Moncton is a popular city in New Brunswick and is home to a thriving arts community and many highly skilled local and regional artists.
Moncton, which combines small-town charm with extensive city facilities, provides a genuine sense of Atlantic Canada.
The city serves as the epicenter of all the excitement that New Brunswick has to offer.
So, Moncton is a terrific option if you’re seeking the ideal location for an entire family holiday. In addition to this, it features a plethora of sites that are excellent options for day trips.
Top 18 Places to Explore in Moncton
1. Magnetic Hill
Adding Magnetic Hill to your itinerary is a must to see some amazing things in Moncton City. The natural phenomena that give you the impression that your car is effortlessly climbing a slope will leave you in awe of this magnificent location.
Due to an optical illusion that gives the appearance that objects are rolling uphill while they are sliding downward, this strange slope is known as Magnetic Hill.
2. Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain is a multifunctional amusement park with four distinct zones that is a favorite destination for families in Moncton.
The Tek Zone is an arcade, while the Fun Zone features carnival rides, most geared toward younger kids. The Golf Zone, which features miniature golf and the entertaining Magic Mountain Water Park, is Atlantic Canada’s largest artificial tourist destination.
3. Magnetic Hill Winery
Magnetic Hill Winery is a family-run winery on a property that dates back to 1867 and is only 15 minutes from the heart of Moncton.
Wine lovers from across the globe can sample the best wine, which is produced using a wide variety of fruits.
You can choose local cheese and crackers for your evening snack, pair them with your favorite wine, and enjoy your meal while enjoying the expansive views of Moncton’s surroundings.
A stunning two-story tasting area and a patio with views of the valley are currently available at Magnetic Hill Winery.
4. Magnetic Hill Zoo
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is home to over 500 animals from about 80 species and is the biggest zoo in Atlantic Canada.
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is an organization that promotes public understanding of animal populations and ecosystems while working to safeguard animal species.
You will be intrigued by the wisdom you’ll receive about various animals, including some endangered species.
The location will be a fantastic activity for a nice family day out. So, bring your family to the Magnetic Hill Zoo to learn new things.
5. Marche Moncton Market
The Marche Moncton Market, located in the middle of the downtown area of Moncton, is a culinary paradise for those who live there.
Here, you may indulge in various culinary options while taking in the ambiance, including falafel, cupcakes, and fresh juice.
This market is the best-recommended location to acquire fresh meat and veggies for a fair price if you intend to host a barbeque at your homestay.
In addition, you may get locally produced, distinctive crafts that cheer up the faces of your loved ones or friends.
Fresh fruit from farmers and delectable foods prepared by aspiring chefs are available at this bustling city market.
6. Mapleton Park
A lovely area to stroll among nature is Mapleton Park. The park contains a lot of walking routes for a pleasant stroll or cycling.
This park is the newest in Moncton and spans about 300 acres. Some locations are perfect for bird-watching, and informational panels are all across the park.
Visitors can get some much-needed rest by sitting on the seats provided and listening to the bird’s chirp.
6.1 What Is the Specialty of This Park?
The colorful maple leaves of Mapleton Park transform into stunning hues of red, orange, and yellow during the fall season, which is one of the reasons the park is so lovely during this time of year.
7. Street Art
Moncton is fortunate to have talented artists who have decorated several locations in the city with lovely mural artwork.
Explore Downtown Moncton’s streets, and you’ll find more than 50 murals created by regional and international artists, ranging from colorful abstract patterns to pictures of well-known locals.
A map of the murals is available online or at any of the city’s visitor centers, so invest your time in looking at murals as you wander across Moncton.
A self-guided mural tour is ideal for viewing Moncton’s gorgeous street art. You can explore the city quickly by car, bicycle, or walking around.
8. Irishtown Nature Park
At the Irishtown Nature Park, explore the ancient Acadian woodlands and marshes. The park encompasses 2,450 acres, 2,200 of which are forested and 250 forested with water.
The Tankville School, which sits near the trail’s beginning and has undergone extensive renovations, is open to visitors. Numerous outdoor educational programs use the schoolhouse, which is also accessible for event rentals.
This is the place for you if you enjoy walking long distances, running, trekking, or just some peace & quiet. There are many trails in this lovely natural environment, which is especially lovely in the summer.
9. Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park, a well-liked vacation spot all year round, is named after the Petitcodiac River.
The park offers 5 km of multi-use hiking trails and a fantastic location to view the tidal bore. The park also offers both bike and walking trails.
As a result of the park being home to a variety of stunning species, birdwatching is consistently ranked among the most popular activities available during the summer in Moncton.
Furthermore, the park is in the city’s heart, making it easily accessible to various restaurants and retail establishments.
10. Hopewell Rock
A visit to Hopewell Rocks should be at the top of your list when seeking fun activities with your children in the Moncton area. Due to the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tidal waves, the ocean has sculpted these natural rock formations.
