Moncton 
Visiting Moncton on a budget? Here are 25 free things you can do in and around Moncton this summer. You can watch the highest tides in the world, explore the parks, and more!
Photo Credit: Inspire Festival
There’s something for everyone to do for free this summer in Moncton, whether you’re visiting or enjoying a staycation.
1. Watch the Tidal Bore
The Tidal Bore is created by the Bay of Fundy’s tides and occurs twice a day. You can watch the water in the Petitcodiac River roll back upstream in one wave. The wave can reach heights of up to 60 cm. If you want to watch the Tidal Bore, plan to arrive at Bore Park about half an hour before the scheduled time, as the Tidal Bore may occur earlier or later than the estimated time.
2. Visit Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is one of Canada’s most visited natural wonders and is a historic property. There is no cost to visit the hill if you go after closing time. The hill has a natural ability to pull a car uphill when it is in neutral and the brake is released. So, Magnetic Hill is an optical illusion and a lot of fun to do.
3. Irishtown Nature Park
Explore the wide variety of habitats in the Irishtown Nature Park. There are many trails that you can hike, walk, or run on. There is also the Tankville School, a museum where you can stop and learn about one-room schoolhouses.
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4. Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Each June, the Greater Moncton Scottish Association hosts the Annual Moncton Highland Games and Scottish Festival at the Hal Betts Sportsplex in downtown Moncton. The event features traditional competitions such as highland dancing, pipes and drums, heavy events, and sword fighting. Visitors can also enjoy cultural exhibitions, workshops, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, bouncy castles, and more!
5. Rotary RibFest Moncton
The annual Rotary RibFest Moncton is free to enter, so you should check it out. Each ribber has their own menu and may offer free samples. Along with the ribs, there is also a beer garden, outdoor live East Coast music and kids’ activities for the whole family to enjoy. June 19 to 22, 2025.
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6. Acoustica Summer Concert Series
This city-wide music series highlights local talent across genres—from indie pop and folk to Acadian favourites. Enjoy free live shows at Victoria Park on Tuesdays, the Moncton Market on Saturday mornings, and downtown during Thursday’s PatioFest, bringing music to every corner of the city.
7. National Indigenous Peoples Day
On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day will be marked at Bore Park (10 Bendview Court), coinciding with the summer solstice—a date of cultural significance for many Indigenous communities. The event offers a chance to honour the history, heritage, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples, with a special focus on celebrating the rich traditions of Mi’kmaq culture.
8. Canada Day
Join the community on July 1 for a full day of Canada Day festivities along the Moncton waterfront. The event features live music, roaming performers, and family fun at the KidsZone. Explore unique finds at the Artisan Village on Downing Street and enjoy local fare from food trucks. The celebration concludes with evening concerts and a fireworks display.
9. Buskers Fest Moncton
Experience a lively, free outdoor festival featuring street performers from around the globe during Buskers Fest. From gravity-defying aerialists to dazzling hula-hoop artists, the talent on display will captivate all ages. Enjoy local food and browse artisan vendors while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a weekend of entertainment and family fun you won’t want to miss! July 18 to 20 2025.
10. Atlantic JerkFest
Atlantic JerkFest takes place August 1–3 at Riverfront Park. Hosted by the Jamaican Canadian Association of New Brunswick, the festival features authentic Caribbean cuisine, live music, dance, cultural performances, food and craft vendors, family activities, and community booths—celebrating culture, inclusion, and good vibes. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
11. Explore Moncton’s Murals
Moncton is home to 53 vibrant art murals, transforming the city into a dynamic open-air gallery. Created by local and international artists through Festival Inspire, these large-scale works adorn buildings across the region. For a creative adventure at your own pace, take the Self-Guided Art Murals Tour—by foot, bike, or car—and discover the city’s colourful canvas. Check the Art Murals Map to start exploring.
12. Moncton Heritage Tour
Tour Moncton offers a lively, self-guided heritage tour through the city’s historic core. Accessible by smartphone or tablet, the tour is designed to position you for the best views of key sites while following an efficient one-hour route. You can follow the full tour or explore individual locations based on interest or proximity.
