Highest Tides on Earth!
The highest tides on planet Earth occur in Nova Scotia's Minas Basin. The water level at high tide can be as much as 16 metres (52 feet) higher than at low tide!

In Tune with the Moon!
High tides happen every 12 hours and 25 minutes (or nearly an hour later each day) because of the changing position of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth.

The Power of All Rivers and Streams!
At mid-tide, the flow in Minas Channel north of Cape Split equals the combined flow of all the rivers and streams on Earth!

Nova Scotia Bends When the Tide Comes In!
As 14 billion tonnes (14 cubic kilometres) of seawater flow into Minas Basin twice daily, the Nova Scotia countryside actually tilts slightly under the immense load!

For the Birds!
In mid-summer, crustaceans in the intertidal mudflats provide a crucial source of food for hundreds of thousands of migrating shorebirds!

Phenomenal Tidal Bores!
When the tide is coming in, tidal bores (which appear as a wave traveling against the flow of a river) surge up several rivers that flow into the Minas Basin.

From Shangri-la Cottages you can walk on the ocean floor. Watch the tides rise and fall. Explore the banks created by erosion.

Coastal erosion!

is the wearing away of land or the removal of beach or dune sediments by wave action, tidal currents, wave currents, or drainage.

Waves, generated by storms, wind, or fast moving motor craft, cause coastal erosion, which may take the form of long-term losses of sediment and rocks, or merely the temporary redistribution of coastal sediments; erosion in one location may result in accretion nearby.

The study of erosion and sediment redistribution is called 'coastal morphodynamics'. It may be caused by hydraulic action, abrasion, and corrosion.

On rocky coasts, coastal erosion results in dramatic rock formations in areas where the coastline contains rock layers or fracture zones with different resistances to erosion. Softer areas become eroded much faster than harder ones, which typically result in landforms such as tunnels, bridges, columns, and pillars

The rise and fall of the tides wash away the soft banks leaving us with wondurous caves and cliffs to explore. Each year the cliffs look different as the banks break away.

The stairs on the left offer access to the ocean floor. Directly below the stairs you will find the marker in the bottom photo. This marker is used to measure the high tides.

Kids and adults enjoy the mystery created by the tides. Long beaches, sand stone, mudflats,and a salt water swim.

A closer look at the islands

and cliffs shown above.

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