Bay of Fundy

Nowhere else in the world will one find a more extraordinary tidal environment than Nova Scotia's Bay of Fundy where 14 billion tonnes (14 cubic kilometres) of seawater flows into the Bay's Minas Basin twice daily, actually tilting the Nova Scotia countryside slightly under the immense load! As one of seven forgotten wonders of the world, the Bay of Fundy is truly one of the most dynamic destinations on earth. Walk the ocean floor and visit the site of the highest recorded high to low tide range in the world at Burncoat Head Park. Experience the power of Fundy first-hand with a thrilling tidal bore rafting adventure on the Shubenacadie River. Search for fossils stones and dinosaur bones and visit the Fundy Geological Museum and the world famous Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Or experience the unparalleled beauty of Nova Scotia's most breathtaking Provincial Parks at Five Islands and Cape Chignecto.

All of this and more can be found in an area of Nova Scotia known as the Glooscap Trail. Steeped in ancient legend and lore the Glooscap Trail is a scenic travelway showcasing some of the most spectacular scenery in the Fundy region. Explore the communities of this special place and learn of unique sites and geology of the area by following the Fundy Shore Ecotour - a self-guided driving tour complete with companion guidebook.

Also see: Tide and Tidal Bore Times

For more information on the Bay of Fundy experience visit:
www.bayoffundytourism.com

LA Times puts Joggins on Top 29 List of Places to Visit in 2009:
www.thechronicleherald.ca/Travel/1102505.html

FUNDY FACTS

By Dr. Roy Bishop

Highest Tides on Earth!
The highest tides on planet Earth occur in Nova Scotia's Minas Basin. The water level at high tide can be as much as 16 metres (52 feet) higher than at low tide!

In Tune with the Moon!
High tides happen every 12 hours and 25 minutes (or nearly an hour later each day) because of the changing position of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth.

The Power of All Rivers and Streams!
At mid-tide, the flow in Minas Channel north of Cape Split equals the combined flow of all the rivers and streams on Earth!

Nova Scotia Bends When the Tide Comes In!
As 14 billion tonnes (14 cubic kilometres) of seawater flow into Minas Basin twice daily, the Nova Scotia countryside actually tilts slightly under the immense load!

For the Birds!
In mid-summer, crustaceans in the intertidal mudflats provide a crucial source of food for hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds!

Phenomenal Tidal Bores!
When the tide is coming in, tidal bores (which appear as a wave traveling against the flow of a river) surge up several rivers that flow into the Minas Basin.

Muddy Waters?
The waters of the Minas Basin appear muddy, because the strong tidal currents cause erosion of the red soils along the shoreline and this soil is suspended in the water.

Highest Ever On Record
The greatest difference between high and low tide ever recorded was at Burncoat Head, Nova Scotia at 16.27 metres (or 53.38 feet) in the Bay of Fundy's Minas Basin.