Things to Do at Magnetic Hill in Moncton
The basic Magnetic Hill experience costs nothing (CAD $0 / USD $0) beyond fuel, though the adjacent zoo charges CAD $18 adults (USD $13.20). Drive to the white posts marking the starting point, shift into neutral, and feel your vehicle mysteriously roll uphill for about 100 meters while pine trees and gentle slopes trick your brain into perceiving the opposite direction. The sensation creates a genuine stomach-flutter moment as your car defies apparent gravity, accompanied by the soft sound of tires on asphalt and confused laughter from passengers. Bring a small ball or water bottle to roll along the pavement for an even more dramatic demonstration of the optical illusion. Visit early morning or late afternoon when tour buses are scarce and you can repeat the experience multiple times without feeling rushed. The hill works best with manual transmissions, though automatics provide the same effect if you fully release the brake. Clear your vehicle of any loose items first since they will slide toward what appears to be downhill but is actually uphill.What to See & Do
The Magnetic Hill Experience
The main event - drive to the white post, put your car in neutral, and watch as you mysteriously roll uphill. It's genuinely weird and worth doing multiple times
Magnetic Hill Zoo
A surprisingly decent zoo featuring over 600 animals including lemurs, big cats, and a tropical house. The kids will love it, and it's actually well-maintained
Magic Mountain Water Park
Atlantic Canada's largest water park with slides, pools, and attractions. Perfect if you're visiting in summer and want to make a full day of it
Wharf Village
A collection of shops and restaurants designed to look like a Maritime fishing village. It's admittedly touristy, but you'll find some decent local crafts and seafood
Magnetic Hill Winery
A local winery where you can sample New Brunswick wines. The ice wines are particularly worth trying if you're into that sort of thing
Practical Information
Opening Hours
The hill itself is accessible 24/7, though the visitor center and attractions typically operate May-October, 9 AM-6 PM (extended summer hours). Zoo and water park have seasonal schedules
Tickets & Pricing
The hill experience is free to drive. Zoo admission around $18-25 CAD for adults, $12-18 for children. Water park passes $25-35 CAD. Combination tickets available for multiple attractions
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall for the full experience with all attractions open. The hill itself works year-round, but winter driving conditions might be tricky
Suggested Duration
30 minutes for just the hill, 2-4 hours if you're doing the zoo or water park, full day if you're hitting multiple attractions
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Those famous flowerpot rock formations about 45 minutes south. Time your visit with the tides for the full experience of walking on the ocean floor
Home to the world's highest tides, just a short drive away. The tidal bore in Moncton itself is worth catching if you time it right
Hiking trails, waterfalls, and coastal scenery about an hour's drive southeast. Great for extending your Maritime adventure
A surprisingly lively downtown with good restaurants, local breweries, and the Resurgo Place museum. Worth an evening if you're staying overnight
A peaceful spot for birdwatching and walking trails, about 30 minutes away. Nice if you want something quieter after the tourist attractions