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Fundy Monday.

I ran out of options when it came to naming this post. The nearest I could find was what I ended up with, and what you are beholding now. Fundy This might be a word or even a name that is parked in the back of your mind. It may even resemble real words that almost sound like it. But, after scratching my head multiple times, no east pun showed up, so I did the right thing and simply proceeded to the point. Being the globetrotter that most of you are, Fundy might actually be within your dictionary. If not, let us introduce you the The Bay of Fundy. Read the story courtesy and watch the video, courtesy of Northern Scavenger

The Bay of Fundy, located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (with a small touch of Maine), is one of the most structurally and biologically unique places on Earth. It is famous for having the highest tides on the planet, but its history and “unusual” side go much deeper than just rising water. The Bay of Fundy is essentially a “scar” from when the world’s continents were tearing apart. It goes back that far. About 200 million years ago, as the supercontinent Pangea began to break up, a massive rift valley formed. The Bay of Fundy is part of that rift. If the earth had pulled just a little harder in that specific spot, the Atlantic Ocean might have formed right there, making Nova Scotia its own island or part of another continent.

The “Dinosaur” Ground: Because of the way the tides erode the cliffs, the Bay is a graveyard for the Triassic and Jurassic periods. It is home to some of Canada’s most significant fossil finds, including the world’s smallest dinosaur tracks and early mammal-like reptiles. So what this means to you is that if you’re a history buff who also loves the water, this is your stomping ground. History, fun and a water playland.

The Giant Beaver: According to legend, a giant beaver built a dam across the mouth of the bay, causing the land to flood. The cultural hero Glooscap smashed the dam with his club, and the resulting back-and-forth sloshing of the water created the tides we see today. The “Bathtub” Effect: The bay has a natural “oscillation” (like water sloshing in a bathtub). It takes almost exactly the same amount of time for a wave to travel the length of the bay as it does for the ocean tide to change. This “tidal resonance” amplifies the water height.

Believe it or not, but the The Reversing Falls: In Saint John, the tide is so powerful that it actually forces the Saint John River to flow backward twice a day, creating a series of treacherous rapids that change direction.

Want to make it your own? you can easily get to the Bay of Fundy by car. It is a popular, accessible road trip destination in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, featuring the 30-km paved Fundy Trail Parkway and Fundy National Park. Major, scenic, and accessible points include the Hopewell Rocks, Alma, and Saint John, often accessed within a few hours’ drive from Halifax or Moncton. 

You’re in good hands. Thrifty is Canada’s car rental experts. To book your car, click here

Look at that vista. Imagine waking up to that? Stay at The Old Orchard Inn. To book, click here

As ever, travel insurance is a must, no matter where you are. We recommend World Nomads. Click here

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