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.
Updated: January 2026
Day 1 — Downtown Moncton: Murals, Food & River Light
Stay: Canvas Hotel — modern rooms with a relaxed, social feel
Breakfast: Bar 55 Café (lobby)
Stroll: Main Street murals → Capitol Theatre
Lunch: Atelier Tony (Dieppe)
In the afternoon, check the tides and head to the Petitcodiac Riverfront Trail to catch the tidal bore — a uniquely Moncton moment where the river reverses itself.
Evening: Happy Craft Brewing for golden-hour street scenes and an easy first night in town.
Photo cues: Capitol façade at dusk, reflections along the river, rooftop details at Canvas.
Day 2 — Fundy Coast & Waterfalls
An early start takes you to Hopewell Rocks at low tide — one of the most dramatic landscapes in Atlantic Canada.
Continue into Fundy National Park:
- Dickson Falls (mossy details, intimate compositions)
- Laverty Falls (wide angles and motion)
- Point Wolfe Covered Bridge (iconic red structure)
Lunch: Alma Lobster Shop
Views: Herring Cove · Matthew’s Head
Back in town: Gahan House
Stay: Delta Beauséjour
Pro tip: Pack layers and an ND filter — Fundy light changes fast.
Need high-resolution imagery of the Fundy Coast for your DMO campaign? View my portfolio here.
Day 3 — History, Art & Wine
Morning: Resurgo Place / Moncton Museum — hands-on exhibits and rail history
Light lunch: Sugar Roll (Dieppe)
Spend the afternoon looping Moncton’s mural districts around Main Street and the Farmers’ Market area, then head uphill for a tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery — known for its blueberry wines and wide city views.
This is a slower day, ideal for details, interiors, and quiet observations.
Day 4 — Food Focus & Beach Escape
Brunch: Atelier Tony (worth repeating)
Coffee & bakery stops: Café Bistro C’est La Vie · Boulangerie Tony
Seafood: Catch 22 Lobster Bar or Big Fish Market (take-home)
In the afternoon, drive to Parlee Beach — one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada — with a quick stop in Shediac to see the lobster statue.
Evening: A relaxed brewery crawl: Pump House · Happy Craft · CAVOK.
Top Things to Do in Moncton (At-a-Glance)
- Hopewell Rocks (walk at low tide, kayak at high tide)
- Fundy National Park (waterfalls, coast, covered bridges)
- Tidal Bore & Riverfront Park
- Resurgo Place (great for families)
- Downtown murals & Capitol Theatre
- Magnetic Hill Winery (tastings & views)
- Parlee Beach (summer favourite)
- Local breweries (Pump House, Happy Craft, CAVOK)
- Events and sports at Centre Avenir
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—downtown and riverfront are compact. Use taxis/Uber for Magnetic Hill, Winery, or Parlee.
May to October for patios, parks, and markets—fall colours peak late September to early October.
Not essential for the core; handy for Fundy/Parlee day trips.
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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