The tides of the Bay of Fundy in Canada are among the highest in the world due to the shape and depth of the bay, combined with the effects of ocean currents that converge in this area.
Located on the Canadian Atlantic coast, between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is approximately 270 kilometers long and has an average width of about fifty kilometers. It gradually narrows inland, giving it a well-defined funnel shape. This particular shape allows it to accommodate massive amounts of water, greatly amplifying marine effects. The seabed of this bay also features a fairly gentle regular slope followed by a gradual narrowing, a perfect combination for enhancing tidal strength. These unique geographical features work together as a natural springboard, allowing tides to reach record heights, sometimes exceeding 16 meters — roughly the height of a five-story building.
Tides mainly result from the gravitational attraction exerted by the Moon and, to a lesser extent, by the Sun. These forces pull the masses of water in the oceans, creating a rise in sea level on the side facing the Moon, but also, due to inertia, on the opposite side. The Earth rotates on its axis approximately every 24 hours, so the oceans pass through these two "humps" of water daily. That is why most places generally experience two high tides and two low tides each day, with variations depending on the positions of the Sun and the Moon. The relative importance of these celestial bodies causes the amplitude of the tides to vary, with particularly significant heights during the so-called spring tide periods (when the Moon and the Sun align). Conversely, when their forces oppose each other, we have neap tides, which are therefore significantly weaker.
The Bay of Fundy acts as a true natural funnel. Very wide at the entrance and extremely narrow at the back, this particular shape forces the water to compress when the rising tide enters the bay. Naturally, with all this volume confined in a tighter passage, the sea level rises even more. Depth also plays its part: Fundy is shallow compared to other bays, which further increases the height of the tides, as the same amount of water must spread out over a smaller area. As a result, the water reaches record heights, up to 16 meters in some places!
The Bay of Fundy works a bit like a swing: it naturally sways to a very precise rhythm. When the natural frequency of the swaying waters perfectly coincides with the frequency of the ocean tides coming from the Atlantic Ocean, it causes a resonance, much like pushing someone at the right moment to enhance their speed. As a result, the waves gradually gain strength, until they reach a considerable amplitude. This phenomenon is called amplification by resonance, and it is thanks to this very particular effect that Fundy experiences these absolutely extraordinary tides, with differences between low and high tide that can exceed 16 meters in some places!
The very high tides of the Bay of Fundy completely shape the coastal ecosystem. At low tide, large areas of mudflats and sandbanks emerge, creating a true open-air buffet for many migratory birds. The strong currents also stir up nutrients, attracting a wide range of marine wildlife such as whales and other marine mammals that come here to feast on krill and small fish. However, these intense water movements make life quite tough for coastal vegetation, with only a few hardy species managing to cling to the shoreline. This fragile balance also hosts unique forms of life adapted to the extreme tidal rhythms, such as certain mollusks or resilient small crustaceans. These constant changes shape a rich, varied, and above all, vital environment for the entire local ecosystem.
Due to the strong tides, it is sometimes possible to walk on the exposed seabed and explore rock formations and fossils at low tide in certain areas of the bay.
The Bay of Fundy is an ideal observation site for several whale species, including the North Atlantic right whale, due to the exceptional proliferation of plankton caused by the strength of the tidal currents.
The power of the tides in the Bay of Fundy is so significant that the region is home to one of the few commercial tidal power plants in the world, generating renewable energy from ocean movements.
The tide in the Bay of Fundy can create differences in water levels of up to 16 meters, which is the height of a four-story building.
Yes, absolutely, strong tides have a major impact on marine life. They create a nutrient-rich ecosystem that attracts remarkable marine biodiversity, including marine mammals, migratory birds, and a wide variety of aquatic species.
Yes, many activities are possible depending on the tide phases: at low tide, you can walk on the seafloor, observe the cliffs and sculpted rocks; at high tide, the area is ideal for kayaking, whale watching, and other water activities.
The best places to observe the impressive tides of the Bay of Fundy include Hopewell Rocks, known for its unique rock formations, as well as Burntcoat Head, which officially holds the record for the highest tide ever recorded. Other highlights include St. Martins and Fundy National Park.
The Bay of Fundy experiences two tidal cycles each day, with approximately 6 hours and 13 minutes between each high tide and low tide. A complete cycle from high tide to the next high tide lasts about 12 hours and 25 minutes.
The tides in the Bay of Fundy can reach exceptional heights, ranging from 13 to 16 meters. They are among the highest tides in the world, a phenomenon mainly explained by the unique shape and special geographical features of the bay.
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