My 4-day guide to Moncton. A Year-Round Destination

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Discover Moncton-Dieppe: Where to Stay & What to Explore

My 4-day moncton Itinerary to this vibrant New Brunswick gem is brimming with a dynamic culinary scene, modern accommodations, and must-see attractions. Moncton-Dieppe promises comfort, convenience, and excitement whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a more extended adventure

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With daily direct flights from cities like Ottawa and many regions via Porter Airlines, getting here has never been easier. From urban charm to outdoor escapes, this destination offers something for every traveller.

 


Day 1: Exploring Downtown Moncton

Best for urban photography, street life, and food lovers

Morning: Arrival & Check-in at The Canvas Hotel

  • Stay: The Canvas Hotel – Luxury downtown stay with modern decor and an urban rooftop bar.
  • Photo Highlights: Architectural shots of the hotel’s contemporary design, the vibrant elevator art, and cityscape views from the rooftop.
Canvas Hotel Moncton exterior at sunset showcasing its stunning modern architecture with warm lighting against a vibrant sky. MONCTON, Roland Bast photo, Media
Canvas Hotel Moncton illuminated at sunset, highlighting its striking architectural design and inviting atmosphere.

Breakfast at Bar 55 Café (Canvas Hotel Lobby)

  • What to Capture: Morning light filtering through the stylish cafe, a well-plated breakfast, and cozy seating areas.

Mid-Morning: Strolling Main Street & Moncton Murals

  • Walk along Main Street to capture Moncton’s colorful street art & murals.
  • Visit Capitol Theatre for historic charm & detailed architecture shots.

Lunch: Atelier Tony (Dieppe)

  • Photo Opportunities: Elegant plating, warm interior design, and behind-the-scenes chef action.

Afternoon: Moncton’s Tidal Bore & Riverfront Walk

  • Capture the Tidal Bore phenomenon (check tide schedule) for unique action shots.
  • Walk the Riverfront Park Trail for scenic river views, sunset silhouettes, and reflections of Château Moncton Hotel.

Evening: Sunset at Happy Craft Brewing

  • Enjoy golden hour photography with craft beer and lively street views.
Happy Brewery, located on Main Street, Moncton, after-work drink.

Best for landscapes, hikes, waterfalls, and nature photography

Morning: Drive to Fundy National Park (1.5 hours)

  • Stop at Hopewell Rocks for breathtaking sunrise shots (best at low tide).

Hiking & Waterfall Photography in Fundy

  • Dickson Falls Trail: Short hike with mossy forest and cascading waterfalls.
  • Laverty Falls: Wide-angle shots of the falls with surrounding cliffs.
  • Point Wolfe Covered Bridge: Iconic red bridge surrounded by Fundy’s forest.

Lunch: Alma Lobster Shop (Alma, NB)

  • Capture fresh seafood dishes and the rustic fishing village atmosphere.

Afternoon: Beach & Coastal Views

  • Herring Cove Beach: Long exposure ocean shots and moody beach landscapes.
  • Matthew’s Head Trail: Dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean vistas.

Evening: Return to Moncton & Dinner at Gahan House

  • Stay at Delta Beauséjour for comfort and relaxation.
  • Capture moody downtown Moncton street scenes with evening lights.

Day 3: Exploring History, Art & Wine

Resurgo Place & Moncton Museum

(Great for families & curious minds)

  • Dive into hands-on science exhibits, history displays, and railway artifacts that bring Moncton’s past to life.
  • A great stop for kids who love interactive learning experiences.

📍 Location: Downtown Moncton
Tickets: Check the official website for admission details.


Light Lunch at Sugar Roll (Japanese Cuisine, Dieppe)

  • Enjoy a light and flavorful meal at Sugar Roll, a cozy spot serving fresh sushi, ramen, and Japanese specialties.

📍 Location: Dieppe


Downtown Moncton & Street Murals

(Great for couples, families & solo travelers)

  • Stroll Main Street to discover vibrant street art, unique shops, and charming cafes.
  • Stop by the historic Capitol Theatre, a beautifully restored venue known for live performances and rich heritage.
  • Visit the Farmers Market area, where even more colorful murals showcase local artistry.

📍 Location: Downtown Moncton

Some of the colourful murals in Downtown Moncton next to the farmers Market.

Magnetic Hill Winery (Best for couples & wine lovers – 19+)

  • Relax with a local wine tasting and charcuterie board while taking in scenic vineyard views overlooking the Greater Moncton skyline.
  • Try the Blueberry Wine, a signature New Brunswick specialty.

📍 Location: 860 Front Mountain Rd, Moncton, NB E1G 3H3
Booking & Info: Magnetic Hill Winery

Day 4: Moncton’s Food Scene & Beach Escape

(Perfect for couples, solo foodies & families)

Indulge in a day of incredible eats, a relaxing beach getaway, and a taste of Moncton’s best craft brews to wrap up your trip.


