Does the Bay of Fundy have the highest tides in the world? People in Nunavik don't think so

The quest of Fundy in atlantic ocean Canada is swell renowned for having the highest tides in the domain — but many residents in Nunavik feature long believed that title belongs to them.

Now, the representative for Inuit in the northern Quebec region says it has new data to prove that. 

The Makivvik Corporation has conducted new measurements between 2024-25 from the mouth of the Leaf Basin near the community of Tasiujaq.

Leaf Basin already holds the Guinness World Record for the highest tide ever recorded in 1953. But Nova Scotia's Burntcoat Head in the Bay of Fundy is the current title holder for the greatest tidal range — and that's what Makivvik is disputing. 

According to Makivvik's study, the large tide range shows the Leaf Basin having a tidal range of 16.35 metres at its north end, compared to Burntcoat Head's range of 15.85 metres. Both those figures are higher than what is currently listed in the Guinness World Records.

Adamie Delisle Alaku, the executive vice president of Makivvik's department of environment, wildlife and research, said this study validates what many Nunavimmiut have long known. 

"We are here to just measure and substantiate what has been known for many decades by our elders, by our Inuit knowledge holders, that we are the highest tide in the world. And that is something we've managed to prove using scientific instruments," Delisle Alaku said. 

It's not the first time Nunavimmiut have tried to prove their region has the highest tidal ranges. The Nunavik Tourism Association conducted a similar study in 2003.

According to a document released by Makivvik, that study ran into technical failures which produced inconsistent results, but the data they did manage to salvage suggested extremely high tides. 

Tasiujaq Mayor Tommy Annanack said interest in another study has grown since then.

"I'm happy to hear this. We've been waiting for this news for so many years now," he said. 

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Niziol said the most recent data it has collected from the Leaf Basin was from 2002, which it compared with 1998 data from the Bay of Fundy's Burntcoat Head.

Since neither location has long term datasets, Niziol said capturing the highest tide at either site "is left somewhat up to chance," and they consider both sites to be tied.

"Past CHS analyses concluded that both sites are statistically tied for the world's largest tides, with differences falling within natural variability and measurement uncertainty," Niziol said.

"In order to make a true comparison between the Bay of Fundy and Leaf Basin, water levels at both locations need to be measured over the same time frame, since tidal extremes vary with the lunar cycle and other long-term astronomical factors."

For now, Nova Scotia's Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage is still standing by the world record title it's held since 1975. 

"We're proud of this natural wonder and welcome the opportunity to showcase it to visitors from around the world," wrote Rob Maguire, a spokesperson for the department. 

New Brunswick's Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture did not respond by deadline.

As for why no one is really crowing about the tides near Tasiujaq, Delisle Alaku believes it's because of a lack of awareness. For him, that boils down to the difficulties of studying the region.

"In our case, it is extremely difficult to get equipment up. It was a huge challenge just to ship equipment to the community. We were having difficulties to get even just scuba diving gear to that community," he said. 

But doing this study is about more than just bragging rights. It's about cultural pride and sharing that with visitors around the world. 

"I think it's an added benefit for the region to be able to be very proud of our natural wonders. We have a lot to offer. We have some of the most beautiful environments and parks," he said. 

Knowing how tides shape ecosystems can influence the way of life in nearby communities.

"In northern regions such as Tasiujaq, tides play an important role in local travel, fishing, and cultural identity. In the Bay of Fundy, they underpin tourism, fishing, and tidal energy opportunities," wrote Niziol, the spokesperson for DFO. 

"Scientifically, confirming these extremes enhances our understanding of ocean dynamics and highlights Canada's role in hosting some of the most extraordinary tidal environments on Earth."

The work doesn't stop there though. Delisle Alaku said tidal heights vary over a 19-year nodal cycle and right now, he believes Nunavik is at the minimum of that cycle. That means even higher tidal values could be expected in the years ahead, and he wants the community to continue monitoring that.

"Continual monitoring and measuring is something that we are striving for and to ensure that these values are accurate and that they're recognized around the world," he said. 

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