Cars placed in neutral appear to roll uphill at this famous spot. The surrounding terrain creates such a powerful optical illusion that the horizon line is disguised. Surveyor measurements confirm the road actually slopes downward, but your brain refuses to believe it.
Mhsheikholeslami, CC BY-SA 4.0
A Defiance of Natural Law
At the base of Lutes Mountain, on the outskirts of Moncton, a peculiar stretch of road seems to defy gravity. When a vehicle is stopped at the bottom of the slope, shifted into neutral, and the brakes are released, it begins to roll backward, seemingly uphill. Water poured onto the pavement also appears to flow against the grade. This phenomenon, known locally since at least the 1800s, became a major tourist attraction after it was reported on by journalists in August 1933. By the 1950s, Magnetic Hill was one of Canada’s most visited natural attractions, alongside Niagara Falls and Banff National Park.
The experience is a sensory contradiction. Your eyes perceive a clear uphill incline, yet the motion of your vehicle tells a different story. The name "Magnetic Hill" is a misnomer; the force at work is not magnetism; it is a compelling trick of the mind. Even a plastic ball, which is not magnetic, will appear to roll uphill here. The effect is a type of optical illusion known as a gravity hill, and dozens of similar spots exist around the world.
The Science of the Illusion
The "uphill" roll is a result of perceptual psychology. The illusion is primarily caused by the complete or partial obstruction of the horizon. The human brain uses the horizon as its main visual reference point for determining what is level. Without it, the brain is forced to find other cues in the landscape. At Magnetic Hill, the surrounding terrain slopes in such a way that it creates a false horizon.
This skewed frame of reference makes a slight downhill slope—the actual topography of the road appear to be an uphill slope. Trees and other landscape features, which one might assume are perpendicular to the ground, may actually be leaning slightly, further confusing the brain's ability to judge the true angle of the road. Studies by researchers at the Universities of Padua and Pavia in Italy confirmed that without a true horizon, the brain can be easily tricked by these misleading landmarks. The illusion is so effective that it overrides the body's other balance systems, like the mechanism in our inner ears. Surveyor's levels and GPS measurements confirm that the road your car "climbs" actually descends over its entire length.
💡Fun Facts
The phenomenon was widely publicized in 1933 by three skeptical newspaper reporters who went to investigate what they thought was a silly local story.
A local woman named Muriel Lutes capitalized on the growing fame in the 1930s, naming the spot and selling refreshments to visitors.
By the 1950s, Magnetic Hill had become Canada's third most popular tourist attraction.
The illusion is so powerful because the entire surrounding landscape tilts, creating a false reference point for your brain.
Seasonal. May to early September, typically open daily. Check the official website for exact hours as they vary. The attraction is closed during the winter.
Admission
A per-vehicle fee is charged to experience the illusion. In 2024, this was approximately $10 CAD per car.
Accessibility
The experience takes place inside a personal vehicle. The surrounding Magnetic Hill Park area has accessible parking and facilities.
