city of fredericton tourism

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A historical city with modern-day charm.

Welcome to new brunswick's riverside capital.

Relax with locals over a craft beer on a lively patio; dive into rich history on display throughout the city; catch a show at the theatre; explore gorgeous parks by land or water. In Fredericton, the urban comes with a delightful side of nature.

Built along both sides of the meandering Saint John River , Fredericton has a special connection to the water. ‘The Green’ is a long park hugging the banks of the river, and locals value it for the breath of fresh air it provides in the heart of the city. Kayaking, rowing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are common pastimes. Plus, beaches, golf courses, gardens and trails combine to make Fredericton a very active, outdoor city.

History lives loud here. Museums, heritage sites, large old Victorian homes, the historic Garrison District, and the legislative assembly create a connection to bygone days that flavours any explorer’s experience. Enjoy it as you discover new restaurants , city markets , and of course, a few of the city’s microbreweries —the highest concentration of craft breweries and tasting experiences in the Maritimes. 

Culture is vibrant here, with galleries, festivals and artists’ studios elevating your experience even more. Our province’s capital city might just become your main event.

Visit Fredericton Capital Region Tourism for even more ideas!

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Fredericton

• 1.1 Climate
• 2.2.1 Airport
• 2.2.2 Airlines
• 3.1 On foot/bicycle
• 3.3 By public transit
• 3.4 By taxi
• 7.1.1 Downtown
• 7.1.2 Outside of downtown
• 7.2.1 Downtown
• 7.2.2 Outside of downtown
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Bed and Breakfast
• 10 Stay safe

Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick , Canada . It is located along the St. John River. Fredericton is the cultural, artistic and educational centre of the province. Fredericton is home to two universities - the University of New Brunswick and the liberal arts-focused St. Thomas University.

Fredericton is also home to cultural institutions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Fredericton Region Museum and the Playhouse, the latter which serves as a venue for local talent/writers. Adding to the city's rich cultural milieu, Fredericton is the annual Harvest and Jazz and Blues Festival every fall which attracts regional and international jazz and blues artists. The city's IT and commercial sectors are growing, and it has the highest percentage of residents with a post-secondary education in the province and one of the highest per-capita incomes.

Understand [ edit ]

The population of Fredericton proper was 58,000 in 2016, with a metropolitan area population of 102,000.

Fredericton is located along a river bank which splits the city in two parts which the locals call the "North Side" and "South Side". The majority of hotels and tourist destinations are located on the South Side, while you can find some hidden gem restaurants in the North Side. The City of Fredericton comprises Fredericton proper, and the boroughs of Silverwood, Nashwaaksis, Devon, Barker's Point and Marysville, which were incorporated into the city in 1973.

The city is situated in the west-central portion of the province and, along with Moncton and Saint John , is one of the main urban centres in Southern New Brunswick. The St. John River flows in a west-east direction, bisecting the city and providing the dominant natural feature for the municipality.

As the capital city of New Brunswick, Fredericton benefits from the presence of the Provincial Legislature, and many organizations operating at a provincial level. Although New Brunswick is officially bilingual, a rule which also applies to City services, the vast majority of Fredericton residents are Anglophone (native English speakers), and the availability of tourist services in French varies considerably.

Climate [ edit ]

Get in [ edit ], by car [ edit ].

Fredericton is 180 km from Moncton on the Route 2 ( Trans-Canada Highway ), and 120 km from Saint John on Route 7 (turn west on #2 at Oromocto).

By plane [ edit ]

Airport [ edit ].

Direct flights to Fredericton within Canada include from Montreal (1.25 hours) and from Toronto (1.75-2 hours).

Airlines [ edit ]

Airlines operating to Fredericton include:

By bus [ edit ]

• Fredericton Bus Station , 85 Hubbard Rd , ☏ +1 506 458-6000 .  
• Between Edmundston and Moncton including stops in Grand Falls , Perth-Andover , Florenceville , Woodstock , Fredericton, and Fredericton Airport. Travel time to Fredericton from Moncton is 2.5 hours and from Edmundston is 3.5 hours.
• Between Saint John and Fredericton including a stop in Fredericton Airport. Travel time to Fredericton from Saint John is 1.25 hours.
• From Charlottetown (5.25 hours) with transfers in Amherst and Moncton
• From Bathurst (7.5 hours), Campbellton (8.75 hours), Halifax (6.25 hours), and Miramichi (6.5 hours) with a transfer in Moncton
• From Antigonish (7 hours), North Sydney (9.75 hours), Sydney (10.5 hours) with transfers in Truro and Moncton

Get around [ edit ]

On foot/bicycle [ edit ]

The downtown can be easily explored on foot or bicycle. To get to the north side of Fredericton, you can take the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge (restricted to pedestrians and cyclists) to cross Saint John River.

Streets in downtown Fredericton are in grid-like pattern and easily navigated. There are plenty of on-street parking and some parking garages in the downtown area. Pay attention that the major thoroughfares (Brunswick St. and Queen St.) are one-way streets in the downtown core.

By public transit [ edit ]

• Fredericton Transit , ☏ +1 506-460-2200 . Operates 9 routes M-Sa 6:15AM-11:00PM (except on holidays). $2.75, children under 6 free .  

By taxi [ edit ]

• A-1 Taxi , ☏ +1 506 455-4444 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• ABC Taxi , ☏ +1 506 455-5555 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Budget Cab , ☏ +1 506 450-1199 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Checker Cab , ☏ +1 506 450-8294 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• George's Sky-Cab , ☏ +1 506 459-1100 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Loyal Taxi , ☏ +1 506-455-6789 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Standard Taxi , ☏ +1 506 450-4444 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

See [ edit ]

• Historic district . Take an afternoon to walk around the historic district with some historic residences dating back to the late 18th century and the arrival of the British Empire Loyalists. The historic district is located behind the beautiful homes fronting Waterloo Row along the Saint John River. ( updated Apr 2017 )

• Historic Garrison District . Visit this National Historic Site in the city's downtown and spend the day discovering the colourful Changing of the Guard, the Guard House, Soldiers Barracks, York Sunbury Historical Society Museum, City Hall tapestries depicting the history of Fredericton, Lighthouse Adventure Centre, museums, fine craft shops, walking tours, and outdoor theatre.  
• 45.8651 -66.9692 2 King's Landing . Historical settlement outside Fredericton north on the Trans-Canada Highway. King's Landing is a 300-acre (121-hectare) outdoor living history museum. The Landing recreates the sights, sounds and feel of rural New Brunswick in the 1800s. Staff, with authentically reproduced costumes work in the homes, shops, school, church, and theatre. Enjoy vintage dining, and unique gifts all in the spectacular backdrop if the St. John River valley. Kings Landing was the winner of Attractions Canada Top International Attraction Award in 1999.  

