Key Information
Bay of Fundy
| Type | Estuary |
| Length | 94 miles |
| Max Width | 32 miles |
| Tidal Range | 52 feet |
Learning Point
- The Bay of Fundy is nature’s ultimate “extreme” destination, famous for having the highest tides on the planet. Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the bay’s unique funnel shape creates a tidal resonance that causes the water level to rise and fall by as much as 52 feet—the height of a five-story building—twice every day. This massive movement of 100 billion tons of seawater uncovers hidden fossil cliffs and allows you to walk on the ocean floor at noon, then kayak over that same spot by sunset.
Project
- Draw a picture of the Bay of Fundy or a diagram of a tidal bore on a river that enters the Bay.
- Overview
- Map
Location
| Location | New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Canada & Maine, United States |
Fun Facts
- At high tide, the water can rise as high as 16 meters (52 feet). That is like filling a swimming pool deep enough to submerge a five-story apartment building!
- The bay is shaped like a giant funnel. This causes the water to “slosh” back and forth perfectly in time with the ocean’s tide, making the waves grow bigger and bigger.
- Because the tides are so strong, they act like a giant vacuum, pulling up nutrients from the bottom. This creates a “yummy soup” that attracts over 12 species of whales to visit and eat.
- The powerful tides are constantly crumbling the cliffs, revealing “new” fossils all the time. Scientists found the world’s smallest dinosaur tracks here—they are only about the size of a penny!
- At low tide, you can walk on the muddy ocean floor where the water was 50 feet deep just a few hours earlier. It’s the only place you can “walk on water” without getting your hair wet!
- The tide is so powerful that it can actually force a river to flow backward! This creates a wave called a “tidal bore” that people can actually surf on.
Past Lessons
| 185 | February 2, 2026 | (North America) |