Intent: This page explains where Moncton is located in New Brunswick, how the Greater Moncton area is laid out geographically, and how the city connects to surrounding communities and landscapes.
Table of contents
Where Is Moncton?
Whether you are looking for Moncton tidal bore times, driving the Fundy Coastal Route, or using the city as a base for Hopewell Rocks, this map clarifies the logistics of the “Hub City” layout. As the “Gateway to Fundy,” Moncton sits between the Acadian Coast and the interior of the province, making it a central hub for travel through southeastern New Brunswick.
Rather than being isolated, Moncton forms part of a three-city region commonly referred to as Greater Moncton, which includes Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. This urban core is anchored by major entities like the Avenir Centre and the historic businesses along Main St., making it easy to navigate whether you are here for a concert or a coastal expedition.
Moncton Hub Travel Times
Use Moncton as your “spoke” to reach these iconic New Brunswick landmarks:
- Moncton to Hopewell Rocks: 35 minutes via Route 114.
- Moncton to Shediac (Giant Lobster): 20 minutes via Highway 15.
- Moncton to Fundy National Park: 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Moncton to Magnetic Hill: 15 minutes from Downtown.
- Moncton to Prince Edward Island: 1 hour to the Confederation Bridge.
- Logistics Note: As of 2026, the Confederation Bridge toll has been reduced to $20.00 for a standard passenger vehicle (The toll is only collected at the Borden-Carleton plaza when leaving Prince Edward Island.).
Map of the Moncton Region
On a map, Moncton appears as a river-based urban centre surrounded by suburban communities and low coastal landscapes.
Key features you will see on a map:
- Bore Park (Downtown): The primary geographic reference point for viewing the Petitcodiac River Tidal Bore. Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early; the wave can be unpredictable!
- The “Elbow” (The Bend): Where the river turns sharply, defining the historic core of the city.
- Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM): Located just 10 minutes (8 km) east of the downtown core in Dieppe.
- VIA Rail Station: Centrally located downtown near the Avenir Centre, serving as the passenger rail link for the Maritimes.
- The Shopping Anchors: * CF Champlain (Dieppe): Atlantic Canada’s largest shopping mall, located on the eastern edge of the city.
- Wheeler Park Power Centre: The major retail hub on the northern perimeter near Highway 2.
- Magnetic Hill: Positioned in the northwest corner, home to the famous gravity-defying hill, the Zoo, and Magic Mountain.
- The Riverfront Trail: A multi-use greenway that tracks the Petitcodiac River, physically connecting Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview for cyclists and walkers.
The most common geographic reference point is Moncton, which sits near the centre of southeastern New Brunswick and serves as a transportation and service hub for the region.
My interactive map provides a complete look at the accommodation landscape across Greater Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. To help you choose the best home base for your trip, I’ve pinned the top-rated hotels in the region, including my personal favourites from the Heads on Pillows partnership.
This map shows Moncton and the surrounding Greater Moncton area, including Dieppe and Riverview. Zoom in to explore how the city and river shape the region.
The Surrounding Communities of Moncton(Geographic Layout)
Moncton
Moncton forms the core of the region and sits along the north bank of the Petitcodiac River. It is the largest city in southeastern New Brunswick and functions as a commercial and transportation centre.
Dieppe
Dieppe lies east of Moncton and borders the Petitcodiac River and marshlands. It is closely connected to Moncton through urban development and shared infrastructure.
Riverview
Riverview is located south of Moncton, across the river. It provides direct access to riverfront trails and residential areas overlooking the city.
Together, Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview form the Greater Moncton area, which appears on maps as one continuous urban region divided by river crossings.
Moncton’s Position Within New Brunswick
On a provincial map, Moncton is located:
- East of Fredericton
- North of Saint John
- West of Acadian Coast
- South of Miramichi
Its position makes it a natural gateway between the Bay of Fundy region, Prince Edward Island, and the Acadian coastal communities.
How to Get to Moncton (By Map)
From Fredericton
Travel east along the Trans-Canada Highway toward Moncton.
Leaving from Saint John?
Drive northeast along Route 1 toward Moncton.
From Prince Edward Island
Cross the Confederation Bridge $$ to get off the Island and continue west toward Moncton.
From Halifax
Travel north through Nova Scotia and into southeastern New Brunswick toward Moncton.
On a map, Moncton sits roughly:
- 1.5 hours from Fredericton
- 1.5 hours from Saint John
- 1 hour from Prince Edward Island
- 2.5 hours from Halifax
Frequently Asked Questions
Moncton is located in southeastern New Brunswick along the Petitcodiac River, near the head of the Bay of Fundy. It is known as the “Hub City” because it sits at the center of the Maritimes’ rail and highway networks.
The best viewing spot is Bore Park (10 Bendview Court) in downtown Moncton. In 2026, it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes early, as the bore can arrive ahead of the predicted schedule. For the best photography, check the daily timetable at the visitor centre located adjacent to the park.
While the Avenir Centre does not have its own public lot, there are several HotSpot-enabled lots within a 5-minute walk.
Closest: The 1234 Main St. lot (Indigo) and Canada Street on-street parking.
Best Value: City-owned lots like the Moncton Market or Riverfront Park are free on weekends (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and offer flat rates in the evening.
The Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) is just 8 km (about 10 minutes) from the downtown core. In 2026, most major hotels provide airport shuttles, and taxi services like Air Cab serve the terminal 24/7.
Check your dates! For the Summer of 2026, the Canada Strong Pass provides free admission to Fundy National Park from June 19 to September 7. Outside of those dates, a standard Discovery Pass or daily fee applies.
Greater Moncton is a continuous urban region made up of Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. When looking at a map, they appear as one city, but they are connected by several bridges across the Petitcodiac River.
Yes. From your Moncton hotel, you can reach Prince Edward Island in 1 hour, Saint John in 1.5 hours, and Halifax in 2.5 hours. It is the most efficient logistical “Hub” for a multi-province road trip.
Summary
This page provides a geographic overview of Moncton and the surrounding Greater Moncton area, showing how the city, river, and nearby communities connect within southeastern New Brunswick. It is designed to help visitors understand where Moncton is located and how the region fits together on a map.
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