Morning Brunch: Atelier Tony (Best Brunch in Moncton)

Start your day with a gourmet brunch at this stylish spot, known for its fresh, locally inspired dishes and beautiful presentation.

📍 Location: 50 Granite Dr, Moncton, NB E1H 2G9
🌐 Website

Atelier Tony, duck eggs benny, Dieppe, Moncton, NB, brunch is served beef and noodles

Coffee & Pastry Stop (Best Coffee & Bakery in Dieppe)

Best Coffee: Café Bistro C’est La Vie – Cozy atmosphere and expertly brewed coffee.
Best Bakery: Boulangerie Tony – Authentic French pastries and fresh-baked bread.

📍 Locations: Downtown Moncton & Dieppe


Seafood Lovers’ Pick: Catch 22 Lobster Bar (Best Seafood in Moncton)

Enjoy fresh lobster, seafood platters, and chowder at one of the top seafood spots in town.

📍 Location: 589 Main St, Moncton, NB E1C 1C6
🌐 Website

Bonus: If you’re looking for fresh seafood to take home, check out Big Fish, Dieppe for top-quality seafood.


Afternoon Escape: Parlee Beach Provincial Park

(Great for families & couples in summer)

  • Relax on one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada, with soft golden sands and shallow waters.
  • Take a short drive to Shediac to see the world’s largest lobster statue—a must for fun vacation photos!

📍 Location: 25-minute drive from Moncton
Park Info & Hours: Parlee Beach Provincial Park


Evening Drinks: Craft Breweries & Nightlife

(Great for couples & solo travelers)

Pump House Brewery – Famous for its refreshing Blueberry Ale.
Happy Craft Brewing is a cozy spot with great IPA options.
CAVOK Brewing Co. – A hidden gem in Dieppe with a relaxed atmosphere.

📍 Locations: Downtown Moncton & Dieppe
📍 Beer & Wine Guide: Courtesy of Destination Moncton-Dieppe

Pro Tip: Plan your evening using this handy Google Map of Moncton’s Craft Breweries.


Top 10 Things to Do in Moncton

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Moncton has something for everyone!
*Summer: Parlee Beach Concerts


1. Hopewell Rocks (Best for families, couples, and solo adventurers)

  • Walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak around the iconic rock formations at high tide.
  • Photo Tip: Capture the flowerpot rocks during golden hour for dramatic lighting.

📍 Location: 40 min drive from Moncton


2. Fundy National Par (Best for outdoor lovers & photographers)

  • Hike scenic trails like Dickson Falls & Laverty Falls.
  • Visit Point Wolfe Covered Bridge for iconic red bridge shots.

📍 Location: 1.5-hour drive from Moncton


3. Magnetic Hill & Magnetic Hill Zoo (Best for families & first-time visitors)

  • Drive “uphill” in neutral at Magnetic Hill for a mind-bending optical illusion.
  • Visit Magnetic Hill Zoo for up-close animal encounters.

📍 Location: 15 min from downtown


4. Tidal Bore & Riverfront Park (Great for all travelers, especially solo photographers)

  • Witness the Tidal Bore, a natural wave reversing the river’s flow.
  • Walk the Riverfront Trail for stunning cityscape and nature views.

📍 Location: Downtown Moncton


5. Resurgo Place & Moncton Museum (Great for families & curious minds)

  • Hands-on science exhibits, history, and railway artifacts make this museum a fun stop for all ages.
  • Perfect for kids who love interactive learning.

📍 Location: Downtown Moncton


6. Downtown Moncton & Street Murals (Great for couples & solo travelers)

  • Walk Main Street to discover vibrant street art, shops, and cafes.
  • Visit Capitol Theatre for historic charm and live performances.

📍 Location: Downtown Moncton


7. Magnetic Hill Winery (Best for couples & wine lovers)

  • Enjoy local wine tastings at a scenic vineyard overlooking the Petitcodiac River.
  • Try the Blueberry Wine, a New Brunswick specialty.

📍 Location: Near Magnetic Hill


8. Moncton’s Food Scene (Perfect for couples, solo foodies & families)

  • Best Brunch: Atelier Tony
  • Best Seafood: Catch 22 Lobster Bar
  • Best Coffee: Café Bistro C’est La Vie
  • Best Bakery: Boulangerie Tony

📍 Location: Various spots around Moncton & Dieppe


9. Parlee Beach Provincial Park (Great for families & couples in summer)

  • One of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada with golden sands and shallow waters.
  • Pro Tip: Visit nearby Shediac for the world’s largest lobster statue!