The Hopewell Rocks are located within one hour from Moncton. The Hopewell Rocks, often referred to as the Flowerpot Rocks, are tide-sculpted pillars that have survived despite the erosion of the towering cliffs nearby by the Fundy tides.
You can stroll along the beach during the day and discover the 2 kilometers of coves. Some of these pillars rise to 21 meters above sea level, still bearing the crowns of the trees and vegetation that initially thrived on the cliffs.
The Hopewell Rocks can be kayaked around if you go when there is high tide.
11. Parlee Beach
One of the best beaches on Canada’s Atlantic Coast is this one, which has white sand. Moreover, Parlee Beach is considered to have the warmest salt water of any beach in Canada, and it is only a short drive from Moncton.
There is a campground where you can stay, in addition to the patrolled beach, volleyball courts, and ultimate Frisbee areas.
The on-site campground at Parlee Beach Provincial Park provides its guests with change houses, showers, restrooms, a playground, and a picnic area.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park has restrooms, picnic spaces, and camping.
A vast lobster statue is close to the visitor information center in the nearby town of Shediac, which claims to be the world’s lobster capital.
12. Bay of Fundy Park at Tidal Bore
The Fundy Tidal Bore is a one-of-a-kind occurrence that may be seen in Moncton twice daily.
The Bay of Fundy’s surging tides is responsible for the natural occurrence known as the Tidal Bore. Because of the higher water in the wave, the water in the tranquil Petitcodiac River starts moving upstream. This causes the water to appear going in the opposite direction of the wave.
The Tidal Bore provides a breathtaking view, is a fascinating natural occurrence, and is enjoyable to see. The murky river bed can also frequently be seen at low tide.
So visit Bore Park in Downtown Moncton to see the Bay of Fundy’s biggest tides rise and fall.
13. Acadian Museum
The Acadian Museum, established in 1886, houses more than 38,000 artifacts and images. One of the ecstatic arrangements of Acadian items worldwide is housed in this museum.
The Acadian Museum presents a new perspective on Acadian history. Most of the museum is dedicated to a particular theme, such as family life, religion, the arts, culture, or business.
13.1 What Does This Museum Offer?
This Acadian Moncton museum offers guided tours and temporary and permanent exhibits. In addition to that, it screens documentaries and films of historical significance.
The history of aviation in Atlantic Canada is the primary emphasis of the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum, situated in Dieppe. It’s also free to enter.
14. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists during the warmer months. The Centennial Park in the heart of Moncton combines open green spaces and wooded areas for relaxation and offers a range of year-round activities.
This public park has a beach, a forest, open spaces, and recreational amenities.
14.1 What Does This Park Offer?
This park offers a range of outdoor activities you can participate in while visiting Moncton, New Brunswick, including swimming, ice skating, hiking, cycling, picnicking, and more.
Snowshoeing, tobogganing, skiing, and cross-country skiing are among the popular winter activities in the park, which is well-known around Moncton. This park is an excellent place to be while away for a few hours.
15. Fundy National Park
There is much to see and do at one of Canada’s smallest national parks, which barely stretches 12 kilometers along the shore.
There are miles of hiking trails, historical sites, beach access, and campgrounds, so there are lots of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Due to the park’s proximity to Moncton, visitors can drive there for a day of hiking and outdoor activities while remaining in the city.
16. Cape Enrage
The light station house was established in 1839 since the cape was more prone to shipwrecks.
Even though it is still in use, it now serves as the location of an outdoor activity center with an 182-meter zipline and activities, including rock climbing, rappelling, and kayaking.
The Cape Enrage nature preserve area can be visited in around 3 to 4 hours.
17. Fort Beausejour
Fort Beausejour is where the future of the Acadians and North America was decided. The fort is situated on the New Brunswick–Nova Scotia boundary.
Southeast of Moncton, close to the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border, is the national historic site of Fort Beauséjour.
The French called this area “Beau Bassin” when they moved here in the second part of the 17th century. The Treaty of Utrecht divided the region between the Scots and the English in 1713.
Fort Beausejour is a well-liked location for kite flying due to its ridgetop location.
18. Bouctouche
This historic Acadian fishing hamlet is approximately 30 minutes from the city and is picture-perfect to visit.
You may explore the dune, which spans Bouctouche Bay and offers a crucial marine environment, via an extensive boardwalk that stretches most of its length.
The location is home to the Irving Eco Centre, where you may schedule guided tours or take a self-guided tour of their interpretive center.
Wrapping Up
Moncton is a lovely little city with many exciting things to see and do.
The world’s highest tides can be seen, parks can be visited, or you can spend time studying about the Acadians. So whether you’re on vacation or staying put, there is something to do for everyone in Moncton.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty
