3 Reasons to Host your next Conference in Southeast New Brunswick

3 Exciting Day Trips to Explore Fall Foliage in New Brunswick

Fall, or autumn if you prefer, is a popular season for hosting annual conventions and conference events. The last Sunday in September kicks off Fall Foliage Week and there is no better place to see the beautiful fall colours than here in New Brunswick.

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. The cities of Moncton and Dieppe, perfectly nestled between the Fundy and Acadian coasts, offer everything you need at just the right moments. The Greater Moncton Area, encompassing Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview, beautifully blends English and French Acadian cultures in the heart of the Maritimes. The tidal bore—where the mighty Bay of Fundy tides reverse the flow of the Petitcodiac River—is just one of many outdoor delights. It connects our diverse cultures as well as our tri-communities with the excitement of the tides rolling in twice daily. 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! Then spend a day with over 75 indigenous and exotic species of animals at the Magnetic Hill Zoo (125 Magic Mountain Rd., Moncton) where you can 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.

Explore Moncton & Dieppe’s many murals and art scenes with a guided version of the Moncton Mural Tour offered by ABConnect Travel. Self-guided routes and maps are also available on the Moncton-Dieppe website.

Interested in learning more about Moncton’s history? Your must-stops include Resurgo Place (20 Mountain Rd.), MR21 Digital Cathedral (224 St. George St.) and the Musee acadien de l’Université de Moncton (405 Universite Ave.). At Resurgo Place, learn and discover the Moncton Museum, Transportation Discovery Centre for historical cool facts of the transportation impact of our hub city, Visitor Information Centre and our heritage landmarks. The Monument for Recognition in the 21st Century is an interpretation center located in the only digital cathedral in Atlantic Canada: the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption cathedral. Run by a secular non-profit organization, its original content should interest all visitors wishing to discover this New-Brunswick heritage gem and learn about an often overlooked facet of Acadian history.  See the original Acadian flag and learn about the deportation in 1755 at the Musee Acadien.

 

Our nature, our parks and our people are best enjoyed in our natural settings and many parks, including Dieppe`s Rotary Park, the Skating Oval in Dieppe or any of our miles and miles of trails.

Of course, we can’t highlight Moncton-Dieppe without shining a light on our delicious local food and beverages! Brix Experience, LaRouère Chocolat, Dolma Foods, le Verger Belliveau, Pump House Brewpub, Antler`s Whiskey Lounge and Epoch Coffee Chemistry are all prime examples of unique ways to taste our local flavours.

2. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the Acadian Peninsula! On this leg of the road trip, guests are enveloped by the joyful Acadian culture, stunning coastal scenery, and delectable cuisine.

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.

Browse handmade goods at the Bouctouche Farmers’ Market or visit the sandy beaches and charming lighthouses. Keep your toes tapping and your fingers snapping, when you experience Le Pays de la Sagouine ultimate Acadian experience on the Bouctouche Bay and Akadi Lumina immersive enchanted night walks that animate the forest, inspired by Acadian culture!

Immerse yourself into a cultural experience of traditional ways of the Mi’gmaw Culture in Elsipogtog First Nation. Guests have a variety of choices and experiences to choose from while visiting the centre, exploring the culture, taking part in guided Heritage Path Tour to learn about medicinal plants, berries and trees, learn how to make a traditional basket and so much more!

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. Enjoy an Alice in Wonderland themed lunch at Bistro le Moque-Tortue or mouth watering chocolates at Adorable Chocolat.

Aboiteau Beach is a beloved local hotspot, known for its warm, sandy shores. Remarkably, it became the first saltwater beach in Canada to receive Blue Flag certification in 2018, and in 2023, it was the first beach in Eastern Canada to earn the Rainbow Registered certification.

While you are proposing trips to the Cap-Acadie region, be sure to include the many events that are happening and a stop at Chateau Scoudouc for a sweet treat!

3. From asphalt to ocean floor to awestruck. The tide may rise and fall. But your heart rate will stay elevated. This 460 km (286 mi.) drive leads you on a breathtaking voyage along the wild Bay of Fundy coastline. Home to the world’s highest tides, Fundy is a true natural wonder. With spectacular vistas along the coast, fossil-filled mudflats to explore, and coastal kayaking, this natural treasure will fill you with awe, no matter how you approach it.

The Town of Riverview has lots to offer, from waterfront trails to organized sports – there’s something for everyone. Let’s not forget the Holy Bowly retro-themed bowling alley… newly renovated by the owners of Holy Whale Brewery. The Holy Whale Beer Hall and Garden, which has its home in a renovated church in Alma is also located in Riverview as an indoor/outdoor taphouse situated in Chocolate River Station overlooking the beautiful Petitcodiac River.

From there, 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.

Get to know the locals at the Fundy Harvest Farmers Market, then just a step away, enjoy local beverages and relax at the Hope-Wellness EcoResort.

However, 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 – one of New Brunswick’s top attractions. The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides! Stay in an oTENTik or the Mountainview B&B before stopping to explore and shop local art in the Fundy Studio Tour.

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 CourtHouse and County Gaol where the County’s axe murderer was trialed 3 times before being convicted and jailed.  Don’t forget to visit the Steeves House Museum and NB Railway Museum located in Hillsborough as well.

Continue to look for 6 covered bridges along the way to the seaside fishing village of Alma and Fundy National Park! Stroll and enjoy the quaint fishing village of Alma; whether amongst the several shops and boutiques, the fishing wharf or walk on the ocean floor on the beach at low tide. Dine on fresh lobster or scallops; enjoy a world famous sticky bun or a pint of local craft beer; hike, kayak or canoe in nearby Fundy National Park.