Things To Do
in Riverview

Riverview, Canada sits just across the Petitcodiac River from Moncton in southeastern New Brunswick. It blends suburban calm with riverfront scenery, parks, and easy access to urban amenities. The town thrives on maritime influences, local markets, and outdoor recreation, making it a great base for exploring the greater Moncton area.

Visitors will find a friendly, bilingual community with plenty of family-friendly activities and quick trips to the coast and forests of New Brunswick.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and artisanal coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of downtown Riverview, where historic architecture tells the story of the town's past. Make sure to stop by the Riverview Arts Centre to admire local artwork and exhibitions.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby Riverview Museum, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of the area. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the beautiful Riverfront Park, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. As you explore the park, take a moment to appreciate the views of the Petitcodiac River and watch for local wildlife.

evening
:

As evening falls, dine at a cozy restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, experiencing the flavors of Riverview. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the sunset and the serene ambiance. Conclude your day with a visit to a local pub for some live music and a taste of the vibrant nightlife.

day 2
Adventure at Magnetic Hill
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a café famous for its hearty Canadian dishes, fueling up for a day of adventure. Head to Magnetic Hill, a unique natural phenomenon where gravity appears to defy itself, and enjoy the sensation of your car rolling uphill. Take photos and marvel at the surrounding landscape, setting the stage for a fun-filled day.

afternoon
:

After exploring Magnetic Hill, have lunch at a nearby restaurant that offers a spectacular view of the valley. Spend the afternoon hiking through the scenic trails that wind around the area, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas and perhaps even spot some local wildlife.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Riverview and treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local steakhouse known for its farm-to-table offerings. After your meal, take a stroll around the town, enjoying the warm glow of the streetlights and the friendly atmosphere. End your night with a visit to a local theater for a performance or a movie showing.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$2-5
🚗Gasoline (per liter)$1.50-2.00
🚌Public transit fare$3-4 per ride
🏨One-night hotel stay$90-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Moncton’s attractions
  • Relaxed, family-friendly vibe
  • Strong seafood and agricultural scene
  • Bilingual culture and easy river access
  • Limited nightlife within Riverview itself
  • Some services are better in Moncton
  • Winter travel can be icy and cold
  • Smaller-town amenities compared to big cities

Places to Visit in Riverview

Visit one of these nice places.

Riverview Riverfront Park

Open greenspace along the Petitcodiac with walking paths and river views, ideal for sunsets.

Moncton River Overlook near the Petitcodiac confluence

High vantage point with views of the river and the city skyline across the water.

Magnetic Hill Viewing Area

Noted for its gravity-defying roadside attraction; good for wide-angle shots of the valley and sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Riverview

Riverview’s cuisine leans maritime and seasonal, with fresh seafood, farm produce, and comforting Maritime staples.

Riverview Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lobster Roll

Lightly dressed lobster meat on a soft bun, best enjoyed near the river or at a seaside café.

Must-Try!

Fiddlehead Ferns with Bacon

Sautéed fiddleheads with bacon and onions, a springtime favorite in the region.

Atlantic Salmon Chowder

Creamy chowder loaded with salmon, potatoes, and local herbs.

Donair

A Moncton-area staple: spiced meat with sweet sauce in a warm flatbread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Moncton Market

A vibrant market featuring local seafood, bakery goods, produce, and prepared foods on weekends.

Riverview Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, jams, and street-food stall options close to the river.

Climate Guide

Weather

Riverview experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Precipitation is fairly evenly spread throughout the year, with spring rains and fall storms common. Winds from the Atlantic can bring quick changes in weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Language

New Brunswick is bilingual; English and French are commonly used. Try a few phrases in the local language if you can.

Politeness

Knowledge of basic greetings and courtesy goes a long way; behave politely in public spaces and on transit.

Queueing

Respect personal space and wait your turn in markets and public spots.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in Riverview. Stay aware near the river during high tides or storms, watch for winter ice on sidewalks, and have emergency numbers handy (911 for emergencies).

Tipping in Riverview

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Gratuities are typically 15-20% in restaurants; rounding up for smaller places is common; tip in cash or via card as preferred.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cash, debit, and credit cards; contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with occasional heat and humidity; expect outdoor festivals, al fresco dining, and water-based activities.

Fall

Crisp air and vivid foliage; perfect for scenic walks along the river and photography of autumn colors.

Winter

Cold, often snowy; prepare for icy surfaces and short days, but nearby trails and trees create a winter wonderland.

Spring

Mild and rainy with blooming gardens; great for hiking and market visits as farms reopen.

Nightlife Guide

Riverview at Night

The nightlife in Riverview is low-key but lively enough to match a coastal town vibe. Expect cozy pubs, wine bars, and casual concerts in local venues, with easy access to Moncton for larger clubs and seasonal festivals.

Hiking in Riverview

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Riverview Nature Trail

Short urban trail along the river with birdwatching and easy terrain.

Fundy National Park Trails

Several hiking options in the Fundy region about 1.5-2 hours away with coastal forest and ocean views.

Hopewell Rocks Coastal Trails

Sea-stack and shoreline trails within a day trip, offering dramatic coastal scenery.

Airports

How to reach Riverview by plane.

Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)

Main regional airport located about 20 minutes from Riverview with domestic and some international flights; taxis and car rentals available.

Saint John Airport (YSJ)

A longer drive northeast; provides limited domestic flights and connections to major hubs.

Fredericton International Airport (YFC)

Capital region airport about 2.5 hours away by car, with domestic services and seasonal options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Riverview is manageable on foot in the town center and along the riverfront, but many neighborhoods are spread out and require a car for longer trips. The proximity to Moncton makes it easy to walk or cycle across the bridge for more dining and entertainment options. Overall walkability is moderate; plan occasional drives for errands.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Strong presence of families in residential neighborhoods and good schools.

Commuters

Many residents commute to Moncton for work, shopping, and services.

Bilingual residents

A mix of English and French speakers with a growing bilingual culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hockey

The region loves hockey, with local leagues and community rinks for all ages.

Lacrosse

A popular team sport in schools and clubs during the summer and fall.

Soccer

Community leagues and pickup games are common in parks and school fields.

Curling

Winter sport with clubs offering leagues and social events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate in Riverview, with peak times focused around commuter routes to Moncton during weekday mornings and evenings. Public transit connects to Moncton via bus routes; car travel across bridges is straightforward, though winter conditions can slow travel. Parking in Moncton is competitive near the downtown core, but Riverview offers ample local options.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Riverview.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer veggie mains; look for plant-based dishes, salads, soups, and substitutions; Moncton Market vendors also offer vegetarian-friendly options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is primarily located in Moncton with hospitals like the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre and Moncton Hospital offering emergency and specialty services. Riverview has nearby clinics and pharmacies, but major care usually requires a short drive to Moncton. Provincial health coverage applies to residents and visitors with a valid plan.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

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