Things to do in Moncton, a home base for seaside adventures

When you’re driving to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland from points further west, your route will invariably pass through Moncton-Dieppe, New Brunswick. Its position along the Trans-Canada Highway and on the route to the Confederation Bridge makes Moncton a natural crossroads in Atlantic Canada. But don’t just pass through: with all the things to do in Moncton, plus its location within an hour of Hopewell Rocks and both of its province’s national parks, New Brunswick’s largest city makes a great home base for seaside adventures.

Here, we’ll draw on our own experiences over years of visiting Moncton-Dieppe to help you make the most of your visit, including things to do, great places to eat, the best day trips from Moncton, where to stay, and more. Have questions about planning your visit to Moncton, New Brunswick? Join our Facebook community!

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Top things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton is known for its proximity to some of Atlantic Canada’s top attractions, including the Bay of Fundy, which experiences the highest tides in the world. You’ll also find spectacular beaches nearby as well as opportunities to explore the culture of the Acadians, descendants of the first French settlers to arrive in Atlantic Canada in the early 1600s. Here’s a look at some of the top things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Defy gravity at Magnetic Hill

A magnetic hill, also sometimes called a gravity hill, is an optical illusion that makes a downhill slope appear to go uphill due to its surroundings. There are magnetic hills all over the world, but Moncton’s Magnetic Hill is one of the most famous. It’s also a closed and private road, which makes it safe to play around with rolling your car backwards uphill!

Admission to the Magnetic Hill costs $10 per vehicle as of this writing, and it’s open from mid-May to early September. You’ll be permitted to try the hill a few times, as long as it’s not too busy. The staff will give you step-by-step directions on how to line up at the white post, put your car into neutral, and let gravity take over.

Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Park has become much more than the hill itself: it’s now a full-blown tourist attraction with a restaurant, souvenir shops, a water park, and a zoo. With these activities, it’s easy to make your visit to Magnetic Hill a half-day or full-day experience. (Note the Magic Mountain Splash Zone water park and Magnetic Hill Zoo each charge separate admission fees.)

Watch the Bay of Fundy’s tidal bore

The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides in the world, and with that comes some interesting phenomena. One of these is the tidal bore: as each tide comes in, a wave moves up the rivers at the east end of the bay and makes them flow backwards!

There are a few spots in the Moncton-Dieppe area to watch the tidal bore. Some of the best viewing areas are along Moncton’s Riverfront Trail, which follows the northern bank of the Petitcodiac River through downtown Moncton. Bore Park is an especially popular location as it has amphitheatre seating facing the river.

A full tidal cycle in the Bay of Fundy takes 12 hours and 26 minutes. This means the tide times, and therefore the timing of the tidal bore, change slightly each day. If you’re staying at a Moncton hotel near the Petitcodiac River, the tide times will likely be posted daily in the lobby or another common area. You can also check the City of Moncton’s calendar of tidal bore times for the date of your visit.

The tidal bore arrival times are estimates, but the wave can push through up to 20 minutes earlier depending on conditions. It’s recommended to arrive at your preferred viewing area at least 20 minutes before the expected time, and ideally 30 minutes in advance. This will ensure you won’t miss it. (But if you do miss it, don’t worry: there will be another one just over 12 hours later!)

Explore one of Atlantic Canada’s longest sand dunes

The Bay of Fundy gets a lot of attention, but the Northumberland Strait deserves to be celebrated, too. As it separates Prince Edward Island from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the sheltered Northumberland Strait is home to the warmest ocean waters in Atlantic Canada.

At the Irving Eco-centre at la Dune de Bouctouche, you can explore a sand dune that stretches for 12 kilometres, making it one of the longest accessible dunes in Atlantic Canada. A winding 800-metre boardwalk provides ramps and stairs down to the beach as well as access to walk through the salt marsh without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

Expect to see plenty of Great Blue Herons feeding on the beach at low tide during the summer. You may also spot some Northern Gannets as well as other birds, plants, and wildlife. This is a popular spot among locals for beach days, hiking, and picnics. Since Bouctouche Dunes is an Irving Eco-Centre, access to the site is free of charge. The Irving Eco-Centre itself is open during the summer months, but the boardwalk and dunes can be accessed year-round.

Learn through wonder at Akadi Lumina

While you’re near the town of Bouctouche, stay until nightfall to catch the magic that is the Akadi Lumina night walk.

The Lumina Night Walks series is created by Moment Factory, a Montreal-based company that specializes in immersive multimedia experiences. Each one sends visitors through an after-dark exploration of light, sound, and fantastic storytelling. We’ve experienced the Lumina Night Walks at Tonga Lumina in Mont-Tremblant, Onhwa’ Lumina in Wendake, Quebec, and others.

What makes Akadi Lumina special is its reflection on Acadian culture — Akadi is a stylization of l’Acadie — and how it weaves music and tradition into its presentation. Local authors, artists, and musicians were consulted as this 1.5-kilometre trail became the first Lumina Night Walk in Atlantic Canada. At one point, you’re invited to interact with projections of dancers in the forest; at another, voices sing their longing for a country they never knew as you view the Acadian town of Bouctouche from across the river. It’s a very moving experience.

