Moncton, << MUHNGK tuhn >> New Brunswick (pop. 79,470; met. area pop. 157,717), is eastern Canada’s main transportation and distribution center. Moncton lies on the Petitcodiac River in southeastern New Brunswick, near the Bay of Fundy. Moncton is sometimes called the “hub of the Maritime Provinces.” Railroads in and out of the Maritime Provinces—that is, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—pass through Moncton. In addition, the city lies on the Trans-Canada Highway and has an international airport.
Many of the city’s workers have jobs buying, selling, storing, or moving goods. Several large Canadian companies have call centers in Moncton, and these centers employ thousands of workers to handle service calls and telemarketing. Food processing and the manufacture of communications equipment are also important.
Moncton is home to the Université de Moncton (University of Moncton). The city also has an indoor amusement park, a water park, and a zoo. The famous Tidal Bore of the Petitcodiac River rolls up from the Bay of Fundy and rushes past Moncton twice a day. This wall of water measures about 24 inches (61 centimeters) high.
Originally a shipbuilding center, Moncton was incorporated as a city in 1890. It has a mayor-council form of government.
