Moncton is a popular stop for travellers because it is close to the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia border. The city is home to many green spaces, and is the only place where you can watch the Tidal Bore. If you only have 24 hours to spend in Moncton, here are 24 things to make the most of them.
1. Magnetic Hill
Are you ready to not believe your eyes? Magnetic Hill in Moncton will have you doing just that. Take to the bottom of Magnetic Hill and then take your foot off the gas. Your eyes will deceive you as you roll uphill. That’s right, uphill. Gravity seems suspended for a period of time. The phenomenon draws thousands of visitors to Moncton every year, try it for yourself!
Address: Mountain Road, Moncton
2. Watch the Tidal Bore
The Tidal Bore happens twice a day since it is created by the Bay of Fundy Tides. The water in the Petitcodiac River rolls back upstream in one huge wave. It is recommended to arrive at Bore Park about a half hour before schedule time because the Tidal Bore can take place earlier or later than the estimated time.
Price: Free
Address: Bore Park
Website
3. Capitol Theatre
See a show at one of a handful of fully-restored vaudeville theatres in Canada. TheCapitolTheatre is Moncton’s heart of performing arts, and there are always shows for all ages in both English and French. You can also take a guided tour of the theatre while you are there.
Price: Varies depending on the show
Hours: Varies depending on the show, check website for more information
Address: 811 Main Street
Website
4. Marche Moncton Market
Vendors from across New Brunswick come to the MarcheMoncton Market with fresh produce, crafts, premade meals, and much more. The market is a truly unique experiencethat has something for everyone to choose from and enjoy.
Price: Free Admission
Hours: Year-round on Every Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm
Address: 120Westmorland Street
Website
5. Moncton Gallery
Take a glimpse into the creative talent that calls the city home. The Moncton Gallery is located on the main floor of City Hall. The rotating collection is always changing because local artists continue to be inspired and createnew works of art.
Price: Free
Hours: Year round. Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Address: 655 Main Street
Website
6. Magnetic Hill Zoo
Magnetic Hill Zoo is the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada. The zoo is home to over 500 animals from 80 species from around the world. You can see lions, leopards, Gibbon apes, lemurs and much more when you visit the zoo. The Zoo is divided into four distinct areas that you can visit: the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Discovery Centre.
Price: Adults (13-59): $12, Adults (60+): $11, Kids (4-12): $9, Kids (0-3): Free, Family (2 adults, 2 kids): $40
Hours: Year-round. Sunday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
Address: 125 Magic Mountain Road
Website
7. Theatre L’Escaouette
The Theatre L’Escaouettewas created in 1978 as a stage to represent Acadians realities in a new light. Today, the theatre showcases both local and international works in both French and English. Each show has a social impact and aims to provoke reflection of ideas and opinions of both old and new authors.
Address: 170 Botsford Street
Website
8. Mill Creek Nature Park
Explore over 500 acres of nature at the Mill Creek Nature Park. Each year, new trails and look-outs are created to keep the park interesting. The park has been embraced by the residents and visitors alike as a place to play sport, relax and just enjoy the beauty of nature. You can definitely reconnect with nature at this breathtaking park.
Price: Free
Hours: Year-round, 7 days a week
Address: Runneymeade Road, Riverview
Website
9. Rotary St-Anselme Park
The Rotary St-Anselme Park is a fun, green space for all ages. During the summer, the splash pad is turned on so you can cool off or just splash around. There are multi-use trails that go around the park. Kids love the accessible playground and BMX track. You can even have a snack at the picnic tables.
Price: Free
Hours: Year-round. Sunday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm
Address: 505 Melanson Road, Riverview
Website
10. Magic Mountain Water Park
Magic Mountain Water Park is iconic and the place where most local kids spend their summer vacations. You can zip down the waterslides or relax in the wave pool and float down the lazy river. Just be sure to pack sunscreen because you will want to spend the whole day there.
Price: Family of 4: $162.17, Per person – Over 48” $48.70, 42” to 48” tall: $39.57, Under 42” tall: $31.30
Hours: June to September
Address: 150 Magic Mountain Road
11. Inspire Murals
Explore murals created during Festival Inspire, an international, free, week-long, non-profit street arts festival. The festival transforms the cityscape for 7 days into a visual wonderland with murals and live art, interactive installations, projection mapping, street performance, and more!
Address: Various locations
Website
12. Mapleton Park
Mapleton Park is the newest park in Monctonand it has become a popular spot for hikers, runners, and cyclists. The trails run along 122 hectares of forests and open spaces along the Hall’s Creek. There are interpretive panels about the local animals and plants along the trail.