Continue exploring Acadian culture at nearby national historic sites

Whether Akadi Lumina is your first encounter with Acadian culture or you’re deep into learning about these uniquely resilient people, there are a couple more spots near Moncton worth checking out.

Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site in Memramcook, New Brunswick, is an Acadian cultural centre. In addition to concerts and events, it hosts a small museum where you can learn more about the history of the Acadian people, from their expulsion by the British in 1755 to the thriving culture that endures today.

Connect with Acadian history even further by visiting Fort Beausejour-Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, located right next to the Nova Scotia border in Aulac, New Brunswick. This fort was built by the French in the mid-1700s but was captured by the British in 1755. This siege led directly to the deportation of the Acadians, many of whom were held captive here before being exiled. On top of exploring this important history, the site offers stunning views of the eastern extremes of the Bay of Fundy.

Both these sites operate during the summer months only, so be sure to check their opening dates and hours before setting out. If you have kids along, ask for a Parks Canada Xplorers booklet. Once they complete the activities, they’ll receive a souvenir to take home!

Plan a beach day at Parlee Beach Provincial Park

When Monctonians want to spend the day at the beach, they head to Parlee Beach Provincial Park. Located just outside the small town of Shediac, Parlee Beach is on the Northumberland Strait and boasts the warmest salt water anywhere in Canada.

Parks New Brunswick has added several features to Parlee Beach to improve accessibility, including gender-neutral washrooms and a mobi-mat for those who need mobility accommodations. Campers can stay in one of the park’s more than 200 campsites, from unserviced to full-service RV sites, or its six rustic shelters. The park and campground operate from May to September.

Get your maple fix at Château Scoudouc

March is when our minds turn most often to maple. But at the Château Scoudouc maple boutique, you can enjoy the sugar shack experience all year long! Château Scoudouc offers maple syrup samples, syrup-topped crêpes and maple-inspired meals, and a gift shop with a wide selection of maple-infused products. Hot tip: people flock from far and wide to pick up their maple salsa!

Day trips from Moncton-Dieppe

Moncton is within easy day trip distance to both of New Brunswick’s national parks and some of its top attractions. It’s also the closest mainland city to the Confederation Bridge, which connects New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island. Make Moncton your home base for seaside adventures as you explore the day trips below.

A day trip from Moncton to Hopewell Rocks

From downtown Moncton, it takes 45 minutes to reach Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. These fascinating sea stacks have been formed over millions of years by the dramatic tide patterns in the Bay of Fundy. They’re the most photographed landmark in New Brunswick, and it’s easy to see why!

A quick visit to Hopewell Rocks works for snapping a photo. But to fully appreciate what makes Hopewell Rocks special, set aside at least a few hours. (This is why planning a day trip from Moncton is ideal!) Your schedule will depend on the daily tide times at Hopewell Rocks, but on most days you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide in either the morning or afternoon and kayak between the rocks at high tide, enjoying lunch at the park’s restaurant in between.

You can also wait until the end of your visit to Moncton and continue west from Hopewell Rocks to follow the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Learn more about New Brunswick’s Fundy Coastal Drive road trip >

A day trip from Moncton to Fundy National Park

It takes just over an hour to drive to Fundy National Park from downtown Moncton. There are two different ways to reach the park: follow the Trans-Canada Highway and New Brunswick Route 1 and Route 114, which will take you to the north gate; or take Route 114 south out of the city and follow it past Hopewell Rocks to enter the park near the village of Alma.

Fundy National Park makes a wonderful day trip for families. Enjoy the large playground near the Salt & Fir Centre. Go for a swim in the park’s saltwater pool, where swimming isn’t dependent on the tide times! Strap on your hiking boots or rent a mountain bike and hit the trails. Head to Bennett Lake and rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Or take a drive to Point Wolfe to see the only covered bridge in any Canadian national park.

Just outside Fundy National Park, the village of Alma is a great place to wander. Spend some time on the beach exploring the Bay of Fundy’s highest tides in the world, then get your fill of lobster from one of the many seafood restaurants and end your day with an ice cream or another sweet treat. When you’re ready, you can take the easy drive back to your home base in Moncton.

If you’re departing to the west, you may also choose to stay in Alma and continue through Fundy National Park along the Fundy Coastal Drive as noted above.

A day trip from Moncton to Kouchibouguac National Park

Beach lovers, don’t miss this one! Kouchibouguac National Park’s main gate is reachable in just over an hour from downtown Moncton.

Kouchibouguac National Park — or Kouch, as the locals call it — is best known for Kellys Beach, a sprawling white sand beach on a barrier island at the north end of the Northumberland Strait. The half-kilometre accessible boardwalk passes through salt marshes and lagoons, where you’re likely to see Great Blue Herons feeding at low tide. From mid-June to early September, a canteen serves simple beachside fare.

The park also offers hiking trails, camping, and guided activities and special events.

If you’d prefer to continue on your journey instead of returning to Moncton, you can follow New Brunswick Route 11 north for 40 minutes to reach the city of Miramichi.

