3 Exciting Destinations to Explore in South East New Brunswick

Opposite fall, spring is another popular season for hosting annual conventions and conference events. We were recently treated to 3 exciting familiarization tours with Destination Moncton-Dieppe. We explored Moncton-Dieppe the first day, followed by the Acadian Coast and finally the Fundy Coast on the last day. Starting today for the next 3 weeks, on our social media channels we will feature a different area to visit and explore when you are not in conference. We think you will have much more than 3 exciting day trips or reasons you’ll want to host your next conference in beautiful New Brunswick. Come see for yourself!

1. 

   Wallabies at the Magnetic Hill Zoo

   You will definitely want to visit a few gems in the North end of Moncton. First, you’ll have to try the Magnetic Hill phenomenon and experience your vehicle “magnetically” being pulled uphill while you’re in neutral! Take your time and spend a day with over 75 indigenous and exotic species of animals at the Magnetic Hill Zoo (125 Magic Mountain Rd., Moncton). You might even get to enjoy a chat with of the zookeepers during your visit and learn why the Magnetic Hill Zoo is the leader in education and conservation action in Atlantic Canada. After you’ve built up an appetite in the zoo, head over to the Magnetic Hill Wharf Village and join the locals for some delicious food, tasty treats, and unique shopping.

Stay at the Magnetic Hill Winery Guesthouse so you can spend some time at USVA spa nordik for a luxurious stress-free thermal experience or treatment. Escape to a world where everything centers around relaxation, and then return to Magnetic Hill Winery for some delicious charcuterie and award-winning wine overlooking the vineyards and City of Moncton below.

Enjoy and celebrate everything the coffee cherry has to offer at Epoch Chemistry. Enjoy the finest coffee beans from around the world, locally roasted into unique beverages by the cup, or even in a special guided tasting experience. Got a craving for some locally-made single origin chocolate? Visit the La Rouere boutique and factory (150 Weldon St., Moncton) to experience cacao and chocolate in its purest form. Sit and enjoy a tasting flight of their various single origin chocolates, or relax while sipping a rich hot cacao elixir!

Interested in learning more about Moncton’s history? Your must-stops include Resurgo Place (20 Mountain Rd.) and the Musee acadien de l’Université de Moncton (405 Universite Ave.). At Resurgo Place, learn and discover the Moncton Museum, Transportation Discovery Centre, Visitor Information Centre and our heritage landmarks. See the original Acadian flag and learn about the deportation in 1755 at the Musee Acadien.

2. From Moncton, head East on NB-15 to NB-11 North to the Irving Eco-centre, la Dune de Bouctouche (1876 NB-475, Saint-Édouard-de-Kent) on the Acadian Coastal Drive. La dune de Bouctouche was developed by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to preserve and restore one of the few remaining great 12km sand dunes on the northeastern coastline of North America. Park visitors can use the boardwalk stretching along the dune to explore both the dune’s wilderness and its salt marsh without endangering the sensitive ecosystems.
   

   Smurf, the blue lobster

Extend your visit into the summer to experience Le Pays de la Sagouine ultimate Acadian experience on the Bouctouche Bay and Akadi Lumina immersive enchanted night walks that animate the forest! Or get your ticket to the extraordinary Ballet by the Ocean. Enjoy the astounding beauty of the award-winning Atlantic Ballet while savouring incredible local food pairings by celebrated New Brunswick chefs; all set on the beautiful southeast shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Return south on NB-11 to Shediac (the Lobster Capital of the World) where you can visit the World’s Largest Lobster and the Homarus Centre (229 Main St.). Immerse yourself if the interpretive Homarus Centre that offers a unique and interactive experience related to the mysterious world of lobsters and marine ecosystems. From June to September, enjoy a 2-1/2 hour complete Lobster Tales adventure on the bay with Shediac Bay Cruises.

3. From Moncton, head south on the Fundy Coastal Drive (NB Route 114) along the west side of the Petitcodiac River to Hillsborough where you can visit Briggs Maples retail gift shop (2979 Main St.) and Oliver’s German Bakery. Continue to look for 6 covered bridges along the way to the seaside fishing village of Alma and Fundy National Park! But, check the tide times first as you’ll want to walk the ocean floor or kayak around the majestic flowerpot rocks carved by erosion over thousands of years at Hopewell Rocks. The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides!

Hopewell Rocks

Stay in an oTENTik or the Mountainview B&B before stopping to explore and shop local art in the Fundy Studio Tour. Finally, for some local history and thrilling stories, visit the Albert County Museum (3940 Route 114, Hopewell Cape) right across from Wendy Johnston Pottery Art Effects Fine Craft Gallery. Explore the land, sea and people of this beautiful part of New Brunswick in the 1845 County capital. Visit the historic Court House and County Gaol where the County’s axe murderer was trialed 3 times before being convicted and jailed.

Also check out our 5 Exciting Day Trips to Explore Fall Foliage in New Brunswick