Shubenacadie River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shubenacadie |
|
|---|---|
Map of the Shubenacadie / Stewiacke River drainage basin
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Nova Scotia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Shubenacadie Grand Lake 13 m (43 ft) |
| River mouth | Cobequid Bay 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 72 km (45 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Cobequid Bay—Minas Basin—Bay of Fundy |
| Basin size | 1,304 km2 (503 sq mi) (together with Stewiacke River). |
The Shubenacadie River is an important river in Nova Scotia, Canada. It flows for about 72 kilometers (45 miles). The river starts at Shubenacadie Grand Lake and ends at Cobequid Bay. This bay is near the historic village of Maitland. Maitland is famous for building the William D. Lawrence, the largest wooden ship ever made in Canada.
In 2009, a travel blog called I Backpack Canada listed the Shubenacadie as one of the top five whitewater rivers in Canada. This shows how exciting and powerful the river can be!
What is a Tidal Bore?
The last 30 kilometers (19 miles) of the Shubenacadie River are affected by tides. This means the ocean's water moves in and out of this part of the river. Twice every day, the river experiences a special event called a tidal bore. This is like a wave of water that rushes upstream against the normal flow of the river.
Some of these tidal bores can be quite large, reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) high in certain spots! Imagine a wall of water moving up the river.
Riding the Tidal Bore
Because of these amazing waves, the Shubenacadie River is a popular place for adventure. Local tour groups offer trips where people can ride the tidal bore. They use powerful boats called Zodiac Hurricanes. This activity, called Tidal Bore Rafting, was first started by H. Knoll at the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort.
The river is also a favorite spot for experienced sea kayakers who enjoy surfing the bore.
Where the River Flows
The Shubenacadie River flows through northern Halifax County. It also creates a natural border between Hants County and Colchester County. This makes it an important landmark in the region.
The area around the river, known as the Shubenacadie Valley, is mostly farmland. It's also seeing more homes being built because it's close to the cities of Halifax and Truro.
Wildlife and Fishing
The Shubenacadie River is a great place for nature lovers. It is very popular among anglers, which are people who fish with a rod and line. They mainly try to catch striped bass, a type of fish known for its stripes.
You can also spot amazing birds along the river. Bald eagles often rest in the trees along the river's banks. You might see them flying or perched throughout the year, looking for food.