Check out these things to do in Miramichi, New Brunswick >

A day trip from Moncton to Prince Edward Island

From downtown Moncton, it takes an hour to reach the Confederation Bridge, where you can cross onto Prince Edward Island. From the welcome village on the opposite side of the bridge in Borden-Carleton, you’re 45 minutes away from Cavendish and Prince Edward Island National Park and ready to explore expansive red sand beaches and Anne of Green Gables history.

Charlottetown, the provincial capital and the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation, is also 45 minutes away from the Confederation Bridge. Explore endless great seafood restaurants and artisan shops, see a show at the Charlottetown Festival, grab an ice cream at COWS, and explore Canada’s early colonial history.

This is a longer day trip from Moncton than the rest, so you may prefer to stay in Charlottetown and return to Moncton later in your journey. If you’re continuing east toward Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, consider leaving the island via the ferry instead of the bridge to save travel time.

Explore different approaches to a Prince Edward Island day trip >

Where to eat and drink in Moncton-Dieppe

Casual get-togethers over local beverages and comfort foods are where Moncton excels. Grab a table at these great spots to get a taste of what the city has to offer. (Note: each of the restaurants listed below can accommodate a gluten-free diet. Most also have vegetarian and vegan options.)

Tide & Boar Gastropub

For elevated pub fare in downtown Moncton, head to the Tide & Boar Gastropub. The menu here ranges from snacks and charcuterie to salads, soups, traditional pub fare, and even a selection of desserts. A brunch menu is available on weekends, and we stopped in on barbecue night for a chance to sample their smoked brisket. All this is available to pair with their list of in-house and imported craft beers.

Pump House Brewpub

The Pump House Brewpub is home to the Burger that Ate Moncton! This monster comes with a beef patty topped with pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms and onions, smoked bacon, a slide of cheddar, lettuce, and tomato, all covered in chipotle BBQ sauce. My boyfriend ordered this, and they’re not kidding about the name: it’s huge!

Wood-fired pizzas are another popular option here, or you can indulge in other traditional pub fare like poutine, wings, fish and chips, and more. Pump House Brewpub also offers an extensive selection of house-made craft beers. (A note to gluten-free folks: options here are somewhat limited. The steak salad I ordered was a summer special and was delicious. There are gluten-free pizza crusts, but please verify cross-contamination protocols before ordering.)

Sève Bar-Apéro

Sève Bar-Apéro in Dieppe is the place to go for cocktails and shareables, especially during patio season. Enjoy light snacks like Spanish olives and Quebec cheeses, or pass around some tartare, pâté, or seafood. To accompany, choose from an extensive list of cocktails and martinis. (The mocktail game is on point here, too!)

Magnetic Hill Winery

Magnetic Hill is packed with kid-friendly attractions, but if you prefer to enjoy your optical illusions with adult libations, head to Magnetic Hill Winery. Moncton’s cool climate lends itself to crisp white and sparkling wines made with hybrid grapes and other products like berries and rhubarb. Order a tasting flight and a charcuterie board to enjoy the spectacular view from their patio!

Festivals and events to experience in Moncton

The Moncton-Dieppe area is home to some of Atlantic Canada’s best annual festivals. Take a look at our favourites below. These events are worth planning a road trip around!

Check out the Atlantic Nationals car show in Moncton

Car lovers, if you haven’t yet experienced the Atlantic Nationals car show in Moncton, this event is a must! Through five action-packed days in mid-July, spectators can see thousands of cars from classics to restomods and a whole lot more!

Enjoy the Friday Rock ‘n Roll Street Party and concert downtown, then spend Saturday and Sunday walking through the many rows of cars in Moncton’s Centennial Park. If you enter a car into the show, you can take part in all kinds of events including cruises, a drive-in movie night, and a participants’ barbecue. Don’t be shy: as long as you’ve invested some time and energy into making your car special, you can bring it to the Atlantic Nationals!

Learn more about the Atlantic Nationals car show in Moncton >

Shediac Lobster Festival

Shediac is home to the World’s Largest Lobster, so it’s only fitting that it’s also home to the Shediac Lobster Festival! This celebration over two weekends in early July focuses on all things lobster including plenty of food, concerts, cooking demonstrations, a midway, and a whole lot more.

Don’t miss the signature Corks & Claws event, an upscale evening affair where local restaurants prepare lobster-infused dishes and pair them with excellent wines. Add in some live music to create a wine bar atmosphere, and it’s a wonderful way to spend an indulgent Saturday night!

Where to stay in Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton offers a wide variety of hotels, from locally owned spots to national chains. We’ve booked at quite a few Moncton hotels over the years, but our recent stay at the Château Moncton was one of the most memorable. This no-frills hotel is located just outside downtown Moncton on the banks of the Petitcodiac River. The Riverfront Trail runs right behind the hotel, giving you easy walking or biking access to downtown Moncton in 15 minutes or less. This is especially helpful when there are events on downtown such as the Atlantic Nationals since you’ll still be able to come and go easily.

Hot tip: be sure to request a riverview room when booking for the best experience.

Explore more New Brunswick road trips >