The Reversing Rapids, formerly called the Reversing Falls, are a series of whirlpools, waves and white water falls that are produced as the high tides of the Bay of Fundy - the highest in the world - collide with the St. John River in a rocky passage in Saint John, New Brunswick. This is an incredible phenomenon that, to be fully appreciated, has to be viewed three times - at low tide, high tide and slack tide.
At low tide, Fundy's tides are below the level of the St. John River. The river flows thru the passage and into Saint John's harbour and the Bay of Fundy. As the water flows through the passage, the terrain at the bottom forces the water to become turbulent with lots of white water rapids and whirlpools that turn in both counter- and clockwise directions.
At high tidethe Bay of Fundy rises above the St. John River and the power of the tides even reverses the flow of the river, creating huge waves and rapids.
There are two low tides and two high tides each and every day - it takes approximately 12 hours and 13 minutes to move from one end of the tide cycle to the other. Between high and low tide is a period called "slack" tide. At slack tide the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River water levels are equivalent, as a result creating calm waters in the gorge. Lasting for roughly 20 minutes, slack is the only time in the tide cycle that boats can safely cross the Reversing Rapids. To calculate the time of low slack, add 3 hours and 50 minutes to low tide. Similarly, to establish high slack, add 2 hours and 25 minutes to high tide.
To get to the Reversing Rapids, set your GPS to take you to 200 Bridge Road or to 50 Fallsview Avenue. Visiting the Bridge Road location lets you look down on the rapids from an observation platform above the Falls Restaurant, gift shop and community visitor information center, while the Fallsview Avenue location sits at water level.
Alternately, on a sunny day, you may decide to leave the City Centre and travel 4km by foot along the Harbour Passage walkway to reach the Reversing Rapids. Interpretive panels along the cranberry-painted trail provide fascinating historical information regarding Saint John and its harbour as well as the importance of the region's geology.
To get an up-close view of the Reversing Rapids, take one of two harbor boat tours or a jet boat thrill ride. The well-experienced kayaker might even test their talents by paddling the rapids. For a bird's eye view, soar over the Reversing Rapids on a zip line adventure.
At low tide, Fundy's tides are below the level of the St. John River. The river flows thru the passage and into Saint John's harbour and the Bay of Fundy. As the water flows through the passage, the terrain at the bottom forces the water to become turbulent with lots of white water rapids and whirlpools that turn in both counter- and clockwise directions.
At high tidethe Bay of Fundy rises above the St. John River and the power of the tides even reverses the flow of the river, creating huge waves and rapids.
There are two low tides and two high tides each and every day - it takes approximately 12 hours and 13 minutes to move from one end of the tide cycle to the other. Between high and low tide is a period called "slack" tide. At slack tide the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River water levels are equivalent, as a result creating calm waters in the gorge. Lasting for roughly 20 minutes, slack is the only time in the tide cycle that boats can safely cross the Reversing Rapids. To calculate the time of low slack, add 3 hours and 50 minutes to low tide. Similarly, to establish high slack, add 2 hours and 25 minutes to high tide.
To get to the Reversing Rapids, set your GPS to take you to 200 Bridge Road or to 50 Fallsview Avenue. Visiting the Bridge Road location lets you look down on the rapids from an observation platform above the Falls Restaurant, gift shop and community visitor information center, while the Fallsview Avenue location sits at water level.
Alternately, on a sunny day, you may decide to leave the City Centre and travel 4km by foot along the Harbour Passage walkway to reach the Reversing Rapids. Interpretive panels along the cranberry-painted trail provide fascinating historical information regarding Saint John and its harbour as well as the importance of the region's geology.
To get an up-close view of the Reversing Rapids, take one of two harbor boat tours or a jet boat thrill ride. The well-experienced kayaker might even test their talents by paddling the rapids. For a bird's eye view, soar over the Reversing Rapids on a zip line adventure.
About the Author:
An absolute must while you are in the Saint John area is tidal bore rafting. It's also only a short distance to the renowned old sow whirlpool, which is certainly worth the trip!
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