• Fredericton Region Museum ( formerly York-Sunbury Museum ), 571 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 455-6041 . Apr–June and Sep-Nov: Tu-Sa 1-4PM; July–Sept: daily 10AM-5PM; other times by appointment. . Focuses on preserving the history of the York and Sunbury region and of central New Brunswick. The museum possesses a large and diverse collection of artefacts, displaying a 100-year-old cake, the Coleman Frog, Victorian gowns, and a 10,000-year-old Clovis Point. The museum has displays include the Acadians, Loyalists, New Brunswick's Aboriginals, and a First World War trench. Adults $6; Students $3; Family $15 (two adults and children under 18 years); Children under 6 free . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 45.966627 -66.7405 9 St Peter's Anglican Church and Cemetery , 2365 Woodstock Rd ( about 7 km west of downtown Fredericton ). This small wooden country church was built in 1837. Besides its rural cuteness, the church has the historical distinction of being one of the first in Canada to have a racially integrated congregation (white and Black). A Black family helped build and maintain the church. The church cemetery was also integrated at a time when graveyards were segregated in Canada. ( updated Mar 2021 )

Do [ edit ]

• Odell Park ( southwest of the city centre ). Large preserved forest area. Its trails and wooded areas are a favourite for hiking, jogging, dog walking, and cross-country skiing for city residents. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival . Usually held in the middle of September and should not be missed. It is a very beautiful time of year and the festival music is top notch.  
• Calithumpians Tour & Theatre Company . Established in 1979 Calithumpians Theatre Company continues to provide the humorous and historical theatrical entertainment that they have become known for locally and throughout North America.  
• Fredericton Golf & Curling Club , 331 Golf Club Rd , ☏ +1 506 458-0003 .  
• Great Pumpkin Sacrifice . This event takes place every year on Halloween at the Harrison House Residence on the University of New Brunswick campus. Event begins somewhere around 11PM. A very strange yet interesting ritual in Fredericton.  
• Mactaquac Golf Course , ☏ +1 506 363-4747 . Championship golf course on Mactaquac Provincial Park, a year-round recreational facility with a 300-site campground, two beaches, a pair of marinas, nature trails and York Centennial Park, a day-use area.  
• The Purrfect Cup - A Cat Cafe , 580 Two Nations Crossing, Unit 9 , ☏ +1 506 449 2710 . Weekdays 07:30-18:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-16:00 . Maritime's first cat cafe! The Cat Lounge - a room dedicated to temporarily housing rescued cats from all over the province of New Brunswick - is located to the rear of the Cafe through glass windows and doors - keeping the coffee and treats free of kitty fur, as well as allowing visitors with cat allergies to visit and enjoy from a safe distance! ( updated Jun 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

• Backstreet Records , 384 Queen St . Backstreet has a large inventory of rare and hard-to-find selection of discs and records. It also has lots of used albums.  
• Boyce Farmers Market . This is the place to be Saturday morning; it is not to be missed! Get there early because by 10:30AM it gets unbearably busy. The market opens at 6:30AM every Saturday. The samosas are very tasty. So much so, people seem to push and shove to get in line for them! The German bakers, fresh orange juice and the sausages are awesome.  
• Cultures Boutique , 383 Mazzuca's Lane , ☏ +1 506 462-3088 . M-Sa 10AM-5PM (F to 8PM) . An international gift store operated by the International Department of the Fredericton YMCA. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Gallery 78 , 796 Queen Street ( one block east of the Beaverbrook Gallery ), ☏ +1 506 454-5192 , toll-free: +1-888-883-8322 (in Canada) , [email protected] . Tu-F 10AM-5PM; Sa 10AM-3PM; Su 1PM-4PM . Gallery 78 presents major solo and group exhibitions every month throughout the year in seven exhibition areas. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Owl's Nest Bookstore , 390 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 458-5509 . Business closed in 2018, according to Google reviews ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Reid's Newsstand & Cafe , 435 King St , ☏ +1 506 454-5333 .  
• Tony's Music Box , 396 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 458-8286 .  
• Urban Almanac , 75 York St . This shop has a wonderful assortment of gifts that you won't find anywhere else.  
• Westminster Books , 445 King St . Westminster is the place to find books from local authors and maritime books.  

Eat [ edit ]

Most major fast food chains can be found on Prospect Street on the south side and Main Street on the north side.

Budget [ edit ]

Downtown [ edit ].

• Coffee & Friends , 415 King St , ☏ +1 506 455-4554 . M-F 9AM–6PM; Sa 10AM–6PM . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Jack's Pizza & Donairs , 379 King St ( near York St ), ☏ +1 506 443-9000 . M 11AM–11PM; Tu-W 11AM– midnight; Th-Sa 11AM–3AM; Su noon–11PM . Slices, pies and donairs. Open late. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Luna Pizza , York St , ☏ +1 506 455-4020 . M 11AM–10:30PM; Tu-W 11AM–11PM; Th-F 11AM–3AM; Sa 11:30AM–3AM; Su 11:30AM–11PM . Traditional stone-baked Montreal-style pizza, steaks, wings, ribs, chicken, donairs, salads or other Italian dishes. Eat-in, take-out or delivery. Fully licensed dining room. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• The Happy Baker , 520 King St., HSBC Place ( and three other locations ), ☏ +1 506 454-7200 . M-F 7AM–5PM; Sa 7AM–2PM . German bakery selling Vietnamese bread. Lunch only. Their soups are good and there is generally a vegetarian choice. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Outside of downtown [ edit ]

• Cabin Restaurant , 723 Woodstock Rd ( West of the downtown, past the Delta Hotel ), ☏ +1 506-459-0094 . M-F 8AM–8PM; Sa 7:30AM–8PM; Su 8:30AM–3PM . This place could define the term greasy spoon restaurant. Typical diner. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Sunshine Diner , 7 Brookmount St, off Woodstock Rd ( West of the downtown, across from the Diplomat ). M-F 7AM–7PM; Sa 7AM–4PM; Su 9AM–3PM . Typical diner fare. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Fadi's Pizza , 312 Main St ( North Side ), ☏ +1 506 454-9888 . M-W 11AM–11PM, Th-F 11AM–midnight, Sa 4PM–midnight . Good quality and tasty. The fatoush salad is great! Authentic, very garlicky, large portion, and possibly vegan . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• The Blue Canoe , 415 Nevers Rd ( Waasis ). Daily 6AM-11PM . A restaurant located at the Irving gas station on the Trans-Canada Highway en route to Oromocto. Truckers' stick-to-your ribs meals. Also a free wireless internet wifi hotspot. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Dimitri's , 349 King St , ☏ +1 506 452-8882 . Tu-Th Sa 11AM-9PM; F 11AM-10PM . Really good Greek food! The prices are very reasonable. Moussaka, souvlaki, and of course the usual hummus, salads, etc. Wraps $5-9, dinners $14-24 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 45.957536 -66.647921 1 Cafe Loka , 343 York St ( cnr of York and Aberdeen ), ☏ +1 506 206-2239 . M-F 8AM-4:30PM; Sa 10AM-2PM . Cafe offering fair trade coffee espresso drinks, all day breakfast menu (eggs, wraps) lunch menu (paninis, soup & salad, rice dishes). Daily specials are unique and many use family Italian recipes. All items are made to order or homemade and prepared in their kitchen using fresh ingredients, locally sourced in NB if possible. $6-12 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Cora's , 476 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 472-2672 . Chain restaurant. Breakfast and lunch only. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Brewbakers , 546 King St , ☏ +1 506 459-0067 . Sun 5PM-9PM; Mon 11:30AM-9PM; Tu-Th 11:30AM-10PM; F 11:30AM-11PM; Sa 5PM-11PM . Seasonal dishes, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Their sommelier has created an extensive wine list around their food style. Appetizers, pastas, salads, flatbreads $14-15 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• The Snooty Fox , 66 Regent St , ☏ +1 506 474-1199 . Tu-Sa 11AM–2AM; Su-M 11AM–2AM . Pub Fare is prepared in traditional fashion, fries are cut fresh daily, burgers are made by hand, and very good beer. Lunch combos $11 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 45.96279 -66.64189 2 Caribbean Flavas , 123 York St , ☏ +1 506 459-1230 . Tu-F 11:30AM–2PM and 4:30PM-8:30PM; Sa 4:30PM–8PM . Brightly-coloured dining room serving Caribbean food, with very friendly service. Locally-raised, grass-fed, organic and halal meat. Vegetarian and gluten-free options. Lunches $10-12. Dinners $16-27.50 . ( updated Oct 2021 )
• Arom Chinese Cuisine , 74 Regent St ( downtown ). M-F 11AM–9PM; Sa-Su 3PM–9PM . Authentic Chinese restaurant. They make their own tofu and offer a few vegetarian dishes. Many of their meat dishes can be made vegetarian if you ask (like the potstickers). ( updated Apr 2017 )
• The Diplomat , 253 Woodstock Rd ( next to the Delta ), ☏ +1 506-454-2400 . Daily 24 hours . Family restaurant. Lunch ($13-17) and dinner ($15-26) Canadian-Chinese buffet (heavy on meat and deep fried items). ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Misu , 435 Brookside Dr ( Brookside Mall (drive around to the back entrance) ). Tu-F 11AM–9PM; Sa-Su noon–9PM . One of Fredericton's better Chinese buffet restaurants. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• Isaac's Way , 649 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 47-47-222 . M-W 11:30AM–9PM; Th-F 11:30AM–10PM; Sa 10AM–10PM; Su 10AM–9PM . All dishes are made from scratch. Focus on local ingredients; wide selection of local beers; even New Brunswick wines are highlighted. Excellent desserts. On-going silent art auction. Gluten-free options are available - ask for their GF menu. Burgers $13-15. Mains $18-27. Vegetarian and chicken dishes $13-15. . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• The Terrace Dining Room at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel , 659 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 455-3371 . A wonderful deck looking out over the river. Friday night usually has a nice prime rib special and buffet. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• The Palate Restaurant & Cafe , 462 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 450-7911 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Damda Vietnamese Restaurant , 526 Queen St. . Tu-F 11AM–10PM; Sa 4–10PM . Upscale decor for Vietnamese and Thai dining. Great service and drinks menu. The food is alright, but not up to the standards of Vietnamese food in larger cities. Not a bad choice, though. Mains $12-25 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Catch Urban Grill , 225 Woodstock Rd ( wrst of downtown in the Delta Hotel ), ☏ +1 506-451-7935 . Seafood, steaks, vegan and gluten-free options, pasta buffet, an extensive wine list. Waterfront location. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

