PRESS RELEASE
LEAF BAY TIDE RESEARCH PROJECT
PROVES ONCE AGAIN WORLD’S HIGHEST TIDE
KUUJJUAQ, September 8, 2025 – Nunavik is set to claim its rightful place as the location of the world’s highest tide. While the Leaf Basin was first recognized by the Guinness World Records in 1953, many have continued to assume that the Bay of Fundy which is bordering New Brunswick and Nova Scotia holds the record. New measurements from the Leaf Basin near the community of Tasiujaq now provide fresh proof that Nunavik’s tides are the greatest in the world. The 2024-2025 data have been sent to the Canadian Hydrographic Service at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for review.
A previous study spearheaded by the Nunavik Tourism Association in 2003 faced setbacks when one of the two installed tidal gauges failed, and the remaining instrument produced inconsistent results. Although the data suggested extremely high tides, the findings were dismissed. This sparked a renewed commitment by Makivvik to collect accurate data to substantiate the title.
In early 2024, Makivvik organized a year-long study to gather accurate tidal data at the mouth of Leaf River near Tasiujaq. Two instruments were deployed in the summer with guidance from local Inuit, whose knowledge of ice movement and tidal conditions was essential in choosing safe and effective locations. Given the huge tidal range and ice movement their input was crucial to the success of the study. Makivvik also invested in equipment and training so Inuit from Tasiujaq could service and maintain the gauges. A team of Inuit scuba divers completed cold-water diving certification to carry out the work, and their dedication was key to the project’s success.
After a full year of monitoring, the results were compared with measurements from Burncoat Head in the Bay of Fundy. The findings show that Nunavik’s tides exceed those of the Bay of Fundy, reaffirming that the Leaf Basin is home to the world’s highest tides.
President Pita Aatami:
“Makivvik is proud to take the lead on this important file, which remained inactive for far too long, and to move it forward. The Leaf Basin tidal study confirms what our Elders have always known: that Nunavik is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary tides. This knowledge strengthens our vision for the future: to protect our environment and way of life, while also harnessing these natural wonders to create meaningful tourism opportunities, showcase our unique culture, and generate lasting economic benefits for communities across Nunavik.”
Makivvik will continue monitoring the tidal range, since tidal heights vary over a 19-year nodal cycle. Early signs suggest that current readings are at the minimum of this cycle, which means even higher values can be expected in the years ahead. The 1953 and 2003 measurements were higher than todays, and researchers believe similar or greater readings will be recorded in the future.
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Contact:
Miriam Dewar
Corporate Editor
Makivvik
www.makivvik.ca
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.
LEAF_BAY_TIDE_RESEARCH_PROJECT_PROVES ONCE AGAIN WORLDS_HIGHEST_TIDE_ENG.pdf