Where to Stay in Moncton – A Guide to this NB City
Moncton is the most populated city in New Brunswick. Located in the southeast of the province, in the Petitcodiac River Valley and nicknamed the “Hub City,” Moncton is famous for being one of the main transportation and business centres in the Maritime provinces. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Moncton, NB.
As New Brunswick’s largest urban settlement and thanks to its position in the geographic centre of the Maritimes, Moncton is an important road and railway hub and business travel destination in Canada’s Atlantic Coast region.
Downtown Moncton is located on the north bank of the Petitcodiac River. This business and administrative district is home to Moncton’s top cultural and historical tourist attractions such as Resurgo Place; a complex housing the Moncton Museum, the Transportation Discovery Centre and the Moncton Visitor Information Centre, Riverfront Park, Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral and the Apple Art Gallery. See accommodation in Downtown Moncton.
The northwestern end of the city is home to Magnetic Hill. Some unmissable attractions in this area of Moncton include the Magnetic Hill Zoo, Magic Mountain SplashZone, Casino New Brunswick, and Mapleton Park. See accommodation in Northwest Moncton & Magnetic Hill.
Due to its inland location in New Brunswick, Moncton has a warm summer continental climate. This translates into four very distinct seasons and great variations between summer and winter temperatures. Summers are warm, with temperatures typically ranging between 14 and 25 ºC. Meanwhile, winters are snowy and icy, with temperatures around -13 and -3 ºC. The best time to visit Moncton is from late May to late September, when temperatures are pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
To get to Moncton by air, the city is served by the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport. Located 7 km east of downtown Moncton, this airport offers domestic connections to many cities in Canada’s eastern provinces including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and St John’s.
Moncton is also well-connected by train. Moncton Train Station is 1 km southwest of Downtown Moncton and offers Via Rail’s Ocean connections east toward Halifax and west to Montreal. See train routes, schedules & fares.
Additionally, Moncton is also well-connected through a network of long-distance buses to other New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec cities and towns. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around town, Moncton has a very efficient public transport system consisting of bus routes operated by Codiac Transpo. This city also offers regular taxis and mobile apps like Uber, and you can choose to rent a car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Moncton is the Downtown District. Moncton’s City Centre is home to the main cultural attractions, nightlife venues and restaurants in town. Downtown is also where the top-rated hotels are located. See accommodation in Downtown Moncton.
Another great area to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Moncton is Northwest Moncton & Magnetic Hill.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Moncton, NB.
The Best Areas to Stay in Moncton, Canada
1. Recommended area: Moncton City Centre
Downtown Moncton is located on the north bank of the Petitcodiac River.
Centred around Main Street, this lively area is home to Moncton’s main business areas, shopping strips and entertainment venues.
Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Moncton is Resurgo Place. Located on Mountain Road, this complex is home to the Moncton Museum, the Transportation Discovery Centre and the main Moncton Visitor Information Centre.
Moncton’s Riverfront Park offers trails, picnic areas, river views and the RCMP Memorial. Nearby, the 127-metre-high Bell Aliant Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Moncton.
The impressive Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, completed in 1940, mixes Art Deco and Gothic Revival styles.
Nearby, the Apple Art Gallery offers everchanging exhibitions and works of art by local artists.
The Moncton Events Centre; the city’s main convention venue, and Avenir Centre; an indoor multi-purpose arena are both located on Main Street, making this area the best location to stay in Moncton for events.
A few hundred metres southwest of Main Street lies Moncton Station. This important railway hub offers connections on VIA Rail’s Ocean corridor between Montreal and Halifax.
Moving around Downtown Moncton is pretty straightforward. The City Centre is pedestrian-friendly and flat enough to travel on foot, but the area is also well-connected by the city’s bus network.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Moncton:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area for business travellers
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
St. James’ Gate, Boutique Hotel
This modern hotel is located in downtown Moncton, a short walk away from Capital Theatre. The hotel offers free WiFi and the award-winning St. James’ Gate restaurant and bar.
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Budget
Midtown Motel & Suites
Located in downtown Moncton, New Brunswick this motel is 3.5 km from the Crystal Palace Amusement Park. Each room and suite includes kitchen facilities and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Crowne Plaza Hotel Moncton Downtown
This non-smoking hotel is located in the city center of Moncton (New Brunswick), a 20-minute drive from the Magnetic Hill Zoo. The property has a restaurant.
2. Northwest Moncton & Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is located in northwest Moncton, at the base of the Lutes Mountain ridge, which rises a couple of hundred metres above the surrounding Petitcodiac River valley.
This largely suburban section of town is home to several attractions.
The hill itself is a tourist attraction. It gets its name from the optical illusion created by its rising and descending terrain which tricks the eyes to believe that water or cars put in neutral run, against all known rules of gravity, uphill.
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is the largest zoological park in the Maritimes. This 16-hectare zoo is home to over 400 endemic and exotic animals including lions, bald eagles, jaguars, bison, lemur and otters. Adjacent to the zoo lies Magic Mountain SplashZone, a popular water park.
Because there are a zoo and a water park, this district is considered the best area to stay in Moncton for families.
For some adult-friendly fun, Casino New Brunswick offers poker rooms, table games and slots machines.
Other attractions in the area include Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum & Meeting House and the Magnetic Hill Concert Site.
This area is home to several hotels. Unlike downtown Moncton’s accommodation offer, which is largely business-oriented, Magnetic Hill’s accommodation offer is more family-friendly.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Moncton, NB:
- Best area for families
- Magnetic Hill Zoo
- Magic Mountain SplashZone
- Casino New Brunswick
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Moncton
This New Brunswick hotel is a 6-minute walk from Magic Mountain Water Park, in a convenient location near the Trans-Canadian Highway. The Hotel Moncton has a swimming pool.
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Budget
Travelodge Suites by Wyndham Moncton
Just 5 km from Moncton town centre, this property provides a daily breakfast buffet. Free Wi-Fi and a refrigerator are offered in all guest rooms. Mountain Woods Golf and Country Club is 2 km away.
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