Reversing Falls of St. John

Fallview Ave, New Brunswick E2K 1B8 Canada

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Free

Free to Visit

Open Now

Thu 12a-11:59p

Independent

“The falls change direction over the day!”

When it comes to experiencing some of nature's strangest quirks, a lot of travellers immediately point toward the colorful and incredible Fly Geyser, the alien-like Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, or the incredibly bizarre Ringing Rocks in Pennsylvania. But there's one strange quirk that's especially weird because nature can't seem to make up it's mind; a waterfall that runs one way in the morning, and the other way at night. The weird waterfall, named the Reversing Falls of Saint John, sits on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, and shows some pretty miraculous changes as the day stretches on. In fact, the waterfall actually changes direction numerous times a day. The strange phenomena is the result of some extremely powerful tides. In fact, the Bay of Fundy is home to some of the world's highest tides, and it's these tides that cause the local waters to change course several times a day. Rather than merely flowing in and out once per day, as most of us are used to seeing at the beach, these particular tides are semidiurnal, which means that that occur every 12 hours instead of 24. Between their powerful forces, and their odd schedule, the tides force not only the river, but the waterfalls to change their derection. While most of the tours that brought visitors up and close and personal to the tides have shut down for being a bit too dangerous, there's still plenty of local vantage points where you can watch the river change it's course. Your best bet is to show in the morning to watch the falls flow to the right, and return during the evening to see them flow toward the left, though the massive tides are a pretty spectacular show at any time of day.

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Reviewed by
bkship

17 Reviews
12 Helpful

September 16, 2014

Rated 5.0

What a spectacular visual sight...make sure you know when the tides are in and out...if you have the time and money...check out the jet boat rides through the tides...

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
WANDERING WILES

3 Reviews
0 Helpful

October 01, 2023

Rated 5.0

Visited end of September 2023. So glad we made the stop to see this phenomenal place! It was something you can only imagine until you see it in person.
We were sad to see that this is not promoted by the city/Providence.
Although there was a steady stream of visitors, there is NOTHING there (gift shop/information)
The signage was minimal and the grounds/viewing area were neglected. The city should be proud to promote this area.

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Reviewed by
FromSea2ShiningSea

395 Reviews
33 Helpful

August 23, 2019

Rated 4.0

We came in at around dinner time, and it was flowing one way. The following morning we came back (from our hotel nearby in St. John's,) and it was flowing the opposite direction. I highly recommend stopping at night, then checking back the following morning! This way you will be able to appreciate the Reversing Falls more. I'm a visual person, so for me it made it more enjoyable. The body of water had some marine action...not sure if it was birds, seals, or something else. There's a colorful entrance sign. There's a big parking lot. There is a gift shop. There is also an area I believe you pay that you can overlook the falls, but you can see pretty well from the parking lot. There are signs with information about the falls at the viewing area near the parking lot. There are handicap spots and it's easily accessible. It is free to view the falls near the parking lot area.

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Reviewed by
jlponnet

35 Reviews
8 Helpful

August 23, 2017

Rated 4.0

You need to be thinking about what natural forces are at play here to truly appreciate Reversing Falls. We arrived for low tide and found it to be very beautiful and compelling. It's definitely worth a stop even if you are with kids, but I don't think that they will be entertained for long. You can stand on an observation deck or walk down the stairs to get down to the shoreline.

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