• Dolan's Irish Pub , 349 King St , ☏ +1 506 454-7474 .  
• The Cannon's Cross , 15 Riverside Dr , ☏ +1 506 455-1201 .  
• The Capital .  
• The Cellar , Student Union building, University of New Brunswick . The Cellar serves a full menu from 11:30AM to midnight and hosts live music, comedians and entertainers.  
• James Joyce Irish Pub , 659 Queen St ( in the Lord Beaverbrook (Crowne Plaza) Hotel ), ☏ +1 506 450-9820 .  
• Lunar Rogue . Excellent selection of whiskies and scotches.  
• McGinnis Landing , King St .  
• Picaroons Traditional Ales , 422 Queen Street , ☏ +1 506-472-9082 . 10AM-10PM . ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 45.96076 -66.63881 1 Snooty Fox , 66 Regent St , ☏ +1 506 474-1199 .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Hotel [ edit ].

• 45.9605 -66.6368 1 Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel , 659 Queen St , ☏ +1 506 455-3371 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon .  
• 45.9646 -66.6629 2 Delta Fredericton , 225 Woodstock Rd , ☏ +1 506 457-7000 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon .  
• 45.9362 -66.6605 3 Fredericton Inn , 1315 Regent St , ☏ +1 506 455-1430 .  
• 45.9664 -66.7123 4 Prospect Inn , 1600 Woodstock Rd , ☏ +1 506 450-9911 .  
• UNB Residence , 20 Bailey Dr , ☏ +1 506 453-4800 . UNB Campus. Offers reasonable rates for tourists & students (tourists restricted to summer). Walk-ins welcome! Note: closed since COVID, check their website to see if they have reopened! ( updated Oct 2021 )
• Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Fredericton ( Wandlyn Inn ), 958 Prospect St , ☏ +1 506 462-4444 , toll-free: +1-800-561-0000 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11PM . $85 .  
• St. Thomas University Summer Hotel , 368 Forest Hill Rd , ☏ +1 506 460-0329 . Check-in: $45 for a single, $60 for a double, $90 for a suite, weekly & monthly rates also available . Offers 200 rooms from May-August  

Bed and Breakfast [ edit ]

• 45.955 -66.6343 5 Carriage House Inn , 230 University Ave , ☏ +1 506 452-9924 .  
• 45.952 -66.6328 6 Brennan's Bed and Breakfast , 146 Waterloo Row , ☏ +1 506 455-7346 .  
• 45.963159 -66.654648 7 Parkview Bed and Breakfast , 236 Odell Av , ☏ +1 506 472-1959 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Three rooms with private bath. 15 min walk to city centre. Quiet, nicely furnished. Friendly hosts and dog. From $100 including breakfast and taxes . ( updated Apr 2017 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Bike theft has been rising in the region, be careful if you are going around the city in a bike.

Also vehicle theft continue to rise in Fredericton. 

Go next [ edit ]

• Woodstock . About an hour by car to the north-west.
• Miramichi . To the north-east.
• Moncton . To the south-east.
• Edmundston . To the north-west.
• Quebec . To the north-west.
• St. Andrews . To the south-west.
• United States . To the south-west.
• Saint John . Due south.
• Marysville . A historic mill town.

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13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Fredericton

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Lying along the banks of the Saint John River, Fredericton is the amiable and relaxed capital of New Brunswick , in eastern Canada. You won't find a more pleasant small city for a family vacation. The river defines it in ways beyond its geography – walking and biking trails lead along its banks to within a block of the main street, and many hotel rooms have views across its waters.

The charming complex of historic brick buildings between the river and the main street date from 1784 to 1869, when a British garrison was stationed at Fredericton. Although founded by French-speaking Acadians around 1732, Fredericton seems far more English today, with its Gothic-style cathedral and street names like "Prince" and "Queen." This is thanks to the Loyalists, those loyal to King George, who settled in the region after fleeing the American Revolution. You will learn more about these refugees at nearby Kings Landing , an especially good place to go for families.

There are plenty of things to do in Fredericton, and high among its tourist attractions are the cultural and arts offerings: a fine art museum, playhouse, frequent music festivals, and a creative community attracted by a prestigious craft and design school in the heart of downtown. Cafés, restaurants, and ample parks and green space provide places to visit for relaxing and socializing.

Discover the best things to do during your visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Fredericton.

See also: Where to Stay in Fredericton

1. Officers' Square and the Garrison District

2. boyce farmers market, 3. beaverbrook art gallery, 4. kings landing, 5. arts and culture scene, 6. government house, 7. odell park and fredericton botanic gardens, 8. christ church cathedral, 9. legislative assembly building, 10. kayaking on the saint john river, 11. bicycling in fredericton, 12. science east science centre, 13. gagetown, where to stay in fredericton for sightseeing, fredericton - climate chart.

The complex of stately brick buildings that lines the river side of Queen Street was a British garrison, manned from 1784 until 1869. At the center of this Garrison District is Officers' Square, scene of popular daily Changing of the Guard ceremonies, as well as frequent outdoor summer concerts and free theater performances by the Calithumpians.

These Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre performances have been a favorite attraction for tourists and locals for more than 30 years; you're welcome to picnic as you watch the performance. The Calithumpians also lead light-hearted historical walking tours that are one of the top things to do in Fredericton for families.

Also in this Garrison District is the Fredericton Region Museum , located in the former officers' quarters (be sure to see the 42-pound Coleman Frog, a local landmark), and the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. New Brunswick College of Craft and Design is in the district, and from June to September, local artists craft and sell their wares at the Barracks Fine Craft Shops in the lower level of a three-story stone and wooden structure built by the British Army in 1827.

On Thursdays in the summer, Carleton Street in the Garrison District is also a great place for shopping, as the street is lined with kiosks for the Garrison Night Market .

Address: Queen Street, Fredericton

Named one of Canada's top 10 community markets, Boyce Farmers Market is a Saturday morning tradition for locals shopping for food, as well as a must for tourists shopping for fine local crafts and regional food products, like wild berry jams, honey, maple candies, and dulse (a traditional local seaweed snack).

