From the Free Meeting House, Mélanie drives to the Moncton Visitor Information Centre next to Tidal Bore Park on the Petitcodiac River in downtown Moncton, New Brunswick. The very knowledgable and bilingual young lady at the reception desk unlocks a door, at our request, which allows us to investigate the restoration underway in one of Moncton‘s oldest heritage buildings.
The historic building which contains the Moncton Visitor Information Centre
The restoration of the interior is a work in progress but there are many artifacts and interesting works of art which justify a few minutes of our time before we walk the short distance to Tidal Bore Park, also referred to as Bore Park.
Tidal Bore Park is in close proximity to the Moncton Visitor Information Centre. An impressive, black granite Seafaring Monument, featuring a bronze statue of Moncton’s first Mayor, Joseph Salter (1816-1900), leads to a viewing platform over the muddy banks of the Petitcodiac River.
Every day, incoming tide from the Bay of Fundy raises the level of the Petitcodiac River. The gradually rising water is preceded by a wave which can vary from inconsequential to mildly interesting. Mélanie and I are not here at the correct time and we will not take the time to wait, since each of us has witnessed the event in the past (Year 2002 for me). You can click on this link, Tidal Bore, to see a YouTube recording of a very good tidal bore, if you wish.
The next stop in Moncton is a walk through very beautiful Victoria Park in the older section of the city. The small, inner city park is surrounded by spectacular and meticulously restored homes.
Many of the monuments in Victoria Park are World War related.
In spite of the fact Mélanie and I are here in late summer, multiple Victoria Park flower gardens continue an impressive display.
Towards the end of our loop through Victoria Park, we encounter a large and impressive black granite monument which recognizes Moncton firefighters. We take a moment to reflect, and to photograph the important, significant and artistic memorial.
Mélanie reflects on the Moncton Fire Department Memorial dedicated to the brave who sacrificed their lives to save property and lives. Click on the image to enlarge (and again) - then on the browser back button to return to the post.
Victoria Park is one of many beautiful and well-maintained parks throughout Moncton. This particular park is ideal for a leisurely walk through history, surrounded by magnificent old homes and beautiful flower gardens. Additionally, it is adjacent to Edith Cavell School which shares as namesake with a popular mountain, Mount Edith Cavell, in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Edith Cavell is an important British heroine.
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