In August, I returned to the mysterious Old Sow Whirlpool between Deer Island and Eastport, Maine. Known as one of the world’s largest tidal whirlpools, it showcases the immense power of the Bay of Fundy. With my drone and a curious mind, I set out to capture its drama and uncover the science and history behind it.
1 My Journey to Deer Island
In the month of August, I decided to check out something I hadn’t seen in a very long time. The Old Sow Whirlpool, whispered to be one of the most powerful tidal whirlpools in the world, lies between Deer Island, New Brunswick and Eastport, Maine. With the roaring tides of the Bay of Fundy feeding it, I was eager to witness this awe-inspiring force of nature once more.
Armed with my DJI drone, I envisioned capturing the whirlpool’s swirling energy from above, revealing patterns and currents invisible from the shore. There’s something thrilling about blending modern technology with age-old forces of nature.
The adventure began early in the morning. I left my hometown behind and made my way to the ferry terminal at Letete, where the Deer Island Princess II awaited. There’s no bridge connecting Deer Island to the mainland, so the only access is by boat. The ferry departs every 30 minutes daily from 6:00 am through 10:00 pm.
The 20-minute ride across the Letete Passage was nothing short of breathtaking. The hum of the engine, the slap of waves against the hull, seabirds gliding on coastal winds, and the occasional seal or porpoise surfacing — it all set the tone for a day shaped by the ocean.
The Deer Island Princess II carries cars and passengers across the Letete Passage — onboard is Curious Don author Don Trynor, en route to witness the Old Sow Whirlpool.
Upon arriving on Deer Island, I drove the quiet roads through forested paths and tiny fishing villages. The island is humble but rich in maritime culture. En route to Deer Island Point, I passed Fairhaven and crossed the 45th parallel — a fun geographical milestone marking the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole.
If you’re planning an overnight visit to catch the best tides, there are charming inns and B&B-style stays on Deer Island and in nearby St. George. Browse local hotel and inn options here to wake up close to the ferry and save time for exploring the whirlpool.
Finally, I arrived at Deer Island Point, perched on the island’s southern tip. The landscape was dramatic: bold rocky shores, panoramic views of the Western Passage, and the rhythmic rumble of the tide charging past the island. It’s here that the Old Sow forms – roughly 2 to 3 hours before high tide, when the cool waters of the Bay of Fundy surge toward Passamaquoddy Bay.
2 Quick Facts about the Old Sow Whirlpool
- Location: Between Deer Island, New Brunswick, Canada, and Eastport, Maine, USA.
- Name: Old Sow, named for the sound it makes (like a grunting pig).
- Size: Up to 76 metres (250 feet) in diameter and 3.7 metres (12 feet) deep under peak conditions.
- Formation: Caused by tidal currents from the Bay of Fundy.
- Best Viewing Time: About 2–3 hours before high tide. Check the official Government of Canada Old Sow Whirlpool tide schedule for Fairhaven, New Brunswick.
- Best Viewing Location: The Deer Island Point Light Beacon on Deer Island, New Brunswick.
- Notable Feature: Often surrounded by smaller eddies or “piglets”
- Ferry Schedule: Departs every 30 minutes daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
- Ferry Cost: Free.
3 Old Sow Whirlpool Tide Schedule
One of the first questions visitors ask is: “When is the best time to see the Old Sow Whirlpool?” This powerful phenomenon occurs twice daily as the Bay of Fundy tides surge through the Western Passage, creating North America’s largest tidal whirlpool.
Exact tide times vary each day with the lunar cycle and Fundy tide levels. The best time to view the Old Sow Whirlpool is usually about 2 to 3 hours before high tide. For the most accurate schedule, check the official Government of Canada Old Sow Whirlpool tide schedule for Fairhaven, New Brunswick. These listings will help you plan your visit to witness this incredible natural wonder.
4 Where to Watch the Old Sow Whirlpool
The best place to view the Old Sow Whirlpool is from the Deer Island Point Light Beacon at the tip of Deer Island Point, New Brunswick. From this vantage point, you can watch the tidal currents collide and swirl into the massive whirlpool. The setting is simple and natural – no ticketed lookout or platform, just rugged Fundy coastline and a clear view across the Western Passage.
