In and Around Moncton
What to Do
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
“The tides are a painter and the composition is always changing,” says Jonathan Duffy, social media and Guest Services Manager at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. The artistry reaches a peak twice a day when water from the Atlantic rushes up the Bay of Fundy. With nowhere else to go but a relatively narrow passageway, the water is forced upward resulting in “the highest tides in the world.” According to Duffy, the gush of water during a tidal cycle is so massive, that it’s equivalent to Niagara Falls flow for twenty-one months.
For visitors, Hopewell Rocks is a chance to observe the power of the tides up close. The experience is twofold: walking on the ocean floor at low tide; and seeing the exact same location filled with water at high tide. The constant action of the tides has, over time, slowly eroded the stone, resulting in formations called sea stacks (it’s also led to the park being dubbed flowerpot rocks). In fact, part of elephant rock collapsed in 2016 (though Duffy calls a 2002 crash, “the Magnum Opus”).
Duffy, however points to the seaweed as the real unsung heroes, webbing together a framework that keeps the rocks intact. The Park is a full or multi-day experience depending on the tides, with an interpretive centre, observation decks and birdwatching in quieter, less-explored corners. In summertime there are events like a beachside three-course meal served on the ocean floor.
Eat & Drink
Sophia and Spritz
Italian actress Sophia Loren famously stated, “I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.” Her philosophy is the inspiration for the Moncton restaurant, serving Italian-American comfort classics, alongside wine and great cocktails (order the cucumber spritz).
“The dining scene is chain heavy with a handful of decent independent restaurants. Sophia was welcomed as a place to gather and enjoy great food and hospitality…winning People’s Choice for best restaurant after just a year open,” says owner James Hughes.
Inside the dimly-lit restaurant, buzzing with the chatter of patrons, dramatic basket lights are contrasted by understated glitz. The menu ranges from small shareable plates (crab and lobster arancini, insalata Panzanella, mozzarella Fritta) to mains from land and sea (roasted beef short rib, halibut, hunter’s stew). There’s also a nice selection of pasta from simple cacio e pepe and linguine di gamberi, to squash and spinach ricotta ravioli. Don’t skip dolci – a skillfully made chocolate mousse dome filled with hazelnut crisp and white chocolate ganache – it’s an indulgent way to wind down.
40 Lady Ada Blvd Site B, Moncton
Baton Rouge Grillhouse and Bar
Though the steakhouse, originating in Quebec, is best known for grilled meat, there’s plenty of choices for everyone from salmon tartare to truffle gnocchi, with an equally good cocktail and wine list (order the Ginny Hendrick’s).
Tuck into house-made crab cakes, coated in a not-too-sweet pineapple salsa followed by mushroom chicken main. Pro tip: if there’s room left in your second stomach, take a few bites from the gigantic, cloud-like cinnamon bun adorned with scoop of cream cheese frosting and maple pecans. Save the rest for breakfast the following day.
1005 Main St, Moncton
Detour: What to do
Fundy Trail Provincial Park
The 30 km scenic drive is gorgeous, secluded and open to visitor traffic only. Set aside a few hours to really appreciate the beauty of each lookout, to explore the history at the interpretive centre and take in the trails. It makes a lovely side trip if you’re driving from Moncton to Saint John. The drive directly from Saint John is only around 45 minutes.
This original article first appeared in the WINTER 2025 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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