📍 Location: 25 min drive from Moncton


10. Craft Breweries & Nightlife (Great for couples & solo travellers)

  • Pump House Brewery: Famous for its Blueberry Ale.
  • Happy Craft Brewing: Cozy spot with great IPA options.
  • CAVOK Brewing Co.: Hidden gem in Dieppe with a relaxed vibe.

📍 Location: Downtown Moncton & Dieppe

Seafood Markets & Takeout Spots

Moncton & Dieppe

Big Fish Market (Dieppe)

  • Type: Fresh seafood market & takeout
  • What They Offer: Lobster, scallops, fresh fish, seafood chowder, and takeout meals
  • Why Visit? Great for picking up fresh seafood to cook at home or grabbing a quick, delicious seafood meal

Tony’s Seafood (Moncton)

  • Type: Seafood market & takeout
  • What They Offer: Fresh Atlantic fish, shellfish, seafood platters, and prepared seafood dishes
  • Why Visit? A local favourite for high-quality seafood and ready-to-eat meals

Shediac

Chez Léo

  • Type: Classic seafood takeout
  • What They Offer: Famous for fried clams, lobster rolls, and seafood platters
  • Why Visit? A must-stop for a quick seafood fix while exploring Shediac

Point-du-Chêne Wharf Seafood Market

  • Type: Fresh seafood market & takeout
  • What They Offer: Live lobster, fresh fish, oysters, and takeout seafood dishes
  • Why Visit? Perfect for grabbing fresh seafood right off the wharf

Aboiteau & Cap-Pelé

Denis & Bénie Seafood (Cap-Pelé)

  • Type: Seafood market & takeout
  • What They Offer: Fresh-caught lobster, crab, clams, and seafood chowder
  • Why Visit? A go-to spot for locals looking for quality seafood at great prices

Beyond the summer and fall festivities, Moncton-Dieppe offers year-round attractions for every type of traveller. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or local shopping, there’s something for everyone.

Outdoor & Nature Experiences

  • Moncton Tidal Bore – Witness the incredible phenomenon of the Petitcodiac River reversing its flow. A powerful wave pushes upstream. It is a must-see natural wonder.
  • Centennial Park – A beautiful urban park with walking trails. It also features a splash park and picnic areas. In winter, there is a ski hill.
  • Magnetic Hill – A gravity-defying illusion where your car appears to roll uphill—one of Moncton’s most famous attractions.
  • Irishtown Nature Park – It is one of the largest urban parks in Canada. The park features peaceful walking trails, a lake, and abundant wildlife. These elements make it ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Riverfront Park – A scenic spot along the Petitcodiac River with walking and biking trails, perfect for a sunset stroll.

Moncton is home to many shops

  • Kept on Main – A charming boutique with curated fashion, home décor, and unique gifts.
  • CF Champlain – The largest shopping mall in New Brunswick, offering a mix of local and international brands.
  • Moncton Market – Open on Saturdays. This lively market is a great spot for fresh produce. You can also find handmade goods and delicious local eats.
  • Dieppe Market – A must-visit for farm-fresh produce, gourmet treats, and Acadian specialties.

Family Friendly

  • Magnetic Hill Zoo – Home to over 400 animals, this well-maintained zoo is great for a family day out.
  • TreeGO Moncton – An aerial adventure park with zip lines and obstacle courses in a beautiful forest setting.
  • Magic Mountain Water Park – A summer favorite with water slides, a wave pool, and splash zones for all ages.

Golfing in Moncton-Dieppe

For golf enthusiasts, Moncton has some fantastic courses to explore:

  • Royal Oaks Golf Club – Premier 18-hole championship course
  • Fox Creek Golf Club – Scenic fairways and excellent facilities in Dieppe
  • Moncton Golf & Country Club – A classic, well-maintained course close to downtown

Explore Moncton’s Local Art Scene & Shops

Moncton is brimming with creativity, from fine art galleries to artisan boutiques. Whether you’re looking to admire, collect, or get inspired, these spots are must-visits:

A boutique-style gallery featuring over 20 local artists, showcasing a diverse mix of paintings, sculptures, and creative pieces. Perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind art!

Galerie d’art Louise-et-Reuben-Cohen – 
📍Moncton, NB

Located at Université de Moncton, this gallery highlights contemporary Acadian and Canadian artists, offering a deep dive into the region’s cultural identity.

An ever-changing exhibit space featuring local and regional artists, right inside City Hall. A perfect stop to soak in Moncton’s creative pulse.

vibrant artisan boutique with pottery, jewelry, paintings, and prints. If you love handmade, unique pieces, this is the spot to shop!
Wildabout Wampum – 
📍Moncton, NB

An artist-run space specializing in contemporary visual arts, nestled in the Aberdeen Cultural Centre. Expect an immersive experience into Indigenous and modern creativity.

