Located in New Brunswick's southeast, this bilingual city has the world's highest tides at Tidal Bore and active streets filled with Acadian culture and French cafés.
Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick, sits along the Petitcodiac River. Here, you'll see North America's rare tidal bore phenomenon - a wave that travels upstream twice daily. Walk through the restored 1920s Capitol Theatre, watch cars seemingly defy gravity at Magnetic Hill, or explore the 70-kilometer trail network. The city's location makes it an ideal starting point for trips across Atlantic Canada.
Witnessing the Tidal Bore
The Petitcodiac River creates one of North America's few tidal bores, where incoming tides form a wave that moves upstream. This natural phenomenon occurs twice daily, with waves reaching heights between 3 to 6 feet. Watch this spectacle from several viewing points along the riverbank, including Riverfront Park at 110 Assumption Boulevard, which has designated viewing areas and information panels about the bore's formation. The best viewing times change daily with the tides, so check the local tide schedule before visiting.
Magnetic Hill
On Mountain Road in northwestern Moncton, cars appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral at Magnetic Hill. The site includes the Magnetic Hill Zoo, home to more than 400 animals in geographic-themed exhibits. Next door, Magic Mountain water park has six water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The water park opens from June to September, with admission starting at $35 for adults and $28 for children under 12.
Parks and Recreation Areas
Centennial Park spans 230 acres at 811 St. George Boulevard. The park has an artificial beach, 6.5 kilometers of illuminated cross-country skiing trails, and Rocky Stone Field - a 2,500-seat stadium. In winter, ski on groomed trails from December to March. Summer activities include kayak and paddleboat rentals at Jones Lake, and a treetop adventure course with 34 aerial games and seven zip lines. Adventure course prices start at $45 for adults.
Cultural Venues and Entertainment
The Capitol Theatre at 811 Main Street, built in 1922, presents performances throughout the year in its 800-seat auditorium. Ticket prices range from $25 to $75. The Avenir Centre, an 8,800-seat arena at 150 Canada Street, hosts major concerts and Moncton Wildcats hockey games. Every April, the Frye Festival brings international authors to Moncton for readings and workshops, with events in both English and French.
Getting Around
Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport, 10 minutes from downtown at 777 Aviation Avenue, runs daily flights to Toronto and Montreal. Codiac Transpo operates 40 buses on 19 routes throughout Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. Day passes cost $6, and single rides are $2.75. Downtown restaurants include French bistros, seafood spots, and casual cafes along Main Street and St. George Street, with main courses typically costing between $15 and $30.