Two large market halls and the surrounding outside area are filled with vendors of fresh-picked vegetables, farm cheeses, cured meats, hand-knit woolens, wood crafts, goat-milk soaps, herbs, art, jewelry, metalwork, and baked goods – from grainy breads to hot pretzels. Breakfasts are served inside at a small, crowded café, and food trucks sell grilled sausages and other lunches to eat at the outdoor picnic tables.

The Boyce Farmers Market is one of the top tourist attractions in New Brunswick .

Address: Brunswick Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Official site: http://frederictonfarmersmarket.ca/

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery's collection began with the gift of 300 works of art from Sir Max Aitken (Lord Beaverbrook), an influential member of Sir Winston Churchill's cabinet during World War II. Subsequent gifts and acquisitions have grown the collection to more than 3,000 works.

The British collection, one of Canada's most comprehensive, covers Elizabethan through 20th-century artists, with works by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Reynolds, and Turner, as well as Pre-Raphaelite and modern paintings.

The Canadian Collection includes 18 th - through 21 st -century paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and sculpture, with special attention to artists of the Atlantic Region. It also includes folk art, fine crafts, Inuit prints, and First Nations art. The New Brunswick Collection is especially strong in local Acadian, Maliseet, and Mi'kmaq artists.

The International Collection features Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, and American works of the 14th to the 20th century, and includes paintings, miniatures, porcelain, tapestries, and furniture.

A newly expanded wing provides more exhibit space, and the highlight of the museum: Salvador Dali's monumental painting, Santiago el Grande . An adjacent sculpture garden has large-scale outdoor sculptures.

Address: 703 Queen Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Official site: https://beaverbrookartgallery.org

Twenty minutes north of the city is the museum village of Kings Landing, where you and your family can experience life as it was for the Loyalists who settled the river valley after leaving the 13 American colonies at the time of the Revolution. In addition to that era of history, it illustrates life in a rural community well into the 20 th century, with home and farm skills such as candle-making, flax spinning, and gardening.

Free interactive programs draw tourists into the daily routines, perhaps offering a chance to play an old-style musical instrument or try their hand at spinning or candle-making. You can watch early tradesmen, including a printer and a blacksmith, and tour houses of people at all levels, from farmers to the local gentry. Kids especially love riding a horse-drawn wagon to visit the working sawmill.

Address: 5804 Route 102, Prince William, New Brunswick

Official site: http://kingslanding.nb.ca

Its hyperactive arts climate attracts musicians, artists, and craftspeople to Fredericton, where some of Canada's finest craftspeople make their home. The varied venues, festivals, and the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design make it a popular tourist destination for shoppers, collectors, and music lovers. The festival schedule is a year-round one, highlighted by the two-week New Brunswick Summer Music Festival in August and the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival in mid-September.

The former includes free community concerts, as well as ticketed concerts of chamber music played by Canada's most talented classical musicians. The week-long Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival draws more than 400 artists to 150 performances. Three city blocks and the Garrison District become the festival grounds for eastern Canada's best celebration of jazz, blues, and world music.

Late July brings the Notable Acts Summer Theatre Festival and the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival , with piping and drumming, highland dancing, and traditional athletics on the grounds of Government House. The Fredericton FROSTival is Atlantic Canada's largest winter celebration, and fall and Christmas craft shows are goldmines for shoppers, featuring handcrafted products from all over the Maritimes.

In the center of town, The Playhouse is another legacy of Lord Beaverbrook, who also financed New Brunswick's first theater troupe. The 700-seat Playhouse offers theater, dance, and music performances and is a regular stop for touring acts, local and Canadian performers, and international stars. With all these cultural and entertainment options, there are always plenty of things to do in Fredericton at night.

The official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, Government House was the setting for discussions between representatives of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and pro-confederation advocates leading up to those provinces joining the Canadian Federation. Now a National and Provincial Historic Site, the sandstone Georgian-style building was completed in 1828, and until 1893 was the home of the representative of the British monarch in New Brunswick.

Today it is where members of the royal family and foreign dignitaries are greeted and often stay while in the province, and the grounds are used for patriotic holiday celebrations and festivals, such as the summer Highland Games. From June through August the house is open for tours, where you can see the drawing room, dining room, music room, library, two conservatories, and the lieutenant governor's office.

Address: Woodstock Road, Fredericton, New Brunswick

The 175-hectare (432-acre) Odell Park is in the heart of Fredericton, providing a green oasis of old-growth forest webbed with 16 kilometers of shaded trails and walking paths. Some of the trees are more than 400 years old, and the Odell Arboretum and New Brunswick Species Collection feature examples of every tree species native to New Brunswick.

At the upper end of the park are the Fredericton Botanic Gardens , a work in progress with several perennial beds, a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, woodland trails, and outdoor sculptures, with activities that include garden talks and artists in residence. There are playgrounds, picnic tables and a waterfowl pond, and in the winter the park is popular for skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing on its groomed trails.

Address: 694 Prospect Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Official site: www.frederictonbotanicgarden.com

Fredericton's Anglican diocesan church, Christ Church Cathedral is an elegant building in the Neo-Gothic style, completed in the middle of the 19th century. It is surprising to see such a grand example of English Gothic Revival architecture in a relatively small city so far from England, but Bishop John Medley, who arrived in Fredericton from England in 1845, brought in English architect Frank Wills, who modeled the new cathedral on the 14th-century St. Mary's Church at Snettisham in Norfolk.

Highlights of the interior are the East Window, whose stained glass is best seen as the morning sun sets it aglow; the high altar; the carved stone pulpit and baptismal font; and the brass lectern in the form of an eagle. A marble carved effigy memorial, unusual in North America, depicts Bishop Medley in his episcopal robes and mitre. His tomb is on the cathedral grounds below the East Window.

Address: 168 Church Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Official site: https://cccath.ca/

Opposite the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and worth a stop to see the portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by the British artist Joshua Reynolds, the Legislative Assembly Building has housed the New Brunswick legislature since 1882. Highlights are the spiral staircase and the legislative chamber, with its brass chandelier and Speaker's Chair on a dais beneath a canopy with the Royal Coat of Arms.

In the parliamentary library is a complete set of copperplate engravings from the famous Birds of America by the American artist John James Audubon (1785-1851). Free guided tours are given daily in the summer, weekdays the rest of the year.

Address: 706 Queen Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

The wide Saint John River provides a watery backdrop to the city, and its waters and riverbanks provide a major source of recreation. The heart of Fredericton lies in a bend of the river, which flows within a few yards of the Garrison District and Queen Street shops. Colorful kayaks are a common sight, and at both sides of the city center, islands create narrower channels for kayakers and canoeists to explore.

You can rent kayaks on the shore at Oromocto , just south of downtown Fredericton, or join Second Nature Outdoors for a sundown paddle to explore the waters around nearby Thatch Island . Early birds can join a sunrise tour at Hartt Island Resort to paddle among the islands west of the city.

Second Nature Outdoors also rents single and double kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and canoes from its base in Oromocto. Farther downstream, the Gagetown Marina , just off Front Street, also rents kayaks and canoes. There is a public boat launch at the northern end of Front Street.

Below Fredericton, at Gagetown, Evandale, and farther south, cable-driven car ferries cross the river to connect scenic, rural roads through farms and marshlands. These ferries are part of the New Brunswick highway system and are free.

The St. John River is not only a playground for water sports enthusiasts but provides miles of scenic cycling routes as well. The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, which crosses the river near downtown, is a converted railway bridge that's only open to pedestrians and bicycles. It is part of both the provincial and Trans-Canada trail systems.

The Fredericton trail system has more than 120 kilometers of year-round multi-use trails, over 21 kilometers of which are paved. Ten of these are major trails, leading through city parks and along both shores of the river, which are joined by the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge .

