In Saint John, New Brunswick, the ocean and river meet in a breathtaking act of rebellion. Twice a day, the Saint John River defies gravity — halting, swirling, and then flowing backward under the pull of the world’s most dramatic tides.

This rare phenomenon is known as the Reversing Falls Rapids, one of the few places on Earth where the tides visibly overpower a river’s natural course. It’s a sight that’s both humbling and electrifying — and one every traveler to the Bay of Fundy should experience at least once.

The Magic of the Reversing Falls

What makes the Reversing Falls so astonishing is the battle that happens deep below the surface. The Bay of Fundy’s tides can rise over 25 feet — the highest on Earth — and when they surge inland, they meet the Saint John River’s outward flow head-on.

At low tide, the river dominates, spilling seaward in frothing cascades.

At high tide, the ocean pushes back, reversing the current so powerfully it sends whirlpools spinning and waves crashing upstream.

Between those extremes lies slack tide — a brief, almost eerie calm when the river seems to hold its breath.

No two visits are the same. Travelers often come twice in one day — once at high tide and again at low tide — to witness nature’s pendulum swing.

The Reversing Falls Skywalk: A Front-Row Seat to Nature’s Power

If you want to see this natural drama unfold, there’s no better spot than the Reversing Falls Skywalk.

Perched 110 feet above the rushing waters, the glass-bottom observation platform gives you a heart-pounding view straight into the gorge below. You can literally feel the vibrations of the tide beneath your feet as you look out toward the city’s skyline and the rugged cliffs of the Stonehammer Geopark.

Interpretive panels explain the geology, tides, and Indigenous significance of the site, helping travelers connect the spectacle to its deeper story. The experience is accessible year-round, though the most dramatic tides occur in spring and fall.

Part of a Billion-Year Story: Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark

What lies beneath the Skywalk isn’t just rock — it’s a billion-year-old record of Earth’s transformation.

The Stonehammer Geopark, stretching over 2,500 square kilometers around Saint John, was Canada’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. It connects more than 60 geological and cultural sites, each revealing how this land was shaped by colliding continents, ancient volcanoes, and Ice Age erosion.

At the Reversing Falls, you can literally see the seams of Earth’s history: layers of volcanic basalt pressed against ancient seabed limestone, pushed together when Africa and North America collided hundreds of millions of years ago.

Guided tours and local interpretation centers bring these stories to life — from the movement of glaciers to the marine fossils embedded in the cliffs.

For travelers who crave depth and meaning in their journeys, the Geopark transforms a pretty view into a profound reminder of how the world was formed.

How to Visit

Location:

Reversing Falls Rapids are just a 5-minute drive (or a 25-minute walk) from Uptown Saint John, making them an easy addition to any city itinerary.

Getting There:

If you’re arriving by cruise, the site is a short taxi or rideshare away from the port. For road-trippers exploring the Bay of Fundy, follow Bridge Road from downtown — the route leads straight to the visitor center and Skywalk.

Best Time to Go:

Plan around the tides. The reversal happens approximately every 6 hours and 13 minutes, so you can easily see it flow both directions in a single day. Tide schedules are posted online and at the visitor center.

Admission:

The Skywalk charges a small entrance fee (usually under $10 CAD), and free viewing areas are available nearby at Wolastoq Park and Fallsview Park.

Adventure Options

For travelers seeking a more immersive experience, Saint John offers several thrilling ways to get closer to the action.

Jet Boat Tours: High-speed boats plunge into the rapids during slack tide for a heart-pounding view of the whirlpools. Expect spray, laughter, and unforgettable photos.

Ziplining: Brave souls can soar across the gorge on a zipline that offers sweeping aerial views of the river’s collision with the bay.

Harbour Kayak Tours: At calmer tides, paddlers can explore the quieter stretches of the Saint John River and its sheltered coves.

Each option provides a unique angle on the falls — from adrenaline-pumping to peaceful and reflective.

Nearby Stops & Experiences

Once you’ve felt the rush of the tides, take time to explore what surrounds it:

Just 10 minutes from the Skywalk, the Saint John City Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in North America. Grab a cup of locally roasted coffee, sample fresh seafood, or pick up artisan gifts.

A scenic waterfront trail connecting Uptown Saint John to the port, perfect for sunset walks with views of ships, art murals, and the harbor skyline.

Rockwood Park

One of Canada’s largest urban parks and part of the Stonehammer Geopark, Rockwood Park offers forested trails, glacial lakes, and peaceful picnic areas — a great contrast to the roar of the Reversing Falls.

A 600-acre coastal preserve just 15 minutes from downtown, with boardwalks, beaches, and breathtaking Fundy Bay views — a must for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Travel Tips

Check Tide Times: Plan your visit so you can see both low and high tide — apps and local tourism websites post daily updates.

Dress in Layers: Even in summer, the wind near the gorge can be brisk.

Bring a Tripod: The difference in water levels and flow direction makes for stunning before-and-after shots.

Combine with a Day Trip: The Reversing Falls pair beautifully with excursions to Saint Martins, Fundy Trail Parkway, or Hopewell Rocks.

The Spirit of Saint John

What makes Saint John so special is the contrast — the way history, water, and wilderness coexist. In the same day, you can stroll through Victorian streets, taste Atlantic seafood, and watch the tides carve the landscape anew.

The Reversing Falls Rapids are the city’s heartbeat — raw, rhythmic, and ever-changing. Travelers who pause here often describe a quiet awe, a reminder that the world is not static. It moves, breathes, and transforms — just like we do.

Why It Belongs on Your Bucket List

Standing on the Skywalk, watching the river fight the sea, you can almost feel the tug of time. The roar of the rapids, the sweep of wind through the gorge, the shimmer of the water reversing course — it’s nature’s theater at its most dramatic.

For travelers drawn to places where science meets soul, where geology meets wonder, and where tides tell ancient stories — this is it.

Travelers’ Note:

Visit during early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. Stay long enough to feel the shift — when the river stills, and the sea begins to breathe in. It’s one of those moments that stays with you long after you’ve left Saint John.