frequently asked questions

Our interpretive and visitor information staff answer literally thousands of questions each season.  We have tried to address some of the more popular ones here.

1. What time does the tide stop moving?

Tides are constantly moving. The time on a tide table identifies when the water changes direction. Our automated greeting provides the tide times for the day you are calling; our attendants can provide tide times for other dates. We have current tide tables on this site, which can be used to determine the exact low or high tide for each day of your visit. The tides change by approximately 50 minutes each day.

Alternatively, daily tides are posted in the local newspaper "The Moncton Times & Transcript", on our website, or can be mailed to you by calling toll free 1-877-734-3429.

2. How long may we walk on the ocean floor before the tide comes in?

The ocean floor is accessible for 3 hours before until 3 hours after low tide. Various areas of the ocean floor are accessible during that time, as the water is constantly moving. Low tide times change each day, therefore the tide table must be consulted to determine accessibility times. Visitors are asked to watch all danger time signs located at the stairwells to the ocean floor.  Interpretive staff stationed on the beaches can advise you on safety issues.

3. What effect does the moon have on the tides?

During the new and full moon, when the sun and moon are aligned, there is a greater than normal gravitational pull, causing higher than normal tides.
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4. When are the highest tides and lowest tides?

During high tides of the new moon, tides can reach 14 metres (46 ft) and during low tides of the new moon, tides can recede 30 cm (1 ft) below Chart Datum.  
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5. How fast does the water come in?

The tides travel at 6 to 8 vertical feet per hour, depending upon the moon phases. This may appear to be faster in some areas where the bay has a flat bottom.

6. Why are the tides so high at this location of the world?

There are a number of reasons why tides are higher in some places than in others. It has a lot to do with the shape of the shoreline and the depth of the water. The Bay of Fundy is somewhat funnel shaped and quite shallow. This causes the tidewater to become higher as it moves along the length of the ever-narrowing Bay because it simply has nowhere else to go.  
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7. Where are the whales?

The nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy are famous for attracting more than 12 species of whales.  This means we have some of the best whale watching experiences in the world.  Whales may be spotted from a number of places along the New Brunswick coast, but the best place to see them or book a whale watching tour is Grand Manan Island. The best time to view is from Mid-August to Mid-September.

8. How were the Flowerpots formed?

Consider the erosion effect of 100 billion tons of water moving in and out of the Bay twice every 24 hours. By visiting our Interpretive Centre Exhibit you can travel back in time to witness the formation of the Bay of Fundy, and our famous "Flowerpot" Rocks, created by the winds and tides over millions of years!
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9. Why is the water so brown?

The constant movement of water over the mud flats mixes the silt with the water. This creates the "Chocolate River" effect, known around the world.