Moncton: Tidal Bore, Parks and Culture

You can plan a visit to Moncton around several distinct interests: the natural phenomenon of the Tidal Bore depends on a specific arrival time, while parks offer their own highlights, with trails and varied landscapes. There are also cultural venues, a Saturday morning market, and a seasonal activity. Taking these differences into account can help you structure your stay around schedules and your interests in nature and history.

Tidal Bore on the Petitcodiac River

The Tidal Bore is a strong, single wave of water that moves upstream against the current in the Petitcodiac River. It reaches Moncton twice a day. Bore Park in downtown offers the best views of the Tidal Bore. Check the arrival time before your visit so you can plan when to watch it.

Parks, water, and trails

Moncton has about 79 kilometres of park trails and dozens of connected neighbourhood trails that can be used year-round. The parks offer a variety of landscapes. At Mapleton Park, trails wind through 122 hectares of wooded and open areas along the north branch of Hall’s Creek; the area also includes a wetland and a lagoon. Irishtown Nature Park features Acadian forests, varied terrain, marshland, and a lake. Its separate trail systems are designed for walking, hiking, and cycling.

The trails and connections to the water also vary: Riverfront Park offers five kilometres of trails and more than 90,000 square feet of green space along the Petitcodiac River. At Jones Lake, a 2.74-kilometre trail circles the lake, and there is also a canoe launch. Jones Lake is connected to Centennial Park, whose gravel and paved trails are designed for hikers and cyclists. When choosing a park, you can take into account the different landscapes, trail lengths, and surfaces.

Urban trails and public transit

An urban trail system connects all parts of Moncton to the city centre. Codiac Transpo provides public transit service in Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe. If you include public transit in your travel plans, check routes and schedules in advance.

Cultural venues and history

Resurgo Place houses the Transportation Discovery Centre and a permanent Heritage Collection, offering insights into Moncton’s unique history. It provides points of interest for visitors interested in transportation and local history. Visits to the Free Meeting House are offered during business hours upon request at the Admissions desk at Resurgo Place, next to the Free Meeting House. Thomas Williams House is designated as a municipal historic site.

Saturday morning at the Moncton Market

The Moncton Market is a Saturday morning market; check the schedule before your trip. Offerings include locally roasted coffee, breakfast, sweets and baked goods, as well as fresh apples, farm eggs, and vegetables. Also available are works of art, handmade soaps, hand-knitted items, leather accessories, woodwork, and jewellery. The mix of food and handmade goods makes the market a distinct focus when planning your day.

Seasonal activity at Magnetic Hill

At Magnetic Hill, visitors can put their car in neutral at the bottom of the hill and let it roll backwards uphill. The activity is seasonal. Check in advance whether it is available on your visit date.

Discover more destinations: Murray Corner, Dieppe, Cap-Pele, Shediac, Memramcook, Beaubassin East, Sackville, Melrose

Return to the overview of the region: Westmorland County.