some interpretation panels like the ones found along the Maccan River and the Shubenacadie River near the South Maitland Tidal Bore look-off. You'll want to remember that the bore time does not necessarily match with the high tide times listed on a tide chart. It all depends on exactly where along the river you are watching, so it's best to check with some of the local outfitters beforehand.

As intriguing as it is to see the tidal bore from the riverbanks, it really is a lot more exciting to try white water river rafting in it. This specific adventure is exclusive to the Bay of Fundy given that the Shubenacadie River, found in Nova Scotia, is considered the sole spot on earth where you can enjoy tidal bore rafting.

During the summer season, professional guides bring people on a one-of-a-kind, upriver white water rafting trip. These excursions generally include an exceptionally exciting mud sliding session. Tidal bore rafting may be the ideal way to feel the Bay of Fundy tides directly!




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