Leave Your Foot Prints on the Ocean Floor

Leave Your Foot Prints on the Ocean Floor

Yes it’s doable at one of the marine wonders of the world at the Bay of Fundy, a 270 km long ocean bay on the Atlantic coast of North America between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with a small portion touching the U.S. state of Maine.

It’s here that something truly amazing happens as the world’s highest tides rise and fall an incredible height of over 48 feet or over 12 meters, twice a day - every day. During the 12 hour tidal period 115 billion tonnes of water flows in and out of the bay; that is more than the combined flow of the world’s freshwater rivers.

Folklore in the Mi'kmaq First Nation narrates that the tides in the Bay of Fundy are caused by a giant whale splashing in the water. In reality though the phenomenal tides are results of the Funnel Effect, formed as a massive natural funnel, the bay is wide at the mouth and narrows in as it moves up. This cause gravitational power of the moon to extensively exaggerate the tidal effect as water gets extra thrust by rushing into a smaller space like pouring water into a funnel.

It is better imagined as your 4 storey building being submerged in water to the roof and in only six hours draining back to the side walk, giving you the opportunity to leave your foot prints on the ocean floor at the amazing Hopewell rocks at Hopewell Cape, NB. The robust tides have carved the massive flower pot rocks sticking out like towers in low tide and mere six hours later when the tide moves in, the same towers become tiny islands for you to kayak in between them.

There is something for everyone to explore at this one of the world’s most dramatic and dynamic coastlines. A not to be missed Bay of Fundy cuisine! Lobster, scallops, mussels, smoked salmon, and other fresh fish perfectly complement Fundy’s award winning wines. Vibrant ecology and geology attractions include national and provincial parks, coastal hiking trails, natural history museums, lighthouses and tide harbors. The region’s culture and history are celebrated at Fundy interpretation centers, historic sites, museums, horticultural display gardens, and artisans’ studios. Adventure seekers can experience a Jet boat blast at reversing falls, where the Fundy tides overpower and reverse the flow of rivers. Sea kayaking is a favorite hobby in the region. Some of the best whale watching on Canada’s east coast happens in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy and you may get lucky with glimpse of the very rare Right whale.

Airports on both sides of the Bay are at Halifax, St. John and Moncton. You can also experience ferries with or without your car across the bay between Digby and St. John. High speed catamaran car ferry, one of the world’s super ships, also operates between Yarmouth, NS and US cities of Bar Harbor and Portland in Maine

Authentic Fundy hospitality can be experienced at various full-service hotels, country inns, bed and breakfast and coastal cottages crafted in the Bay’s rich architectural tradition.

The unique Bay of Fundy is truly a visitor’s experience unlike any other in the world.