Reversing Falls

Where the Bay of Fundy's tidal force reverses the Saint John River

The Reversing Falls is the single most-visited natural spectacle in New Brunswick, and it is more genuinely impressive than its roadside-attraction reputation might suggest. The Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy at a narrow basalt gorge here, and the bay's tidal range — among the highest in the world — is powerful enough to overwhelm the river's outflow and push water upstream against the current.

The best way to experience it is to check the tide tables and time two visits: once near low tide to see the river running seaward over the rapids, and once at high tide when the sea drives water upstream in an apparent reversal. At slack water between the two states the surface goes eerily calm. The viewing platform beside the bridge is free; there is also a tourist centre with tide predictions and a café if you want to wait out the timing. Jet boat excursions run through the gorge on the incoming tide for a wetter experience.

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At low tide the Saint John River flows freely over a rocky gorge into the bay. As the enormous Fundy tide rises, the sea level climbs above the river level and water begins flowing the other direction — upstream. For a brief moment at mid-tide, the river surface runs glassy and still, and then the current reverses completely. The cycle repeats roughly every six hours, meaning a patient visitor who times two visits can watch the same stretch of water run in opposite directions.