The Bay of Fundy

It's time for another virtual trip, this time we're in the Maritimes.  Welcome to the Bay of Fundy.

At first glance, the Bay of Fundy might look like any other stretch of coastal Canada - cliffs, salt air, fishing boats rocking gently in the harbour - but tucked between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this stretch of coastline is home to the highest tides on Earth. In just a few hours, the shoreline changes completely as the tides comes and go. This dramatic rise and fall can reach up to 16 metres (over 50 feet) in some places. This is shift is enough to leave boats sitting in the mud at low tide and floating high just a few hours later. 

Walk the Ocean Floor

One of the most popular places to witness this daily transformation is Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick. At low tide, you can wander on the sea floor, among the towering flowerpot-shaped rock formations that have been carved by centuries of waves. The rocks stand tall on the bare ocean floor, where you can explore seaweed-covered stones, tiny tide pools, and tunnels through the base of cliffs. Then, hours later, the same area fills with water, and the only way to explore is by kayak, paddling high above where you previously walked.

The Tidal Bore

One of the most fascinating results of the Bay’s extreme tides is the tidal bore - a phenomenon where the incoming tide is so powerful that it forces rivers to flow backward. As the ocean water pushes up the narrowing rivers that feed into the Bay of Fundy, it creates a visible wave that travels upstream, turning calm creeks into churning rapids in a matter of moments. The Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia is one of the best places to experience it. Thrill-seekers have the option to hop on a tidal bore rafting tour, where jet boats ride straight into the oncoming surge for a wild, muddy, unforgettable adventure.

Whales

Beyond the rocks and cliffs, the Bay of Fundy is also a vital feeding ground for marine life. It’s one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, especially between June and October. The bay is home to humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale (one of the rarest marine mammals on the planet.) 

Fossils and Ancient History

The power of the tides also uncovers some extraordinary fossils. In Joggins, Nova Scotia, the constantly eroding cliffs reveal an ancient world dating back over 300 million years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often called the “Coal Age Galápagos” for the sheer number and quality of its fossil finds. Visitors can explore the beach, take guided tours, and see imprints of ferns, tree trunks, and even the early footprints of life on land.

Charming Coastal Communities

The small towns along the coast - Alma, Parrsboro, St. Martins, and others - are full of East Coast charm. Fishing boats still follow the tide schedules, tide charts are posted in windows, and seafood chowder is served fresh and hot in cozy local restaurants.

It's easy to spend a day hiking, exploring the many sea caves, or taking in the view from Cape Enrage, where a lighthouse perches above the crashing surf below. 

A Place Like No Other

The Bay of Fundy is an amazing place to explore and enjoy. Experiencing the tides here are unlike anywhere else and will stay with you long after you leave. 

So if you ever find yourself on Canada’s East Coast, make time for the Bay of Fundy. Just don’t forget to check the tide schedule!