Week 2: Canadian Summer Staycation Series!
This is the second in a series of 13 weekly blog posts highlighting one iconic Canadian experience in each Province and Territory.
In this weeks’ blog post we are going tidal bore rafting in the Bay of Fundy.
The Bay of Fundy, located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in Eastern Canada, has some of the highest tides in the world – as high as 56 feet (that’s as tall as a 5 storey building – crazy when you think about it!).
Every day, water from the tide gets funneled into the basin creating a surge of water. The front wave of the tide is known as a Tidal Bore (there are very few in the world that are as big and the only ones found in Canada are located in the Bay of Fundy). The water rushes in with such force that it completely changes the flow of the river.
When the tidal bore wave goes by, the river reverses direction and starts to flow inland at 30km/hour. Water rolls over the sandbars and creates 4-18 feet standing waves creating the perfect opportunity for zodiac boat rafting.
The Schubenacadie River, located near Maitland in Nova Scotia, is one area where you can experience Tidal Bore rafting!
There is no shortage of tidal bore tour companies that will take small groups of people out in zodiac boats on a nice leisurely ride (at first) where you have the chance to spend time exploring sandbars along the riverbank (with some tours offering wine and seafood tasting on the exposed sandbars).
When the tidal bore wave approaches, you hop back in the zodiac and spend a few hours riding the salty, chocolate milk coloured waves getting completely soaked in the process.
And in case you didn’t get wet, sandy or salty enough during the zodiac boat ride, you can try mud sliding! The 25 foot clay mud hill is perfect for climbing up and being a kid again as you slide back down landing in water below. You’ll want to make sure that you wear clothing that you aren’t attached to in case they get stained in the process.
After a few hours spent on the river, it’s recommended that you end the evening at a lobster dinner bonfire with some Nova Scotia wine, their famous Nova Scotia rum and live music.
Stay tuned next week for part 3 of our 13 part Canadian Summer Staycation Series!
Here are the links to our other blog posts in this series….
Newfoundland and Labrador: Iceberg Alley
Prince Edward Island: All Things Anne
Saskatchewan: Notoriously Moose Jaw
Alberta: The Drumheller Dinosaurs
British Columbia: Rainforest and Beaches
North West Territories: The Northern Lights
Nunavut: Inuit Culture in Iqaluit
If you haven’t had the pleasure of traveling for a vacation within Canada before, now is the ideal time to do so.
With a decrease in the number of international tourists expected to visit because of the Covid-19 travel restrictions in place, popular tourist destinations within Canada will be less crowded this summer. Hotels and resorts have been offering discounted room prices and free room upgrades to entice travelers to book accommodations.
In addition to a less expensive and more enjoyable travel experience, the tourism industry in Canada has been hit hard by Covid-19 and they are going to need our help to recover as quickly as possible with our tourism dollars.
Let’s all do our part and help support our own economy and tourism industry to recover by choosing to spend money on Canadian travel experiences this summer.
We would love to hear in the comments section below if you have been tidal bore rafting or mud sliding before? If not, is this something that you would add to your bucket list?
is a Canadian lifestyle and travel blogger, sharing stories, information and resources about family travel and everyday family life.
How fun! I would love to do this! I went rafting for the first time last year and it was a blast.
Thanks for reading Tricia!
Looks like such a fun adventure!
Thanks for reading Danielle!
Ok – the mud sliding looks like it would be my favorite!
Laura – mine too!
I would love this! Especially playing in the mud! Great destination idea!
Thanks Kendra!
WOW! Looks like you had an amazing experience! I would love to do this I’ve been raising at the Gran Canyon and this looks like it wine just as much fun!
Thanks for reading Holly!
One of my best friends was there two summers ago. It looks amazing. I look forward to going someday.
Thanks for reading Heather!
All of this looks like an amazing trip! We want to do a big Canada trip some time since my husband and I have never been before. We have a handful of things on our bucket list there.
Eva – let me know if I can answer any questions you have about traveling to Canada when you are ready to go!
I haven’t been to the Bay of Fundy since I was a kid, but I remember it being amazing! Time to take my own kids!
Charlene – I’m sure your kids would love it.
This looks so fun! Our family is visiting every province in Canada – we did Nova Scotia a few years ago, but didn’t do this!
Kate – that sounds like a great trip!! Thanks for reading.
This sounds like the most fun ever! The mud slide would definitely be a highlight memory.
Thanks for reading Michelle!
This looks like a great time! Would love to be able to explore Nova Scotia!
It’s a beautiful province Tiffany!
How fun! I have family in Ottawa and it was super fun when we visited. Maybe I’ll plan another trip to see them soon!
What a cool place for a staycation!!
I agree Debbie!
My husband’s been on a rafting trip, but I’ve never been. I’d love to take a family rafting trip some day.
It is a lot of fun Sara!
Beautiful pictures, this looks like a fun trip!
Thanks for reading Leeandra!
I would love to travel to Canada this summer. I have found this is the perfect time to travel. No crowds and low prices. I hope Canada opens up!
I’m hoping so too Lisa!
How fun! Beautiful photos of time well spent.
Thanks Suzan!
I’ve never done anything like this before. It looks really exciting! I would also enjoy the seafood. I need to try this someday!
Thanks for reading Stacey!
This seems like a fun and exciting adventure!
Thanks for reading my blog post Kay!
This sounds like such a blast! my family would love this!
Thanks for reading Barbara!
What a fun adventure! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Lisa!
So cool! Grace and I missed doing this when we traveled to Nova Scotia last year. A cousin we stayed with near Halifax had been tidal bore rafting and shared her experience and described it as a must-do when we return to Nova Scotia in the future!
Great blog Bonnie! Looking forward to reading your next installment!
Thanks for reading it Ann Marie 🙂
Love Canada. Used to live close to the border as a child and would cross to get Salada Marmalade in a can. And then as I got older, would do fly in fishing trips for a couple weeks at a time. The land is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the post.
You’re welcome Beth! I’ve never heard of Salada Marmalade in a can – I will have to look this up 🙂
Wow, that looks a fun day all around!!!
Looks like a great trip!! I’ve never done tidal boar surfing.
Thanks for reading Annette!
I’ve not done either of these activities but they look so fun!
Thanks for reading Cindy!