Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia – The World Highest Tides

For someone who is not a fan of water, I tend to do a lot of water sports. But when visiting the World’s Highest Tides, you can’t miss tidal bore rafting on the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia! When we decided to go Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia, I knew it was something I’d love in the end, but I cannot lie, I was a bit nervous leading up to the event.

Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia

We were in Nova Scotia on a road trip around the Cabot Trail and along the Bay of Fundy. It is a beautiful part of the province. We have been lucky enough to travel Nova Scotia on multiple trips, which allowed us to explore the South Coast and marvel at Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg, as well as the stunning cliffs and powerful force of the Bay of Fundy.

One of the best things you can do to truly understand the power and magnitude of the world’s highest tides is to ride the waves.

What is tidal bore rafting?

The tides of the Bay of Fundy come in with brute force and in true Nova Scotia fashion. Someone figured out a way to harness that power and create the zaniest adventure you’ll ever try!

Zipping out onto the river 20 minutes before high tide begins, the zodiacs are ready for a rolling adventure on rapids and waves on the water rushing in from the bay.

Tidal Bore Rafting – What to expect

We arrived at the mouth of the Shubenacadie River an hour early to prepare for our adventure ahead. We were rafting with River Runner’s Tidal Bore Rafting Adventures, one of the pioneers of Tidal Bore rafting in Canada.

They recommend showing up early to give you plenty of time to change, sign your waivers, and gear up in rubber boots, rain gear, and PFDs (personal floatation devices). But most importantly, you couldn’t be late because the tides don’t wait for anyone!

For those arriving even 15 minutes late for tidal bore rafting, it’s already too late. The boats are on the water, waiting for the adventure to begin.

Out to the Zodiacs

There was a large crowd gathering on the veranda, and we were broken up into groups of eight. We followed our guide (aka zodiac captain) to the river, where we got into the boats.

We were heading down the river to wait for the tide to come in. Our guide was Chelsea, who has several years of experience in tidal bore rafting and had a large and lovable personality. We knew we were in for an amazing time!

The Rafting Adventure Begins

It started off calm enough. The tide came in slowly at first, so we made our way out to a sandbar, where we walked in the center of the river, taking in the fact that within a few minutes, this would all be covered in water.

We walked around for about 15 minutes before we were called back to our rafts for the thrill ride on the river. Once the water started covering the sand, it moved fast. Within minutes, we were bouncing over our first set of rapids, which were known as Giggles.

Different Sets of Rapids

It’s aptly named because as you bounce over the washing machine turbulent waters, you can’t help but giggle. We made pass after pass, getting wetter and wetter as our laughter grew louder and louder. Love watersports? See our experience Kayaking Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Tidal Bore Rafting wasn’t scary; it was pure fun!

It was so much fun that I actually wanted bigger and faster waves to go through. I couldn’t wait to be bounced around more and more! Is Tidal Bore Rafting not exciting enough for you? You might enjoy Learning to Whitewater Kayak.

Is the Water Cold when tidal bore rafting?

Dave and I paddled earlier in the week on the Bay of Fundy, and that water was cold. We were told that because 100 billion tons of water are churned up from the bottom of the bay twice a day every day, it never warms up. The freezing water from the lowest depths is always pulled up to the surface, making swimming an unpleasant experience.

I was a little worried about freezing on the river during our Tidal Bore Rafting experience, but the tide mixed with the warm river water and it was splendid.

I wasn’t cold at all. As a matter a fact, (I can’t believe I’m saying this) I was almost hoping we’d hit a rogue wave and go for an unexpected swim. Believe me, whenever we go whitewater rafting, the last thing I hope for is to fall out.

Tidal Bore Rafting is Safe

The cool thing about Tidal Bore rafting is that there are no rocks to worry about. Unlike whitewater rafting, if you fall in, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck on rocks; you can just float and enjoy the ride. But nobody fell in today. Instead, we all had turns getting thoroughly soaked.

The tour went on for a couple of hours and definitely gave us our share of adrenaline. Each person took turns moving to the front of the zodiac to enjoy the rush of water from all directions. It was definitely more exciting up at the front.

The murky water that is the colour of chocolate milk continually thrashes over the rubber edges giving you the soaking of your life. And a lot of gulping of saltwater.

The Guide Makes the Difference

Our guide, Chelsea, navigated the river with ease. She shouted methodical directions: either move back closer to her to lighten the weight up front or to move forward once we made our way out of the churn and muck.

We zipped around each bore again and again until the tide moved on to the next sandbar or obstacle. We followed the waves all the way up the river until we came to the bridge, and the tide was fully in for the night.

After an exhilarating ride upriver, we had the chance to relax on the way back, chat, and take in the beautiful scenery as bald eagles flew overhead.

Relaxing Boat Ride Back

I have seen tidal bore rafting gain popularity in the past few years and always wanted to give it a try. I am so glad we did! When you go to Nova Scotia, you’ve gotta hop on the river, too. Tidal bore rafting is fun for all ages. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a first-time daredevil, this will give you the thrill you are looking for.

Details of Tidal Bore Rafting

Tidal Bore Rafting can be booked at River Runner’s Tidal Bore Rafting

They offer accommodation in comfortable cottages close by, making for the perfect escape. A stay at the cottage is highly recommended. You’re coming out of the tidal bore wet, covered in mud, and sticky with salt water.

While River Runners has hot showers and heated floors in their change rooms, there’s nothing better than taking the short two-minute drive to your cottage. Cottages are equipped with barbecues, hot baths, and showers and cozy up for the night under a thick blanket.