Moncton, New Brunswick: Activities And Adventures

Moncton, New Brunswick, is a city that defies expectations. From the mysterious Magnetic Hill to the epic Bay of Fundy tidal bore, there's plenty to discover in Moncton. Here's an introduction to the exciting possibilities that await:

Moncton, nestled on the Petitcodiac River as it flows into the Bay of Fundy, is the largest city in New Brunswick. It boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a strong French heritage, and a plethora of attractions, making it a must-visit destination for families and travellers alike. The city's rich Acadian history, dating back to the early 1700s, is a fascinating aspect to explore.

One of the most famous attractions is the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where an optical illusion makes objects appear to roll uphill. The Magnetic Hill area also offers a zoo, a water park, a game centre, and more. For nature lovers, there's the Irishtown Nature Park, with beautiful trails, and Centennial Park, with a variety of recreational activities.

Moncton is also a foodie's delight, with a growing culinary scene that includes the renowned Tide and Boar Gastropub and unique spots like Les Brumes du Coude, serving French-inspired dishes. The city's street art is another drawcard, with world-renowned artists and locals showcasing their talent.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Moncton, New Brunswick, has something for everyone. It's a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return for more.

Explore Moncton's street art

Moncton, New Brunswick's largest city, is a hub of creativity, with more than 50 public art pieces and murals adorning its buildings and streets. Here are some ways to explore and enjoy the city's vibrant street art scene:

Self-Guided Mural Tour

Grab a map and embark on a self-guided mural tour to discover over 50 stunning artworks created by local and international artists. This is an excellent way to explore the city and appreciate the diverse talents of the artistic community in Moncton. You can easily find the locations of the murals with the help of a map, allowing you to cover a lot of ground and discover new corners of the city.

Discover the "Blue Jay" mural

One notable piece of street art in Moncton is the "Blue Jay" mural by French artist Etien. This massive artwork is hard to miss, nestled on the edge of Archibald Street. Its size and vibrant colours make it a must-see attraction for art lovers and passersby alike.

Explore Downtown

Take a stroll through downtown Moncton and keep your eyes peeled for colourful murals adorning the walls of buildings. The city's downtown core is a vibrant canvas, showcasing the creativity and talent of both established and emerging artists. You'll be delighted by the diverse range of styles and themes as you wander through the streets.

Visit the Université de Moncton

The Université de Moncton is home to a collection of abstract and traditional sculptures that showcase the talents of contemporary artists. This educational institution is not only a hub for academic pursuits but also a cultural destination, providing an opportunity to appreciate fine art in a unique setting.

Enjoy the Unexpected

Moncton's street art scene is not limited to murals and sculptures. Mosaic works are also scattered throughout the city, adding texture and detail to the urban landscape. Keep an eye out for these unexpected masterpieces as you explore, as they bring a unique charm to the city's streets and buildings.

Moncton's street art is an ever-evolving gallery, with new pieces appearing and surprising both locals and visitors alike. Whether you follow a map or wander aimlessly, exploring Moncton's street art is a wonderful way to appreciate the city's creative spirit and support its artistic community.

Visit the Bay of Fundy

Moncton, New Brunswick, is a great place to base yourself while exploring the wider region, including the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is often referred to as the Bay of Plenty, as it offers plenty of attractions and things to do. Here is a detailed itinerary for a visit to the Bay of Fundy from Moncton.

Day 1: Moncton to Hopewell Rocks

Distance: 23 miles

On your first day, head to Hopewell Rocks, a 30-minute drive from Moncton. Hopewell Rocks are huge towers of rocks carved by the water and tides in the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tidal range in the world, and at low tide, you can walk among the rocks and appreciate their colossal size. You can also explore the trails that meander through the park, or go on a kayak tour.

On your way to Hopewell Rocks, stop at Cape Enrage, where you can find old fossils and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. You can also visit the 140-year-old lighthouse and, depending on the tide conditions, see a reef that has claimed many vessels. If you're feeling adventurous, try ziplining!

Day 2: Hopewell Rocks to Alma

Distance: 27 miles

On your second day, head to Alma, a charming fishing village located along your route. Alma is the perfect base for exploring Fundy National Park, which is located just next to the town.

Before entering the park, be sure to get a Parks Canada pass from the information centre, as you will need it for hiking. Start your exploration with the Dickson Falls trail, an easy loop trail that leads to a stunning waterfall. There are endless trails to discover in Fundy National Park, so pick up a map at the information centre to guide your exploration.

Day 3: Alma to St. Martins

Distance: 70 miles

On your third day, head to the coastal town of St. Martins. This is the perfect spot to go sea kayaking, with its spectacular high tides and coastal coves. Check out Red Rock Adventure, which offers a 2.5-hour tour that covers popular sea kayaking spots along the St. Martins coast.

You'll paddle out into the sea caves, immersing yourself in the dramatic coastline of sheer red rock cliffs carved smooth over millions of years. The tour also includes time for beachcombing and tasting delicious smoked salmon.

Day 4: St. Martins to St. Andrews

Distance: 99 miles

On your fourth day, enjoy a scenic drive along the Fundy Trail Parkway, which offers stunning vistas of the coastline. The park has an entrance fee and different opening times throughout the year, so be sure to check the weather report and opening times before your visit.

