Moncton

An old railway town, Moncton was Canada’s first officially bilingual city, and in a province where a good third of the population is francophone, Acadian (French-speaking) culture plays a prominent role in the artistic life of the city. Centrally located to both the Fundy Coast and the Acadian Coast, Moncton is close to beaches that claim to have some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia. As well, its location on the Peticodiac River makes it a good spot to observe the Bay of Fundy’s famously high tidal bores. Moncton is also known for Magnetic Hill, where an optical illusion gives the impression that cars are coasting uphill. A city ...

An old railway town, Moncton was Canada’s first officially bilingual city, and in a province where a good third of the population is francophone, Acadian (French-speaking) culture plays a prominent role in the artistic life of the city. Centrally located to both the Fundy Coast and the Acadian Coast, Moncton is close to beaches that claim to have some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia. As well, its location on the Peticodiac River makes it a good spot to observe the Bay of Fundy’s famously high tidal bores. Moncton is also known for Magnetic Hill, where an optical illusion gives the impression that cars are coasting uphill. A city of expansive parks and trails, there is plenty for outdoor lovers to do, from mountain biking to rappelling, kayaking or a round of golf. Foodies will discover some marvelous seafood and Acadian delicacies. Moncton hosts the Atlantic Seafood Festival, a World Wine & Food Expo, and it's even home to a small winery.

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.