The allure of Moncton is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Moncton's major tourist draw is Magnetic Hill and all attractions associated with it. The fee is $5 per car entry to experience an optical illusion, during which the local topography gives the impression that you are going uphill when in fact you are going downhill. The complex includes the Magnetic Hill Zoo, a nationally accredited and award-winning zoo with over 400 animals displayed in themed exhibit areas with educational programs, as well as Magic Mountain, the largest water park in Atlantic Canada, featuring water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, children’s splash pool, and a mini-golf course. Magnetic Hill Concert Site and Magnetic Hill Golf Club are also associated with the attraction.
Other sights include museums and parks. Moncton Museum houses a permanent exhibit on the history of Moncton as well as traveling exhibits, while the Moncton Acadian Museum, located at the University de Moncton, features one of the largest collections of Acadian artifacts in the world. The main park in Moncton is Centennial Park, located off St. George Blvd. at the city center. Admission to the park is free, offering outdoor playgrounds for kids, year-round recreational facilities, wooded walking and biking trails, creeks, and a lake. Paddle boats are available to rent on the lake, and there is also an outdoor beach that visitors can enjoy for an admission fee.
Most tourists frequent the Magnetic Hill complex and all of the attractions it has to offer, like the zoo and water park. Visitors can also enjoy an abundance of parks like Centennial Park mentioned above, or Irishtown Nature Park, a 2,200-acre urban park that offers activities for all seasons. Hiking and biking is common throughout the park while many enjoy kayaking on the park's lake. In the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park are popular activities. Additionally, there are several golf courses (Lakeside Golf Club, Moncton Golf & Country Club, etc.), as well as theatres (Empress Theatre, MacSweeny’s Dinner Theatre, etc.). Capitol Theatre, located on Main Street is the oldest theatre in New Brunswick and holds shows regularly. And finally, Moncton is near a few beaches for those looking to go waterside. Parlee Beach, for example, is located on the Northumberland Straight northeast of town and boasts the warmest water temperatures in the country.
A nice way to explore destinations in Moncton is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Unexpected Downtown Food and Drink Tour for $69 details