Reversing Falls Rapids

The Saint John River flows south-east through New Brunswick from its source in the U.S. state of Maine, spilling out into the Bay of Fundy at Saint John where the tidal range is 8.5m (29ft). At low tide the sea level is more than 4m (13ft) below that of the river, and a torrent of water pours into the Bay. As the tide rises the flow of the river slackens, then becomes still as a mill pond, before eventually being reversed. At high water the level in the Bay rises more than 4m (13ft) above the river and the sea forces its way powerfully inland, the effects of the incoming tide being felt as much as 130km (80mi) upstream at Fredericton. The most spectacular reversal of flow occurs at Reversing Falls Rapids where, prior to reaching the Bay of Fundy, the river narrows, plunging through a deep gorge. With a strong current flowing (in either direction) impressive rapids and eddies form.

The Reversing Falls can best be appreciated in all their variety by making a number of visits at different states of the tide (e.g. at low water when the river pours towards the Bay, at slack water to observe the flow reverse, and on the full flood as the water surges upstream). The exact times of the tides can be obtained from the Tourist Office.

From the bridge craft can be seen making their way up and down river at slack water, movement being impossible at other times because of the strong currents.

Good views of the rapids (though not nearly as dramatic as the views from Reversing Falls Bridge) can also be obtained from the park at the end of Falls View Ave.