Park trails popular with cyclists include those in Odell and Angelview parks and the Hyla Park Nature Preserve , as well as Morell Par's riverside trails. You can rent bicycles at Savage's Bicycle Center on King Street, Canada's oldest bike shop, opened in 1897.

Official site: www.frederictontrailscoalition.com

More than 150 hands-on exhibits and activities bring science to life for kids, exploring animals, energy, dinosaurs, technology, insects, space, and more. They can step inside a gyroscope, be amazed by optical illusions, defy gravity on a climbing wall, and take part in daily science shows in the summer.

The building itself-the former county jail-suggests explorations of how forensic science helps solve crimes today. The historical/science displays and exhibits are in its basement museum, located in the former cells.

Address: 668 Brunswick Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Official site: https://scienceeast.nb.ca/

Follow the Saint John River south from Fredericton on Route 102 to Gagetown for lovely valley scenery. The town itself lies along the river, its picturesque Main Street lined with small homes and shops showing works of the many craftspeople and artists who have been drawn to the town. Pleasure boats line the active little marina, and restaurants have small terraces overlooking the river.

Queen's County Museum is at the Tilley House National Historic Site , boyhood home of Sir Leonard Tilley, one of the Fathers of Canadian Confederation. Those interested in military history should stop in Oromocto, between Gagetown and Fredericton, at the military museum in the Canadian army base.

We recommend these great hotels in Fredericton with easy access to tourist attractions like the Garrison District and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery:

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton has river views from its contemporary rooms, many of which are ideal for families. A variety of resort facilities include a spa, two swimming pools, a patio, restaurant, health club, and art gallery. Walkers and cyclists enjoy its location on the riverside trail.
• Just four kilometers from the downtown attractions, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Fredericton is a three-star hotel, popular with families for its pool and water slide. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, and a free hot breakfast is served daily.
• Also conveniently located off Highway 2 near the Kingswood Golf and Entertainment Centre and Regent Mall, Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a short drive from the center of town. The fitness center is open 24 hours a day. A hot breakfast is also complimentary, as is parking at both hotels.

Budget Hotels:

• A reliable 2-star hotel, Comfort Inn Fredericton has a fitness center, and is handy to the Regent Mall, the Fredericton Botanical Garden, and Odell Park. It's a short drive to the downtown attractions.
• Also close to the Regent Mall and Highway 2 is the family-friendly Fredericton Inn , with a pool, 24-hour front desk, room service, and a concierge. Breakfast is included. Parking is free at both these hotels.

Bed and Breakfasts and Inns:

• The riverside Quartermain House B&B offers five-star luxury near the cathedral and within an easy 10-minute walk of all the things to do in Fredericton's busy downtown. Guests love its heated floors, plush robes, garden terrace, and sumptuous morning breakfasts.
• On a quiet, leafy street, a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants, Carriage House Inn occupies an elegant Victorian home, beautifully furnished. Breakfast and parking are both included, and the inn has an outdoor pool.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit in New Brunswick: There is no shortage of great places to visit in this province. To see more of the tourist attractions in New Brunswick , use the handy lists in our pages on the cities of Saint John and Moncton . But be sure to explore beyond its cities to discover the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy .

Where to Go in Atlantic Canada : New Brunswick borders the province of Nova Scotia , where you can visit its lively capital city of Halifax and the lovely Annapolis Valley . Some of the top tourist sites in Nova Scotia, Historic Lunenburg and Mahoney Bay are on its southern coast, or you can cross over the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island to explore its lively capital of Charlottetown .

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Joey is a Traveler

Punk'N'Travel

THE 16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FREDERICTON, NB

Last Updated: February 29, 2024

Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick in eastern Canada, and 64,180 people lived here in 2021. If you like a mix of history, culture, exploring green spaces, unique artistic vibes, and an exciting social life year-round, then Fredericton is the perfect place to visit!

While the city was founded by British loyalists in the 1780s, the Maliseet and Mi’kmaq people had lived in the area long before that. According to Fredericton Tourism, about 1.8 million visitors spend time in the Fredericton Capital Region every year.

I lived in Fredericton for three months, and got to know this city pretty well. So I’m psyched to share the 16 Best Things To Do in Fredericton with you! From the Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge, Boyce Farmers Market, Beaverbrook Art Gallery, to an amazing live music scene and festivals, it never gets boring here!

Table of Contents

Wander around the Historic Garrison District

Let’s start with the Historic Garrison District in downtown, that has been a National Historic Site since 1964. Several Victorian buildings stand in this area, including City Hall ( 397 Queen St, Fredericton NB, E3B 1B5 ), which was completed in 1876. It is the oldest city hall of the Maritime provinces that’s still in use today. Until 1952, there was a public farmers market on the square in front of the building.

The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Officers Square is quite a spectacle, when 20 City Guards of the New Brunswick regiment start marching and playing their bagpipes and drums. This happens daily in July and August. The Canadian Military was born here in 1883, and soon after, the Infantry School Corps (ISC), Company “A” was established in Fredericton as its Maritime location.

If you keep on walking, you’ll find the Justice Building ( 427 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B7 ). First, it was constructed as a military hospital in 1827, later the Provincial Normal School (teacher’s college) took over, until it burned down in 1929. In 1975, it was turned into the Justice Building.

Then there’s the Soldiers’ Barracks ( 463 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y7 ), that the British Army built in 1827. More than 200 British soldiers lived here under sparse conditions. The rooms only had iron beds, shelves, a table, and wooden benches for 19 soldiers in each room. Unfortunately, this attraction is currently closed because of construction.

Want to get more insider information about Fredericton’s history? Then join a free Guided Heritage Walking tour around this area! Your guide will wear a historic costume, and will meet you daily in front of City Hall (June to October).

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery ( 703 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C4 ) has been around since 1959, and is one of Canada’s best art galleries. Its Permanent Collection has more than 5,000 objects from Maritime, Canadian, Indigenous, British, and international artists to look at.

The most famous piece displayed at Beaverbrook Art Gallery is “Santiago El Grande” by the Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, the second largest mural he ever painted. Besides, you can find paintings by Andy Warhol and the ‘Grandfather Akwiten’ Wolastoqiyik canoe, that was built in the 1820s. It’s the oldest birchbark canoe in the world!

A small selection of the artwork displayed at Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery also a small gift shop, that sells unique items made by local artists and the Daily Espresso Café . The latter has locally made drinks and pastries, and is perfect for taking a break after your visit!

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is open from 10 to 5 pm (Mon-Wed, Fri and Sat), 12-5 on Sundays, and 10 to 9 pm on Thursdays. Admission prices are C$ 12 for adults, C$ 10 for seniors & students, and C$ 6 for youth aged 6 to 16. Children under 6 years are free of charge.

Shop ’til You Drop at The Boyce Farmers Market & Summer Night Markets

Every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm, you can find tons of locally made goodies at The Boyce Farmers Market (665 George Street, Fredericton, NB E3B 1K4) . It was named one of Canada’s Top 10 farmers markets and has been around for more than 70 years! It’s open year round.

More than 200 vendors offer fresh produce, pastries, smoothies, flowers, pottery items, maple syrup, jam, quilts, jewelry, soaps, and so much more! There are also several food trucks for buying lunch, e.g. Dee’s Quiet Café, Kang’s Chinese food, Nada’s Lebanese Cuisine, and Milda’s Pizza!

I was positively surprised by the many vegan items I found at the Boyce Farmers Market 😀

Vegan spread from Scottage Cheeze and a Vegan Breakfast Sammy from Dee’s Quiet Café! 😛

If you’re visiting Fredericton during the summer months, don’t miss the Garrison Night Market (11 Carleton St, Fredericton, NB E3B 3T1 ) and the ReCap Night Market at the Tannery ( 375 King St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1E4 ) on Thursday evenings! With more than 100 vendors, the Garrison Night Market is Atlantic Canada’s largest night market.

