krp329

If you are taking the train to Montreal and want to overnight in Moncton, it will be two overnights - the train runs every second or third day (three times a week).

krp329

Ooops, not quite right, sorry about that, got it mixed up with the Canadian. The Ocean runs every day except Tuesday.

Daniel_Williams

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I've decided to overnight in Moncton (arriving late from Charlottetown) the night of June 25th at a B&B called Bonaccord House. My general plan for the next day (Saturday) will be: get up & have breakfast, wend my way toward the Tidal Bore Park to see the tides that morning, passing by the Moncton Market on the way. Walk then to the Marche Dieppe (which a Moncton acquaintance has mentioned is the more francophone area and I'm curious to interact with the population en francais), late lunch at Calactus, stroll over to Victoria Park. Check out of hotel & catch train to MTL. That's the plan I pieced together anyway that I felt would give me a bit of sense of what Moncton's all about (without renting a car), but leave room for flexibility and spontaneity. Any glaring omissions will be welcomed...

BTW I was talking to a francophone Monctoner acquaintance of mine and she amused me with some Moncton expressions... I liked "J'aime bien ton skirt, mais j'aime pas la way qu'a hang". Cute...in French, plenty of anglicisms have crept in here in Montreal, but not quite like this...

Thanks again for all your thoughts and advice. Daniel

beba

A couple things to point out from a previous post.. Little louie's oyster bar is in Moncton (probably too far to walk) and not in Dieppe. Also the restaurant mentioned Chateau au Pape is not open , to my knownledge, as it burned down this winter.

There is an historic house downtown called The Thomas William House. You might be interested in seeing this if you are interested in old houses.
Here is a description of the house.
Thomas Williams House was occupied by the Williams family from its construction in 1883 until 1981, which in part accounts for its remarkable state of preservation. The house is a fine example of Second Empire architecture, with much of its interior decor intact. During the Second World War it briefly became a boarding house for soldiers. It came under the jurisdiction of the city in 1983 and was designated a heritage property in 1996.

You might also be interested in strolling to the Capitol Theatre. This theatre has been restored to its previous splendor from the 1920's. Description..You need to see this theatre to appreciate it! Restored to its original 1922 elegance, the Capitol Theatre is one of only 8 such theatres in Canada. The Capitol Theatre is an 800 seat, 1920s-era vaudeville house on Main Street that serves as the nucleus for cultural entertainment for the city.

The Moncton Museum may interest you also, as well as the Free Meeting house. It is here on this property that some of the oldest tombstones are still standing from some of Moncton's first families. This is a reasonable walk from downtown, and pretty close if you are staying at Bonnacord House.

Also in summertime downtown Main street (where the bus station is ) is great for walking and looking at some of the older buildings, and a lot of the eating establishments have sidewalk cafe style outdoor eating. Great for people watching as well as having a cold one and some good food.

Those are just some suggestions that might interest you. As for the language and which is most popular, both are equally available, although typically most in Moncton will greet you first in English, but then quickly change to whatever you wish. Your choice .

Enjoy your stay!

Daniel_Williams

Beba,

Thanks for the suggestions in central Moncton... you remind me to put the Free Meeting House back on my list of things I intended to do during my brief stay, and the other options you mention certainly pique my curiosity.

Best wishes, Daniel

Daniel_Williams

Just a quick thank you to all who advised me as I enjoyed my time in Moncton. Beba, of course BAK, TomPeters, NorthwestMale, cd: I hit a lot of your suggestions from Calactus Cafe, Free Meeting House/Moncton Museum, the tides (thanks to that website!) at the Tidal Bore, Moncton Market.

This trip has been a revelation for me, that New Brunswick is a fascinating province, unique with tons of character: way under-rated! I think I may be falling in love with New Brunswick (surtout la culture acadienne!)!

DANIEL

beba

Glad you enjoyed Moncton and some of its offerings! For some reason people seem to think New Brunswick is just a pass through province for people on their way to the Island or Nova Scotia. But of course if they actually stop they will find that we have lots to offer. Glad you made the effort to investigate a little further. I hope the weather co operated for you too.

cd

Thank you for the report back! So glad you enjoyed your trip!