| |
 |
| |
River Bench in Moncton1 |
Known as the “Hub City” due to its central location, Moncton, New Brunswick is the second largest city in the Maritime provinces. Located in southeastern New Brunswick along the north bank of the Petitcodiac River, Moncton is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions, shops, restaurants and natural wonders to be explored. The city's official motto is “resurgo,” Latin for “I rise again.” This is a city that refuses to be kept down, no matter what obstacles arise. They earned this well deserved motto in 1875 after surviving the collapse of the shipbuilding industry and again in the 1980s after the city's largest employers departed. Visitors here will surely feel Moncton's strength, making for an unforgettable vacation. Ideal at any time of the year with plenty of accommodation options, travellers will want to keep coming back for more fun in this energetic city.
HISTORY
1600s
The area known as the Bay of Fundy, situated on the northeast end of the Gulf of Maine between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with a small part touching the American state of Maine, was first settled in the 1670s by French Acadians. The settlers eventually made their way up the Petitcodiac and Memramcook River valleys to present-day Moncton, establishing a marshland farming community named Le Coude (French for “the elbow”).
1750s to 1850s
By 1755, British forces under the command of Lt. Col. Robert Monckton took control of the area and the deportation of the Acadians occurred. The region remained vacant until a group of eight immigrant families arrived from Pennsylvania, USA in 1766. They came with a land grant issued by the Philadelphia Land Company and soon a township emerged, named after Lt. Col. Robert Monckton. It was officially incorporated as a town in 1855 when the economy flourished and Moncton became the centre for shipbuilding.
1860s to 1890s
By 1862, the birth age of the steam and iron ships brought the economy crashing down. However, the town soon bounced back in 1871 when the Intercolonial Railway of Canada (ICR) chose Moncton to be their headquarters. With the economy growing strong again, Moncton officially became a city in April 1890.
1930s to 1960s
During World War II (1939-1945), Moncton continued to develop as a transportation and distribution hub. Two air bases were also established there by the Royal Canadian Air Force for training and operational squadrons. The early 1960s saw Moncton become part of the Trans Canada Highway network.
1970s to 1990s
Economic hardships struck Moncton again in the late 1970s and the 1980s as major employers left the area, forcing thousands out of work. The 1990s saw the city begin to flourish again with the rise of information technology and call centres, which made use of Moncton's bilingual workforce.
Present Day
Today, Moncton is a vibrant and energetic city with the distinction of becoming Canada's first official bilingual city in 2002. The year 2006 saw Metro Moncton grow to be the largest population centre in New Brunswick.
 |
| Storm Clouds Over the Bay of Fundy2 |
|
CLIMATE
Generally, the weather in Moncton is described as being continental rather than maritime. Visitors travelling to Moncton during the winter months can expect sunny but cold days. The daytime temperature usually hovers just below freezing point with major snowfalls averaging between 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in). It is advisable for those visiting the area to pack clothes, outerwear and accessories such as gloves and scarves that are suitable for cold weather.
The city does not experience typical spring weather due to the sea ice in the nearby Gulf of St. Lawrence. Time is needed for the ice to melt and the onshore winds keep the city air cool.
Hot and humid are the key words for a Moncton summer. Daytime highs range from the mid-20s to 30 degrees Celsius (77ºF to 86ºF) with some days seeing highs over 30ºC (86ºF). Travellers should be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and other clothes and accessories that are appropriate for very hot summer weather.
Comfortable weather is enjoyed in the fall until about mid-October when the weather begins to cool down. Expect the first snowfall to occur around mid-November, while steady snowfall can be expected around mid to late-December. The fall/winter transition (mid-December to mid-January) experiences the stormiest weather of the year.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting There
Arriving in Moncton is easy and convenient by air, bus or train. Several major airlines fly into Greater Moncton International Airport daily, while regional motorcoach services are offered by Acadian and Greyhound, which provide services across North America. Scenic train rides are available from VIA Rail, servicing the Greater Moncton region. For those wanting to take a roadtrip into the city, the Trans Canada Highway is the typical route to travel from across Canada.
| |
 |
| |
A Car Rolls "Uphill" on Magnetic Hill3 |
Getting Around
Once in town visitors will be able to easily navigate through the city. Moncton is well serviced by taxi as well as by their public transit service, Codiac Transit. Codiac provides transportation throughout Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe. For those who prefer to do their own driving, the city offers a variety of car rental options.
ATTRACTIONS
Magnetic Hill
Experience the illusion when visiting Moncton's most famous attraction, Magnetic Hill. Located on the northwestern outskirts of the city, Magnetic Hill tricks the eye and mind into believing that one is travelling uphill when in fact they are going downhill. This is known as a gravity hill optical illusion. For a fun experience, visitors can drive their car to the bottom of Magnetic Hill, place their car in neutral, take their foot off the brake and watch as the car rolls backwards uphill! Magic or mystery, those with a keen eye may notice that water in the adjacent drainage ditches also appears to run uphill.
Due to its popularity, the city and province have built some other tourist attractions around Magnetic Hill. Visitors may also spend the day at Magnetic Hill Zoo, Magic Mountain Water Park (the largest water park in Atlantic Canada) or take in a show at the Magnetic Hill Concert Site (where the Rolling Stones performed to 85,000 people in 2005).
Downtown Moncton
Excellent dining, shopping and services are found in downtown Moncton. Spending a day or afternoon in this part of the city will keep visitors occupied and most importantly entertained. Unlike the downtown areas of other major Canadian cities, Moncton's downtown is not riddled with parking problems or frustrating traffic congestion. Visitors should be able to easily commute downtown and enjoy shopping at unique boutiques offering cutting-edge fashion, art, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Don't miss Highfield Square on Main Street with 70 or so shops where visitors are bound to find a little treasure worth picking up. After a few hours of shopping, travellers may opt to sit back, relax and sip a latte at one of the popular sidewalk cafes.
 |
| A Sunny Day at Magic Mountain Water Park4 |
|
Tidal Bore
Twice a day, travellers will have the opportunity to view the amazing and majestic water force of the Petitcodiac River roll upstream in one gigantic wave. Known as a tidal bore, this natural wonder is caused by the surging Bay of Fundy's high waters. Before the bore, the Petitcodiac River bottom is usually visible but after its arrival, the river's water level can rise up-to 7.5 m (25 ft). Numerous spots in and around Moncton are ideal for viewing this natural phenomenon.
Capitol Theatre
Looking for a night of good theatre, music and dancing? Capitol Theatre will provide audiences with an evening of quality entertainment. Dating back to 1922, the well-respected theatre was eventually converted into a movie theatre, which was later abandoned and has now been fully restored into a vibrant theatre and cultural centre for both the Anglophone and Francophone communities. This stunning theatre features exquisite murals, gold-leaf and detailed stenciling. It is now one of eight such restored theatres in Canada. Performing arts is not the only entertainment found at Capitol Theatre, visitors may also browse through the local art gallery exhibits located in the lobby.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- River Bench; Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
- Bay of Fundy; New Brunswick, Canada
- Car on Magnetic Hill; Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
- Magic Mountain Water Park; Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Canada
