Exploring The Natural Wonder That is Canada’s Bay of Fundy

Located between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is one of Canada's preeminent natural wonders. The bay is certainly astonishing in its own right, by virtue of its own beauty; but for those interested in doing a little exploring as well as sight-seeing, read on to learn about the area's hot spots as well as some unforgettable insight on the nature of the bay itself.

Hiking the Fundy Footpath

The Fundy Footpath is not for the faint of heart. With an overall length of about 49 kilometers (30 miles), it's not amongst the longest treks in North America; however, it is considered by many to be one of the most challenging, namely due to the sharp changes in elevation hikers can expect to experience. From sheer cliffs to steep ravines, the path is famous for both the ruggedness it demands and spectacular views it provides.

Highest Tidal Range in the World

Scientifically speaking, the bay is known for its incredible tidal range, or the difference in height between high tide and low tide. The average tidal range globally is measured at about 1 meter, or 3.3 feet, while the Bay of Fundy's tidal range is an extraordinary 16 meters, or 52 feet.

For bodies of water with a lower or even average tidal range, watching the movement of the water might be akin to watching grass grow, at least for some. This is because smaller height differences aren't as easily discernible with direct observation, whereas the Bay of Fundy's remarkable tidal range is much easier behold.

The bay's tides are additionally considered semidiurnal, meaning there are two high tides and two low tides per day, with only 6 hours and 13 minutes between each. So for those in the area exploring the natural wonders of North America, you could visit the bay at the start of the day, then revisit 6 hours later and see the monumental 16 meter difference in the water!

Ride the Tide

While both locals and visitors alike are welcome to simply observe the bay's wondrous tides, for those looking for a bit more adventure, you can hop in a raft and ride them, too! Make your way over to Truro, Nova Scotia to join Tidal Bore Rafting operators and fellow adventurers for an adrenaline boosting experience. With waves up to 4 meters (13 feet) high, you'll be able to cascade down rapids in a Zodiac boat and even go mudsliding, too!

Mudsliding takes place on the bank of Shubenacadie River, where the clay-like mud is silky, slippery, and ready to make you feel like a kid again as you slide down the bank and into the water. Just be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty; it is mud, after all!

Walk On the Ocean Bed

It is in fact possible to walk on the ocean bed without having to put on a protective suit and slip under the waves. At Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, the powerful forces of the Bay of Fundy slink away at low tide to expose the rust colored ocean floor typically hidden beneath them. Within this daily low tide time frame, visitors are able to touch the bed of the ocean, explore numerous coves and outcroppings, and marvel at the history-filled striations in the water weathered rock, millennia in the making.

This is also a great time and place to do some bird watching, as an impressive number of sea birds congregate at Hopewell Rocks, particularly in the summer months.

Bay of Fundy Fast Facts:

• Opened in 1984, the Annapolis Royal tidal generating station harnesses the bay's powerful tides to generate 30 million kilowatt hours per year, or enough electricity to power about 4,500 homes.
• The bay is home to the Old Sow Whirlpool. At 75 meters (246 feet) wide, it's the largest whirlpool in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world.
• The relentless Fundy tides have unearthed a fossil hunter's paradise along a stretch of cliffs at Joggins, Nova Scotia. Formally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the area boasts a treasure trove of Carboniferous fossils dating back 359 to 299 million years, among them fossil records of ancient forests and the planet's very first reptiles.