Bay of Fundy sidetrip

[dvbl]

Going to Acadia in Sept/Oct and we're going to take a side-trip to see the Bay of Fundy do its tidal thing. Looking for maximum tidal shift within a reasonable drive. Any suggestions on where to go to check it out? Lubec, Eastport, Perry??? Thanks.

 

[Waumbek]

To see the maximum tidal bore, you'd have to go all the way to the top of the Bay of Fundy at the land bridge to Nova Scotia, where the tides can reach 40 feet (or more).

In the reasonable driving range from Acadia, go onto Campobello Island at Lubec and head for the East Quoddy Head (aka Harbour Head) Lighthouse. There's a passage between the island proper and the lighthouse that can be walked across at low tide but floods at high tide. I don't recommend walking across it unless you are well-acquainted with the ways of tides and prepared to climb some slippery metal ladders and negotiate thick seaweed. It's enough just to watch it flood in. Here's the warning:

Although it's dangerous and rugged, for about two hours when the tide is out, the hearty and adventuresome visitor can climb the steep, slippery metal ladders, walk on the ocean floor. Then, across two intermediate islands--connected by a short, wooden bridge--and once again down a steep ladder to cross a rocky, wet, seaweed-covered intertidal zone, and then finally out to the lighthouse itself!
DANGER!--TAKE NO RISKS & DO NOT LINGER! If you become stranded on the islands by the tide, WAIT FOR RESCUE. Even former keepers of this lighthouse have lost their lives by misjudging the STRONG, FRIGID, FAST-RISING tidal currents, and TIDE-PRESSURIZED UNSTABLE PEBBLE OCEAN FLOOR, while attempting to make this crossing. (During a summer in the 1990s, two visitors attempted to swim across this passage. One made it across, but the other was swept away by the current. After a rescue by boat, both had been stricken with hypothermia, were rushed to the hospital -- and luckily, survived.) [end quote]

Tides in the lower Bay are 20-24 feet. Check an online tide chart so that you time your visit at the turn of the tide, usually most effective to see the lowest tide and then return to see higher tides unless you want to wait the full period (about 6 hours) for the hight tide. (Tide charts give predictions, not certainties.)

If you go onto Campobello, you are, of course, going to Canada (N.B.) and may need proof of U. S. citizenship (passport or license + birth certificate) to return without hassle.

Harbour Head lighthouse is a beautiful spot on its own, by the way.

 

[Bob]

a link to reversing Falls in Saint John, NB

http://new-brunswick.net/Saint_John/reversingfalls/reversing.html

it looks like 176 miles from Ellsworth, ME

 

[Rick]

For Everything that Waumbeck Said
DITTO!!!!!!

Seriously, Campobello Island and East Quoddy Head have been a favorite of ours over the years - I find the place very special. You can also head to the otehr end of the island in teh vening and watch for Whales (depending on when you go). Bring some warm clothes - It can get windy.

And Finally (it bears repeating) - MIND THE TIDE TABLE if you venture out to the lighthouse. The tide comes ripping through fast and very dangrously - It is not uncommon for tourists to under-estimate (even though there are warning signs) and get trapped on the island. we always find locals gathered at teh trailhead in the evening to watch the sunset (and also look for tourists in trouble. )
If you have additional time to kill, you can take the free ferry over to deer island and back (I think it is still free) for the thrill of the ride.

 

[Jim lombard]

I'm just returning from a trip to Campobello and East Quoddy Headlight, what Waumbek and Rick said is right on. We got there 1-1/2 hrs before low tide and the water looked to be over my head but within 45 minutes was knee deep and pretty easy to cross. The water is freezing cold!

I didn't find it that adventurous but we did mind the time which was difficult because we had 3 finback whales performing for us about 100 yards offshore. On the return trip we came upon the tail fluke of a Right Whale that most likely had been caught up in a net. Campobello is one of my favorite places to explore and pretty good fishing too.

The Bold Coast trail in Cutler (half hour from Machias, two hours from Bar Harbor) is a good place to view tidal extremes as is the hike out to Green Point near West Quoddy light in Lubec.

 

[DaveSunRa]

Also just return from Campobello. All that is needed to enter New Brunswick Canada is a picture id (Drivers Lic). I believe that will change Jan 1, 2007.

FYI spent most of the week camping at Cobscook State Park about 20 min drive from Lubec, Me. Highy recommended campground, all sites private and on the cost.

 

[Snowflea]

I've watched the tidal bore from Truro, Nova Scotia, and--the day we were there anyway--honestly didn't see what the big deal was, but then I'm not much of a water person. It was kinda funny though: probably 50 tourists watching these little waves coming in, oohing and aahing...

My niece's boyfriend at the time was a rafting guide up there--they would raft the "white water" produced by the tidal bore.

 

[Waumbek]

I've watched the tidal bore from Truro, Nova Scotia, and--the day we were there anyway--honestly didn't see what the big deal was, but then I'm not much of a water person. It was kinda funny though: probably 50 tourists watching these little waves coming in, oohing and aahing...

Unless you can find a narrow channel like the one at East Quoddy lighthouse on Campobello, the Fundy tide change is too steady and slow for there to be one big dramatic moment. So, if you're just looking at the wide open Bay, the best way to observe it is to look at how wide or narrow a beach is at the extreme tide and then go back six hours later and see what you've got.

Reversing Falls is best viewed at low tide as the Saint John River pushes the ocean water back into the Bay. It's not exactly the Battle of the Titans but you do get a good sense of the power of the water. Hiking at Fundy National Park has a wrinkle we don't have in the Whites: a few trails can only be hiked at low tide.

Another tourist adventure is Ministers Island near St Andrew, a few miles from Calais ME. Only at low tide is there a land bridge that cars can drive over from mainland N.B. to the island. You can't solo drive this; there's a lead guide car. I don't know; I think I'd want to try it with a rental.

 

[KayakDan]

Stinkyfeet,I think you probably saw the tidal bore during the wrong moon phase. It varies according to the tides. I have seen the tidal bore in Truro when it was 4-5 feet high! It sounded like a train coming down the river! I also dragged my wife out at 1:45AM to see it only to have it ooze down the river-she,like you,was not impressed!