Moncton is a city in New Brunswick province of Canada. The city is situated in the Petitcodiac river valley. Some of the best things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick include exploring coastal attractions, hiking through nature reserves, scouting marshlands, enjoying amusement parks, and being thrilled with adventure activities. Moncton is known as Hub City owing to its central location which gives easy access to several important coastal destinations. Culturally, the city is popular for its vibrant art scene and French influence. The street art murals are some of the best places to visit in Moncton, Canada.
Settlement at the site of the city began in 1733, but then it got official status in 1766 after the arrival of Pennsylvania German immigrants. It was initially an agricultural town and later developed as a city with a flourishing railway and shipbuilding industry. There are a few Moncton tourist attractions dedicated to the industrial history of the town.
The city also has a long and storied history of battles between French and English forces for control of the region. The Beausejour Fort is one of the most important Moncton attractions that tell about the military and war history of the region.
The city is also a renowned center for the French Acadian diaspora. The Acadian Museum is one of the most interesting things to see in Moncton. It will help you understand the people, the culture, art, fashion, lifestyle, and a lot more about the region.
People also visit Moncton because a lot of coastal attractions like beaches, bays, cliffs, nature reserves, and more are easily accessible from the city. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to do in Moncton, New Brunswick including hiking, trekking, camping, birdwatching, boat cruise, whale watching, swimming, kayaking, skiing, ice skating, and more.
Some of the most popular destinations for day trips after Moncton sightseeing include Bouctouche, Sackville, Cape Enrage, Shepody, Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park of Canada, and Caledonia Gorge.
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The Best 17 Tourist Places to Visit in Moncton, New Brunswick
1. Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore Park
The Bay of Fundy receives some of the highest tides in the world twice a day. Tidal Bore Park is among the best places to visit in Moncton, New Brunswick to witness this phenomenon. You can see the tidal waves gush through the Petitcodiac river and then watch them roll back as the wave recedes. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to see this natural phenomenon play out when you visit Moncton, Canada.
2. Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
These natural rock structures have been carved out by the ocean owing to strong tidal waves at the Bay of Fundy. If you are looking for fun things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick along the coast, then this is the perfect site. Also known as flowerpot rocks, the rock pillars and cliffs create a beautiful view that looks straight out of a fantasy film. You can explore them up close, touch them, try to climb them, or enjoy the beach. There is also a viewing platform to admire these rocks from afar. If you are feeling the urge to explore further, you can also take a kayak tour to explore the ocean. It is one of the most fun activities in Moncton, Canada.
I suggest you should book your Entrance Ticket to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in advance.
3. Magnetic Hill
The magnetic hill has gained popularity owing to a natural optical illusion. This phenomenon is among the most popular things to see in Moncton, Canada. When a car is put in neutral, it feels that the car is moving uphill by itself, against the pull of gravity. But in reality, the car is not really climbing, it is only the perception created by the terrain that makes the inhabitants of the car feel so. There is a tourist facility built on the location called Magnetic Hill Wharf Village that facilitates a lot of indoor activities to do in Moncton including dining, shopping, and entertainment. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours at this place.
4. Magnetic Hill Zoo
Spread over 40 acres, this is the largest in Atlantic Canada. The zoo has around 600 animals of 73 species. Some of the highlight animals of the zoo include Amur Tiger, Amur Leopard, Peafowl, Leopard Gecko, Reticulated Python, White Handed Gibbon, African Lion, Ball Python, Barbary Sheep, Dromedary Monkey, Ostrich, Zebra, Sulcata Tortoise, Alpaca, Arctic Wolf, Black Bear, Macaw Parrots, Box Turtle, Jaguar, Western Cougar and more. It is one of the most popular Moncton tourist attractions for family tourists. You will need about an hour to tour this zoo.
5. Parlee Beach
This white sand beach is considered one of the finest beaches on the Atlantic Coast of Canada. It is one of the best things to do in Moncton summer. When the temperature is balmy, the water is shallow and the surf is gentle. The beach is also popular for several seafood restaurants. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach during Moncton travel.
6. Bouctouche Bay
La Dune de Bouctouche extends for 12 km across Bouctouche Bay and is one of the last few sand dunes on the Northeastern coast of North America. People can explore this interesting habitat on a boardwalk that runs along the length of the Bay. It is among the top outdoor activities to do in Moncton, Canada. People can also take a birdwatching and wildlife exploration guided tour of the area through Irving Eco Center. You will need 2 to 3 hours for the boardwalk tour.
