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Well Worth the Trip
By Murray Whipple
The Bay of Fundy is known worldwide for having the highest tides. These tides rush against the freshwater from many rivers entering the Bay. The magnificent St. John River is one of these, being the second longest river on the Atlantic coast.
As the high tide approaches, the Bay rises above its level and a fast flowing rapid occurs.
The same event takes place with the falling tides.
Safe passage can be made by boaters when the level of both River and Bay are the same, usually a time period of approximately 20 minutes of flat, calm water. This varies depending on the season.
After passing through the World Famous Reversing Falls rapids, a boater will find the St. John Power Boat Club off to the starboard. This Club is one of the oldest in Canada. A short distance on the entrance to the Narrows is seen. High forested cliffs extending into deep water are in this area. Outcrops of lime rock and the kilns used in that early industry are visible.
Leaving the Narrows, boaters enter the expansive Grand Bay. Here long tacks in a northerly direction by sailing vessels can be made. To port, one finds Greenhead Lighthouse, the first of many on the River. Rounding Greenhead, the large shallow South Bay extends southward.
Leaving the Narrows, a dominant feature of Grand Bay, known as Bore’s Head, is off to the starboard, beyond which, the Kennebecasis River enters the St. John River. This River is very deep. The largest yacht club in the area is a short distance from the St. John River at this point. To the northwest, the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield can be seen.
Leaving Grand Bay, the wharf and lighthouse at Sand Point is sighted. Continuing on, boaters will encounter the first of many cable ferries, operated by using an underwater cable. They cause no problem to boaters as they pass behind them.
Continuing on, the River will turn sharply to the northeast into one of the most scenic parts of the River, an area known as Long Reach, which is a wide stretch of deep water, bounded by high forested hills and its many fine sandy beaches and quiet coves. Wharves on both sides of the Reach will be seen as boaters proceed on upriver to Caton’s Island.
Caton’s Island, near the end of Long Reach, is an historic location, once being involved with fur trading with the Maliseet Indians.
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