The Mystery of Magnetic Hill in Canada: You Have to See It to Believe It
- Jenn & Leon
- Apr 28, 2022
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Magnetic Hill is located on the outskirts of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. You roll up a hill IN REVERSE with your car in NEUTRAL.
Yes, you did read that right! We discovered it by chance while on a road trip to Prince Edward Island and were completely dumbfounded by the experience!
There are many activities at Magnetic Hill, but the main star attraction is the apparent 'optical illusion' it creates.
When you drive your vehicle to a specific starting point (the white pole) on the road and put it in neutral, it appears to roll uphill, seemingly defying gravity.
In reality, the road is sloping downwards, but the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that tricks the eyes into perceiving the opposite.
All fair and well then, but how does it trick a camera too?
Read on for more on this strange, mind-boggling phenomenon. Plus, check out our video and see if you can figure out this bizarre place. We couldn't!
Key Takeaways
● How it works: Magnetic Hill creates the illusion that your car is rolling uphill in neutral because the landscape and obstructed horizon disguise the road’s true downward slope.
● Planning your visit: A vehicle is required, the attraction generally operates from May to October, and dry weather provides the best experience; check current hours and admission before traveling.
● What to expect: The illusion is brief but genuinely mind-bending and combines easily with nearby Magnetic Hill Zoo or Magic Mountain Water Park.
The Discovery of Magnetic Hill
The history of Magnetic Hill in Canada is shrouded in local lore and anecdotes, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century.
While the exact beginnings of the (apparent) optical illusion are not entirely clear, the phenomenon has become an integral part of the area's cultural heritage and has captured the curiosity of locals and tourists for decades.
One of the earliest documented instances of the Magnetic Hill's peculiar properties dates back to the 1930s.
At that time, the hill was little more than a dirt road, and local farmers noticed that when they parked their vehicles on the slope, they appeared to move uphill when in neutral.
Intrigued by this strange occurrence, they began sharing the experience with others, and the legend of Magnetic Hill started to spread.
The name "Magnetic Hill" itself is somewhat of a misnomer, as the phenomenon has been 'proved' to have nothing to do with magnetism.
Instead, it is an optical illusion caused by the landscape's unique configuration.
The surrounding topography, such as the layout of the road, the hills, and the trees, creates a visual perception that tricks the brain into interpreting the downhill slope as an uphill one.
Over time, as word of the intriguing phenomenon spread, the site attracted more attention, and it soon became a popular destination for curious travelers.
Local entrepreneurs recognized the tourism potential and began promoting Magnetic Hill as a must-visit attraction.
Infrastructure improvements were made to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, including better roads, signage, and facilities.
In the 1970s, the local authorities established a permanent site for Magnetic Hill, including designated parking spots and viewing areas.
As its popularity continued to grow, additional tourist attractions, such as the Magnetic Hill Zoo, were developed nearby, further enhancing the area's appeal as a family-friendly destination.
Today, Magnetic Hill remains a significant tourist attraction in New Brunswick and Canada as a whole.
It continues to captivate visitors with its mysterious optical illusion, offering a unique experience that challenges perceptions and defies the laws of gravity, at least in the eyes of the beholder.
Whether you're a skeptic seeking to unravel the illusion's secrets or someone simply looking for a fun and mind-bending experience, Magnetic Hill continues to welcome curious travelers from around the world.
Check Out the Video Below... Can You Figure It Out?
Magnetic Hill is honestly one of the strangest places we have ever visited. Even though we had read about it online just before we got there, we were not quite sure what to expect.
We drove over to the brow of the hill, and the attendant told us to drive to a white marker pole at the 'bottom' of the hill on the left.
It was there that we were to put our car in neutral and let nature do the rest... time to be bamboozled!
Magnetic Hill has been amazing locals for two centuries and has been puzzling visitors and scientists from around the world for almost that long, too.
It seems to defy the natural order of things, and in terms of illusions, it is up there with the very best.
This doesn't just happen with cars either; you can witness the same thing with water and even a ball!
This surreal occurrence just doesn't seem possible.
Are There Other Gravity Hills?
Although arguably the most popular, Moncton's Magnetic Hill in Canada is not the only so-called 'gravity hill' in the world.
They have been found in 29 countries, with over 40 in the United States alone.
Notable examples of gravity hills can also be found in countries such as India, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, China, New Zealand, Scotland, and Ireland.
These mysterious sites continue to attract curious travelers seeking to experience the wonder of seemingly defying the laws of gravity.
Find a full list of known gravity hills here.
Gravity Hills Explained
Magnetic, gravitational, otherworldly... just what does cause this?
Cue Japanese scientist Kokichi Sugihara from the Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences. He won an award in 2010 for successfully building a model to demonstrate this freak illusion of nature.
It is indeed optical; it has something to do with the way our brains see the steeper hill up ahead and assume the road beneath our feet is either level or downhill.
Couple that with the natural landscape curvature, and voila, we seem as though we are defying gravity. We get it, but then how does that account for looking behind us and watching the car reverse 'up'?
Well, according to further studies, all of the world's gravity hills have one thing in common, in that the horizon is either 'curved' or 'obstructed' from view.
This is a crucial aspect of the phenomenon, as horizons provide our brains with a very useful reference point when we're trying to judge the slope of a surface.
A study published in Psychological Science in 2003 found that false horizon lines can be deceiving to observers perceiving landscapes.
Without a true horizon in sight, objects such as trees and walls, which our eyes use as visual points to determine perpendicularity, can trick the mind.
If these objects are leaning, even ever-so-slightly, they can make us think we are looking at a downward slope when in fact it may be a flat or rising surface.
