Moncton
Around Moncton
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · New Brunswick · 157k people
Moncton
Locals say Greater Moncton · “Hub City”
Where the tides turn and the welcome is warm.
Moncton Wildcats redAigles Bleus blueGold
Welcome to Greater Moncton, where the river flows backwards and the people are friendly. Whether you're here for the tidal bore, the beaches, or the lively downtown, you'll feel at home in no time.
Clubs for Moncton
No clubs for Moncton yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Moncton. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Moncton. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Tidal Bore Viewing Park Watch the Petitcodiac River's tidal bore.
- Resurgo Place Local history and transportation museum.
- Capitol Theatre Historic performing arts venue.
- Avenir Centre Home of the Moncton Wildcats and big concerts.
- Magnetic Hill Zoo Largest zoo in Atlantic Canada.
- Dieppe Market Indoor farmers market with local goods.
- Outdoors Watch the tidal bore at the viewing park
- Outdoors Walk or bike the Riverfront Trail
- With kids Magnetic Hill Zoo
- With kids Magic Mountain Waterpark
- Evenings Catch a Moncton Wildcats game at the Avenir Centre
- Evenings See a show at the Capitol Theatre
- Locals love Tidal bore viewing spots
- Locals love Lobster shacks
Through the year
- Frye Festival April A literary festival celebrating the work of Northrop Frye.
- Dieppe Kite International August A colourful kite festival with competitions and family fun.
- Moncton Ribfest July A barbecue competition and food festival.
- Moncton Jazz and Blues Festival June A series of jazz and blues performances.
- Riverview Riverfront Summer Concert Series July-August Free outdoor concerts by the river.
Moncton has a Maritime climate with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to be out is late summer. Best: Late summer (July-September) is ideal for being out, with warm temperatures and low humidity.
Talk like a local
- “Chiac”
- A mix of French and English spoken in the area.
- “B'y”
- Buddy or friend.
- “How's she going?”
- How are you?
- “Right good”
- Very good.
Getaways
- Summerside Beaches and Anne of Green Gables country.
- Kentville Annapolis Valley wineries and orchards.
- Miramichi Salmon fishing and river scenery.
- Charlottetown Historic charm and PEI's capital.
Local flavour
Teams
- Moncton Wildcats QMJHL
- Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus U Sports
Also rooting for Montreal Canadiens (NHL), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL)
Eat and drink
- Poutine râpée
- Fricot
- Lobster roll Fresh Maritime lobster on a buttered bun, a coastal staple.
- Fiddleheads Seasonal curled fern shoots, foraged in spring and sautéed as a local delicacy.
Where people go
- Tidal bore viewing spots Watching the Petitcodiac River's tidal bore roll in, a daily natural spectacle.
- Lobster shacks Casual, no-frills spots serving fresh seafood along the coast.
- Covered bridges Historic wooden bridges scattered across New Brunswick, iconic to the region.
- Lighthouses Picturesque beacons along the shoreline, guiding ships through the fog.
Heritage and traditions
Moncton is proud of its Acadian heritage and bilingual culture, the famous tidal bore on the Petitcodiac River, and its friendly, growing community in the heart of the Maritimes.
This time of year in Moncton
- Fall foliage Fall Colourful leaves along the river and in parks.
Say it like a local: “Eh” — Used to confirm or ask for agreement.
Festivals
- National Acadian Day August 15 Celebrated with Tintamarre, parades, and concerts in Dieppe and Moncton.
- Moncton Ribfest July Barbecue competition and food trucks, a summer favourite.
- Moncton Jazz and Blues Festival August Local and international acts perform at venues across the city.
- Riverview Riverfront Summer Concert Series Summer Free outdoor concerts on the riverfront in Riverview.
- Moncton's Multicultural Festival Summer Showcases food, music, and dance from the city's diverse communities.
- Frye Festival April A literary festival honouring Northrop Frye, a Moncton native.
Landmarks with a story
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption A Roman Catholic cathedral and architectural landmark in Moncton.
- Free Meeting House One of the oldest churches in the city, now a museum.
- Fort Beauséjour An 18th-century French fort near Tantramar, now a national historic site.
- Moncton CN Railway Station A historic railway station reflecting the city's rail heritage.
- Resurgo Place A museum covering local history, including the tidal bore.
- Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption A historic church in Dieppe, central to the Acadian community.
Food traditions
- Poutine râpée Acadian boiled potato dumpling filled with pork, often served with brown sugar or molasses.
- Fricot Acadian chicken stew with dumplings, a hearty comfort food.
- Lobster roll Fresh lobster meat in a buttered bun, a Maritime summer staple.
- Fiddleheads Young fern heads foraged in spring, sautéed with butter and garlic.
- Tourtière Acadian meat pie, often served during the Christmas season.
Music and arts
- Acadian folk music A vibrant scene with artists like Marie-Jo Thério and Grand Dérangement.
- Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada A professional ballet company based in Moncton.
- Capitol Theatre A historic venue hosting theatre, concerts, and comedy.
- Galerie d'art Louise-et-Reuben-Cohen An art gallery at Université de Moncton showcasing Acadian and Canadian art.
A little history
- 1755 Acadian Deportation
- 1855 Moncton incorporated as a town
- 1857 European and North American Railway arrived, boosting growth
- 1875 Moncton became a city
- 1963 Université de Moncton founded, promoting Acadian education
Rivalries
- Moncton vs Saint John Friendly rivalry for the largest city.
- Moncton vs Fredericton Capital vs economic hub.
- Moncton Wildcats vs Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL matchup.
- Aigles Bleus vs UNB Varsity Reds University hockey rivalry.
- Game day Moncton Wildcats hockey
- Game day Curling bonspiels
- Outdoors Watch the tidal bore
- Outdoors Walk or bike the Riverfront Trail
- With kids Magnetic Hill Zoo
- With kids Magic Mountain Waterpark
Moncton is bilingual; English and French are both common. Acadian French has unique words and a distinct accent. English speakers have a Maritime lilt, often ending sentences with 'eh' or 'right'.
Only here
- The tidal bore on the Petitcodiac River, a daily wave that rolls upstream.
- Magnetic Hill, a gravity-defying optical illusion where cars roll uphill.
- Tintamarre on Acadian Day, when locals make noise with pots and pans.
- Bilingual signage everywhere, with French and English side by side.
New here? A few tips
- Learn a few French phrases; it's appreciated and opens doors.
- Dress for winter; it gets cold and snowy from December to March.
- Try poutine râpée and fricot at a local diner to taste Acadian comfort food.
- Watch the tidal bore at the viewing park; check the schedule for the best times.
- The city is flat and bike-friendly; use the Riverfront Trail for commuting or leisure.
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Nearby
Every areaKent CountyNew BrunswickWhere the dunes meet the sea, and Acadia lives on.Shediac–SackvilleNew BrunswickWhere the marshes meet the seaNorth ShoreNova ScotiaWhere the sea meets the hills, and the welcome is warm.SussexNew BrunswickWhere the valley meets the maple groves.SummersidePrince Edward IslandA harbour town with red soil and warm heartsPrince CountyPrince Edward IslandWhere the red soil meets the sea, and everyone knows your name.KentvilleNova ScotiaWhere the apple blossoms bloom and the tides roll in.MiramichiNew BrunswickWhere the river runs deep
Moncton. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.