Reversing Falls

Reversing Falls is a coastal waterfall in Saint John, Canada, where the Saint John River flows through a narrow gorge into the Bay of Fundy. The rapids form at the point where freshwater meets saltwater and strong tidal currents push against the river flow.

The Wolastoqiyik people lived at this river mouth for thousands of years and used the changing tides for navigation and fishing. European settlers reached the area in the 1600s and built a port town around the natural passage.

Local names for the rapids reflect the tide-driven movement that shapes daily routines of fishermen and boat operators who time their crossings carefully. Visitors watching from shore can see how the current shifts direction, sometimes creating smooth channels and other times forming turbulent white water.

Several viewing platforms offer views of the rapids, including Fallsview Park and an elevated Skywalk above the gorge. The best time to watch is during the tidal change when the current is strongest and the directional shift becomes clearly visible.

The Bay of Fundy holds the world's highest tides, causing the river to reverse direction every 12.4 hours and form a 4.4-meter cascade. At low tide the water flows normally toward the ocean, while at high tide the rising seawater pushes the river backward and creates a reverse current.