Explore our Surroundings: Things to do if You're Looking to Leave Sackville

Author: Joelle Kavanaugh
Posted on September 23, 2020

Sometimes staying in the same place for too long can feel overwhelming, even for a homebody like me. Escaping from the routine (ie: having some time away from Sackville) can do a world of good for your mental health and your overall experience at MtA. Many people aren’t sure what is offered around our small community, so here are a few suggestions for activities that will get you out and exploring! 

1. Shopping

Located only a half hour or so away from our community, Moncton and Dieppe offer lots of shopping opportunities for those seeking retail therapy. In particular, I enjoy going to the Champlain Mall in Dieppe as it offers many chain shops. As well, its location allows access to the other local boutiques spattered around town.

2. Beaches

For those who enjoy the beach, there are a few coastal communities both in New Brunswick and in Nova Scotia. Many close communities like Shediac, Cap Pélé and Amherst Shore offer beautiful scenic views that are just the right amount of change to soothe your mind. 

3. Sports 

For the ones who miss watching or participating in sports, there are a few opportunities to get your head back into the game. For example, you can find the Moncton Wildcats QJMHL team at the Avenir Centre or the Amherst Ramblers Jr A team even closer. Many opportunities to participate in adult recreational hockey leagues are also available around the region. There are also places in Moncton where you can participate in laser tag at the LaserDome, get your blood pumping at the SkyZone trampoline park, go climbing at the Fit Rocks Climbing Gym and so much more! As well, for those who prefer winter sports, Ski Wentworth is an alpine ski hill in Nova Scotia. It’s very worth checking out for those who love shredding the slopes! 

4. Seasonal Activities

The Belliveau Apple Orchards of Memramcook offers U-Pick apple picking, orchard tractor tours and amazing sweet treats to grab on your way out at their market and café! As well, in Salisbury, you can try their amazing and challenging corn mazes! They even have a haunted corn maze, but I’m still too scared to try it out. Even closer, there are the Trueman Blueberry farms in Aulac where you can go for a nice snack! For the winter months, outdoor skating is also very popular at the Moncton Avenir Centre. 

TIP: If you’re without a reliable form of transportation, try to find friends who would join you on your trip! Sometimes they will offer to carpool if they have a vehicle of their own or you can split the cab fees! If you’re in residence, make sure to keep your eyes opened for house trips! Don’t be afraid to get out and explore, Sackville is not the only gem around!

Photo: Last October, I had the opportunity to go apple picking at Belliveau Orchard with Campbell Hall as a house outing!