A Region Shaped by Water

March 22, 2024


With the only city on the Bay of Fundy and an interconnected system of rivers flowing throughout, Saint John and the Towns by the Bay is a region shaped by water. Just minutes from door to shore, where else can you experience the worlds highest tides, watch a river flow backwards, walk along the ocean floor, and enjoy stunning riverside sunsets all in one day? We promise, there's no where else in the world.

Bay exploration and river adventures are an essential part of every bay-cation itinerary, and our region is home to a host of experiences waiting to be discovered!

Bay of Fundy Exploration

Experience the Reversing Falls Rapids

If you're looking for the best place to experience the full impact of the world's highest tides, look no further than the Reversing Falls Rapids. These rapids are the result of the Saint John (Wolastoq) River colliding with the Bay of Fundy's monstrous tides, and can be observed from various lookouts, including Wolastoq and Fallsview Parks.

 

At low tide, the full force of the Saint John (Wolastoq) River rolls and swirls into the Bay, creating a series of whirlpools and rapids, while at high tide, the Bay of Fundy's tides rise, gradually reversing the flow of the river, forming rapids and standing waves. Between these two extremes comes a period of slack tide, where the two bodies of water meet with equal force, creating a brief period of flat calm. This is the only time sail boats and pleasure crafts can sail between the two. Visit The Plank at Reversing Falls to learn more about this phenomenon, as well as the geology and history behind it. Watch a 13-minute film in their rooftop theatre and take in the rapids from a 110-foot-high lookout.

Adventure in Fundy-St. Martins

Marvel at the waterfalls, ancient cliffs, and pristine beaches of the Fundy Trail Provincial Park, one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Labrador and Florida. Drive, walk, hike or bike, exploring the lookouts and observation decks throughout the park, featuring a 30-kilometre (19-mile) drive hugging the southern coast of New Brunswick, connecting Alma, Sussex, and Fundy-St. Martins. Explore the Fundy-St. Martins Sea Caves, carved by the power of the Bay of Fundy tides. Choose from a guided hiking or kayaking tour, or a unique tasting experience with Bay of Fundy Adventures, or take in stunning views from the Quaco Head Lighthouse.

Explore our Coastlines

Experience the Bay of Fundy's tides firsthand on a thrill ride through the Reversing Falls Rapids with Trip Shepherd's See Sight Jetboat tour. Enjoy a guided kayaking tour to Partridge Island with River Bay Adventures. Take in spectacular harbourside views along the Harbour Passage walking trail or while exploring the coastal trails at the Irving Nature Park. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life, including harbour seals, porpoises, and seabirds. Discover the incredible coastlines of the sheltered Musquash Estuary on a guided hiking or kayaking tour with In Step Adventures. Hike one of several seaside trails, including the challenging Split Rock Trail, or dip your toes in the black sand of the appropriately-named Black Beach, the result of naturally occurring graphite deposits.

Other Waterway Adventures

Dip In Your Paddle

Paddle your way through an interconnected system of rivers that flow throughout Saint John and the Towns by the Bay. Enjoy guided kayaking tours of the mighty Saint John (Wolastoq) River with Go Fundy Events. Explore the meandering Kennebecasis River tidal system by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard with Osprey Adventures, or try hydrobikes at Rockwood Park's Lily Lake with Inside Out Nature Centre.

 

More Ways to Explore

Try tubing along the Hammond River with KV Adventures. Or explore any number of our local waterways fishing with East Coast Angler, or on a guided river tour with It's Aboat Time River Adventures. Most local operators offer equipment rentals, or bring your own if you prefer. Dive in and enjoy swimming at our public beaches. Get hooked on fishing. Try something new like birding, or head out hiking on any number of our coastal trails. Whatever your preference and style, there are endless ways to experience all our incredible waterways have to offer. 

Land acknowledgement

The Saint John Region is situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Nations. This territory is covered by Peace and Friendship Treaties signed with the British Crown in the 1700s. The treaties did not surrender the territory and resources, but recognized Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati title, and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency pays respect to the elders, past and present, and descendants of this land, and is committed to moving forward in the spirit of truth, collaboration, and reconciliation.