For a closer look, you can also experience Old Sow from the water. Local boat tours and charter operators in the area will take you into the Western Passage, where you can witness the whirlpool’s churning currents up close. Being on the water gives you a powerful sense of the Bay of Fundy’s tidal force as it creates this swirling giant.
5 The Science Behind the Whirlpool
The Old Sow Whirlpool is more than a natural spectacle – it’s a physical expression of complex geophysical interactions. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tidal range in the world, with tidal differences reaching up to 16 metres (52 feet). Twice daily, this colossal volume of water is forced through narrow channels like the Western Passage.
Between the depths of Passamaquoddy Bay, the underwater ridges, and an array of sea mounts and trenches, with some as deep as 122 metres (400 feet), the incoming tide is disrupted, twisted, and compressed. The combination of bathymetry (the topography of the sea floor), tidal phase shifts between regions, and Coriolis effects caused by Earth’s rotation give birth to the Old Sow Whirlpool.
The result: swirling eddies, upwelling currents, and, at peak times, a large whirlpool surrounded by smaller ones, often referred to as “piglets.” These piglets form as friction and turbulence ripple outward from the main vortex.
Interestingly, the whirlpool is not a constant spectacle, as it depends on tidal amplitude, moon phases (spring tides are best), and calm weather. Scientists, oceanographers, and curious minds alike continue to study the whirlpool as a living example of ocean dynamics.
While the Old Sow Whirlpool holds the title as the largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere, it shares the global stage with other powerful maelstroms. Norway’s Saltstraumen, near the Arctic Circle, is the strongest known whirlpool, with water speeds reaching up to 37 km/h (23 mph). The nearby Moskstraumen, made famous in Edgar Allan Poe’s tale “A Descent into the Maelström,” forms off the coast of the Lofoten Islands and is one of the oldest known whirlpools. In Japan, the Naruto whirlpools are celebrated for their striking visibility and speed, forming as tides funnel through the narrow Naruto Strait. Each of these whirlpools, like Old Sow, reveals the immense forces that tides and underwater geography can unleash in our oceans.
6 You Might Also Like
- Reversing Falls: Saint John’s Wild Tidal Show – Discover how the Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River, creating rapids, whirlpools, and slack-water calm twice a day.
- Moncton Tidal Bore: Watch a Chocolate River Flow Backwards – See the legendary wave that surges upriver in Moncton, pushing the muddy Petitcodiac River to flow in reverse with every rising tide.
- Why the Bay of Fundy Tides Are the World’s Highest – Learn the science behind the Bay of Fundy’s record-setting tides and how the bay’s unique shape amplifies the ocean’s rise and fall to dramatic heights.
7 The History of the Old Sow Whirlpool
First documented by European settlers in the 18th century, the Old Sow Whirlpool has long been part of local lore. The name likely derives from the grunting or growling sound it can emit under extreme tidal conditions – evoking the image of a sow and her piglets.
Historically, mariners both feared and respected the whirlpool. Sailors had to time their crossings carefully to avoid the swirling waters, which could pull smaller boats off course. The phenomenon even appears in early navigational charts, marked as a navigational hazard.
While the whirlpool is less dangerous today thanks to modern navigation and larger vessels, its powerful currents have been linked to several historical drownings. Exact numbers remain unknown, but old records and local stories mention accidents – especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when small boats were caught off guard by the fast-changing tides.
Despite its power, Old Sow is considered less hazardous than its famous cousins like Norway’s Saltstraumen or Japan’s Naruto whirlpools. Today, commercial ships and ferries pass safely through the Western Passage, yet the whirlpool’s storied past continues to fuel its legend and mystique.
8 A Bird’s-Eye View
At Deer Island Point, I found a quiet spot near the Deer Island Light Beacon to launch my drone. The air was calm, visibility perfect. I watched the Atlantic surge past – its movement unmistakably swift and deliberate, as though the ocean itself had purpose.
As I scanned the water, I began to see the signs: circular eddies, surface disruptions, patches of upwelling. And then it came into focus – the Old Sow Whirlpool itself. It churned like a silent wheel, pulling the sea into its spiral, wide and majestic. From above, the sight was breathtaking: a graceful dance of blue and white, the ocean folding in on itself, as if turning the pages of a watery book.
