Reversing Falls
New Brunswick
The Reversing Falls are a remarkable natural feature located on the Saint John River in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. This site is characterized by a narrow gorge where the river flows over a series of underwater ledges, creating powerful rapids. What makes the falls unique is the semi-diurnal tides of the nearby Bay of Fundy, which force the river's flow to reverse direction during high tide, producing a spectacular natural display. Despite the depth of the water, these rapids pose significant navigation hazards, requiring vessels to wait for slack tide to safely pass. Historically, the area has also been an important industrial site, with the Canadian Pacific Railway building a railway bridge over the gorge in the late 19th century, which still serves rail traffic today. The vicinity once hosted a foundry and a pulp mill operated by J.D. Irving, the latter of which has been a point of contention due to its location near prime tourism areas. The falls have attracted recreational activities such as whitewater kayaking, which benefits from the dynamic changes in the rapids caused by the tides. Although a jet boat tour operated for nearly two decades, it ceased operations in 2013. Today, the Reversing Falls remain a captivating natural spectacle blending geological, hydrological, and industrial history.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Reversing Falls is during the peak tidal changes to witness the dramatic reversal of water flow. Visitors should check tide schedules to plan their visit around slack tide for safer navigation or optimal viewing. While no longer operating, past jet boat tours highlighted the area's excitement, so those interested in water activities should consider whitewater kayaking opportunities. Booking guided tours or visiting Fallsview Park nearby can enhance the experience. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear and be cautious near the gorge edges due to slippery rocks and strong currents.
Datos interesantes
- •The Reversing Falls are caused by the semi-diurnal tides of the Bay of Fundy forcing the river flow to reverse direction at high tide.
- •Despite the depth of the water, the underwater ledges create dangerous rapids that pose a navigation hazard, requiring vessels to wait for slack tide.
- •The Canadian Pacific Railway built a railway bridge over the gorge in 1885, which was replaced in 1922 and is still in use today by the New Brunswick Southern Railway.
- •A jet boat tour business operated near the falls for 19 years, closing in 2013, offering rides that included navigating small whirlpools near the railway bridge.
- •The falls have become a popular whitewater kayaking location, uniquely influenced by tidal changes that alter the rapids' formation.
Historia
The Reversing Falls have been a notable natural and industrial site since the late 19th century.
The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the original railway bridge over the gorge in 1885, replaced by the current structure in 1922.
The area was historically home to a foundry and a pulp mill, with the latter operated by J.D.
Irving since the late 1940s.
Over time, industrial activities have coexisted with growing tourism interests, especially following the development of Fallsview Park on former industrial lands in the late 20th century.
Recreational use of the falls, including jet boat tours from the late 1990s until 2013 and whitewater kayaking, reflects the evolving relationship between industry, nature, and tourism in the area.
Guía del lugar
Reversing Falls Rapids
The central natural feature where the Saint John River flows through a narrow gorge and reverses direction due to tidal forces, creating powerful rapids and whirlpools.
Reversing Falls Railway Bridge1922
A historic railway bridge crossing the gorge just downstream from the falls, originally built in 1885 and replaced in 1922, currently used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway.
Fallsview Park1980s-1990s
A public park developed on the east side of the gorge on former industrial foundry lands, offering views of the falls and recreational space for visitors.
