During a measurement program on the Scotian Shelf off Nova Scotia, large amplitude internal waves were observed in the vicinity of the shelf edge. Some were identified positively as solitons. The observations provide insight into the soliton generation process and explain the role they play in the transfer of energy from tides to ocean mixing. It is found that the shoreward propagating energy in the baroclinic tide, which is generated at the shelf edge, is dissipated by way of the large-amplitude, short internal waves. Based on observed dissipation rates of solitary waves, it is concluded that the associated amount of mixing is sufficient to supply the required nutrients to the euphotic zone.