Things To Do
in Moncton
Moncton is a bilingual, riverfront city in southeastern New Brunswick known for its friendly residents and growing arts and food scenes. The city sits on the Petitcodiac River and is a convenient base for exploring nearby Fundy Bay, Hopewell Rocks, and coastal Acadian communities. Moncton blends modern amenities, shopping and festivals with strong Acadian and maritime cultural influences.
It is compact and welcoming, with year-round events and easy access to parks and outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Moncton's historic downtown area, where colorful murals and century-old architecture tell the city's rich story. Stop by the Moncton Museum to learn about local history and culture, and enjoy a fresh pastry from a nearby café. The morning light enhances the charm of the streets, making it the perfect time for some picturesque photography.
In the afternoon, visit the historic Moncton City Hall, an architectural gem, and explore the various shops and boutiques that line Main Street. Grab lunch at a popular local eatery, savoring some traditional Maritime cuisine, such as seafood chowder or lobster rolls. After lunch, take a guided walking tour to delve deeper into the city's fascinating past and hidden gems.
As the sun sets, head to a local pub for dinner, where you can enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in a selection of craft beers from local breweries while mingling with friendly locals. To wrap up the day, take a relaxing stroll along the Riverfront Park, where you can appreciate the serene views of the Petitcodiac River.
Kick off your day with an early drive to the Bay of Fundy, famous for having the highest tides in the world. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline and take a guided tour to learn about the unique geological features. Don't forget your camera, as the morning light casts a beautiful glow on the dramatic cliffs and rugged shoreline.
Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint town of Alma, where you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit the Fundy National Park for a scenic hike, offering trails that lead to stunning vistas and lush forests. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the park is home to a variety of birds and animals.
As evening approaches, return to Moncton and enjoy a cozy dinner at a restaurant that specializes in fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, consider checking out a local theater or live music venue to experience Moncton's vibrant arts scene. Cap off the night with a relaxing walk by the river, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
| 🚕Taxi start (per km rates vary) | $3-5 base + per km |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $6-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient base for exploring the Fundy coast and Hopewell Rocks
- Friendly, bilingual community with good food and cultural events
- Compact downtown with easy access to parks and outdoor activities
- Seasonal tourism can make some attractions busy in summer
- Winter weather can be harsh and affect travel plans
- Fewer late-night entertainment options compared with larger cities
Places to Visit in Moncton
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous optical illusion spot and a great overlook for capturing the town and surrounding farmland; dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Iconic flowerpot rock formations on the Bay of Fundy; best photographed at low tide when you can walk on the ocean floor and capture reflections and dramatic scale.
Riverwalk paths, views of the tidal bore, bridges and seasonal foliage provide varied urban and nature shots.
Wooded trails, boardwalks and wetlands close to the city — excellent for birding and intimate nature photography, particularly in spring and autumn.
Rugged coastline, forested ridges and panoramic lookouts ideal for landscape and macro photography; best with clear weather or dramatic cloud cover.
Food in Moncton
Moncton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Atlantic lobster or mixed seafood boils are widely available at seaside restaurants and many downtown spots; try seasonal specials at waterfront restaurants or family-run seafood shacks.
Must-Try!
Classic Canadian poutine and local twists featuring gravy, local cheese curds and sometimes pulled pork or lobster; available at pubs and snack bars.
Traditional Acadian stews and meat pies (fricot) and baked goods can be found in Acadian community eateries and during cultural festivals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively weekend market featuring local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and Acadian specialties — great for sampling local cheeses, meats and sweets.
Regional vendors with fresh produce, seafood and artisanal products, ideal for picking up picnic supplies before exploring nearby attractions.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Moncton is officially bilingual; a friendly attempt at French greetings is appreciated, especially in Acadian areas. If someone replies in French, switch to French when you can or politely indicate you speak English.
Canadians are generally polite and reserved; simple courtesies (please, thank you, excuse me) go a long way. For tours and appointments, punctuality is appreciated.
Follow Leave No Trace principles in parks and along the coast, obey signage at tidal sites and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Safety
Tipping in Moncton
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: around 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and modest tips for taxis and hotel porters. For good service, closer to 20% is typical; check receipts for included gratuities on larger groups.
Debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in urban locations. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers' markets or remote areas where cards may not be accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring brings melting snow, budding trees and increasing daylight; trails can be muddy and some attractions open later in the season. It's a good time for birdwatching and lower crowds at popular sites.
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours and festival season in full swing. Expect busy tourist sites (Hopewell Rocks, beaches) and book accommodations and tours in advance.
Crisp air and brilliant fall foliage make this a beautiful time for hiking and scenic drives; temperatures cool quickly so layers are essential. Harvest events and quieter trails are highlights.
Cold with snow and ice; winter sports like snowshoeing, skiing and skating are available nearby. Some attractions have reduced hours, roads can be icy, and you should pack warm clothing and winter tires if driving.
Moncton at Night
Hiking in Moncton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails close to the city through forests, wetlands and boardwalks — family-friendly routes and good birdwatching opportunities.
Well-maintained trails with coastal viewpoints, waterfalls and rugged landscapes; a bit of a drive but ideal for day trips and multi-day adventures.
Scenic coastal walks and cliffs with dramatic views of the Bay of Fundy; photography and tide awareness are highlights.
A long-distance trail with segments accessible from Moncton area offering varied terrain and longer day-hike opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Moncton by plane.
Located just outside Moncton; offers regional and some national flights, car rental and shuttle services to downtown (about 20–30 minutes).
About 1.5–2 hours by road west of Moncton; useful for alternate regional connections and some flights.
Major Atlantic Canada airport roughly 2.5–3 hours by car; offers many national and international flight options and is a common choice for broader connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
English-speaking residents form a large portion of the population, active in business, education and services.
A significant French-speaking Acadian community contributes strongly to local culture, festivals, cuisine and bilingual signage.
Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous peoples are part of the cultural fabric of the region with historical and contemporary ties to the land.
Growing waves of newcomers and immigrants diversify the cultural and culinary scene in Moncton.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a dominant sport culturally and socially; local junior and community hockey games are popular and the sport is widely played in rinks across the region.
Curling is widely enjoyed in winter months with community clubs and competitions.
Summer sports like soccer and baseball have active community leagues and facilities for youth and adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Moncton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common at cafes, bistros and many restaurants; menus usually include salads, grain bowls, and vegetarian mains. Inform servers of dietary needs — many places will adapt dishes.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited outside specialty cafés; larger restaurants and some markets will offer vegan pastries, bowls and plant-based mains if requested.
Gluten-free options are available at many eateries, but cross-contamination can occur in bakeries — ask staff and check menus carefully.