Wild with the River Wranglers
Nae man can tether time or tide…
Robbie Burns immortal word stuck me as very appropriate. The powerful tides of the Minas Basin are,even as we make our way to the tiny hamlet of Maitland, snaking the way towards the mouth of the Shubenacadie River.
Maitland perches on the shores of the Shubenacadie river, near the eastern end of the Minas Basin, which is the northeastern arm of the mighty Bay of Fundy. For all you land lubbers unfamiliar with Fundy’s tides – the world’s highest- here’s a quick primer:
The Might Fundy
Twice daily, 14 billion tons of seawater pour in and out of the Basin, actually bending Nova Scotia under its colossal weight. The flow in the minus Channel between Cape Split and the Parrsboro shore is equal to the combined flow of every river at stream on Earth. These tides can reach heights over 50 ft comparable, to a 6 story building, lifting small lobster boats and huge freighters skyward at at high tide and sitting them down ever so gently on the ocean floor as it ebbs. Every 12 hours and 25 minutes the Shubenacadie swells with the impetus of these powerful tides as they force their way upstream against the current, creating a phenomenon called the title bore.
The River Wranglers
Just one of the many ways to experience the Bay of Fundy, today we are heading out with Shubenacadie River Wranglers, owned and operated by Emmett Blois who has lots and lots of experience, not only with his own rafting business but cutting his guiding teeth on the now defunct Shubenacadie River Runners.
Being in business for over 12 years, Emmett and the Wranglers have created an atmosphere of hospitality throughout their operation, from changing rooms and showers to the organized registration process.
This is not my first title bore rafting experience but I was impressed by these guys.
Being in business for over 12 years, they’ve created an atmosphere of hospitality throughout their operation, from changing rooms and showers to the organized registration process. For those who haven’t brought suitable (read: old) there’s pile of shoes to use behind the registration office . FYI-Bay if Fundy mud is hard, if not impossible to get out.
After signing in and signing a waiver, we received an proper fitting life jacket and the option of a rain suit which we gladly accepted After this, we had the opportunity to look around the small gift shop and the property until it was time to go down to the boat.
My boat mates and I, who have gladly paid for the dubious probably to being soaked to the skin, clutch the sides of the zodiac for dear life, saltwater slapping our faces, stinging our eyes and poking cold fingers down the neck of our raincoats. The tang of salt is in our screaming mouths, the brine glazes are now limp hair. Vertical is a position I do not usually appreciate in watercraft.
The trip allows enough time to pull to shore and let excited kids of all ages go mud sliding.With the deepening tide the bore disappears . We slide in for a quick visit to the resident eagle and then head home .The ride back seems long and chilly-we’re glad of our raincoats.
What You Need To Know
- Find them at 90 Phillips Rd, Green Oaks, Nova Scotia-about an hour from Halifax
- Contact them at +1 902-456-2673 or shubiewranglers@gmail.com
- Bookings are STRONGLY encouraged
- For 2025, the Ranlgers are taki g bookings until October 12th
- Plan to be there an hour before scheduled time
- Dress warm-it’s chilly on the way back
- River Wranglers will hold your car keys while you are thrashing around on the river
- They rent Go pros
- Starving when you’re finished your tour? Try the Mud Slide Cafe 5 k away in Maitland.
- Think about extending your time in the area to taker in such jewels as Burntcoat Head Park-when the highest tides in the world have been recorded and Walton Light House
,
