Reversing Falls facts for kids
The Reversing Falls are a unique natural wonder in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Here, the powerful Saint John River meets the huge Bay of Fundy. What makes them special is how the water flow changes direction. It's like the river reverses itself! This happens because of the incredibly high and low tides in the Bay of Fundy.
How Do the Falls Reverse?
The Bay of Fundy has some of the highest tides in the world. Twice a day, the ocean water rises and falls a lot.
- When the tide is low, the Saint John River flows out into the bay, just like a normal river. The water rushes over underwater rocks, creating rapids that look like falls.
- As the tide starts to come in, the ocean water pushes back against the river's flow.
- When the tide gets very high, the ocean water becomes stronger than the river. It forces the river to flow backwards upstream! This creates rapids that flow in the opposite direction.
- There's a short time between the tide changing when the water is calm. This is called "slack tide." During this time, boats can safely pass through the gorge.
Sometimes, in the spring, the river has a lot more water from melting snow. This extra water can be so strong that it pushes against the incoming tide. So, the river might not fully reverse during those times.
A Place of History and Industry
The Reversing Falls area has been important for a long time.
- More than a century ago, people built bridges and factories here.
- The Canadian Pacific Railway built a railway bridge across the gorge in 1885. This bridge was replaced in 1922. Today, the New Brunswick Southern Railway uses it.
- There's also a road bridge, the Reversing Falls Road Bridge, that crosses near the railway bridge.
For many years, there were factories on both sides of the gorge.
- On one side, there was a metal factory and other small businesses.
- On the other side, a large pulp mill was built. This mill makes paper products from wood.
- Even though the area is now a popular spot for visitors, the pulp mill is still there.
Fun at the Falls: Tourism
The Reversing Falls are a big attraction for tourists. People come from all over to see this amazing natural show.
- In the 1980s and 1990s, the city created Fallsview Park. This park is on the side of the gorge where the old factories used to be. It gives visitors a great view of the falls.
- For 19 years, a company offered exciting jet boat rides. These boats would take people close to the choppy waters. They would even drive through small whirlpools to splash the passengers! This business closed in 2013.
- The falls are also becoming a popular spot for whitewater kayaking. Kayakers enjoy the challenge of the rapids. What's cool is that the rapids change shape and direction with the tides. This makes every kayaking trip unique!
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The falls flowing inbound (towards the river's source)
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The falls at slack tide, when the water is calm
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The falls flowing outbound (towards the bay)