7. Le Pays de la Sagouine
This theatrical village is based on the fictional world created by Acadian author Antonine Maillet. It is one of the most fascinating Moncton attractions. The theatrical village features several locations and characters featured in the work of Maillet. The village regularly performs plays and shows based on the stories, which are a delight for people of all ages. It is among the top things to do in Moncton, Canada. You will need at least 2 hours to experience this place.
8. Sackville Waterfowl Park
This nature reserve is spread over 50 acres and contains woods, marshlands, meadows, and water pools. It is home to more than 200 species of plants and 180 species of birds. It is one of the best Moncton nb attractions for birdwatching and nature exploration. The marshlands are facilitated with about 4 km of the boardwalk for exploring that region. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this place.
9. Cape Enrage
This cape is known for its lighthouse, violent waves crashing with land, and large reefs. The lighthouse on this cape was built in 1839 as the region was prone to shipwrecks. Now the lighthouse also has a restaurant, a gallery, and a viewing platform overlooking the cliff. The cape is popular for several cool things to do in Moncton, Canada including rock climbing, kayaking, zipline, rappelling, and hiking trails. You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours at Cape Enrage and its nature preserve area.
10. Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site
Like many forts in Canada, this fort too has a long and storied history of the struggle between French and British forces. As you explore the start-shaped fort, you will get learn about its history, noteworthy battles which took place here, the life of soldiers at different times, arms and artillery used in the fort, and more. It is one of the most significant historical places to see in Moncton. You will need at least an hour to tour this fort.
11. Centennial Park
This public park has a beach, forested area, open spaces, and recreational facilities. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to do in Moncton, New Brunswick at this park including swimming, ice skating, hiking, cycling, picnic, and more. The park is also well known for top things to do in Moncton in winters such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, skiing, and cross-country skiing. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying this park.
12. Acadian Museum of the University of Moncton
This museum dives into the history and culture of the Acadian people. The museum has historical artifacts and multimedia exhibits concerning religion, lifestyle, traditional practices, farming, cooking, fashion, and more. It is one of the most popular Moncton New Brunswick tourist attractions. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
13. Resurgo Place
This Science and Discovery Center presents exhibits concerning inventions and discoveries in various fields. The center especially focuses on the field of rail transportation and the history of Moncton’s railway and ship-building industry. It is one of the best places to visit in Moncton, New Brunswick for family tourists. You will need an hour or so to tour this place.
14. Magic Mountain Water Park
This amusement park has a variety of rides, games, and entertainment facilities. You will find waterpark facilities like pools, wave pools, waterslides, river tube rides, and so on. The park also has a gaming arcade, mini-golf, themed restaurants, and more. This is the place people come for fun things to do in Moncton, Canada. You can spend 2 to 3 hours enjoying this park.
15. Irishtown Nature Park
The nature park has a lake, marshland, and forest. The park has walking trails and bicycle trails. It also has hike trails through the forest. The park is populated by beautiful birds, hence birdwatching is one of the top things to do in Moncton summer. You can spend a couple of hours exploring this park.
16. Marché Moncton Market
You will find a variety of things at this market including local produce, street food, culinary delights, handicraft items, natural products, and more. It is among the best Moncton tourist attractions to look for souvenirs. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this market.
17. Murals of Moncton
Moncton is blessed by wonderful artists who have adorned several spots in the city with beautiful mural artworks. You can get a map to tour the murals online or at any of the visitor centers in the city. There are more than 50 murals to explore and you will need an hour or so from Moncton sightseeing to see them all.
If you are looking for more Moncton, New Brunswick tourist attractions check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities you can enjoy in and around the town.