These hidden gems are more than just galleries—they’re a window into Moncton’s artistic soul.

Experience Fall in Moncton-Dieppe

The morning air is crisp. The trees are painting the landscape in warm hues. The local markets are bursting with the season’s bounty. Fall is coming! Moncton-Dieppe is a spectacular place to watch the seasons change. So grab your coziest sweater and your favorite hot drink, and let’s plan your perfect autumn escape!



Leaf Peeping: Best Fall Hikes & Scenic Drives

Fall foliage lovers, rejoice! Moncton-Dieppe is surrounded by winding roads, forested hills, and valleys that transform into a breathtaking red, orange, and gold canvas. The leaves change in mid-September, with peak colors arriving in early October.

Best Fall Hikes

  • Fundy National Park (Alma) – Stunning coastal views and colorful forests
  • Mapleton Park (600 Mapleton Road) – A peaceful retreat within the city
  • Irishtown Nature Park (1155 Elmwood Drive) – One of the largest urban parks in Canada

Scenic Drives
Fundy Coastal Drive (Route 114) – Winding coastal roads with jaw-dropping views

Memramcook & Pré-d’en-Haut (Route 925) – A charming drive through the Acadian countryside

Restaurants

  • Atelier Tony (Dieppe) – French-inspired dishes with local ingredients
  • Les Brumes du Coude (140 Botsford Street) – Seasonal farm-to-table dining
  • Monk10 Taproom & Fine Eatery (40 Highfield Street) – Creative fall-inspired dishes
  • Sophia & Spritz (40 Lady Ada Boulevard) – A cozy spot with craft cocktails

Cafés & Bakeries

Bar 55 Café & Lounge (Canvas Hotel) – Great for breakfast meetings

Boulangerie Tony (Dieppe) – An Artisan bakery with fresh pastries

Café Bistro C’est La Vie (Main Street) – Cozy spot with delicious lattes

Fall is a season of abundance, and Moncton-Dieppe’s culinary scene embraces it with farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors.

Markets & Orchards

  • Belliveau Orchard (1209 Principale Street, Memramcook) – Apple-picking and fresh cider
  • La Fleur du Pommier (79 Rue Goguen Road, Cocagne) – A charming orchard with a café
  • Marché de Moncton (120 Westmorland Street) – Local produce, baked goods, and gourmet finds
  • Marché de Dieppe (232 Gauvin Road) – A lively Saturday morning market

Festivals & Fall Events in Moncton-Dieppe

Moncton-Dieppe is alive with harvest celebrations, markets, and seasonal festivals that unite the community. Something happens every weekend, whether you’re looking for family fun, live music, or the best local flavors!

Fall Festivals & Events

  • Ready, Set, Grow! (620 Coverdale Road, Riverview) – A fun fall fair for families
  • Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum (377 Killam Drive) – The perfect place to get ahead on holiday shopping
  • CF Champlain Mall & Mapleton Centre – Seasonal displays and shopping events

Spooky Season: Get in the Halloween Spirit

As the air gets cooler, things get spookier! Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly fun or a spine-tingling adventure, Moncton-Dieppe has plenty of Halloween thrills.

Haunted Attractions & Halloween Events

  • Haunted Corn Maze (Green Pig Country Market, Salisbury) – A creepy twist on a classic fall activity
  • Boo at the Zoo (Magnetic Hill Zoo) – Family-friendly Halloween fun
  • Haunted House Tour (Keillor House Museum, Dorchester) – Step inside a real haunted house—if you dare!

Why Moncton & Dieppe Are Perfect for Everyone

Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a solo traveler craving adventure, or a family looking for a fun-filled trip, Moncton and Dieppe have something for everyone.

Couples can enjoy scenic walks along the Petitcodiac River, intimate dinners at top-notch restaurants, and cozy stays in charming accommodations. Solo travellers will find endless opportunities for photography, cultural experiences, and outdoor exploration, from the unique tides at Hopewell Rocks to the lively downtown scene. Families, meanwhile, can delight in hands-on fun at the Magnetic Hill Zoo, thrilling water slides at Magic Mountain, and interactive exhibits at Resurgo Place.

With its perfect blend of nature, culture, and city life, this itinerary offers the best of both cities—ensuring that no matter how you travel, Moncton and Dieppe leave you with unforgettable memories.

Until my next adventure,
Roland

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I'm Roland Bast, a passionate travel photographer in Ottawa/Outaouais, Canada.
My work brings to life the beauty of historical sites, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cityscapes.
As a proud member of TMAC and TIAC, I strive to offer a fresh perspective on visual storytelling and capture the heart and soul of every destination I visit.

Come with me to explore the world, one captivating frame at a time!

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