Nova Scotia, a land of craggy coastlines, charming fishing villages and vibrant maritime history, holds a secret that beckoned to my adventurous spirit: the tidal bore. (No, it's not some wild animal. But it is definitely wild.)
I experienced it head-on with a tidal bore rafting tour. As a self-proclaimed thrill-seeker with a deep appreciation for the raw power of nature, this was an opportunity I couldn't resist.
So, I found myself on the banks of the Shubenacadie River, a river uniquely positioned to experience the dramatic effects of the Bay of Fundy’s legendary tides. The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, and as the tide rushes in, it funnels into the narrow river channels, creating a powerful wave – the tidal bore.
These tours promise to get you right in the thick of it, offering a unique and exhilarating perspective on this natural phenomenon.
Before we hopped aboard our sturdy Zodiac raft, our experienced guides gave us a safety briefing and explained what to expect. Their enthusiasm was contagious and I could feel the anticipation building within our group. They emphasized that we were about to get wet – very wet – and muddy - very muddy. In fact, it was recommended you wear dark clothing and nothing white or easily stained.
For a brief moment, dozens of thrillseekers wanted around the, essentially, empty river. There was no water. Bone dry. We were walking on land. And then... we weren't.
As we roared out onto the river, I could already feel the energy in the air. The water was a swirling mix of browns and greens, a testament to the rich sediment brought in by the tide. The bore itself wasn't immediately visible, but you could sense its approach. Then, it appeared – a frothy, churning wave, rolling towards us with surprising speed.
The rush of adrenaline was immediate as we charged head-on into the bore. The raft bucked and plunged, sending a wall of salty water crashing over us. Laughter erupted as we were completely drenched from head to toe. This wasn't a gentle splash; this was a deluge, a baptism by the Bay of Fundy!
And since we live in a selfie world, there was also fair warning about that. Holding onto your phone like you're taking a regular video on land -- or even a regular boat -- likely will have it launched out of your hand at some point because of the bouncing and bobbing of the raft. Remember, you have to hold onto the raft as it navigates the waters. Unless you have a GoPro or something fastened to your body or head, you will absolutely find it difficult to capture pictures of videos on this adventure. We actually used an old-school waterproof camcorder for the video shots -- and even with it strapped to a hand, it was a bitch trying to keep it steady to record!
Our skillful guides navigated us through the churning water, maneuvering us to catch the waves again and again. Each encounter with the bore was different, some sending us skyward on a crest of whitewater, others submerging us in a brief, exhilarating moment of chaos. Nobody ever went flying out of the boat though. Booooo!
Between the waves, we had a chance to appreciate the unique landscape of the Shubenacadie River -- when we weren't looking down at how the raft was full of water. The mudflats stretched out on either side, teeming with life. Our guides pointed out various birds and explained the ecological importance of the tidal ecosystem. The contrast between the intense excitement of riding the bore and the serene beauty of the surrounding environment was truly remarkable.
One of the most unexpected aspects of the tour was the mud sliding. After a few rounds of battling the tidal bore, we pulled up onto a muddy bank. The guides explained that we were going to experience the unique mud of the Shubenacadie – known for its supposed therapeutic properties. Hesitantly, we slid down the bank, covering ourselves in the thick, slippery mud. It was surprisingly fun and incredibly messy! We laughed and playfully smeared mud on each other, embracing the silliness of the moment.
The entire experience was a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping adventure and natural beauty. It wasn't just about the thrill of riding the waves; it was about connecting with the power of nature in a visceral and unforgettable way.
Here are a few tips if you're considering a tidal bore rafting tour in Nova Scotia:
Be prepared to get soaked! Wear clothing that dries quickly and don't bring anything you don’t want to get wet. Wear something dark.
Bring a towel and a change of clothes. You'll definitely want them for after the tour.
Sunscreen and a hat are a good idea, even on cloudy days.
Listen to your guides! They are experienced and know the river well.
Embrace the mud! It's part of the experience and surprisingly fun.
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the memories.
My tidal bore rafting adventure was more than just a tour; it was an experience that I will cherish forever. It was a chance to witness the raw power of nature up close and personal, to laugh and play with newfound friends, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in Nova Scotia, I highly recommend taking a tidal bore rafting tour.