You can find tons of cool stuff at the Garrison Night Market, such as microbrews, maple candy stalls, cider, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, farm products, and food trucks with multicultural cuisine! The ReCap Night Market has up to 10 vendors, who sell thrift clothing, cosmetics, arts, and more!

Left: The Garrison Night Market (Photo Credit: Fredericton Tourism). Right: The ReCap Night Market.

Walk or Bike Across the Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge

The Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge is Fredericton’s prettiest landmark, in my opinion! It was a CN Railway Bridge from 1889, before it was turned into a walking/cycling trail in 1997. The 0.6 km (1,905 ft) long steel bridge links the north and south side of the city and stands above the Wolastoq (Saint John river).

With more than 600,000 people crossing it every year, this bridge is popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s also a great photo spot, thanks to its unique design! Last but not least, the Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge is a part of the Trans Canada Trail network. It spans all over Canada, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and Arctic Ocean.

The Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge at sunset. Photo Credit: Fredericton Tourism.

Explore Killarney Lake Park

Want to spend some time in nature now? Then visiting Killarney Lake Park (1653 St. Mary’s Street, Fredericton, NB, E3G 8T6) is a great idea! It’s less than 10 minutes of a drive, or about 30 minutes by bus #12N from downtown Fredericton. This scenic park covers more than 645 hectares and has 30+ km (18 miles) of multi-use trails.

The supervised sandy beach next to Killarney Lake is perfect for playing and sunbathing, then jump into the lake to cool off! From June to early September, Second Nature Outdoors offers single kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for rent, as well as SUP yoga on the lake! There’s also a playground behind the beach area.

Once winter hits, the trails around Killarney Lake are awesome for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing!

Walk along The Green, Odell Park & Carleton Park

Fredericton has more than 120 km (74 miles) of trails throughout the city. One of them is The Green , which goes from the Government House in downtown to Morell Park, along the banks of the Wolastoq river. It is 5 km (3 miles) long and is a popular cycling, running, and walking path with locals and visitors alike.

A great spot for a break on the way is the Lighthouse by 540 ( 615 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y7) , that has been a landmark since 1989. Many people enjoy their food (e.g. shrimp tacos, salads, chicken wings, and burgers) and drinks on the patio. Teddy’s Two Scoops Ice Cream Shack is right next door.

Another local gem in the heart of the city is Odell Park ( Waggoners Ln, Fredericton, NB E3B 3X5) . It covers 333 acres with 16 km (9.94 miles) of trails that snake around a diverse forest. Some of the trees are more than 400 years old! So it’s a great spot for hiking, walking, and mountain biking.

Odell Park also has a botanic garden, picnic areas, a playground, waterfowl pond, and disc golfing spots. Lastly, the Odell Lodge stands here, that the Queen Mother opened in 1967. In winter, visitors can take advantage of the outdoor skating rink, sliding hill, and groomed cross-country ski trails.

Hiking path inside Odell Park, and beautiful flowers in the Botanic Garden!

After crossing the Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge, spend some time at Carleton Park . Even though it’s smaller than other parks in Fredericton, it’s an amazing spot to watch the Wolastoq river and downtown area, especially at sunset! It’s part of the North Riverfront Trail. You can launch a boat here, chill on one of the benches or in the grassy areas, or have a picnic.

Rent equipment from Savage’s, Second Nature Outdoors & Cruze Scooters

Fredericton has three major places to rent equipment for getting around the city in a fast and/or eco-friendly way!

Savage’s Bicycle Centre ( 441 King Street, Fredericton NB, E3B 1E5) has been around since 1897, which makes it the longest established bicycle shop in Canada! So the experienced staff will be happy to help you choose the right bike to ride around the city!

Bike rentals are C$ 30 per day, and they have well-known brands, including Norco, Haro, and Specialized. Besides, they sell bikes and bike gear and offer repair services all year.

During the summer months, you can rent kayaks, canoes, bikes, SUP’s, and e-bikes from Second Nature Outdoors ( 63 Brunswick St, Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y7 )! This is their main location, right next to the Wolastoq river, about 10 minutes from downtown. Equipment can be rented per hour, for two or four hours, or an entire day.

They also offer guided and self guided tours, e.g. a Sunrise Paddle Tour within the Hartt Island Resort and Sunset Paddle and Women’s Wednesdays, both in Oromocto, about 25 minutes outside of Fredericton.

Left: Rental bike from Savage’s. Right: Rental bike from Second Nature Outdoors.

A different, but equally fun idea is to grab an e-scooter from Cruze Scooters ( 150 Smythe Street, Fredericton NB, E3B 3C5) ! They are New Brunswick’s first e-scooter experience and their rental rate starts at C$ 20 per hour. I didn’t try them out this time, but lots of people were riding them around the city, so they must be very popular!

Rock Out to Fredericton’s Vibrant Nightlife Scene

Once the sun goes down, Fredericton’s nightlife scene comes to life! There’s tons of cool options, from night clubs, pubs, sports bars, lounges, to live music venues. Examples are Dolan’s Pub, The CAP, Monarch Nightclub, Snooty Fox, and Pine Tree Bar & Grill.

There’s free live music at the Garrison Night Market and the ReCap Night Market during the summer months as well, with different artists playing every time.

Local band Crosscut (Blues/Swing/Rock’n’Roll) and Klarka (Pop/Garage Rock from Sackville) playing at the ReCap Night Market.

Fredericton’s major music festival is Harvest Music Festival in September. It’s the largest music festival in the Maritimes, with 400+ musicians (both domestic and international) playing on 27 stages across six days! From Blues, Jazz, Funk, Pop, to Rock, there’s something for everyone!

Our favourite venue is The Broken Record Bar & Music Room ( 422 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B6 )! They host mostly local and domestic live bands several times a week, from Punk, Metal, Grunge, to Pop and Hip Hop music. Also, this is a great place to go if you like karaoke and open mic nights!

They also organize the Punkocalypse Festival in June and the Metalodon Fest in October!

Another awesome spot for live music (and a pint of Guinness!) is O’Hickey’s Irish Pub ( 514 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B9 )! You can sit inside or outside on their patio. Besides, they show football and rugby games, and the Irish decorations (e.g. flags and license plates) are just great!

O’Hickey’s Irish Pub from the outside and Teenage Bottlerocket playing at the Punkocalypse Festival!

Check Out the Craft Beer Scene & The Taproom Trail

Fredericton is the perfect place for craft beer lovers. In fact, it has the most taprooms per capita in Canada, with one taproom per 5,400 people. So it’s no surprise that Fredericton is known as Atlantic Canada’s Craft Beer Capital! There are plenty of local distilleries, breweries and cideries all over the city.

One special thing about the craft beer culture is the Fredericton Taproom Trail . Beer and cider enthusiasts can pick up a passport-style map from either of the 11 taprooms, and will get a stamp for each taproom that they had a drink at! Once you collected 8 stamps, you’ll get a tap trail t-shirt, and for all 11 stamps, you’ll be entered into a craftcation getaway contest by Fredericton Tourism!

We tried a few local ciders and craft beers from Graystone Brewing ( 221 King St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1E1 ) and Gahan House ( 426 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B6) , and they were very tasty!

Left: Cider and craft beer from Graystone Brewing. Right: Cider selection by York County Cider (Photo Credit: Fredericton Tourism).

Try Out some Local Restaurants

Before you’re partying the night away in Fredericton, it’s a good idea to grab some yummy local food! Similar to other Canadian cities, Fredericton is very multicultural, which shows in the variety of restaurants to choose from. Here are some of my favourites:

J’s Asian Kitchen is perfect if you’re craving Asian food, and they have two locations in Fredericton. Their menu features amazing Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese dishes, e.g. Okonomiyaki, Chow Mein, sushi, Pad Thai, Vermicelli noodles, and Bibimbap.

