If you are looking for Things to do in Moncton, you are in luck. There are several fantastic things to do when visiting Atlantic Canada. Moncton, the biggest city in New Brunswick, isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s a vibrant hub bursting with culture and talented artists.
Whether you’re into sports showdowns or friendly community shindigs, this tourist haven has you covered! Especially if you’ve got the whole family in tow.
Moncton has so many fun things to do if you want to find the ultimate spot for a family getaway.
New Brunswick Places to Visit
There are several fantastic attractions in Moncton New Brunswick to visit. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there is something here for everyone.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Just a breezy 30-minute jaunt from the city, paying a visit to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is like unlocking one of the coolest Moncton experiences.
This park isn’t just any old spot, it’s practically a celebrity among Canada’s landmarks. Stunning arches set the stage for the most epic show of the Bay of Fundy’s world-record high tide. Plan your visit just right, and you’ll witness these gigantic rocks getting almost swallowed by a crazy amount of water as the tide rolls in. When the water retreats back to the Atlantic, signaling low tide, it reveals an ocean floor that’s just begging to be strolled upon.
Are you feeling adventurous? Get yourself signed up with Baymount Adventures in the park for a sea kayaking escapade that will take you right among the rocks when the tide is high. It’s like getting VIP access to nature’s coolest performance!
Head to Alma for some amazing seafood by the small harbour, you can watch the tides rise as you eat your meal and check out the local fishing boats. There are a few small stores to visit in Alma that you will find local art, souvenirs and local snacks like Covered Bridge Potato Chips, and you can stop by the Holy Whale Brewery for a pint, or Buddha Bear Coffee Roaster for a coffee and some treats.
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is located in New Brunswick, Canada, along the Bay of Fundy, which is famous for having the highest tides in the world. The park covers an area of about 207 square kilometers (80 square miles) and offers visitors a diverse range of landscapes and outdoor activities.
Some key features and attractions of Fundy National Park include:
- Coastal Cliffs: The park’s coastline is characterized by dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the bay and its impressive tides. Checkout the Red Muskoka chair that offer breathtaking views!
- Hiking Trails: Fundy National Park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Popular trails include the Dickson Falls Trail, the Laverty Falls Trail, and the Fundy Footpath, which is a more rugged and demanding multi-day hike. The boardwalk trail was stroller friendly, but most other trails id advise a carrier if hiking with young children.
- Waterfalls: The park is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Dickson Falls and Laverty Falls, which are accessible via hiking trails.
- Camping: Fundy National Park offers camping facilities for both tent and RV campers. There are several campgrounds within the park, providing options for different preferences and levels of amenities.
- Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, black bears, and various bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts may have the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Visitors can explore the park’s rivers and waterways by kayak or canoe, providing a unique perspective on the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
- Interpretive Programs: Fundy National Park offers interpretive programs and guided tours led by park staff, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Overall, Fundy National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities and attractions set amidst stunning natural scenery along the Bay of Fundy.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is like nature’s playground, offering a delightful mix of lush forests and wide-open spaces for all sorts of fun. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or a parent pushing a stroller, the gravel and paved trails are your ticket to adventure.
In the summer, dive into the good times with swimming, a splash park that’s easy to access, picnic areas, and more. When winter rolls in, it’s a whole new ball game with Skiing, tobogganing, skating, and snowshoeing. All on the longest illuminated cross-country ski trail in Eastern Canada.
Dog lovers, rejoice! There are forested dog parks designed for both the big and small furballs. But that’s not all. Centennial Park is the party central for annual festivals, and it’s home to cool spots like Rocky Stone Field, the Moncton Lawn Bowling Club, Tennis Moncton, TreeGO® aerial adventure course, and the cherry on top, Camp Centennial.
Resurgo Place
Moncton’s had its share of ups and downs, from the shipbuilding slump in the 1860s to the rail industry’s exit in the 1980s. The resilient folks of Moncton embraced the challenges and emerged stronger, giving rise to the city’s motto, “Resurgo.”
Now, enter Resurgo Place, born in 1973. It’s not just a spot, it’s a hub of museums and discovery centers with several different historical artifacts. A kind of Moncton-style learning playground.
The Moncton Museum is like a hands-on history lesson, and the Transportation Discovery Centre is where you can dive into aircraft testing, racing boats, and the marvels of gears and pulleys. With several educational programs, you are sure to have a blast.
Yes, Resurgo Place is family-friendly, but don’t be fooled, the 31,000 square feet of excitement are just as captivating for adults. Moncton’s saying, “We’ve been through it all, but look at us now – resilient and cooler than ever!”
Magnetic Hill Wharf Village
Located in Moncton, NB, in the heart of Magnetic Hill Park, the family-friendly attraction welcomes all visitors. Tourists and locals alike can come together to indulge in distinctive shopping, delightful cuisine, and mouthwatering treats.
