Best things to do in Moncton

Walk with the animals and talk with animals at Magnetic Hill Zoo. Established in 1953 as a game farm home to orphaned and injured indigenous species, the zoo has expanded extensively over the years to feature more than 400 critters from over 100 indigenous and exotic species. Come and make friends with the lemurs, otters, lions, and bears in the 16 hectare (40 acre) site, with enclosures designed to resemble the species' natural habitats. The visitor center and signage around the zoo offers information of interest to children and adults, meaning you'll pick up plenty of interesting facts about your new friends.

Witness the natural phenomenon of Tidal Bore, caused by the rushing current at the Bay of Fundy. Twice a day when the tide comes in, the calm Petitcodiac River rolls back upstream in a single, rapid wave. You can observe the bore from the shore and relax on the nearby benches while waiting, or try white water rafting on the river for a thrilling ride when the bore wave comes. Check the visitor information center in downtown Moncton for approximate tidal arrival times.

For entertainment near the Magnetic Hill area, visit Casino New Brunswick. Established in 2010, the casino offers gambling, fine dining, live entertainment, and accommodations. Try your luck at the numerous slot machines, participate in a round of poker, or have some fun at the gaming tables, playing craps, roulette, or baccarat. Get a drink at the pub, enjoy the different buffets each day of the week, or catch a live performance.

Check out the gravity hill optical illusion at Magnetic Hill Park. Discovered in 1931, the Moncton hill area became a popular tourist attraction where people flocked to see the mysterious illusion for themselves. For a small fee, you can drive your car to the spot at the bottom of the hill and put it in neutral, at which point it will seemingly begin to roll backwards, uphill. The area also features a zoo and a water park.

Have a blast with the kids at Magic Mountain, a water park complete with rides and attractions. Part of the Magnetic Hill tourist site, the park attacts families on a hot day. You can experience a vast array of rides suitable for all ages. Float over waves in the wave pool or zip down over 13 slides at blazing fast speeds. Parents can relax and soak up the sun on lounge chairs while the kids play in the water. The park is not exclusive to water rides; it also features a small range of typical carnival rides.

Relax or recreate in the heart of the city at Centennial Park, offering a diverse range of activities. This sprawling urban green space covers 93 hectares (230 acres) of picturesque parkland. Those looking to work up a sweat can make use of an artificial soccer field (the only one in the city), top-quality tennis courts, and bowling greens. The park even features a fine-sand beach, ideal for family swimming and sunbathing sessions. Younger visitors can work off some energy at the splash park or wheelchair-accessible playground.

Packed full of hiking trails, thick forests, and rugged coastal stretches, Fundy National Park also boasts the highest tides anywhere on the planet. Situated along a namesake bay, the park features a 12 km (7.5 mi) long shoreline with tree-lined cliffs. Go for a wander and discover more than 25 waterfalls within the park, or journey along the 120 km (75 mi) of walking and hiking paths. At low tide, the water level can drop by more than 12 m (40 ft), allowing you to explore vast stretches of exposed seafloor. Be sure to check the tide tables to avoid danger from the returning water.

Adventure along Fundy Trail Parkway, a multiuse route through a national park. Opening up previously inaccessible areas of the coastline, the 19 km (11.8 mi) stretch can be traversed by car, bike, foot, or (in season) ski. Explore the coastal wilderness of clifftops and dense, lush forest, making sure to visit the right whale breeding areas. Many of the main viewing platforms and lookouts can accommodate wheelchairs; and, thanks to points of connection between the cycling-walking trails and the road, you can build your own itinerary of driving, walking, and riding.

Explore rock formations sculpted by the highest daily tides in the world at Hopewell Rocks. With tides as high as 16 m (52 ft), the site showcases two different types of shoreline. It reveals rocky outcrops at low tide, making the area akin to an exposed ocean floor. When the tide is in, you can explore the bay by kayak and hike through dense woods. Be sure to take the time to observe the tide coming in and out to see how the environment changes with this natural event.

Explore 243 hectares (600 acres) of diverse scenery at Irving Nature Park. Located just a few minutes from the city, the reserve protects the native landscape and wildlife of the area, with forest, marsh, and beach ecosystems managed throughout the year. Choose from eight walking trails of different lengths, taking in the diverse scenery of the Bay of Fundy coastline and inland areas. From the observation deck, spot seals diving and relaxing on the rocks, and bring your binoculars to observe the abundant avian life found here.