The Global Paddling Community

Tidal Race: Canada, New Brunswick, Saint John, Maces Bay.

What's it like

Maces Bay is a series of standing waves created by the aggressive Bay of Fundy tide as it comes in to a funneled area beneath a bridge. They begin small and grow to solid class III before petering out again as the tide reaches its peak. There is a massive eddy that leads to the exact front of the wave train. The bottom is deep and it empties out into a large tidal flood basin.

It's cold salt water (refreshing in July...but in October that's another story) that rarely freezes. Check the tideal charts before going!

How to get there

It's just off the Trans Canada Highway (route 1), 30 minutes west of Saint John. The Exit to Maces Bay is 790, which forms a loop and it's best to take the second entrance heading west:

The spot is 5 kms from the highway exit. The 790 goes across the bridge that forms the tidal rips so it's almost impossible to miss. There is ample parking for 10 or so vehicles. The put in is right next to the hole.

Locals

Known as a surf spot, the only people you'll see are curious tourists and boaters, but it's never crowded.

Info sources

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