Price: Free
Hours: Open Year-round from dawn to dusk
Address: 600 Mapleton Road
Website
13. Tide and Boar Gastropub
If you love great food, you definitely need to check out the menu at the Tide & Boar Gastropub. This local spot has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Restaurants by McLean’s Magazine and even featured on ‘You Gotta Eat Here’. They do not have a special kids menu, but they do have dishes that are great for all kids of all ages, such as grilled cheese, burgers, fries, poutine, desserts, etc.
Price: A La Carte Pricing
Hours: Year-round.Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am to 12 am,
Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 2am
Address: 700 Main Street, Moncton
14. Renton All-Wheels Park
Keep active and have fun on Bikes, inline skates, skateboards, and scooters at the Renton All-Wheels Park. There are three different courses for all skill levels and play options for all ages.
Price: Free
Hours: Year- round, open until dusk each day
Address: 280 Noel Street
Website
15. CF Champlain
Price: Varies depending on items purchased
Hours: Year-round Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 12pm – 5 pm
Address: 477 Paul Street, Dieppe
Website
16. Magnetic Hill Winery
Right off the Trans-Canada Highway, the Magnetic Hill Winery is the perfect place to see breathtaking views of the city. Have a picnic on the patio of the farmhouse, or do a complimentary tasting of their award-winning wines. Make sure to check out the gift boutique, as they have over 100 unique Maritimes handicrafts and products for souvenirs.
Price: Varies depending on items purchased
Hours: Contact the Winery for more information
Address: 860 Front Mountain Road
Website
17. Fundy National Park
Plan a day trip to Fundy National Park. Along with seeing the world’s highest tides, the Fundy National Park has pristine forests and a unique campground that has Yurts. There are over 120km of trails for you to explore and 3 campgrounds you can stay overnight at. You can connect with nature and relax on the beach. There are also regular music performances in the park.
Price: Adult: $7.80, Senior: $6.80, Youth: Free, Family/Group: $15.70
Hours: Open Year-round
Address: Alma
Website
18. Art in the Park
Every Wednesday in the summer, Caseley Park comes alive with music. Art in the Park takes place in the Caseley Park bandstand. Each week, a variety of musical artists will take the stage and local arts will be displayed around the park.
Price: Free
Hours: July to August, every Wednesday evening from 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Address: 30 Honour House Court
Website
19. Tony’s Bistro & Patisserie
If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Tony’s Bistro & Patisserie is the perfect place to visit. While Tony’s started out as just a bakery, it is now a Bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are many local favorite dessertsthat you can try while you are there, including delicious blueberry flan and decadent sugar tarts.
Price: A La Carte Pricing
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm; Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm
Address: 137 McLaughlin Drive
Website
20. Tantramar Wetlands Centre
You can learn why wetlands are important and which animals call wetlands home at the Tantramar Wetlands Centre. The centre hosts programs for all ages. Each year over 4,000 people visit the centre.
Price: Free
Hours: Year-round, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, Weekends – Closed
Address: 223 Main Street
Website
21. Fort Beausejour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site
Fort Beausejour played a huge rule in the battles between the Acadians and the British. Located on the border of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, it has great views of the local wetlands and forests. Kids can dress up like the “gate guards” and patrol the fort’s earthen glacis, battlegrounds, and casemates. There are guided tours that you can take or you can explore the fort on your own.
Price: Adult: $3.90, Senior: $3.40, Youth: Free, Commercial Group, per person: $3.40
Hours: June 22, 2019 to September 2, 2019. Sunday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 111 Fort Beausejour Road, Aulac
Website
22. Sackville Waterfowl Park
Get a closer look at the local wildlife in a protected environment at the Sackville Waterfowl Park. The park is the winner of Environment Canada’s National Award for Environmental Achievement. The 3.5km trail allows you to spot over 160 bird species and 200 plant species. You can use the self-guided tour map or take a guided tour for a fee from mid- May to August.
Price: Free
Hours: Year-round from dawn to dusk.
Address: 34 Mallard Drive
Website
23. Victoria Park
Take some time and relax in a well-manicured urban green space. Victoria Park is one of the oldest parks in the city. This beautiful park has served as the backdrop for many significant community events, including royal visits, commemorative celebrations, and annual craft fairs in the past. On sunny days, you can enjoy live music at the bandstand.
Price: Free
Hours: Year-round. Sunday to Saturday from 11 am to 11:30 pm
Address: 223 Weldon Street
Website
24. Riverfront Park
Along with being able to watch the Tidal Bore, the Riverfront Park has 5km of multi-use trails that visitors can explore by cycling, walking, or hiking. The park is located downtown, so it is very close to many cafes and shops. Canada Day is usually celebrated in this beautiful park because it is a large place for the community to gather.
Price: Free
Hours: Year-round from dawn to dusk.
Address: 110 Assomption Blvd.
Website