The team at Magnetic Hill Warf Village is dedicated to crafting a welcoming atmosphere that fosters the creation of lasting memories. As proud Maritimers, their objective is to highlight the treasures of Atlantic Canada.
Savor delicious local cuisine, explore diverse shopping options for all ages, discover the talents of local artisans, or connect with the amicable East Coast community. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Tidal Bore Park
Check out the fascinating Tidal Bore along the Peticodiac River. This natural wonder is a result of the powerful Bay of Fundy tides, the highest in the world, surging up the river twice daily.
Twice a day, a thick wave, varying from 3 cm to 60 cm in height, rushes up the calm Peticodiac River, creating a spectacular sight. The river undergoes a swift transformation, with the water level rising up to 7.5 m within an hour of the Tidal Bore’s arrival.
During full moons, the tides intensify, leading to robust tidal bores. Surfers now seize the opportunity to ride the wave as it travels up the Peticodiac River, adding an adventurous twist to this natural spectacle.
Magic Mountain Water Park
Welcome to Magic Mountain, the crown jewel of Canada’s tourist attractions! This is the largest man-made waterpark in the country. Magic Mountain offers a refreshing escape with its pools, thrilling body slides, and dry adventures. This is a top destination for families and adventure seekers alike.
The excitement doesn’t end with the water attractions. Magic Mountain goes beyond the typical waterpark experience making it more of an amusement park of sorts. It features carnival games for an added thrill, delicious snacks to keep you fueled, and diverse shops offering different treats.
Bask in the sun by the pool, test your skills at games, and indulge in tasty treats. Magic Mountain is a popular destination for a day filled with water-filled fun and entertainment.
Magnetic Hill Zoo
The Magnetic Hill Zoo spans 40 acres, making it a prime draw for tourists. As the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada, it houses a diverse array of over 400 animals. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and leave feeling inspired to contribute to conservation efforts.
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is a family-friendly haven that remains open for most of the year. Spend approximately two delightful hours exploring the site, where ample shade, a fantastic playground, and dining options create an ideal outing in any season.
Whether you’re enjoying the diverse wildlife or taking advantage of the recreational amenities, the Magnetic Hill Zoo promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Magnetic Hill Boardwalk & Butterfly World
The Boardwalk stands as a premier family destination, brimming with diverse entertainment. From go-karts, batting cages, and a driving range, to mini-golf, it caters to fun-seekers of all ages.
Conveniently situated off the Trans Canada Highway near Magnetic Hill, the Boardwalk is the ultimate summer hotspot, offering bumper boats, Butterfly World, and more. Overall, Butterfly World Moncton offers a unique and immersive experience for nature lovers of all ages, allowing them to connect with the beauty and wonder of butterflies in a controlled and educational environment.
Venture into Butterfly World, an integral part of the Boardwalk’s charm, serving as Moncton’s lush indoor garden. Within this enchanting oasis, flowers bloom year-round, creating a picturesque setting for hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
Visitors to Butterfly World Moncton can observe butterflies up close as they flutter among the foliage, feed on nectar, and interact with each other. The conservatory often provides educational information about butterfly species, their life cycles, and the importance of butterfly conservation.
Drawing tourists from far and wide, Butterfly World adds an unforgettable and magical dimension to the myriad activities at the Boardwalk, ensuring a delightful experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Butterfly world is a small room full of butterflies that you can hold oranges to attract them. We easily spent 45 minutes just interacting with the butterflies but they also have a cool lock system water table, bouncy slide, air hockey, and a few other activities to keep the kids busy. There is about 1-2 hours of entertainment.
Sky Zone
At Sky Zone, the excitement knows no bounds. Whether you’re defying gravity with gravity-defying flips, engaging in friendly dodgeball matches mid-air, or simply bouncing your way to pure bliss, every moment is an opportunity for unforgettable family fun.
The park’s vibrant atmosphere and variety of activities ensure that it’s not just a place to jump around. It’s a hub of dynamic entertainment that caters to all ages and levels of thrill-seekers. Get ready to soar to new heights and leave with a heart full of laughter and exhilaration!
Moncton Escape Room
Mystery Moncton offers an immersive live escape room experience. Participants will find themselves in a locked room, challenged to uncover clues and solve puzzles that hold the key to their escape.
Adding to the excitement, this venue boasts not just one, but five engaging escape rooms, ensuring a variety of thrilling challenges for all to enjoy. It’s the perfect activity to test your wits and teamwork skills while having a blast with friends or colleagues.
Parlee Beach
Parlee Beach is home to Canada’s warmest saltwater and holds the prestigious Blue Flag eco-certification. Savor local delights at Boutique Beausoleil or the Euston Park Patio, featuring microbrews on tap. Parlee Beach is a great place to search for shells, play in the sand or enjoy a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Prioritizing accessibility, Parlee Beach Provincial Park ensures everyone can enjoy its beauty. A mobi-mat facilitates easy access from the sidewalk to water for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. The new comfort station offers gender-neutral family washrooms with accessible features, enhancing the overall park experience. Parlee Beach is great for kids as their is a beautiful newer playground located right by the beach.
