Reversing Falls, Atlantic Canada Travel Guide

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Experience the Reversing Falls in Saint John, where the mighty Bay of Fundy tides clash with the Saint John River in a stunning display of nature's power.

The Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick, showcase the powerful collision of the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy's tides. This natural phenomenon creates a unique spectacle of reversing rapids, whirlpools, and periods of calm known as slack tide, a testament to the Bay of Fundy's dramatic tidal range.

A brief summary to Reversing Falls

Saint John, New Brunswick, CA

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Reversing Falls.

Check the tide tables before visiting to witness the most dramatic rapids at low or high tide.
Visit Fallsview Park for an excellent viewing platform and informative displays about the Reversing Falls.
Consider visiting the Reversing Falls Restaurant/Skywalk for panoramic views and a unique perspective.
Explore the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark to learn about the geological history of the Reversing Falls.

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Explore Reversing Falls on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

From downtown Saint John, follow Route 100 (Bridge Road) towards the west side. Cross the Reversing Falls Bridge and turn left onto Douglas Avenue. Fallsview Park will be a short distance on your left, offering free parking and viewing areas. Parking is free at Fallsview Park.
Public Transport

Several Saint John Transit bus routes serve the Reversing Falls area. Check the Saint John Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the city center, take a bus heading towards the west side and get off at a stop near Fallsview Park on Douglas Avenue. A single fare is approximately $3 [https://www.saintjohn.ca/en/transit].
Walking

From the Saint John City Market, walk west along Water Street, then turn onto Prince William Street. Continue onto Bridge Road (Route 100) and cross the Reversing Falls Bridge. Turn left onto Douglas Avenue, and Fallsview Park will be a short distance away. The walk is approximately 3 km and takes around 40 minutes.

Discover more about Reversing Falls

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.