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Moncton Tidal Bore Surfing & Viewing in New Brunswick

Twice a day, waves ride upstream the Petitcodiac River making for a unique surfing spot

Best time: all year round

Moncton Tidal Bore Surfing & Viewing
Moncton Tidal Bore Surfing & Viewing

The City of Moncton in southeastern New Brunswick is famed for its Petitcodiac River Tidal Bore. The tides from the Bay of Fundy push the water to the city twice a day. The waves running upstream vary from 1 to 24 in (3 to 60 cm). They used to be even bigger before the construction of the causeway. In the meantime, the river water level rises up to 25 ft (about 8 m).

This natural phenomenon makes the Petitcodiac River one of the world's best tidal bore surfing spots, which enjoys increasing popularity internationally. Yet it is a dangerous adventure suitable mostly for advanced surfers.

The legendary tidal bore is likewise appreciated by curious spectators who come to see the river's unusual current pass by Dieppe towards Moncton. Viewers typically gather at the Moncton Riverfront Park or the nearby Bore View Park for the best lookouts. Right next to it, at 10 Bendview Court, there's the visitor information center Treitz Haus where you can learn more about the tidal bore. The interpreters work at the info center during the summer months.

There are several other spots for viewing the tidal bore along the Riverfront Trail system and in the area between the Gunningsville Bridge and the Causeway. Across the river, there is another excellent viewing spot on the boardwalk outside the Chocolate River Station in Riverview.

Even though the Petitcodiac River Tidal Bore is a year-round occurrence, the timing and intensity differ daily. On full moon and new moon days, there is a potential for a larger than normal bore, which also promises higher waves two days before and after. The exact bore schedule for a particular date and the best time for tidal bore viewing can be found at tidalboretimes.ca.

Practical info

When can one see the tidal bore most prominently in Moncton?

The tidal bore's timing and intensity changes daily, though it may be larger on the days of full and new moon. Being able to see the tidal bore can be confirmed by checking <a href='https://tidalboretimes.ca' target='_blank'>tidalboretimes.ca</a>. Viewing the tidal bore can be season-less, but it is best seen two days after full or new moon and 45 minutes after low tide. Show more

Which specific locations are ideal for viewing the tidal bore in Moncton, Canada?

Moncton Riverfront Park, Bore View Park, locations along the Riverfront Trail system, and the section between the Gunningsville Bridge and the Causeway are all great places to watch the tidal bore. Outside the Chocolate River Station in Riverview, across Petitcodiac River, is another excellent spot. More information can be gotten from the Treitz Haus visitor information center. Show more

For whom is surfing the tidal bore considered dangerous?

Only skilled surfers can engage in surfing the tidal bore, as it is a hazardous and demanding experience. The tidal bore's unpredictability, as well as the varying sizes and intensities, make it quite dangerous. Because of the bore's tendency to create large waves, inexperienced surfers are highly discouraged from surfing it. Tourists should not underestimate the considerable force and potential risk of death from the tidal bore. Show more

How has the tidal bore altered since the causeway's creation?

The construction of the causeway has had a significant impact on the tidal bore's size and intensity. The tidal bore's height used to reach around 70 cm, but since the building of the causeway, it only goes as high as 60 cm in height. Despite this, the tidal bore remains one of the best tidal bore surfing spots globally, and it is still a natural wonder to behold. Show more

What sort of local accommodations can someone who wants to enjoy the tidal bore for several days find in Moncton?

There are different places visitors can lodge if they want to view the tidal bore for several days. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour, which is near the riverfront park, the Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown, and Canvas Moncton are among the most popular options. Canvas Moncton provides unique glamping accommodations near the river. Additionally, visitors can find vacation rentals, Airbnb listings, and camping sites. Tourists are advised to book their accommodation ahead, especially during the tidal bore season's peak. Show more

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Last updated: by Olha Savych