With my drone hovering, I recorded footage in 4K, capturing not just the main vortex but also the surrounding piglets and the visible texture of tidal turbulence. The drone allowed me to observe it as a system, not just a spectacle, revealing interactions far beyond what I could see from shore.
9 Practical Tips for Viewing the Old Sow Whirlpool
Here are a few tips I picked up during my visit to help you make the most of your trip to the Old Sow Whirlpool:
- Ferry: Take the free ferry from Letete to Deer Island. It runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm during the season. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and the occasional porpoise along the way.
- Timing: Plan to arrive about 2–3 hours before high tide – that’s when the whirlpool is usually at its most dramatic.
- Navigation: Head to Deer Island Point Park, which is well-signed and has convenient parking close to the shoreline.
- Observation Point: The best viewing is near the Deer Island Point Light Beacon, offering clear views of the Western Passage.
- Amenities: The park has picnic tables, open space, and basic washroom facilities – a good spot to relax while you wait for peak tide action.
- Safety: Stay off slippery or jagged rocks near the water’s edge, especially during strong tidal flows. Watch your footing and keep a safe distance from the shoreline.
10 Pro Tips for the Science Traveler
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the science behind tidal whirlpools, these tips will help you get the most out of your visit to the Old Sow Whirlpool:
- Tide Charts: Check the official Government of Canada Old Sow Whirlpool tide schedule for Fairhaven, New Brunswick to time your visit precisely.
- Tech Tools: A drone or a good pair of polarized binoculars can elevate your observation. A drone lets you capture the whirlpool’s dynamics from above – revealing its eddies and flow patterns, just remember to follow local drone regulations and fly responsibly.
- Geographic Bonus: On your way across the island, stop at the 45th Parallel sign to stand at the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole – an extra science-geek milestone.
- Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to chat with fishermen or park visitors; they often know the best tide windows and viewing angles.
11 FAQs About the Old Sow Whirlpool
Where is the Old Sow Whirlpool located?
The Old Sow Whirlpool is located in the Western Passage, between Deer Island, New Brunswick, and Eastport, Maine.
Where is the best place to see the Old Sow Whirlpool?
The best viewing spot is from the Deer Island Point Light Beacon at the tip of Deer Island Point. From there, look southwest into the Western Passage to see the Old Sow Whirlpool.
When is the best time to see the Old Sow Whirlpool?
The whirlpool is most visible 2–3 hours before high tide. For accuracy, check the official Government of Canada Old Sow Whirlpool tide schedule for Fairhaven, New Brunswick.
What is the size of the Old Sow Whirlpool?
At peak conditions, Old Sow can reach about 76 m (250 ft) in diameter and up to 3.7 m (12 ft) deep.
Is the Old Sow Whirlpool the largest whirlpool on Earth?
No. The world’s largest whirlpool is the Saltstraumen Maelstrom in Norway. Old Sow holds the title of largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.
Have there been any deaths from the Old Sow Whirlpool?
Yes. While the total number is unknown, several historical drownings have been linked to Old Sow.
12 Reflections
After landing my drone, I sat by the water’s edge at Deer Island Point. A cool Bay of Fundy breeze carried the scent of salt and seaweed while the Western Passage churned with the incoming tide. Across the channel, Eastport, Maine glowed in the afternoon light. The scene was a vivid reminder of the invisible forces – the pull of the Moon, the spin of Earth, the shape of ocean basins, that move entire seas and shape life along the coast.
As I watched the Old Sow Whirlpool swirl again after all these years, I felt the truth of an old saying: “Once saltwater gets in your blood, it never leaves.” Though I’ve lived far inland in Fredericton, Toronto, and Ottawa, returning to this rugged shoreline – the roar of water, the smell of the tide, the dance of currents, felt like coming home.
For a science traveler, the Old Sow Whirlpool is more than a curiosity. It’s a living lesson in fluid mechanics and tidal resonance, a meeting point of memory and motion, and proof that even the unseen forces of gravity and rotation leave their mark on the places we love. If you find yourself on Canada’s east coast, take the journey, sit by the shore, watch the currents, and let this natural wonder pull you in.
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