Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill is a roadside curiosity on the northern edge of Moncton, New Brunswick, where cars appear to roll uphill. Drivers follow signs down a short stretch of Mountain Road to a marked spot at the bottom, shift into neutral, release the brake and watch the car glide backward along what looks like a rising slope. The effect is startling the first time, and passengers often laugh as the vehicle seems to defy gravity. The attraction has drawn motorists since the 1930s and is one of the best-known roadside stops in the Maritimes.

The explanation has nothing to do with magnetism, despite the name. The road is actually a gentle downhill slope, but the surrounding landscape is arranged in such a way that the horizon is hidden and the ground nearby tilts the other way, so the eye misjudges which direction is up. Scientists call this a gravity hill, and similar illusions are found at spots around the world. Despite the explanation, the visual effect remains convincing, and many visitors try it several times, testing it with passengers and with water poured on the road.

The site is run as a small tourist complex. Visitors pay a fee per vehicle to use the hill during the operating season, which runs through the warmer months, and the area around it has grown into a cluster of family attractions. Wharf Village, a themed shopping and dining area designed in the style of an old harbour, offers restaurants, shops and a place to walk after the drive. A zoo and other attractions are close by, and the neighbourhood is geared toward families spending a full day. A water park has also been part of the nearby offerings, so check which attractions are currently open.

The hill is easy to reach by car. It lies a short distance from the Trans-Canada Highway, with access from Exit 450, and signs direct drivers from the highway. From downtown Moncton it is a short drive, and it fits well into an itinerary that also includes the tidal bore, the riverfront and the Acadian museum.

Most people spend an hour or two here, longer if they combine it with a meal or a stroll in Wharf Village. The attraction suits families with children, groups of friends and travellers who enjoy quirky stops. Bring a car in good working order and be considerate of other drivers when you stop on the road. Operating dates and fees change, so check before you go, as the hill is open mostly from spring to autumn and is quiet in winter.