Bay of Fundy – the power of tides and the charm of Fundy National Park

The Bay of Fundy is one of the most fascinating places on the world’s hydrological map. Its funnel-like shape and length, almost perfectly aligned with the rhythm of the tides, allow waves to surge into the bay with immense force, reaching heights of up to 16 meters. This is the highest tidal amplitude on Earth. On the northern shore of the bay lies Fundy National Park – a national park full of cliffs, waterfalls, and still-wild ecosystems.

Bay of Fundy and the world’s highest tides

The Bay of Fundy is located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on Canada’s eastern coast. It is known for the greatest tidal range in the world, exceeding 16 meters. This occurs because the timing of the tides matches the time it takes for water to move in and out of the bay. This synchronization causes each incoming wave to amplify the previous one – like a swinging pendulum gaining momentum.
The tides are so powerful that in some places they create a phenomenon called a tidal bore, where the incoming tide rushes upstream into riverbeds. Each day, millions of tons of water move with tremendous force, uncovering vast stretches of the seabed for several hours. For many tourists, walking on the ocean floor and watching the rapidly rising water columns is a major attraction.

Fundy National Park – an oasis on the Atlantic shore

Located on the southern coast of New Brunswick, Fundy National Park spans over 200 km² of wilderness. It was one of the first protected areas in Canada, established in 1950. The park offers spectacular scenery including high cliffs, both coniferous and deciduous forests, and picturesque waterfalls like Dickson Falls and Laverty Falls. It’s also a paradise for hikers, offering over 100 km of trails.

Geological and hydrological phenomena are especially significant here: the shoreline is constantly changing, and the tides regularly expose reefs, rocks, and muddy zones inhabited by rare birds and invertebrates. In the region, you’ll also find the iconic Hopewell Rocks – sandstone towers that vanish under water at high tide and reappear during low tide. This is one of the most photographed sites in Atlantic Canada.

Tidal turbines and nature conservation – the future of the region

Tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy has fascinated engineers for decades. In 1984, the first tidal power plant in North America was built in Annapolis, with a capacity of 20 MW. Today, new turbine systems are being tested – submerged directly in the water, they aim to generate electricity without disrupting sensitive ecosystems.

These waters are home to numerous whale species, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale. In summer, visitors can also spot humpbacks, fin whales, and dolphins. Balancing energy development with environmental protection is currently one of the region’s greatest challenges.

Bay of Fundy – astonishing facts that surprise scientists

The Bay of Fundy literally affects time. The massive volume of water moving during tides impacts Earth’s local gravitational field. These changes are not only measurable but are also used in modern geophysics, especially in studying microscopic deformations of the Earth’s crust. What’s more, the movements of water in the Bay of Fundy are so precise and regular that scientists use them to test models employed in synchronizing the world’s most accurate atomic clocks.

No less impressive are the tidal mudflats revealed at low tide – considered among the most fertile environments on Earth. These mudflats teem with life, containing vast amounts of organic matter and biomass, surpassing even many tropical forests in this regard. They provide shelter for countless species of microorganisms, forming the base of the bay’s food chain.

Interestingly, in the Campobello and Eastport area, you can witness the Old Sow phenomenon – the largest tidal whirlpool in North America. It forms due to the complex interaction of tides and land formations, with its swirling motion best observed during peak tides.