As a newcomer to Moncton, you may have heard the city referred to as “Codiac” and wondered where the name comes from. The name “Codiac” is derived from the Mi’kmaq word “kadek” which means “bends in the river.” This is a reference to the Petitcodiac River, which flows through the city and creates a series of bends and loops.
The Petitcodiac River is an important feature of Moncton and the surrounding area. The river is known for its tidal bore, which is a large wave that travels up the river twice a day with the changing tide. The tidal bore is a unique natural phenomenon that can be observed in only a few places around the world, and it’s a popular tourist attraction in Moncton.
The Petitcodiac River also played an important role in the city’s history, serving as a transportation route for the region’s early settlers and as a source of food for the local Mi’kmaq people. The river was also a major source of power for the city’s early industries, such as sawmills and gristmills.
The name “Codiac” was officially adopted by the City of Moncton in the early 1990s as a way to promote the region as a tourist destination and to recognize the importance of the Petitcodiac River to the area’s history and culture. Today, the Codiac region is home to several outdoor recreational activities, such as skiing, hiking, and biking along the riverbanks and trails.
In summary, Moncton is called “Codiac” because of the Petitcodiac River, which flows through the city and creates a series of bends and loops known as the tidal bore, a unique natural phenomenon. The river has played a significant role in the city’s history and culture, serving as a transportation route for the region’s early settlers and as a source of food for the local Mi’kmaq people and power for the city’s early industries. The name “Codiac” was officially adopted to promote the region as a tourist destination and to recognize the importance of the Petitcodiac River to the area’s history and culture
