Bay of Fundy from Halifax
Starboard side view of Halifax harbor
The thing that makes the Bay of Fundy special is its tides. They rise about 50 feet and when helped by a large storm, they can rise even higher. The wild swings in the water line are exaggerated by the fact that the period of the basin the waters are sloshing in matches the timing of the tide. When water comes into the bay, the rivers that feed the bay reverse course. Some use the wave that forms on this reversal for recreation, tidal bore surfing.
Our first stop on our excursion was the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Center on the Shubenacadie River. We arrived just ahead of the tidal peak and so tidal bore riders were finishing their zodiac adventures. In the video above you first see the regular flow of the river weakly trying to assert itself and then the tide rushing in to reverse the flow.
brackish pond at the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Center with some black ducks
Tidal bore riders returning to shore in their zodiacs
We spent most of our time at the Burntcoat Head park. We watched the tide recede and reveal more and more of the beach/ocean floor for a couple of hours. Although it was predicted to rain the whole time, we had only a few minor sprinkles while at the park.
Bay of Fundy on a misty day
muddy floor of the ocean revealed by the receding tide
bright green algae striking against the red rocks and mud
Shortly after returning to the ship, we set off toward Bar Harbor in the fog and on rough seas. Those on board who spent their day in Halifax said they had a good time. It’s a nice little town with a lot of history, including the 1917 Halifax explosion.