As a result, anything you place on the surface, be it a ball, a stream of water, or even a car, appears to fight the flow of gravity and travel uphill.
How to Get to Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick
Magnetic Hill is one of Canada’s most curious natural attractions, located in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Whether you're driving across the Maritimes or visiting nearby, getting there is simple with several transport options.
By Air
The nearest airport is Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM). It’s just a 15–20 minute drive from Magnetic Hill.
Rental cars are available at the airport and recommended for getting around the area.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Local taxis are available throughout Moncton, and the ride from downtown takes about 15 minutes.
While rideshare options like Uber may be limited in Moncton, you can use local taxi apps or hotel concierge services.
By Bus
Moncton’s public transit system, Codiac Transpo, offers limited service to Magnetic Hill depending on the season.
Check local bus schedules for Route 60 or Route 65, especially during summer when tourism increases.
On Foot or By Bike
Walking or cycling to Magnetic Hill is only practical if you’re staying nearby. There are sidewalks and paved routes in the area, but distances from downtown Moncton are too far for most travelers without a vehicle.
By Car
Driving is the easiest way to reach Magnetic Hill. Set your GPS to:
📍 Magnetic Hill Rd, Moncton, NB E1G 4R3, Canada
Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) and exit at Magnetic Hill/Route 128. Well-marked signs will guide you the rest of the way.
Free parking is available near the entrance and adjacent attractions.
Car Rental
If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the way to go. It opens up scenic routes, hidden viewpoints, and smaller towns that are often missed when relying on public transport.
🎟️ Consider Taking a Tour in Halifax
One of the easiest ways to explore the area around Magnetic Hill is by tour. From quirky roadside attractions to scenic coastal routes and nearby highlights, a guided experience can help you make the most of your time without worrying about logistics.
Contact Information for Magnetic Hill
Address
2846 Mountain Rd, Moncton, NB E1G 2W7, Canada
Contact
(+1) 5068533333
Easily Find Hotels in Moncton and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Moncton hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit
Ticket Prices
Vehicle Admission (1 car)
CAD 7
Magnetic Hill Zoo Combo Ticket
Additional fees apply if combining with the nearby Magnetic Hill Zoo or Magic Mountain Water Park
Pedestrian Viewing
Free (but limited—you’ll need a vehicle to experience the gravity hill illusion properly)
ℹ️ Tickets are purchased at the gate or included in combo packages with other local attractions. Prices may vary slightly by season or event.
Prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
Convert your currency here.
Opening Times
Magnetic Hill Road Experience
May to October—Open daily, 10 am to 6 pm (Seasonal; closed in winter months due to snow and safety)
Magnetic Hill Zoo
Opens from late spring through early fall, with slightly extended hours in summer. Check local listings for current zoo hours.
Best Time to Visit
Best Season
Late spring to early fall offers the best conditions, and all attractions are open.
Best Time
Visit in the morning or early evening to avoid crowds and catch great light for photos.
Best Day
Weekdays are quieter than weekends, especially in July and August.
Weather Tip
Dry weather is best, as the road illusion works better without rain or glare.
Our Final Thought
To be perfectly honest, the explanation doesn't make sense when you watch the video back. Does a lack of 'horizon' trick technology, too?
We aren't necessarily saying that there is no gravity here. Or that there is something more sinister going on. But with all due respect to the science, having witnessed this firsthand, we just aren't convinced... are you?
Have you been to Magnetic Hill in Canada or one elsewhere in the world?
We would love to hear about your experience or indeed answer any questions you may have before visiting one. Feel free to reach out in the comments below!
It’s quirky stops like this that make traveling through Canada so fun and unpredictable. You can explore more destinations and experiences in our Canada travel guides.
FAQ: Magnetic Hill
What is Magnetic Hill?
Magnetic Hill is a natural optical illusion in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
When you put your car in neutral at the base of the hill, it appears to roll uphill, defying gravity.
Where is Magnetic Hill?
It’s just outside Moncton, in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada.
It’s easily accessible by car and located near several family attractions, including Magnetic Hill Zoo and Magic Mountain Water Park.
Is Magnetic Hill magnetic?
Nope! Despite the name, it’s not magnetic at all. The illusion is created by the landscape’s layout, which tricks your eyes into perceiving a downhill slope as uphill.
How does it work?
The surroundings, trees, horizon, and road grade, are tilted in a way that disorients your visual cues, making a slight downhill appear to be an incline.
Your car rolls downhill due to gravity, but it looks like it's being pulled uphill.
Can any car try it?
Not at all! Any car will work. You simply:
Drive to the designated starting point
Put your car in neutral
Let go of the brake and watch the illusion in action
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there's typically a small entry fee (per vehicle) charged to experience the illusion.
The area is maintained as a tourist attraction, with staff sometimes present during the season.
When should I visit?
Late spring through early fall (May–October) is best, when the attraction and the surrounding park are fully open. Winters may limit access due to snow and ice.
Is Magnetic Hill family-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the "magic" of the rolling car. Plus, the nearby zoo, water park, and winery make it a great half-day family outing.
Is Magnetic Hill safe to try?
Yes. It’s safe as long as you follow posted signs and stay within the designated path. It’s a controlled environment with very low traffic speeds.
Is Magnetic Hill worth it?
Absolutely, it's a fun, mind-bending stop that adds a quirky highlight to any East Coast Canada road trip. It's short but unforgettable.
Never have I experienced anything like this... not prior or since. It may be a scientifically proven illusion, but it is still crazy! And maybe my brain doesn't even buy it, to be honest. How does it trick a camera too? Just kidding. I don't know. I am just confused 😂
This was such a fun experience! Really enjoyed this despite having to 'drive' in reverse ha!