New Brunwick-the Fundy Coast

the wandering chick

...The Bay of Fundy

New Brunswick, Canada

The Bay of Fundy is known the world over for its reaction to low and high tides. In many areas along the Fundy coast as well as rivers and tributaries that stem off the bay, such natural phenomena as tidal bores and reversing falls can be witnessed.

Frankly, I'm not sure of the difference between a tidal bore and reversing falls, but hopefully I'll get it figured out after being here a while.

Regardless, New Brunswick is a great place to visit, and the bay area is both picturesque and educational.

Also noteworthy of New Brunswick is that the longest covered bridge in the world is located in Hartland, New Brunswick, outside the town of Fredericton. . It is 1282 feet (390.75 meters) long and sits atop massive concrete piers. It was built in 1921. The pedistrian walkway was added on in 1943. The bridge crosses the St. John River. It is one of Canada's national historic sites. Photos of the bridge are at the bottom of this page.

Here, in St. John, one can watch the meeting of two bodies of water battle for right of way. On the left is the Saint John River, and on the right, the Bay of Fundy. As they collide, the bay wins, forcing the reversal of the river.

The process of the reversing falls is not a fast one. Tides rise and fall over a number of hours, so it's not always feasible to spend the day watching them come and go. But by the size of the currents here, I'd say it would be quite a sight to see.

Quaco Head Lighthouse, St. Martins, New Brunswick. Built in 1983

The Bay of Fundy at low tide

Anywhere on the coast of the Bay of Fundy, one can witness high tides and low tides to the extreme. In a 24-hour period, one will see two high tides and two low tides. One of the most dramatic places on the bay is at Hopewell Rocks. At low tide, it's possible to walk the floor and see the "flower pots" up close. At high and mid tide, kayakers make their way through the rocks. The normal height of the tide in this area is 50 feet. It is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

I was a little late getting back to the rocks at high tide, but it was fun seeing the kayakers at mid tide. Water is powerful, and the constant battering of the softstone rocks is what shapes them and wears away at them. The salty Bay of Fundy is brown in color due to the erosion of plants and cliffs along its shores.

A reminder. Please don't litter and recycle when you can.

Cape Enrage is located along the Bay of Fundy. Its lighthouse, sitting high atop a cliff, was established in 1838 and has a working light and foghorn.

A zip-line and restaurant are on the grounds of Cape Enrage.

Alma is a touristy town on the east entrance of the Fundy National Park along the Fundy coastline. Its main street is lined with eateries, souvenir stores and boutiques.

Not sure of the significance of this ship docked on the shore in Alma, but it was a cool ship to see.

Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park

The beach at the east entrance to the Fundy National Park

If you'd like to continue this six-week journey from New Brunswick into Nova Scotia, click on the Lunenburg area of Nova Scotia.

To see more Canada locations, please return to the Canada home page.

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My last stop in New Brunswick as I headed into Nova Scotia was at this sweet little cafe in Hillsborough. I got a delicious breakfast and a gooey cinnamon roll for later. Oh, yum!!