For the second consecutive year, the Makivvik Corporation in Nunavik has presented data indicating that Tasiujaq boasts the highest tidal range in Canada, surpassing the Bay of Fundy. However, the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), a branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, has refrained from confirming this assertion.
Adamie Delisle Alaku, Makivvik’s vice president of environment, wildlife, and research, expressed frustration over the CHS’s reluctance to acknowledge Tasiujaq’s superior tidal range. He emphasized the importance of setting the record straight and addressing the discrepancies in the data.
Traditionally, the Bay of Fundy has been renowned for having the world’s greatest tidal range, even holding a Guinness World Record for this achievement. Despite this, Makivvik’s recent data collection efforts near Tasiujaq have indicated otherwise, with measurements exceeding those of the Bay of Fundy.
In the latest study, Makivvik recorded a tidal range of 16.92 meters, showing an increase from the previous year’s measurement of 16.35 meters at the northern end. These figures surpass the tidal range reported at Nova Scotia’s Burntcoat Head, according to the CHS’s 2026 annual report.
Both Makivvik’s and CHS’s findings surpass the current Guinness World Record entry for the mean spring tidal range at Burntcoat Head. The ongoing debate between Tasiujaq and the Bay of Fundy has garnered attention, with stakeholders seeking clarity on the accurate measurements.
Delisle Alaku emphasized that the initiative is not about rivalry but rather ensuring the accuracy of information. Dave DeWolfe, a seasoned consultant in tidal studies, supported Makivvik’s research, highlighting the uniqueness of the tidal ranges at Tasiujaq and the Bay of Fundy.
While Tourism Nova Scotia remains proud of the Bay of Fundy’s historical record, Makivvik and its partners continue their efforts to secure accurate data and potentially engage with entities like the Guinness World Records for validation.
Despite challenges in comparing the tidal measurements, stakeholders are committed to resolving the discrepancy and obtaining definitive data on the highest tidal range location. The federal government’s reluctance to intervene in the debate has prompted Makivvik to explore alternative avenues for validation.
