Reversing Falls

The Reversing Falls are better described as the Reversing Rapids. They are a result of the area's large tides (28 feet) and a narrow gorge where the mouth of the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. The gorge is slightly dammed by a submerged ledge.

At low tide the water level in the bay is lower than that of the river and the river flows naturally out into the bay. At high tide the bay is at a higher level than the river and the sea water pushes back up into the mouth of the river, reversing the flow. The combination of this reversing tide and the underwater ledge result in an amazing display of rapids and whirlpools.