In the Bay of Fundy the incoming tidal waters can overpower the flow of estuaries and rivers. This extraordinary phenomenon is known as a tidal bore and occurs twice daily. At high tide, a massive volume of seawater floods out of the Bay of Fundy into the rivers which feed it. The narrowing riverbanks force the soaring waters in a amazing surge and often a visible standing wave, in some cases 1 meter (3 feet) tall! In addition, 3 to 3.5 meters (10-12 feet) high rapids are generated in the wake of the roaring and swirling tidal water as it charges upstream at speeds near 15 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour)!
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 them are:
* The Petitcodiac River. Previously the largest bore in North America exceeded 2 metres (6.6 ft); unfortunately, causeway development as well as extensive silting reduced it to nothing but a ripple, until the causeway gates got opened on April 14, 2010 as part of the Petitcodiac River Restoration project and the tidal bore did start to develop 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.
Travellers generally choose to look at the places that feature interpretation panels just like the ones present around the Maccan River as well as the Shubenacadie River close to the South Maitland Tidal Bore look-off. It's also important to realize that the bore time doesn't necessarily necessarily match up with the high tide periods stated on a tide chart. A great deal will depend on exactly where along the river you're located, therefore it is best to consult 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. In the summer months, experienced guides take visitors on a one-of-a-kind, upriver rafting adventure. These adventures often also include an extremely fun mud sliding session. Tidal bore rafting might just be the best way to experience the Bay of Fundy tides first hand!
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 them are:
* The Petitcodiac River. Previously the largest bore in North America exceeded 2 metres (6.6 ft); unfortunately, causeway development as well as extensive silting reduced it to nothing but a ripple, until the causeway gates got opened on April 14, 2010 as part of the Petitcodiac River Restoration project and the tidal bore did start to develop 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.
Travellers generally choose to look at the places that feature interpretation panels just like the ones present around the Maccan River as well as the Shubenacadie River close to the South Maitland Tidal Bore look-off. It's also important to realize that the bore time doesn't necessarily necessarily match up with the high tide periods stated on a tide chart. A great deal will depend on exactly where along the river you're located, therefore it is best to consult 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. In the summer months, experienced guides take visitors on a one-of-a-kind, upriver rafting adventure. These adventures often also include an extremely fun mud sliding session. Tidal bore rafting might just be the best way to experience the Bay of Fundy tides first hand!
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