The Petitcodiac River and the Tidal Bore

The Famous Tidal Phenomenon of Moncton, NB, Canada

The Petitcodiac River rolls through Moncton, NB and beyond, ending up with tributaries all over Albert County.

It’s the end of the Bay of Fundy, and it’s a big pile of mud. Photogenic mud, mind you. And it has something pretty darned unique.

The Tidal Bore is how the tide comes in around here. The Bay of Fundy tapers down to a funnel shape near Moncton, and the Bore — a roaring wave of muddy water — rolls in upstream over the river’s natural downstream flow, putting on a dramatic show twice a day, every day.

Some days, it’s a trickle of just a few inches. Other days, it’s a surfable crest of water and can reach as high as six feet, especially during full moons and those fascinating Supermoons.

The Bay of Fundy is known for having some of the highest tides in the world, with the water level rising as high as forty or fifty feet in just a few hours. The nutrient-rich water and mud makes for some of the most delicious lobster on the East Coast.

If you’re visiting the area, the Tidal Bore is a must-see. Bring your camera, and hey, if you’re lucky, you might even get to see some surfers.

Old wharf I used to sit on to watch the tide. Photo by me

Mud, mud, mud… Photo by me

Ripply tide coming in. It’s bigger than it looks. Photo by me

Recently opened up after fifty years of being dammed by a causeway. The Tidal Bore passing through. Photo by me

Looking at downtown Moncton. The wave is actually about three feet high, though it’s hard to tell. Photo by me.

The Petitcodiac River a couple of hours after the initial wave. It fills fast! Photo by me.

Like chocolate milk. Looking at the town of Riverview from Bore Park, Moncton. Photo by me