Tidal Bore Rafting: The best way to experience the Bay of Fundy
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. 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 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!
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 New Brunswick at http://bayoffundy.com/52
categories: Bay of Fundy,canada,tidal bore,rafting,white water,adventure,travel,outdoor,nature
