The Reversing Rapids, formerly referred to as the Reversing Falls, are a collection of whirlpools, waves and white water falls that are generated 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 a magnificant phenomenon that, to be truly 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 a lot 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 large waves and rapids.

There are 2 low tides and 2 high tides every day - it takes roughly 12 hours and 13 minutes to move from one end of the tide cycle to the other. In between low and high tide is a period called “slack” tide. At slack tide the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River water levels are identical, therefore making calm waters in the gorge. Lasting for approximately 20 minutes, slack is the one time during the tide cycle that boats can safely navigate the Reversing Rapids. To work out the time of low slack, add 3 hours and 50 minutes to low tide. Likewise, to figure out high slack, add 2 hours and 25 minutes to high tide.

To reach the Reversing Rapids, set your GPS to take you to 200 Bridge Road or to 50 Fallsview Avenue. Visiting the Bridge Road location enables you to look down on the rapids from an observation deck above the Falls Diner, gift shop and community visitor info center, while the Fallsview Avenue location sits at water level.

Alternately, on a nice day, you can choose to leave the City Centre and walk along the Harbor Passage walkway to get to the Reversing Rapids. Interpretive panels along the cranberry-painted path provide interesting historic info about Saint John and its harbor as well as the uniqueness 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.

Tags: Rafting

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