Here’s a road trip that’s tailor-made for the family adventurers, the avant-garde foodies and the intrepid urban explorers, with some great cultural experiences and cozy fall vibes sprinkled in between.
4-5 days, 131 km (81 mi.)
This is an adventure for those looking for a perfect autumn blend of city life, country roads and delicious eats. Best of all? It’s the perfect gateway to the glorious Fundy Coast and Acadian Shores road trips. Read on and hit the road!
Happening this fall on the Hub City Road Trip
Fall Fair, Sackville (Sept. 18-21)
Festival of Early Music, Sackville (September)
Oktoberfest at Winegarden Estate, Baie Verte (September)
Les rendez-vous d’automne, Memramcook (October)
Festival Parlures d’icitte, Memramcook (October)
Boo at the Zoo, Moncton (October)
FrancoFête en Acadie, Moncton (Nov. 4-9)
FICFA – International Francophone Film Festival in Acadie, Moncton (Nov. 18-23)
Check out other festivals and events happening in Destination Moncton-Dieppe this fall.
Days 1 - 3:
Destination Moncton-Dieppe
~75 km (47 mi.)
The perfect combination of urban amenities at nature’s doorstep, Destination Moncton-Dieppe really is the hub of all things fun in the heart of the Maritimes. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Fundy and Acadian coasts (two of New Brunswick’s most iconic locations, The Hopewell Rocks and Parlee Beach are about 30 minutes in either direction), the “hub city” is about as perfectly positioned as it gets.
Tailor this road trip to meet your ideal vacation style - whether it’s setting up home base in the city and taking day trips to the coast, or making it the jumping-off point for a road-tripping adventure. Either way, here’s how to make the most of your time in Moncton and Dieppe this fall.
If you're planning an overnight stay, we recommend booking your hotel and restaurants so you have plenty of time to explore before a night on the town. This city has a phenomenal culinary scene, with more than a few tastebud-bending options to finish your day - ranging from modern Acadian to international.
If you need some down time, grab your swimsuit and get ready to unwind. You’re headed to Usva Spa for an outdoor relaxation experience inspired by a Nordic ritual dating back more than 2000 years. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, you’ll get a view of Moncton sprawled out below as you settle into vacation mode.
The next morning, start your day with a fresh café mocha and a crêpe Bénédicte at the local gem that is Café Archibald. Stop at the Moncton Market downtown or the Dieppe Market to enjoy the flavours of the fall harvest. You will be sure to find all the fresh, healthy and tasty local products that make this season so great.
Then head off to your day’s jungle adventure: the Magnetic Hill Zoo. After all, if you’ve visited Moncton but didn’t come face-to-face with a full-size Amur Tiger, does it even count? This 40-acre park provides a friendly environment for visitors to connect with and learn about more than 70 indigenous and exotic species. Expertly cared for, the zoo’s residents are divided between four distinct areas: the Americas, Africa, Asia and Discovery.
While in the area, check out the famous Magnetic Hill, one of Canada’s most popular tourist attractions since the 1930s, and grab a treat or a souvenir at Magnetic Hill Wharf Village.
Stay for a while, but keep an eye on your watch as you won’t want to miss the natural phenomenon that is the Tidal Bore - where the incredible force of the Bay of Fundy tides pushes the Petitcodiac River backwards. Best viewed from Bore Park in downtown Moncton, it's right in the centre of the cities' trail system.
From there you can swing by Dieppe to explore the shops and catch live entertainment at Place 1604, or enjoy creative activities and exhibits at the Arts and Culture Centre. Then take a short drive to historic Doiron House. After your visit, head downstairs for a coffee break at Café Inclusio, where the staff thrives in an inclusive and welcoming space.
Next on your list is Resurgo Place, a local state-of-the-art facility that houses the Moncton Museum and the Transportation Discovery Centre. While you could probably spend the entire day learning and discovering through its multiple exhibits, be sure to head out just in time for your reservation at Atelier Tony. This upscale and downright decadent Dieppe eatery will never fail to treat you to a fabulous meal.
By then you might be ready for a quiet stroll through Magnetic Hill Winery. Savour delicious award-winning wines and discover the rich history of this unique estate, take in a breathtaking view of Moncton, and even stay the night at one of the finest bed & breakfasts around.
It’s one thing to grab a cup of joe, but it’s a whole other thing to take on the Epoch Tasting Experience. The Epoch Chemistry Coffee House is a unique spot located on St. George St. in Moncton. Be delighted with freshly roasted coffee and reconnect with your +1 over a heated—we recommend no more than 96 degree Celsius—game of chess.
Next up, you’re headed about 20 minutes outside of the city to Salisbury and the Green Pig Country Market. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, you’ll find freshly-grown vegetables and baked goods in a friendly community atmosphere. There you can also experience the NB Sunflower Festival in August (perfect photo op), and attempt to escape an epic corn maze between early September and Halloween.
