Nova Scotia / Fundy Bay

Arrived in Nova Scotia the most easterly Province in Canada we will travel to. Using Amherst as our base, the Bay of Fundy Trail was our first of several trails to drive. The bay has the worlds highest tides that sweep the gravel beaches twice daily. Each day one hundred billion tons of sea water flows in and out of the bay during one tide cycle - more than the combined of the world's fresh water rivers. The extreme tide levels along with the high winds on our trip created high swells of 7.5 to 16.5 metres in height. You can note the amount of water drawn to the ocean by looking at the fishing boats tided at the mooring at noon and then again 4 hours later as the tide waters start to return to shore. Cape D'Or light house sits on a rocky projection of land with sheer cliffs rising 150 metres behind it. The light house was established in 1922 and today continues to be a working light house with restaurant and Bed and Breakfast. The water just beyond the light, known as the Dory Rips, is almost always turbulent with the violent meeting of the currents from the Bay of Fundy and the Minas Basin. The Canadian government is investigating installing underwater turbines to harness the energy as hydro electricity.