Day 5: St. Andrews

St. Andrews is the furthest point you can go along the Bay of Fundy within Canada. It offers the opportunity to go whale watching, especially if you arrive during the right season. You can also see the US state of Maine from a distance.

Explore the town and enjoy the wonderful hospitality at the Red Herring Pub, which offers live entertainment and local cuisine. St. Andrews is also a great base for visiting nearby attractions, such as Ministers Island and Campobello Island.

Day 6: St. Andrews to Saint John

Distance: 60 miles

On your sixth day, head to Saint John, one of the biggest cities in New Brunswick. Saint John is known for the Reversing Rapids and the food and craft stalls in the city market, which has been operating since 1876. The city also has a vibrant nightlife and craft beer scene worth exploring.

Join an organised brewery tour, such as Uncorked Tours, led by a local guide who will take you to the best craft beer spots in the city. Moosehead Breweries is the locally brewed tipple, and their alehouse is a great place to start your brewery tour.

Day 7: Saint John and Departure

On your last day, explore Saint John before heading to the airport. Be sure to visit the city market and try some of the local cuisine. Saint John airport is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

Check out Magnetic Hill

Moncton, New Brunswick's largest city, is a great place to visit. One of its main attractions is Magnetic Hill, a mysterious spot that has puzzled visitors for decades. Here are some reasons why you should check it out:

A Historical Mystery

Magnetic Hill is one of New Brunswick's oldest tourist attractions, puzzling visitors since the early 1800s. The site got its name in the 1930s from Muriel Lutes (Sikorski), who lived nearby and began selling ice cream and souvenirs to visitors. By the 1950s, Magnetic Hill was Canada's third most popular tourist destination, after Niagara Falls and Banff National Park.

A Mind-Blowing Optical Illusion

At Magnetic Hill, an optical illusion created by rising and descending terrain makes it seem like objects are rolling uphill when they are actually rolling downhill. This gravity-defying wonder will leave you questioning your perception of reality.

A Fun Road Trip Stop

Magnetic Hill is a perfect stop during a road trip, as it doesn't take long to experience the illusion. After enjoying the optical illusion, you can head to the nearby Wharf Village for some refreshments and a discussion about the physics behind the illusion.

A Thrilling Experience

The optical illusion of Magnetic Hill is a thrilling and memorable experience. Many visitors describe their amazement as they watched their cars roll uphill, seemingly defying the laws of nature. It's an exciting and unique attraction that will leave you with a lasting impression.

A Hub for Nearby Attractions

Magnetic Hill serves as a hub for various other attractions in the area. You can visit the Magnetic Hill Zoo, the award-winning Magnetic Hill Winery, Magic Mountain Amusement Park, and the USVA Spa Nordik, all located within a short distance.

So, if you're in Moncton, don't miss out on the mysterious and entertaining Magnetic Hill. It's a historic, fun, and mind-boggling experience that will enhance your visit to this vibrant city.

Go to Magnetic Hill Zoo

Moncton, New Brunswick's largest city, is a great place for a family vacation, with plenty of attractions for day trips. One of these is the Magnetic Hill Zoo, the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada, with over 400 animals. The zoo is a great way to learn about nature and get inspired to take conservation action. It houses a diverse collection of animals, including lemurs from Madagascar, gibbon apes, Amur tigers, leopards, cotton-top tamarins, lions, and zebras. There are also two animal contact areas, and black jaguars!

The Magnetic Hill Zoo is an excellent choice for a fun and educational day out. It is open seven days a week and offers a range of experiences, from daily shows to summer camps and educational programs. The zoo also has a volunteer program, and you can become a member to enjoy unlimited access and other exclusive benefits.

The zoo is located in the Magnetic Hill area, which is known for its mysterious optical illusion that makes it look like items are rolling uphill when they are actually rolling downhill. This area also has other attractions, such as the Magnetic Hill Winery, where you can taste unique, crafted wines and learn about their history.

The Magnetic Hill Zoo is a fantastic option for families, couples, or solo travellers looking for an engaging and informative experience. With its diverse array of animals and commitment to education and conservation, it is a great way to spend a day in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Tour the Acadian Museum

Moncton, New Brunswick's largest city, is a great place to learn about the history of the Acadians of Canada. The Acadian Museum of the University of Moncton, founded in 1886, houses over 38,000 objects and photographs, making it one of the largest collections of Acadian artefacts in the world. The museum is located in the Clément-Cormier Pavilion of the University of Moncton and is open all year round. It offers a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and screenings of historical documentary films.

The permanent exhibition, "Acadian Adventure", presents the history of Acadia in Atlantic Canada and its material culture in a dynamic and innovative way. It is divided into two parts: a chronological part starting in 1604 and a thematic part covering various aspects of Acadian life, such as domestic life, religion, education, politics, folklore, culture, and arts. The exhibition uses colours and accents to show the realities of the past and present, highlighting that the Acadian adventure is far from over.

The museum's collection includes a broad range of objects, such as artefacts, maps, and supporting documents, that showcase the Acadian story from 1600 to the present. The exhibits are well-organised and cover history, home life, art, and culture. The museum also has a shop where visitors can purchase authentic souvenirs.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. The admission rate for seniors (60 and over) is $3, while adults pay $5. Parking is available for $2.50 per hour. Guided tours are offered, and it is recommended to reserve in advance for large groups.

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