A Summer Guide to Moncton, New Brunswick: Things to Do
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Moncton, affectionately known as the "Hub City," is defined by its resilience and central role in the Maritimes. Whether you are chasing the mystery of a car rolling uphill or watching the power of the Bay of Fundy reshape a river, Moncton in the summer is a vibrant, bilingual, and essential stop for any East Coast explorer. This article will highlight some of the best things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick.
As I steered my campervan, Wanda, through the rolling landscapes of the East Coast, pulling into Moncton was another chapter in my solo cross-Canada road trip. After weeks of vast prairies and rugged coastlines, there was something uniquely welcoming about the "Hub City." If you are following a similar path, you might find my Ultimate New Brunswick Road Trip Guide helpful for discovering other fabulous stops beyond the city limits.
One of the highlights of wandering through this part of Canada is undoubtedly the food. Between the fresh seafood and the traditional Acadian dishes, my taste buds were constantly on a journey of their own. For those who travel with their stomachs in mind, I’ve put together a guide on Eating Your Way Around Canada’s Eastern Provinces. Whether you’re stopping for a quick visit or following my 2-week Maritimes road trip itinerary, Moncton is a place to slow down and stay a while.
Table of Contents
The Hub City: An Overview
Moncton's motto is Resurgo—Latin for "I rise again." It is a fitting tribute to a city that has reinvented itself time and again. The original inhabitants, the Mi’kmaq, called the river Petcoudiac, or "the river that bends like a bow."
The city’s modern story began in 1733 as an Acadian marshland farming community known as Le Coude (The Elbow). Following the tragic Acadian Expulsion in 1755, the area was resettled by Pennsylvania German families who renamed it "The Bend." It wasn't until 1855 that the town was officially incorporated as Moncton, named after Lieutenant Colonel Robert Monckton.
Today, Moncton is the first officially bilingual city in the country’s only officially bilingual province. You’ll hear a melodic blend of English, French, and "Chiac" (a unique local dialect) on the streets, reflecting a proud Acadian heritage.
Moncton is the region's primary transportation and distribution hub. Once a shipbuilding powerhouse and later a railway giant, it has successfully transitioned into a modern leader in tech, education, and services.
Located in the fertile Petitcodiac River Valley, Moncton is dominated by the dramatic ebb and flow of the world’s highest tides from the nearby Bay of Fundy. Summer is the perfect season to explore the city’s many parks, outdoor cafes, and riverfront trails without the intense heat found further inland.
Where to Stay in Moncton
Choosing where to park your van or book a room can make or break a road trip, and Moncton offers a variety of districts that cater to different travel styles. If you want to be in the heart of the action, Downtown Moncton is your best bet, which puts you within walking distance of the riverfront and the city's best nightlife. This area is ideal if you enjoy an evening stroll to a local bistro or want to catch the Tidal Bore without having to worry about finding parking.
For those who prefer a bit more convenience, look toward the Magnetic Hill Area. This district is situated on the northwestern edge of the city and is home to several reliable hotel chains. It’s a bit of a trek from the downtown core, but you’ll save significant time if your itinerary is focused on the zoo, the waterpark, or the winery. It’s a bustling, commercial area that is very easy to navigate with a larger vehicle.
If you’re like me and prefer the comfort of your own "mobile home," Moncton has several camping and RV options. The Camper's City Campground has full hookups and is close to the highway. There is not a lot of privacy, and reviews are mixed, but my experience was fine.
Things To Do in Moncton, New Brunswick
Day 1: The North End
To make the most of your first day, we’re heading to the northwestern edge of the city. This area is home to some of Moncton, New Brunswick's most iconic things to do, concentrated around the famous Magnetic Hill. By spending your day here, you minimize driving time as you explore natural mysteries, wildlife encounters and finish with a well-deserved glass of local wine.
Magnetic Hill
You cannot visit Moncton without experiencing the world-famous Magnetic Hill optical illusion. When you drive to the bottom of this seemingly ordinary hill and put your car in neutral, you will be shocked to find your vehicle rolling backward—uphill! It has been baffling tourists since the 1930s. It is a quirky, fun, and slightly disorienting experience that should be put on your list, even if you are just passing through the city.
Essential Info:Â 125 Magic Mountain Rd. Cost is approximately $6 per vehicle. Open seasonally from May to October.
Magnetic Hill Zoo
Just a stone's throw away, the Magnetic Park Zoo is the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada. This is not just a place to see animals; it is a leading conservation and education facility. You can wander through diverse habitats featuring over 75 species, including the majestic Amur tigers, playful lemurs, and lions. The "Ecodome" is a highlight with indoor tropical exhibits. It’s a beautifully laid-out park perfect for a solo afternoon walk.