Things to do in Moncton
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Moncton
- Fort Beausejour Historical Site
- Resurgo Place
- Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum
- Thomas Williams House Museum
- Acadian Museum
- Owens Art Gallery
- Campbell Carriage Factory
- Louise et Rueben Cohen Art Gallery
- MR21 Digital Cathedral
- Free Meeting House Museum
- Saint Anselme Park
- Aberdeen Cultural Center
- Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral
- Apple Art Gallery
- Albert County Museum
- Gallery at the Cape
- Moncton Gallery
- Moncton Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Moncton
- Cape Enrage Nature Preserve
- Cape Enrage
- Fundy National Park of Canada
- Shepody National Wildlife Preserve
- Sackville Waterfowl Park
- Waterside Beach UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve
- Irishtown Nature Park
- Mapleton Park
- Mill Creek Nature Park
- Halls Creek Trail
- Jones Lake
- Bay of Fundy
- Hopewell Rocks
- Le Dune de Bouctouche
- Irving Eco Center
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Moncton
- Magic Mountain
- Splash Zone
- Magnetic Hill Zoo
- Centennial Park
- Casino New Brunswick
- Magnetic Hill Winery
- Treego Zipline
- Riverfront Park
- Bore View Park
- Sky Zone Trampoline
- Victoria Park
- Royal Oaks Golf Club
- Mystery Moncton Escape Rooms
- Fox Creek Golf Club
- Magic Mountain Fun Zone
- East Coast Amusements
- Super Splash Park
- Millennium Ecological Park
- Atlantic Escape Room
- Magnetic Hill Wharf Village
- Le Pays de la Sagouine
- Capitol Theatre
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- USVA Nordic Spa
- The Boardwalk
- Butterfly World
- Poley Mountain
- Empress Theatre
Shopping in Moncton
- Marche Moncton Market
- Trinity Power Center
- Champlain Mall
- North West Center
- Saint George Urban Quarters
- Downtown Moncton
Beaches & Islands in Moncton
- Shepody Flats Beach
- Waterside Beach
- Parlee Beach Provincial Park
- Plage Aboiteau Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Moncton
- Kayaking
- Boat Cruise
- Bicycle Tours
- Hiking
- Camping
- Bouctouche Bay
- Caledonia Gorge
- Pebble Beach
- Ice Skating
- Skiing
- Cross Country Skiing
Sightseeing in Moncton
- The Magnetic Hill
- Moncton Street Art Walk
- Sackville Art Walk
- St. George Street
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Moncton
- Cape House Restaurant
- Pastalli
- Calactus
- Cafe Archibald
- Zen Gardens
- Catch 22
- Taj Mahal
- Little Louis
- Mexicali Rosas
- Graffiti
- Old Triangle
- Hynes
- St. James’ Gate
- Pump House Brewery
- Oxygen Complex
- Vitos
- Cosmo
Where to Stay in Moncton?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Moncton. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Moncton.
Luxurious Hotels
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Moncton
- Chateau Moncton Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Four Points by Sheraton Moncton
- Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Residence Inn by Marriott Moncton
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moncton, an IHG Hotel
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moncton
- Canvas Moncton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Hyatt Place Moncton
- Hotel Casino New Brunswick
Mid-Range Hotels
- Rodd Moncton Hotel
- Amsterdam Inn & Suites Moncton
- Quality Inn – Moncton
- Wild Rose Inn
- Comfort Inn East
- Best Western Plus Moncton
- Hilton Garden Inn Moncton Downtown
- Hotel Moncton
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moncton
- Travelodge Suites Moncton
- Comfort Inn Magnetic Hill
Budget Hotels
- Motel 6 – Moncton
- Midtown Motel & Suites
- Moncton Scenic Motel
- Glory Inn Downtown B&B
- GoMotel.ca
- Thriftlodge by Wyndham Moncton
How to Reach Moncton?
By Air
Greater Moncton International Airport receives direct flights from Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Hamilton, and Ottawa. You can get buses and cabs to get to the city from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains to visit Moncton from Montreal and Halifax. The bus network is far more widespread, you can get direct or connecting buses to reach Moncton from several towns and cities in New Brunswick.
If you are planning for Moncton travel by road, you should head for Trans Canada route 2. This route passes through the city. Other routes connecting to Moncton are 106,128 and 115.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to reach Moncton.
Image Reference
- Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore Park – Robert Brownlee / Flickr
- Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park – Brendan Ross / Flickr
- Magnetic Hill – Mhsheikholeslami / Wikimedia Commons
- Magnetic Hill Zoo – Stu pendousmat / Wikimedia Commons
- Parlee Beach – Claire Madison / PixaBay
- Bouctouche Bay – James Hatcher / Flickr
- Le Pays de la Sagouine – Wikimedia Commons
- Sackville Waterfowl Park – Bill and Karen Wilder / Flickr
- Cape Enrage – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
- Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site – geoff dude / Flickr
- Centennial Park – James Mann / Flickr
- Acadian Museum of the University of Moncton –
- Resurgo Place – Judith Bourque / Flickr
- Magic Mountain Water Park – I Stu_pendousmat / Wikimedia Commons
- Irishtown Nature Park – Stephen Downes / Flickr
- Marché Moncton Market – James Mann / Flickr
- Murals of Moncton – James Mann / Flickr
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