As someone who is very ocean-minded all-day, every day, I’m not exactly known for spending a bunch of time in the city during the summer months.
It’s not that I don’t think there are tons of cool things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick. It’s just that the beach calls to me and yes—I’d always rather be island hopping.
BUT, it just so happened that we recently found ourself with in a humid, drizzly Saturday afternoon that left dipping my toes in the ocean as a less-than-desirable option.
The skies were a little dark, the clouds were a little ominous and going to the beach (or anywhere worth driving to) seemed questionable.
So what did we do? We had an ocean of fun in our own city by heading out at Magnetic Hill.
And you know what? We saw and did a lot in only three hours. Follow along for our best recommendations for a mini trip to Magnetic Hill, New Brunswick.
THE MAGNETIC HILL WHARF VILLAGE
The Wharf Village and Shops at Magnetic Hill is a staple Moncton destination, but it wasn’t always so!
For years, the wharf and its shops were closed up and the buildings had seen better days.
That was until an amazing local couple bought the property and returned it to ‘must-see’ status again.
Because it was early afternoon, we grabbed coffee and a cinnamon maple latte at the cafe and ice cream shop.
Feeling a bit more peckish than that? The Warf Village has been fully restored and features a fantastic patio to enjoy lunch with a view.
We strolled the shops, said hi to the ducks, and of course—took advantage of all the photo ops before moving on to our next destination.
Plan your Magnetic Hill Wharf Village visit here.
THE MAGNETIC HILL ZOO
The Zoo is a classic tourism destination that I frequent several times a year. I could spend a whole afternoon there—or pop by for an hour or two to see some of my faves like the otters, tortoises, and emus.
Pack yourself a picnic lunch and make a day of it, or pop by with what time you have to stroll at your leasure.
There are plenty of facilities in the zoo and there is a delicious food truck with a variety of options for the whole family if lugging lunch with you isn’t an attractive option.
Make sure to bring some loonies for the petting zoo if you’d like to purchase feed and definitely check out their new enclosure for the arctic wolves!
Plan your Zoo trip here.
MAGIC MOUNTAIN
“Have some fun cause we’re going to Magic Mountain” is a tune any kid from the 80s or 90s that grew up in Moncton is familiar with.
Our beloved waterpark, Magic Mountain, really IS a destination you can spend a whole day at. Since it was less than stellar weather, we focused on the non-waterpark features.
If you haven’t been up to the hill in awhile, you might be surprised to find that there is so much more to Magic Mountain than just waterslides.
Rides from Moncton’s retired Crystal Palace amusement park now live outdoors at Magic Mountain; ranging from kids rides to bumper cars to the famous Crystal Palace Swings.
There’s also a ton of games and an arcade perfect for rainy days.
We’re not usually suckers for games of chance but we spotted a lobster boil themed game and it was hook line sinker.
Dan even won me the biggest stuffy, so it was pretty much the best girlfriend experience I could have imagined at Magic Mountain.
But the REAL hidden gem that I love at Magic Mountain is their mini-put.
Yes folks, I’m an absolute sucker for mini-put. In my opinion, Moncton really could use more mini-put… but I digress.
There are two 18-hole courses to choose from and while they’re pretty easy—we both got hole in ones at one point—I promise with the right attitude, you’ll have a ton of fun.
Plan your Magic Mountain visit here.
Moncton may be known as the “Hub City” that folks stop in on their way to other destinations, but I have to admit: I was giddy after our fun day in the city playing tourists.
I’m sure this won’t be our last time playing in our backyard.
I’d love to know – what are you favorite tourist stops in Moncton? Leave me a comment with your faves 👇🏻
Planning a trip to Moncton in the near future? I’m always happy to share my favorite haunts. Message me on Facebook or send me an email.
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