Moncton is often treated as a stopover. Spend a few days here, and it reveals itself as something more—a small city with strong creative energy, easy access to nature, and a food scene that punches well above its weight.
This 4-day Moncton itinerary is designed for travellers who want an easygoing urban base with quick escapes to the Fundy coast, local culture, and some of the best light in southeastern New Brunswick.
📍 Logistical Quick-Start: Before you dive into the itinerary, check out my Map of Moncton. It covers the “Hub City” layout, driving times to Hopewell Rocks, and my hand-picked hotel pins to help you choose the best home base.
Day 1 — Downtown Moncton: Murals, Food & River Light
- Stay: Canvas Hotel — modern rooms with a relaxed, social feel.
- Breakfast: Bar 55 Café (lobby).
- Stroll: Explore the Main Street murals toward the historic Capitol Theatre.
- Lunch: Atelier Tony (Dieppe) — a must-visit for artisanal flavours.
In the afternoon, check the Tidal Bore arrival times and head to the Petitcodiac Riverfront Trail (near Bore Park). This is a uniquely Moncton moment where the river reverses itself—perfect for long-exposure photography.
Evening: Happy Craft Brewing for golden-hour street scenes and an easy first night in town.
Day 2 — Fundy Coast: The “Flowerpot Rocks” & Waterfalls
An early start takes you to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park at low tide—one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.
Pro Tip: Pack layers and an ND filter. The Bay of Fundy light changes rapidly, and you’ll want the filter to smooth out the water around the “Flowerpot” formations.
Continue into Fundy National Park:
- Dickson Falls: Mossy details and intimate compositions.
- Laverty Falls: Wide angles and motion-blur opportunities.
- Point Wolfe Covered Bridge: An iconic red structure perfect for heritage photography.
- Lunch: Alma Lobster Shop (Fresh, local, and authentic).
- Views: Herring Cove and Matthew’s Head.
Evening: Back in town at Gahan House for a celebratory meal. Stay: Delta Beauséjour (Central and reliable).
Need High resolution for your Moncton campaign, contact me.
Day 3 — History, Art & Hidden Gems
Late Afternoon: Head uphill to Magnetic Hill Winery for a tasting. Their blueberry wines are a local staple, and the view overlooking the city as the sun begins to dip is unbeatable
Morning: Resurgo Place / Moncton Museum — hands-on exhibits and the fascinating heritage of the “Hub City” rail industry.
Lunch: Mansu BBQ (Dieppe) — A personal favourite of mine. It’s light, delicious, and authentic. I highly recommend the Bulgogi or the Spicy Pork BBQ—the portions are generous, but the food is clean and fresh, perfect for a busy travel day.
Afternoon: Spend your time looping Moncton’s mural districts around the Farmers’ Market area (check out the alleyways near Main St.).
Day 4 — Food Focus & Acadian Beach Escape
- Brunch: Atelier Tony (it truly is worth repeating).
- Coffee Stops: Café Bistro C’est La Vie or Boulangerie Tony.
- Seafood: Catch 22 Lobster Bar or Big Fish Market (perfect for take-home).
In the afternoon, take the 20-minute drive to Parlee Beach—home to the warmest saltwater in Canada. Stop in Shediac to photograph the World’s Largest Lobster sculpture.
Evening: A relaxed brewery crawl to toast the trip: Pump House, Happy Craft, and CAVOK.
Top Things to Do in Moncton (At-a-Glance)
- Hopewell Rocks: Walk the ocean floor at low tide; kayak at high tide.
- Fundy National Park: Iconic waterfalls and coastal hiking trails.
- Tidal Bore viewing: Catch the wave at Bore Park downtown.
- Cultural Hubs: Resurgo Place and the downtown mural circuit.
- Magnetic Hill Winery: Local tastings with a view.
- Shediac & Parlee Beach: Classic Acadian coast vibes.
Seafood Markets and Restaurants
Point-du-Chêne Wharf
Denis & Bénie (Cap-Pelé)
Big Fish (Dieppe)
Tony’s Restaurant (Moncton)
Chez Léo (Shediac)
Photo credit: Point du Chene Wharf.
Art & Galleries
Apple Art Gallery (Dieppe) · Galerie Louise-et-Reuben-Cohen · Moncton Gallery (City Hall) · Starving Artist Gallery & Gifts · Wildabout Wampum
Fall Game Plan (Leaf-Peeping)
Best time: late September to early October
Hikes: Fundy · Mapleton Park · Irishtown Park
Drives: Fundy Coastal Drive (Route 114) · Memramcook & Pré-d’en-Haut
Markets & orchards: Belliveau Orchard · La Fleur du Pommier
Seasonal events: Ready, Set, Grow! · Boo at the Zoo · Keillor House Haunted Tours
Why I Love Moncton
Moncton has small-city ease with big-hearted creativity. Murals turn alleys into galleries, cafés remember your name, and river light keeps photographers out until the last glow fades.
For tourism boards or hospitality brands looking for high-resolution destination photography and storytelling in New Brunswick, please visit my Work With Me page or Contact Me for a 2026 Media Kit.
FAQ about Moncton
Yes. The downtown core and riverfront are very compact. For Magnetic Hill, Parlee Beach, or Fundy National Parkday trips, a rental car or rideshare is recommended.
May to October offers the best weather for patios and markets. For leaf-peeping, aim for late September to early October when the Fundy Coastal Drive (Route 114) is in full colour.
While not essential for downtown, a car is “highly recommended” to fully experience the Fundy Coast and Shediac day trips included in this itinerary.
About the Author
Written and photographed by Roland Bast, a Canadian travel photographer and destination storyteller sharing first-hand experiences from across Canada and beyond. Roland’s work focuses on places shaped by culture, landscape, and everyday moments, with an emphasis on Atlantic Canada and regional travel.
Keep exploring:
24 Hours in Moncton | A Photographer’s Guide to Food, Art, and Local Brews
Autumn in Moncton: Cozy Markets, Fall Colours & Local Flavours
Unique Stays in Moncton-Dieppe: A Hotel Guide
Moncton on the Gram
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