Although Fredericton is a smaller city, there’s a good selection of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants ! The best one, in my opinion, is The Abbey Café & Gallery ( 546 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B9 ). You can choose from their Lentil meatball panini, Seitan Gyros wrap, Coconut Curry, Caesar Salad, and more!

Another bonus are the yummy desserts and rotating art pieces displayed all over the walls.

Seitan Gyros Wrap and some of the paintings at The Abbey Café & Gallery.

Only a few minutes of a walk away, you’ll find Cinnamon Café ( 469 King St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1E5 ). This family-owned restaurant is happy to serve vegan food with a Persian/Arabic twist!

A few examples are the Falafel Platter, Tabbouleh Salad, Shawarma Wrap, Lentil Rice, and Gheymeh Stew. Their vegan cakes are supposed to be amazing, and I loved the unique décor inside the restaurant!

Shawarma Wrap and awesome décor inside Cinnamon Café.

Isaac’s Way ( 649 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C3 ) is a great choice for (mostly) North American comfort food! Everything is made from scratch, and customers appreciate sitting on the outside patio when it’s warm out!

They serve Maritime Seafood Chowder, Philly Sandwich, Chickpea Burger (vegan), Lamb Burger, Fish’n’Chips, Smoked Tofu Carbonara, and more! Lastly, there are lots of rotating artworks displayed on their walls as well!

Haddock Fish’n’Chips and Chickpea Crunch Burger.

Fredericton also has plenty of cool locally owned coffee shops! We liked Mill Town Roasters (461 King St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1E5 ) and Coffee and Friends ( 415 King St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1E5 ). Be sure to try their smoothies and sandwiches!

While not a “real” coffee shop, Tobe Milk Tea ( 608 Queen St, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1C2 ) offers the best cold tea and coffee options (e.g. Matcha, Oolong, Iced Cloud Coffee, and fruit sodas) in the city.

Snuggle with Kitties at the Purrfect Cup – A Cat Café

Although many of Fredericton’s attractions are within or close to the downtown area, there’s a unique one in the north of the city: The Purrfect Cup – A Cat Café ( 580 Two Nations Crossing, Unit 9 Fredericton, NB E3A 0X9 )! It was opened in 2018 and is the first cat café of the Maritimes.

They offer locally made coffee, tea, and pastries, but of course, the main attraction are the adorable kitties in the separate Cat Lounge! They are rescues from all over New Brunswick, and look forward to meeting their new human friends who’ll hopefully adopt them!

Besides, you can buy some kitty-themed goodies (like earrings and cat toys), and join one of their regular events! For example, they have Yoga with Kitties, Baby Mornings, and Gift Wrapping. There are also games, books, a table, and comfy chairs and couches to sit inside the Cat Lounge.

It’s C$ 7 for adults and C$ 5 for children under 13 for an hour of kitty time. The Cat Lounge can get very busy, so it’s recommended to make a reservation through their website . From downtown, take bus #14N, that takes only 11 minutes (or seven minutes by car) to the Purrfect Cup.

Walk Around The Old Burial Ground

If you need some peace and quiet after touring Fredericton’s downtown district, walk around The Old Burial Ground ( 500 Brunswick Street, Fredericton NB, E3B 1H5) for a bit. This is the final resting place of many of the Loyalist families who founded the City of Fredericton and New Brunswick.

The province’s first clergy, judges, and government workers are buried here, too. The oldest graves are from 1787, so it’s one of the most historically significant cemeteries in New Brunswick.

Browse Through some Independent Shops

When you walk around downtown Fredericton, there are quite a few cool independent shops to visit.

For example, Westminster Books ( 88 York St, Fredericton, NB E3B 3N5 ) has an awesome selection of all kinds of books! They’ve been around for more than 40 years and the store has a cozy vibe, which encourages customers to hang out for a while!

BackTrails by The Radical Edge ( 386 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 3L4 ) is perfect if you’re looking for outdoor clothes and equipment (e.g. backpacks, camping gear, hiking shoes, and canoes)!

Artful Persuasion ( 80 York St, Fredericton, NB E3B 3N4 ) is a small gift shop that sells handmande arts and crafts from 50+ local creators. You’ll find soaps, jewelry, little purses, pillows, cards, pottery, stickers, and more!

Rocker Chic Boutique ( 59 York St, Fredericton, NB E3B 3N4 ) is the best place to go for alternative clothing! Whether your inner rebel desires Goth, Glam Rock, Punk, or Rockabilly clothes, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for here! They also have band shirts in all kinds of sizes!

You can find a list of all downtown Fredericton shops here .

Please keep in mind that most of these shops are closed on Sundays.

Look at Fredericton’s Street Art

As an artsy city, it’s not surprising that there’s lots of cool street art in Fredericton!

I stumbled upon these while walking around downtown.

Visit a Local Festival

Fredericton is proud to host tons of events and festivals throughout the year! Here are just a few coming up this spring:

• The Fredericton Craft Beer Festival at the Fredericton Convention Centre ( 670 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C2) on March 8 and 9, 2024.
• EclipseFest Fredericton to celebrate a unique opportunity to see a total solar eclipse. From April 6 to 8, 2024 on Carleton Street in downtown Fredericton.
• Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic at the Fredericton Playhouse ( 686 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C2 ) on May 5, 2024. Admission fees start at $38.78 per person.

Here are a few festivals I visited during my time in Fredericton:

• The Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) Annual Powwow ( 510 Union Street, Fredericton, NB E3A 3N2) happens on two days in June. The best part are the many dances by indigenous performers, and everyone is welcome to join! There are also booths with Native clothing, arts and crafts, and food trucks.
• Animaritime is the premier anime convention in the Maritimes. It occurs in June as well at the Fredericton Convention Centre ( 670 Queen St, Fredericton, NB E3B 1C2) . For three days, anime fans and cosplayers can play video games, buy anime and cosplay merch, and meet famous cosplayers.
• Fredericton Pride Week is in July, with something different happening every day! Highlights are the flag raising ceremony, Drag bingo, Pride comedy panel, Queer yoga, nature walks, and the Pride Parade at the end!

The Sitansisk Annual Powwow and the Fredericton Pride Parade. Both photo credit of Fredericton Tourism.

Stay at a Historic Bed & Breakfast

By now, you may be wondering what’s the best place to stay in town? If you’re looking for a historic accommodation with genuine maritime hospitality, I recommend the Carriage House Inn (230 University Ave, Fredericton, NB E3B 4H7) .

It’s only minutes from downtown, the Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge, The Green, and other attractions. Besides, it’s Fredericton’s largest bed and breakfast.

This Victorian house was completed in 1875, and Harry Beckwick, Fredericton’s Mayor, lived here with his family in the late 1800s! Some original doors, a staircase, and flooring throughout the home are still used for today’s guests.

They have a nice selection of cozy and historic rooms. The hostesses, Emily and Angie, go above and beyond to make guests feel right at home! The house is in a quiet neighbourhood, so it’s perfect to relax after a long day of exploring Fredericton.

Many guests have been raving about their homemade blueberry banana pancakes for breakfast, which are served in their elegant dining room, so don’t forget to try them!

One of the bedrooms and the impressive dining room!

Whichever time of year you decide to visit Fredericton, there’s always something fun going on! It’s a great place to visit with friends, family, as a couple, or solo traveler. I hope this detailed guide of The 16 Best Things to Do in Fredericton gave you lots of inspiration, no matter what the weather does! I recommend spending at least two or three days in Fredericton.

