Saint John and the Bay of Fundy
Where the tide is strong enough to turn a river around.
Get Bay of Fundy QuotesThe Bay With the Biggest Tides
Saint John, New Brunswick, sits where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. Twice a day the bay’s enormous tides rise and fall, and that rhythm shapes everything you will see from the ship, from the harbor walls to the rapids that reverse direction.
According to Discover Saint John, the tide in Saint John reaches about 8.5 meters, or 28.5 feet. The ships of Port Saint John berth close to the compact uptown area, so you can explore on foot before or after a tour.
The Reversing Rapids
Where the river squeezes through a rocky gorge, the incoming tide pushes against the current and forces the river to run backward. At low tide the river pours out toward the sea; as the tide comes in, the flow slows, pauses and then reverses. Lookouts near the bridges give the best views.
Because the show depends on the tide, timing your visit matters. Ask at the pier or check a local tide table, and pair the rapids with a walk through the old town.
Saint John on Foot and Beyond
City Market
A historic covered market selling local produce, seafood and dulse, the dried seaweed snack of the region.
Uptown heritage
Streets of brick and stone buildings rebuilt after a great fire in the 1870s, plus waterfront boardwalks.
Fundy coast
Tours along the Fundy shore show sea caves, cliffs and beaches that change dramatically between high and low tide.
St. Andrews
A seaside resort town with gardens and historic architecture, offered as a longer tour on some sailings.
Fundy on Your Itinerary
Saint John is a frequent call on Boston and New York round trips and on one-way voyages to Quebec. Ships usually arrive in the morning and leave in the late afternoon, which is enough for the rapids, the market and one short excursion. If the Bay of Fundy is a priority, check that the port is on your exact sailing, because some itineraries skip New Brunswick in favor of Nova Scotia or Maine.
Bay of Fundy Questions
How high are the tides in Saint John?
According to Discover Saint John, the tide in Saint John can reach about 8.5 meters (28.5 feet). Elsewhere in the Bay of Fundy it rises even higher, which is why the bay is promoted as having the world’s highest tides.
When is the best time to see the Reversing Rapids?
It depends on the tide during your port day. Look at the local tide table: high and low tide show the rapids flowing in opposite directions, with a short slack period in between.
Can I see the Hopewell Rocks from a Saint John cruise?
Some ships offer it as a long excursion, but it is a significant drive each way. Check your time in port before booking.
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