Minas Basin

Minas Basin

 Minas Basin is the broadest part of the south-eastern head of the Bay of FUNDY and lies entirely within Nova Scotia. It merges westward into Fundy, through Minas Channel, 5 km wide, and eastward into Cobequid Bay, and is widest (30 km) south of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Its depth, generally less than 40 m, is over 100 m in Minas Channel. The bottom consists of large sand bodies swept by strong tidal currents, changing to mud flats nearer the shore. Its daily tidal range of 15-16 m is among the highest in the world, which has focused attention on potential tidal power generation. The north shore is straight, with small coves and islands, and cliffs rising to 100-200 m; the south shore is mainly low, with undulating good agricultural land and hayfields on former salt marshes.

 Farming includes mixed-cattle husbandry, vegetable growing, egg production and apple growing. Coastal marshes in the southwest were a focal area of ACADIAN French settlement in the early 17th century. Major towns are WOLFVILLE, WINDSOR and PARRSBORO. GRAND PRÉ, dating from Acadian times, is a national historic site.