There’s something lovely about finding a spot that doesn’t show up in the brochures.
Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview brim with well-known sights—but behind the scenes, there’s a quieter, more authentic version of the city that locals keep to themselves. Imagine hidden trails where birds outnumber humans, small cafes where your order is recalled, and spots where stories breathe in the walls.
As a person who’s walked around this area hundreds of times, here are 10 secret gems in Greater Moncton that still leave me stopping, breathing, and smiling.
1. Centennial Park’s Secret Trails – Moncton
Last autumn, one foggy morning, I stumbled upon a lesser-traveled side trail in Centennial Park. Not a soul, just birdsong and the crunch of dry leaves. These off-the-grid forest loops are just the reboot if life has been too raucous recently.
Local Tip: Head out right after sunrise—you might catch deer strolling across the path.
2. Les Gourmandes Cheese Delicatessen & Chocolates
Step on in and you’re whisked away to another world—French tunes, the scent of toasted Brie, and proprietors who greet you like kin. It’s not merely a cheese shop—it’s a moment of joy in an ordinary Tuesday
Why it’s a gem: Their sandwiches “Le Parisien” and “Le fromagicien” are the sort of things you think about afterwards.
3. Fox Creek Golf Club Walking Trails – Dieppe
As golfers tee off, most flail past the peaceful paths skirting the edge of the course. Locals know full well these paths offer peaceful views of ponds, trees, and sky—a wonderful spot to walk, think, or just be.
Pro Tip: Spring dawns here are like poetry in motion.
4. The DIY Studio – Moncton
There’s something therapeutic about working with your hands. This cozy, inviting studio lets you make candles, signs, or customized gifts over coffee while chatting with strangers who quickly become friends.
Recommended for: Date nights, solo creativity timeouts, or making memories with kids.
5. The Chocolate River Station – Riverview
The outdoor playground is bustling, but enter and you’ll find cozy wood floors, handmade boutiques, and peaceful history displays. It’s the kind of site you stumble upon by chance, only to stay many, many more hours than you originally planned.
Secret Favorite: Order the chocolate lavender latte and sit in front of the expansive front windows.
6. Gunningsville Bridge Walking Path – Gunningsville Court
At certain nighttimes, the river bursts with flames when the sun goes down. The road on Riverview Gunningsville Bridge offers a skyline view most individuals overlook—quiet, breathtaking, and completely free.
Best time: Right after a rainstorm when the sky is golden.
7. Resurgo Place Basement Exhibit – Moncton
Most people explore the main exhibits and head out—but head downstairs and you’ll find a quiet little hands-on lab that kids (and kids-at-heart) love. It’s the kind of place where curiosity wakes up.
Try this: Build a mini bridge or challenge a friend to a marble run.
8. Café Codiac – Moncton
Located at the corner of Saint-Georges boulevard and Mount Royal, Café Codiac is where writers, students, and artists go about their business quietly. The baristas remember your name after a couple of visits, and the walls hum with local art and acoustic music.
Friday vibe: Sneak a dark roast and hang around through the evening open mic—it’s magic.
9. Mapleton Acadian Forest Trails – Moncton
If peace were an odor of some sort, then it would be the scent of pine needles and fresh moss. These wide, peaceful trails are perfect for families or solo nature lovers. Interpretive signs along the way advocate on the Acadian forest we call home.
Accessible trails Moncton
10. Riverview Arts Centre Events – Riverview
I once saw a high school show here that left me in tears. Riverview Arts Centre hosts everything from jazz nights to community theater—small shows with big heart.
Watch out: Their fall lineup always features local treasures you won’t see anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
There’s something oddly gratifying about finding a place that doesn’t set out to impress you—but does anyway. These hidden gems throughout Greater Moncton aren’t gaudy, upscale tourist attractions. They’re real, human, and quietly memorable.
Whether you’re a local from way back or newly in the neighborhood, I hope this list encourages you to step a little further off the beaten path this year.