THE BAY OF FUNDY TIDAL BORE!
The influx of The Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore water causes waves to swirl, dip and dance across the Shubenacadie river creating an exhilarating water rollercoaster for river rafters!
SO MUCH FUN!!!
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What is a Tidal Bore
According to the Google Dictionary “a Tidal Bore is a large wave caused by funneling of a flood tide as it enters a long, narrow inlet”.
It occurs along the coast where a river empties into the ocean or sea. It is caused by a strong tide that pushes up the river against the current.
Two key features of a Tidal Bore are the turbulent, tumbling, rolling waters and the sound – which can be heard long before the swells and waves are seen.
Nova Scotia’s Tidal Bore
National Geographic states, “a tidal bore is a rare natural phenomenon occurring on several rivers emptying into the Bay of Fundy, between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.”
The Bay of Fundy is home of the world’s highest tides. The difference between high and low tide can be as much as 12 meters (39 feet)and even 16 Meters (52 feet)(as high as a 4-storey building) at the head of the bay.
Twice a day, tides in The Bay of Fundy push a surging flood of water into the rivers along it’s edge. The rush of water can cause the low tide water level to raise by more than 9 meters (30 feet)in the Shubenacadie River .
The swell of the incoming Fundy tide is so powerful it temporarily reverses the waters natural flow and appears as a wave traveling upriver.
Tidal Bores Around the World
There are approximately 60 tidal Bores known around the world. Each with it’s own wave height and frequency.
The Shubenacadie River in Nova Scotia is; however, the only place in the world where you can ride the waves in a Zodiac!
The Qiantang River in Hangzhou, China also claims the world’s largest tidal bore, reaching 9 meters (30 feet), the same as within the Shubenacadie River!
Where to go Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia
In the Shubenacadie River, near Maitland, NS.
Nova Scotia Rafting Operators
There are a number of rafting operators in the Maitland area, each offering specific tours (ranging from 1 1/2 to 4 hrs.) and extras (food, accommodations, etc.). Check out some links below to choose your favourite and make reservations.
- Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures (This is who we went with – they were great!)
- Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours
- Bara White Water Rafting
- Shubenacadie River Runners (there website seems to be down, check back)
- Shubie River Wranglers
- Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Resort
When to go Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia
Most tours run from May to October with a full schedule June to September and weekends only in May and October.
Check each tour operator’s schedule through the links above.
What to Expect on a Tour
You start out in high anticipation of the thrill to come. Once you check in you are assigned a life jacket and tour boat operator.
The excitement builds as the tour employees ready the zodiacs for boarding.
All Aboard – Ready to Go! There are two types of tours – depending on timing – you either enjoy a leisurely trip up the river and ride the Tidal Bore back or you set out down the river into the waves head on and enjoy the quiet ride when it is all over!
We started out on a gentle ride up the chocolate milk river and made a stop at the mud banks!
If you have ever envied a penguin sliding across the ice or an otter slipping down the mud slides, this is a must! So gooey and sooo fun!
Then a quick dip to clean off and back in the boats – the bore is coming!
Get ready – the Tidal Bore waves are starting! Don’t worry, sit back, hold on tight and enjoy the ride. The tour guides are amazing at riding the waves and reading their passengers. Everyone is safe and laughing, screaming and enjoying the whole experience.
What to Bring on a Tour
- A white T-shirt – it makes a great memento once it is infused with the red clay from the mud slide. We wrote the date and the tour group we went with on our t-shirts.
- Water and Snacks – although some tours may offer refreshments as part of their package.
- A waterproof camera – again, some tours have go-pro cameras on each boat and offer a video of your trip.
Other Related Things To Do in the Area
- Visit the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre in Maitland, NS. Enjoy the information centre, hiking trails, a railroad car and the Shubenacadie River lookoff!
- Dine on the Ocean Floor at Burntcoat Head
- Walk on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park
- Participate in the “Not Since Moses” Run on the Ocean Floor in Five Islands (This one is still on our bucket list)
- Visit the Lawrence House Museum
- Enjoy the extravagant “Fundy Tides and Fireside Adventure“, River Rafting, Dining on the Ocean Floor, Lobster Boil, Fireside Rum and Wine Tasting and a Cozy Cabin to curl up in!
Fun Tidal Bore Facts
- The word ‘bore’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘bara’ meaning a wave or swell
- 100 Billion Tonnes of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy each day
- The phases of the moon determine the height of the Tidal Bore
- The Tidal Bore is a natural phenomenon
Have you been on a zodiac tour of the Tidal Bore. Let us know what you thought in the comments below.
