Visiting Moncton on a budget? Then 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, or spend time learning about the Acadians. There is something for everyone to do for free this summer in Moncton, whether you are visiting or enjoying a staycation.
1. Downtown Skate Park
Test your bike skills at this park! Downtown Skate Park is made from concrete and has a variety of terrains for scooters, skateboarders, and in-line skaters. The park is fun for all ages and skill levels.
2. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is 230 acres of parkland that has 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.
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, which is a museum that you can stop at and learn about one-room school houses.
4. Watch the Tidal Bore
The Tidal Bore is created by the Bay of Fundy tides and it happens twice a day. You can watch the water in the Petitcodiac River roll back upstream in one wave. The wave can reach up to 60 cm tall. If you want to watch the Tidal Bore, you should plan to arrive at Bore Park about a half hour before the scheduled time because the Tidal Bore can happen earlier or later than the estimated time.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Inspire Festival
The Inspire Festival turns Moncton into a piece of living art with live art, performances, murals, and much more. Visitors and local alike can become a human canvas at the Colour Party in the Park. The unique collaboration between artists, residents, and local businesses brings the whole community together. July 8 – 13, 2019
8. 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. July 19 – 20, 2019
9. Go Bird Watching at Sackville Waterfowl Park – Sackville
The Sackville Waterfowl Park has won the Environment Canada’s National Award for Environmental Achievement. The 3.5 km trail takes you around the wetland where you can spot over 160 bird species and 200 plant species. Take the self-guided tour or join the guided tours that are offered. The guided tours are about an hour and a half long.
10. 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.
11. Centennial Park Pump Track Bike Park
Near the entrance of Centennial Park is the Centennial Pump Track. The track is made of dirt and has a variety of hills and jumps for all biker levels. The terrain is unique and is great if you are looking for a fun or challenging ride. The park is open seven days a week, weather permitting with no admission fees.
12. Art in the Park
The Caseley Park bandstand will showcase artists with a variety of musical backgrounds all summer long. Join the Town of Riverview every Wednesday from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. for a great summer line-up of free concerts, local art on display and the Lady Boss Collective’s Chocolate River Market.
13. Enjoy a Movie in the Park at 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.
14. 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. There are new trails and look-outs being added to the park each year.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Marche De Dieppe Market – Dieppe
The Marche De Dieppe is a busy market with people looking to try and buy locally grown and homemade products. So, stop in and learn about what is grown and produced in and around Dieppe. There are two floors for you to explore, so you should make sure to take time to try the free samples that are usually available.
20. Rotary St-Anselme Park Splash Pad
During the summer, the splash pad at the Rotary St. Anselme Park is turned on from 9 am to 8 pm daily, weather permitting. The Rotary St-Anselme Park Splash Pad is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
21. Tour Olivier Soapery
You can learn how soap is made and meet the goats at the Olivier Soapery. There are free soap making demonstrations that are held four times a day, along with a museum and a boutique for you to explore. The museum has several historical displays that demonstrate the evolution of personal care.
22. 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 120kms 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.
23. 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 kid’s activities for the whole family to enjoy. June 20 – 23, 2019
24. 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.
25. 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.
New Brunswick provincial parks can be visited for free on Canada Day and New Brunswick Day (August 5, 2019).
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