Finish your Hub City experience with a short trip west of Salisbury to the Corn Hill Nursery. Have lunch at their Cedar Café, take a stroll through their impressive plant selection and be on the lookout for their informative workshops and seminars.
Road Trip Eats
- 🍩 Grab a box of heavenly donuts at Halo Donuts
- 🍻 Toast to your road trip at Tire Shack Brewery
- 🍽️ Get dressed up for date night at Les Brumes du Coude
Visit Destination Moncton-Dieppe for more ideas!
PLAN YOUR ROUTE: You’re getting close to the Ferries & Farms Road Trip - it’s about 30 minutes from Salisbury via NB-1 W. Keep heading in that direction for a river valley experience, or circle back to Moncton to continue the rest of the Hub City Road Trip.
Days 4 - 5:
Destination Southeast
~56 km (35 mi.)
The more rural regions around the cities of Moncton and Dieppe offer a wonderful contrast to the area’s central hub. With incredible historical and cultural significance - not to mention country roads that are a road tripper’s delight - it’s highly recommended to spend some time in the Cradle of Acadie and other surrounding areas.
Located at only 20 minutes from Dieppe via NB-106 E, Memramcook—also known as “the beautiful valley”—is one of those places you simply shouldn’t skip on your trip through Southeast New Brunswick. The region features vast marshlands, Acadian dykes and aboiteaux, along with walking paths and orchards, and is a significant migration route for songbirds, ducks and herons.
Here, you’ll find a warm welcome and your next destination in the lush rolling hills of the Verger Belliveau Orchards. In the spring, the apple blossoms are in full bloom and in the fall, their Apple U-pick is a must for families and lovebirds.
A few minutes away is another equally delicious experience at Crow & Vine Winery. Located on the banks of the Petitcodiac River, this 6-acre vineyard and cottage winery offers wine tastings, wood-fired pizza, and workshops.
On your way to Memramcook, find the Boudreau Covered Bridge on Gayton Road, the last of four that used to cross the Memramcook River. Recognized as a national historic site, it stands as a reminder of the past in this beautiful valley.
Learn about the Acadian cultural significance of the region at Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site, where an interactive exhibit and local theatre productions will take you on the journey of the Acadian people from the time of the deportation (1755) to the present day.
It’s a well-known fact that time travel will cause you to work up quite an appetite, so that’s why you’re on your way to your next destination: the town of Sackville, in Tantramar. It is home to Mount Allison University, many art galleries and the legendary Sappyfest festival. Sackville is also where you’ll enjoy a slice of heaven by dropping in at Goya’s Pizza for your next meal.
Take your time —and maybe even grab a slice for later — before you head to Sackville’s crown jewel: the Sackville Waterfowl Park. This award-winning 55-acre park is within walking distance from downtown. It boasts an impressive 3.5 kilometres of trails and boardwalks where you’ll enjoy a peaceful stroll through 200 species of plants and around 160 different species of birds. Admission is free.
When autumn rolls around, there’s no better place to soak it all in than at a local farm like Trueman Blueberry Farms, a short 10-minute drive from Sackville. In addition to hand-crafted small batch ice cream served in freshly baked waffle cones made on site, the farm has a market, a canteen, kids' games and activities for the entire family to enjoy, including sunflower and corn mazes in the late summer, as well as wagon rides and a pumpkin patch in the fall.
For your final stop on the Hub City Road Trip, take NB-16 E across the stretch of land that separates the Bay of Fundy from the Northumberland Strait. On Route 16 enjoy a meal at the lovely Bistro Le Chat Bleu in Baie Verte, and check out the offerings at Blue Roof Distillers in Malden, then find your way to Winegarden Estate in Baie Verte and toast to your journey with a crisp glass of German-style wine. Salut!
Road Trip Eats
- 🥪 Taste seasonal flavours and exceptional baked fare at Cranewood on Main in Sackville
- ☕ Enjoy a beverage surrounded by local art at Monument-Lefebvre Cultural Café
- 🍽️ Treat yourself to homemade delights at Wood Chef Bakery
Visit Destination Southeast for more ideas!
KEEP EXPLORING: Looking to continue your adventure? From Baie Verte, follow the coastline north to continue along the beautiful Acadian Shores Road Trip. Sandy shores, starry nights, and plenty of cottages and camping by the sea awaits! From Moncton, you can continue onto the Fundy Coast Road Trip, where you’ll discover the highest tides in the world, amazing seafood, and outdoor adventures for all.
Plan Your Route
Acadian Shores • Appalachian Outpost • Ferries & Farms • Fundy Coast • Hops & Harvest • Hub City • Miramichi River • Rides & Welcomes