Reversing Falls: Nature's Tidal Tug-of-War

Witness the extraordinary Reversing Falls, a natural wonder where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. Here, the highest tides in the world clash with the river's flow, creating a mesmerizing display of reversing rapids and swirling whirlpools. As the tide rises in the Bay of Fundy, it gradually slows and then reverses the flow of the Saint John River, a cycle that occurs twice daily. During low tide, the river empties into the bay, creating powerful rapids. As the tides increase, they push against the river's current, culminating in a complete reversal of the river's flow. The brief period between these opposing forces is known as slack tide, offering a moment of tranquility before the cycle repeats. The Reversing Falls have long been a significant landmark, intertwined with Saint John's history and industry. The Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people revered the falls as a place of power long before European settlers arrived. The narrow gorge through which the river flows was carved over millennia and further shaped by glacial movements, making it a part of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can observe the Reversing Falls from various vantage points, including Fallsview Park and Wolastoq Park, each offering unique perspectives on this captivating natural phenomenon.