Essential Info:Â 125 Magic Mountain Rd. Cost is approximately $21 for adults. Summer hours are typically 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Butterfly World & The Boardwalk
For a change of pace, step into the lush, tropical environment of Butterfly World, where hundreds of exotic, colourful butterflies fly freely around you in a climate-controlled garden. Regular readers know how much I love butterfly exhibits, and this is one of my favourites. It is an incredibly peaceful experience and a photographer's delight. After you’ve had your fill of the garden, the surrounding Boardwalk area offers mini-golf, batting cages, and local treats that family travellers will appreciate.
Essential Info:Â Located at the Boardwalk at Magnetic Hill. Admission is roughly $10. Open from late June to early September.
Magnetic Hill Winery
For me, a perfect ending to the day is a visit to this award-winning winery. Housed in a beautifully restored 1867 farmhouse, the winery overlooks the city and the Petitcodiac River Valley. The Magnetic Hill Winery specializes in unique fruit wines—their rhubarb and strawberry blends are local favourites—but their grape wines are equally impressive. Grab a flight and head out to the scenic patio to watch the sunset.
Essential Info:Â 860 Front Mountain Rd. Tastings range from $15 to $35. Summer hours are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, with extended hours on weekends.
Day 2: Culture, History, and the River
After the playful energy of the North End, Day 2 is all about the heartbeat of Moncton. We’ll be focusing on the city centre and the banks of the Petitcodiac River. This route takes you through Victorian mansions, world-class Acadian archives, and the modern urban landscape of the downtown core.
Resurgo Place
Resurgo Place houses the Moncton Museum and the Transportation Discovery Centre. This isn't your typical "quiet" museum; it’s very interactive. You can explore hands-on exhibits that demonstrate the mechanics of the railway or the unique power of the Petitcodiac River. It’s a brilliant way to spend a morning.
Essential Info: 20 Mountain Rd. Admission is approximately $13 for adults. Summer hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (open until 8:00 pm on Thursdays).
Thomas Williams House
I always love touring historic homes. The Victorian Thomas Williams House was built in 1883 for a prominent treasurer of the Intercolonial Railway. It is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. During the summer, the house comes alive with "Tea on the Verandah," where you can enjoy afternoon tea featuring local treats in a setting that feels worlds away from the modern city bustle. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit in 2019 and was disappointed that it was closed in 2025 for renovations. Check their website for the reopening date in 2026.
Essential Info: 103 Park St. Admission ranges from $5 to $9. Summer hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Musée Acadien (Université de Moncton)
Located on the campus of the Université de Moncton, this museum is the soul of Acadian culture. With a collection of over 42,000 objects, it tells the poignant and resilient story of the Acadian people—from their arrival and the tragedy of the Great Upheaval to their vibrant cultural revival. The permanent exhibition, "L'Acadie de l'Atlantique," is particularly moving and essential for anyone wanting to understand the bilingual spirit of New Brunswick.
Essential Info: 405 Université Ave. Admission is approximately $7. Summer hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, and weekends 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Tidal Bore at Riverfront Park
Witnessing the Tidal Bore is perhaps the most mesmerizing natural phenomenon in the city. Twice a day, the tide from the Bay of Fundy (the highest in the world) retreats, and as it returns, it pushes a wall of water back up the Petitcodiac River, causing the river to actually reverse its flow. Riverfront Park is the perfect vantage point with its expansive walking trails and designated viewing spots. Watching the river transform from a muddy "chocolate" bed to a surging waterway in minutes is a reminder of the Atlantic's raw power
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Essential Info:Â Main St. (Downtown). Viewing is free. Pro-tip: Check the tide table online or at the visitor centre to ensure you arrive 20 minutes before the "Bore" is scheduled to arrive!
Downtown Moncton
As the sun begins to set, meander through the downtown core. Moncton's streets are adorned with world-class murals from the "Festival Inspire". You can follow the riverfront trail for a while before heading back to Main Street to sample some good food and local craft beer at the Pump House Brewery or enjoy a meal at one of the many bilingual bistros.
Final Thoughts
Moncton is a city with a unique blend of heritage and ambition. From the gravity-defying wonders of the North End to the quiet, dignified history housed in the Musée Acadien, Moncton offers a depth that rewards the curious traveller. For a solo road-tripper like me, it offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural wonder, wrapped in that famous East Coast hospitality.
Whether you are here for the thrill of the Tidal Bore or a quiet afternoon of tea on a Victorian porch, there are interesting things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick, during the summer months. It is a place that invites you to rise with the tide, explore with an open mind, and leave with a heart full of stories.
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