A dispute has emerged over which Canadian location holds the world's highest tides, with a community in northern Quebec challenging the long-standing record held by Burntcoat Head Park in Nova Scotia.
Burntcoat Head Park has claimed the title for years, with tidal ranges reaching 14.5 metres. However, new data from the Inuit community of Tasiujaq in Nunavik suggests their tides reach 16.3 metres, nearly two metres higher.
The Makivvik Corporation, representing Inuit interests, conducted a study between 2024 and 2025 using specialised equipment and local divers. The findings have been submitted to the Canadian Hydrographic Service for review.
Adamie Delisle Alaku, executive vice-president of Makivvik's environment department, said the results confirm what locals have long known. He noted that a 1953 measurement recorded a tide of 16.6 metres in the area.
While Burntcoat Head Park benefits from tourism drawn to its tidal flats and Hopewell Rocks, Delisle Alaku acknowledged that Tasiujaq is unlikely to see a surge in visitors. However, he hopes the accurate data will aid safe navigation and attract those interested in extreme natural phenomena.
