The Bay of Fundy: High Tides and Wild Rides

Twice a day during high tide, more than 100 billion tonnes of water flows into the Bay of Fundy, rising as much as 52 feet in just a few hours. It's a phenomenon that's made the Bay of Fundy a contender to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature. While the rise and fall of the ocean is a marvel to behold, what it has uncovered and created along its Nova Scotian coast is equally impressive.

Tides in the Bay of Fundy in Canada

The reason for the incredible height of the tides is pretty straight-forward. As the moon’s gravitational pull moves the ocean into the bay, the water is forced into an increasingly narrow and shallow channel that drives it higher and higher onto the land. The Mi’kmaq have a much more colourful explanation for the tide, involving the mythical hero Glooscap having his bath water sloshed back and forth between a great whale and beaver.

Nova Scotia’s Tidal Bore

Regardless of the reason behind the dramatic tides, the result can be seen not just in the rise of the water along the coastline, but also in the wave of water that rushes inland into connecting rivers. Nova Scotia is one of the very few places in the world where you can see this phenomenon known as a tidal bore. A tidal bore is a wave of water that can reach up to ten feet high as it rolls inland from the bay, momentarily reversing the flow of surrounding rivers and creating a turbulent wake. Tidal Bore River Rafting companies along the Shubenacadie River regularly take groups of thrill seekers up the river on Zodiacs to await the bore’s arrival. Tidal bore rafting can last anywhere from two to four hours, with companies offering trips daily throughout the summer. It’s a white water adventure unlike any other!

Nova Scotia’s Natural Wonders

For those who prefer to keep dry, the Bay of Fundy’s coasts offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploration. Five Islands, near Parrsboro on Nova Scotia’s Minas Shore, represent another of the province’s remarkable natural wonders. The islands rise dramatically from the water with their red rock cliffs topped by volcanic rock. On the other side of the Minas Basin, Cape Blomidon rises sharply above the water and offers breathtaking views of both the bay and the Annapolis Valley. Both Five Islands and Cape Blomidon are provincial parks that offer visitors the opportunity to both camp and hike within sight of the Fundy.

Over the centuries, the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides have done more than just shape Nova Scotia’s coast – they’ve revealed its past. The result can be seen at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, where visitors can literally walk through millions of years in the Earth’s history. The fossil-rich cliffs and the Joggins Fossil Centre have earned one of the highest levels of recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), being named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Bay of Fundy Marine Life

People aren’t the only regular visitors to the Bay of Fundy. Its waters are also an important feeding ground for many whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea birds. Whale watching tours frequently take nature lovers out on day trips to get up close and personal with the gentle giants. Humpbacks, finbacks and minke whales will happily wave hello or offer a playful splash as they entertain their guests.

Bay of Fundy - a Must See on Any Canada Vacation

Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy is a must see on any Canada Vacation. It is simply a wonder of nature that must be experienced to be appreciated. In fact, you can help have it officially recognized as a natural wonder by going to votemyfundy.com and placing your vote to have it named one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

To learn more about the Bay of Fundy and start planning your trip, visit www.novascotia.com.