In the tactical world, as new scopes you could get a Vortex PST or Sightron SIII in a variety of models. Used you could get your hands on a Leupold Mark4 or possibly a Nightforce, though it could be a streach on the ladder.
Offer and demand however will be your PITA - when they do come up for sale, you got to jump on the opportunity.
Of course you can take a tactical scope hunting, it'll function quite well. You could for $1,500 get yourself a real nice used Swarovsky. Seeing that you'll be hunting Moose up north (deer up north..well...good luck!), you'll hunting in large (and closed) logging clear cuts or wide open areas where long shots will be required, a good amount of magnification will serve you best. If you'd be hunting around here (Ottawa region), you'd be hunting in thick swampy brush, so a higher powered glass wouldn't serve you any good, actually a fixed low powered would be best.
Consider as well in your budget $$ for your scope rings.
Good luck with your purchase.