Learning to slow down, take notice, experience and learn about what is around us can be tough sometimes. I will admit that I lived in Moncton for 19 years before going to sit and truly experience this natural phenomenon in person. The Moncton Tidal Bore passes my hometown twice daily. I had often seen it as I was driving the kids to swim lessons or running errands, but to really experience the tidal bore, you must watch it close up and outside of your vehicle.
The sound is what made it hit home for me, just how powerful that incoming tide is can be heard in the roar of the wave as it passes by.
Recently, while downtown with my husband and youngest son, we realized the tidal bore was just arriving and I grabbed my phone to record it. While this video gives you an idea of what it is, you really should experience it in person.
What is a tidal bore?
This tidal bore is caused when the tides in the Bay of Fundy make their way up the Petitcodiac River. The incoming tide overtakes the outgoing river with a wave reaching heights ranging from 0.5 to 1 m. You can often see surfers riding the wave as they pass Bore Park in Moncton. The tidal bore is getting bigger in recent years due to the Petitcodiac river being re-opened at the causeway to Riverview. In years gone by, prior to 1968, the bore would reach from 1 up to 3 M in height.
You can watch the Moncton Tidal Bore twice daily as it travels 29 km from the Bay of Fundy up the Petitcodiac River. Tidal bore times chart.
Where is it and when?
The Moncton tidal bore is best viewed from Bore Park. Bore Park is located at 10 Bendview Court, off Main St, in Moncton. Plan to arrive about 20 minutes early to learn all about the tidal bore from Resurgo Place staff. The staff are on hand to present information and answer questions during the months of July and August. Presentations are offered between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm daily.
The Mocton tidal bore is one of over 50 of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve’s Amazing Places. The Fundy Biosphere Reserve has been a World UNSECO-designated site since 2007.
To see more of the Bay of Fundy tides, you may want to visit Hopewell Rocks, Alma (& Fundy National Park) and the Fundy Trail Parkway.
More video footage of the Tidal Bore:
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