This is also one of the most popular spots to go camping and more. This sandy beach is a beautiful way to spend some time soaking up some sun in Moncton.
Lobster Capital (Shediac)
A quick 25-minute jaunt from Moncton lands you in the charming seaside haven of Shediac, aka the “Lobster Capital of the World.” You can visit the lobster statue, or enjoy a few boardwalk shops, and restaurants serving Maritime favourites like lobster rolls. Don’t forget to bring some saltwater taffy home as a souvernir.
Parlee Beach, Shediac’s gem, boasts stunning white sand and top-notch facilities, perfect for a Moncton day trip with campgrounds and restaurants. However, Shediac truly shines with its reputation for housing some of the best seafood joints in New Brunswick.
Embracing its lobster prowess, Shediac proudly showcases a colossal lobster welcoming visitors to town. If you swing by in early July, don’t miss the Shediac Lobster Festival. It is a festive extravaganza where chefs worldwide compete to whip up some of the most delectable shellfish dishes. It’s a seafood lover’s paradise waiting to be explored.
Tree Go
TreeGO offers an exhilarating adventure centered on fun, freedom, and personal achievement. Their aerial courses ensure safety with continuous cables, catering to all fitness levels in a unique outdoor setting.
Participants, including children, teens, and adults, navigate self-managed courses featuring tree-to-tree obstacles and zip-lines. With multiple activities per course, you can dictate your challenge level and pace. This will enhance agility, endurance, and confidence.
It’s an adventure tailored for everyone’s enjoyment and self-discovery. it is certainly one of the best things to do for thrill seekers.
Riverfront Park
Experience the charm of Riverfront Park, where visitors can leisurely stroll, run, or cycle along the picturesque banks of the Petitcodiac. It is one of Canada’s most unique rivers.
A network of five kilometers of paved and gravel trails seamlessly connects Moncton’s downtown to the neighboring communities of Dieppe and Riverview. Along the way, discover points of interest like Bore Park, natural landscapes, a skateboard park, sports fields, and commemorative monuments.
As you explore, the trail takes you past Treitz Haus, Moncton’s oldest building, which doubles as a Visitor Information Centre. In the summer, Riverfront Park transforms into a vibrant hub for community festivals, including lively Canada Day celebrations featuring local artists and more.
Even in winter, sections of the trail are thoughtfully cleared, inviting walkers and runners to enjoy the scenic surroundings. Whether it’s under the warmth of the summer sun or the crisp winter air, Riverfront Park is a great spot for all seasons, offering a delightful blend of nature, history, and community spirit.
Jump Skip Hop
Jump Skip Hop is Moncton’s largest indoor playspace. With a whopping 18,894 square feet of fun, you are sure to have a blast here. This indoor playground offers a three-level adventure for kids 12 and under. The play structure includes a ball blaster arena, towers, slides, bridges, a trampoline, an interactive floor, and more.
For toddlers, there’s a dedicated area with a spinning palm tree. Socks are a must! The facility also features an interactive 381-square-foot Laser Maze Challenge and an exclusive 1,034-square-foot Clip ‘n Climb for climbers aged 6 and older. An additional 1,271 square feet host activities like
air hockey tables, mini bowling lanes, and an enthralling 9D Virtual Reality experience.
Bouchetouch Sand Dunes
“Bouctouche Dunes” or “Irving Eco-Centre – La Dune de Bouctouche,” which is a significant natural attraction located in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Canada. These sand dunes are part of the Bouctouche Dune Eco Reserve, which is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Bouctouche Dunes are situated along the Northumberland Strait coast, near the town of Bouctouche, which is approximately 40 kilometers north of Moncton, New Brunswick.
The dunes cover an area of approximately 13 square kilometers and are one of the largest dune systems in the Canadian Maritimes. The landscape features a mix of coastal dunes, salt marshes, and barrier islands, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The Bouctouche Dunes are ecologically significant, serving as a critical habitat for several rare and endangered plant species, as well as migratory birds and other wildlife. The dunes also play a crucial role in coastal protection and stabilization.
The Bouctouche Dunes also feature pristine sandy beaches, where visitors can relax, swim, or take leisurely walks along the shore looking for sea shells or visit the Irving Eco-centre. The Irving Eco-Centre, located within the Bouctouche Dunes, offers visitors a range of activities and experiences to explore the area’s natural beauty and learn about its ecological importance. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, boardwalks, interpretive exhibits, and guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.
The city of Moncton is a vibrant city perfect for day trips and more. In fact, it is one of the best places to visit with your family. Moncton is the hub city for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The city a great place for those seeking to unwind or get active.
Discover the unique phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, see the highest tides at Hopewell Rocks, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Riverfront Park. With several natural wonders and a short drive to surrounding areas, it is always a great time to visit Moncton.