13. Public Art Tour
Moncton is home to over 50 public art pieces that bring colour and character to the city’s buildings and streetscapes. Spread throughout the city, the collection includes murals, mosaics, and sculptures. Downtown, vibrant murals line building walls, while the Université de Moncton features works by contemporary Acadian artists. It’s an ideal outing for art lovers, families, or curious explorers.
14. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a 230-acre parkland area featuring lawn bowling greens, tennis courts, and an artificial turf sports field. The playground, along with the SplashPark, is a favourite activity for children of all ages. You can also cool down and sunbathe on Centennial Beach.
15. Mapleton Park
Mapleton Park is the newest park in Moncton and is 300 acres large. It has interpretive panels around the park, and places that are great for bird watching. The trails are accessible and rustic, which make it a popular park with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
16. Have a Picnic at Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a well-manicured, mature urban green space that is one of the oldest parks in Moncton. It is a great location for a picnic or to just relax in a lovely green space. You can enjoy live music at the bandstand on sunny days.
17. Mosaiq Multicultural Festival
During the Mosaiq Multicultural Festival, downtown Moncton is filled with the smells, tastes, sounds, and sights from around the world. You can connect with your roots, or learn about new cultures during these two jam packed days of events. September 6, 2025
18 Explore Caseley Park
Head to Caseley Park at dusk with the family and a blanket to enjoy a free family movie under the stars. If it is raining, the movies are moved indoors at the Riverview Community Hall, where they will start at 6:30pm.
19. Mill Creek Nature Park
There are over 500 acres of nature for visitors to explore at the Mill Creek Nature Park. The park embraces conserving the natural ecosystems and how fostering economic development has been done in ways that protect the environment.
20. Workout at the Riverview’s Green Gym
You can spend some time outdoors during your work out. The Riverview Green Gym is totally free and is completely outside. There are various activities that you can do at this gym, such as weight training stations, rowing machine, air walker, and elliptical machines.
21. Marche Moncton Market
On Saturday mornings, over 130 vendors gather at the Marche Moncton Market. The market has something for everyone with baked goods, food vendors, artisans, and much more. Visiting the market is a great way to learn about what is in season and available from the local farmers.
22. Saint Anselme Park
The Saint Anselme Park is fun for the whole family. Bring your bicycle to ride at the velodrome, or test your skills on the BMX track. This park has great trails to hike or run on, along with a playground and a picnic area where you can enjoy some quality family time.
23. Kouchibougac National Park
Another great warm water beach, the Kouchibougac National Park is also known for its endless golden sand dunes. The park offers a unique look into the Mi’kmaq and Acadian cultures. It is the perfect place to spend a summer day with the family or enjoy the starry spectacle of a Dark Sky Preserve with that special someone. Free admission on Canada Day.
24. Tantramar Wetlands Centre – Sackville
Spend some time learning about why wetlands are so important and the animals who call these areas home at the Tantramar Wetlands Centre. There are programs for all ages available, which is why over 4,000 people visit the centre each year.
25. Tour the Olivier Soapery
You can learn how soap is made and meet the goats at the Olivier Soapery in Sainte-Anne-De-Kent. There are free soap-making demonstrations, along with a museum and a boutique for you to explore. The museum has several historical displays that demonstrate the evolution of personal care.
26. Hike Fundy National Park
The Fundy National Park is the perfect spot, especially if you want to see the highest tides in the world or explore pristine forests. There are over 120 km of trails for you to hike if you are up for a challenge. The beach is a great place to relax, especially if you feel like spending the day sunbathing. Free admission on Canada Day.
27. Fort Beausejour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site
The Fort Beausejour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site is a historic fort where the future of the Acadians and North America was decided. The fort is located on the border of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Sadly Fort Cumberland is no longer standing, but there is information about what the fort may have looked like in the past. Free admission on Canada Day.
- FYI: New Brunswick provincial parks (usually) are open to the public for free on Canada Day and New Brunswick Day. Official confirmation for 2025 TBA.
