Modern Travel - Soaking up Fun in Moncton, New Brunswick
/Canada’s first official bilingual city is also one of Canada’s most alluring. Moncton, New Brunswick’s “hub city” with it’s central location, is, dare I say, underrated. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, it’s a family-friendly destination and many of the attractions are a short drive away.
I’ve traversed much of New Brunswick in recent years and Moncton was on my must-visit list this year. After spending a few days here, I can fully understand its allure and I’ll certainly be returning.
Find inspiration through my journey or use it to create your own path when you experience the magic of Moncton, New Brunswick.
Magnetic Hill Park
Magnetic Hill Park is a wonderful way to spend a day or at the least, a few hours.
There’s the Magnetic Hill Zoo, with close to 100 different species of exotic and indigenous animals and birds to learn about. It’s divided into four sections, American, African, Asian and a Discovery area for ease of navigation. Admire the peacocks, bears, turtles, wallaby’s, tigers, and more, all while getting your steps in.
Need to cool off? There’s a large waterpark to dabble in, mini golf courses, an arcade and rides. Sure it’s great for kids but even adults can find some fun with the wide selection of games.
The cute and quaint Wharf Village is colourful and engaging. Watch the ducks swim in the pond, visit one of the retail stores for some local goodies and snag a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant.
For the adults, the Magnetic Hill Winery is a few minutes away and if you sit on the patio, you’ll get a sweet view of the park. Enjoy their selection of wines and grab a bite from their well-curated menu.
The main attraction is Magnetic Hill itself, which in reality is an optical illusion.
Your eyes tell you that you’re descending down the road and once you’re at the bottom, putting your car in reverse “magically” has you ascend the hill your eyes told you that was there. In reality, you’re driving slightly uphill to the stopping point, so when you put your car in neutral and release the brake pedal, you’re moving backward back down the hill.
It’s a cool experience and maybe I did it four times during my visit. Maybe…
Akadi Lumina
The “Lumina” franchise spans dozens of illuminated night walks in nature and as a first for Atlantic Canada, Akadi Lumina is a must-see attraction.
With a 1.5 km trail beautifully adorned with lights, sound, stories and culture, this immersive experience is divided into 10 parts, each connecting together for a full-circle atmosphere.
Walk at your own pace, soak up the stunning displays and be enchanted with this masterful display of lights in nature.
Sand, Sun & Fun
Parlee Beach Provincial Park is filled with the warmest salt water in Canada, making it extra appealing to enjoy. Dip your toes or go all in here and relax, unwind and soak in the beauty of the area.
Find your perfect spot on the beach to pull up your chair or towel and feel the warm breeze echo against the waves of the Northumberland Strait.
Be adventurous and try your hand at creating a sand sculpture or simply enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.
There’s wheelchair accessible bathrooms and a handy mat that allows wheelchairs and strollers to go straight to the edge of the water, all in the name of continued accessibility.
Looking for one the longest dunes in North America? Moncton has it at Bouctouche. Spanning an impressive 12 km, enjoy the wooden boardwalk or take nature’s route along the sand and water. You’ll see sea shells and be taken aback by the natural beauty of the landscape. Park yourself on the sand and spend time with friends or family, or both!
There’s an educational interpretive centre on site, a lookout to climb for panoramic views and educational and informational signs along the way.
Shediac
Owning the bragging rights of being the lobster capital of the world, Shediac is overflowing with charm and hospitality. Be sure to visit the Giant Lobster attraction, one of the most popular attractions in Atlantic Canada. There are stairs to help you get a perfect picture with this colossal crustacean, that’s 35 feet long, 16 feet wide and 16 feet high, weighing 90 tonnes.
From several restaurants with fresh seafood, darling retail offerings to strolling the streets and beaches, slow down and enjoy all that Shediac has to offer.
Plus, if you time it right, you can be there for their world-famous Lobster Festival, which is filled with fun, games, rides and of course, fresh lobster.
Home Base - The Chateau Moncton
Centrally located in the heart of Moncton, Chateau Moncton backs on to the Riverfront Trail and Peticodiac River, also referred to as the Chocolate River.
The hotel lobby has schedules for when the tidal bore happens, which is a wonder of nature with thousands of gallons of water filling the river, arriving in a majestic wave.
Stroll down the Riverfront Trail for easy access to downtown Moncton’s shops and restaurants or simply take a seat by the riverbanks and enjoy where you are.
The hotel has splendid, spacious and comfortable rooms, plenty of on-site parking, a really good on-site restaurant with a really good breakfast and fast wi-fi.
As a bonus, if you’re in Moncton in July, they host one of the largest car shows in Canada; Atlantic Nationals. Hundreds of cars, thousands of people, thousands of memories and a priceless way to see this community come together and welcome everyone.