Even though it’s smaller than Toronto, Halifax, or Montreal, Fredericton doesn’t have to hide at all. Instead of high skyscrapers, you’ll find Victorian buildings and many tree-lined streets, which is much better! There are daily flights from Fredericton International Airport to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Thanks to the many university and college students living here, Fredericton has quite a young and fresh vibe. It’s also known for its small town feel and cleanliness, and the locals are very down to earth. Besides, Fredericton is one of the safest cities in Canada and the Atlantic Ocean is only a few hours away!

It’s quite easy to get around the city by car and local buses go pretty much everywhere. Please note though that there’s no local bus service on Sundays. Maritime Bus goes daily to Saint John and Moncton as well.

I had a blast during my time in Fredericton! My favourite things to do are Odell Park, the Bill Thorpe Pedestrian Bridge, Killarney Lake Park, Garrison Night Market, and the Purrfect Cup! If you have any insider tips, feel free to share them in the comments. Cheers 😀

Spending time in the Maritimes for a bit longer? Then check out these posts:

How To Spend Three Days on Grand Manan Island

Is Halifax, Nova Scotia Worth Visiting in 2024? (Guest Post for Veggies Abroad)

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I’ve used in the past, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you use one of the links throughout the page to buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks.

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6 thoughts on “ THE 16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FREDERICTON, NB ”

What a cool town, I’ll have to plan a trip sometime!

Yeah, it seems like Fredericton is a bit underrated compared to other Eastern Canadian cities. Thanks for reading 🙂

This is my first time hearing about Fredericton, but I already like the town’s vibe. I am particularly interested in exploring the street art scene.

Hi Mayi! Yes, the art scene in Fredericton is amazing! The town has a very liberal and easy going vibe as well, so it’s worth a visit for sure 🙂

What an underrated gem! So much to see and do here! The cat cafe looks adorable. Would love to spend a few days checking it out!

Hi Jillian, yes, it’s definitely underrated compared to other Canadian cities 🙂 I highly recommend checking it out and the Cat Café is one of my favourite spots as well!

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Things To Do In Fredericton: 10 Great Ways To Experience The Capital of New Brunswick

These exciting things to do in Fredericton, will help you plan the most incredible visit to New Brunswick’s capital.

Lying on the banks of the scenic St. John River, Fredericton, New Brunswick, seems like an unassuming location for the province’s capital. But if you take more than a glance at this laid-back city of 100,000 residents, when you take in the whole metro area. It’s not hard to understand why it was chosen.

Surrounded by the dense nature of central New Brunswick , Fredericton is an excellent depiction of everything that makes the province such a wonderful place to visit. There’s history, culture, and mouthwatering food. In fact, there are more than enough exciting things to do in Fredericton to keep any visitor occupied for weeks.

With a delightful mix of historic buildings dating back to the late 18th century when Fredericton was a crucial point for the British army to the modern designs of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the city’s architecture paints a story of its long history. One that dates far back past the birth of Canda to its founding by French-speaking Acadians in 1732, and into the stories of the St. Mary’s First Nation’s Community which now calls the northeast banks of the St. John River home.

Things To Do In Fredericton, New Brunswick

If your visiting the city and are looking for some amazing Fredericton attractions. A great range of restaurants, microbreweries, outdoor experiences, and family-friendly entertainment helps Fredericton compete with cities on a far larger scale. And the city itself is pleasant, walkable, and just a true pleasure to experience.

So, if you’re looking for interesting things to do in Fredericton, here are a few experiences to fill your days in the city.

Walk Or Cycle The Waterfront Trail

There are few better ways to dip your feet into the things to do in Fredericton than by enjoying the waterfront trail.

This network of Fredericton trails spans over 120 km of riverfront and parks, connecting many of the best Fredericton experiences in a scenic and accessible circuit.

The Fredericton trail system can be enjoyed on foot or by bike and is a great way to experience the city’s microbreweries along what has been dubbed the “Taproom Trail.” You can also hook up with the town’s avid cycling community along the way with a stop at The Landing , a cycle cafe in Marysville.

Taste Your Way Through the Taproom Trail

Pick up a Taproom Trail passport from the Fredericton Tourism Office or one of the participating Fredericton breweries and embark on a tasting tour of some of the best breweries in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

This fun and engaging tour guides you through ten local craft brewhouses, including Graystone Brewing , King West Brewing, and Picaroons. Along the way, you can collect stamps from each brewery that you visit. Collect enough, and you can walk away with some great Fredericton swag.

Take Your Best Shot at the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame

Sports fans will get a kick out of the engaging and interactive New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame on Queen St.

Check out the memorabilia and stories of some of the province’s most celebrated sports heroes, including tennis phenom Ethel Babbit, Boston Bruins veteran Gordie Clark, boundary-breaking marathon runner Eldridge Eastman, and World Champion baseball great Matt Stairs.

Families will love the museum’s interactive portions, including a virtual sports system where you can test your shot in several sports, including baseball, hockey, and baseball.

Paddle The St. John River

Bring your canoe or rent one at Second Nature Outdoors along the Riverfront Trail and take to the water to enjoy the water.

The St. John River can be fast-flowing (made a little more complicated that the water is dam-controlled and sometimes has unpredictable flow), but once you reach the north side, you’ll find a stunning stream to explore.

Along my paddle, my family was delighted to see deer, many birds, and even a nice spot to enjoy a refreshing swim.

Drift Away At Delta Fredericton

There are some absolutely wonderful hotels in Fredericton. However, if you’re looking for a waterfront resort-style getaway within easy reach of the best things to do in Fredericton, you’ll want to consider the Delta Fredericton .

Enjoy a poolside meal at the Drift Lounge or borrow some fishing poles to enjoy some St. John river fishing. You can rent kayaks and hydro bikes for fun on the water from the on-site Mint Rentals store (their second location is just down the street) for some further fun in the sun.

The Delta is the home of some of the best restaurants in Fredericton as well, including the Drift Lounge and the STMR 36 BBQ and Social.

Enjoy Some Culture at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Named for Lord Beaverbrook, an influential media mogul of the early 20th century, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Fredericton for those with a love of arts and culture.

Tastefully spaced across two floors are impressive works by Gainsborough, Hogarth, and Turner along with collections of Indigenous artwork, Inuit prints, and Acadian works. These alone are worth the price of admission to the Beaverbrook, but if you’re looking for a little whipped cream on your cocoa, you’ll be as excited as I was to discover that it also houses Salvador Dali’s epic Santiago el Grande.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is truly one of the top Fredericton things to do. Visitors will love the hands-on experience of meeting the artist-in-residence and the wonders of exploring the nearby sculpture garden.

Walk Through History at King’s Landing

Just 20 minutes north of Fredericton is the immersive re-enactment village of King’s Landing . Here, visitors can take a step back in time to when United Empire Loyalists settled the St. John River valley after leaving the thirteen colonies of the United States.

King’s Landing recreates life in 19th Century Fredericton, including working farms, candle-making, and flax-spinning. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with printers, blacksmiths, and farmers and even enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride.

Visit The Old Government House

Just a short walk from the Delta Fredericton is the most stunning mansion in Fredericton.

The old Government House is where the former Governor of New Brunswick resided, and it was the seat of the representatives of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia during the pre-confederation meetings.

Completed in 1828 and in-service until 1893, this was where the representative of the British Monarchy would make their home in Fredericton. The magnificent sandstone manor is now a provincial and National Historic Site.

Play Your Way Through Science East

Of all the things to do in Fredericton, Science East is definitely focused squarely on those visiting Fredericton with kids.

Spread across three floors, the 150 interactive exhibits of Science East make for an engaging and fun way to explore science in the city. Exhibits include a planetarium, gyroscopes, optical illusions, a climbing wall, and more.

To make the experience even more fun, Science East is the location of the former county jail. Families can wander down to the lower level to see the original cells of the courthouse.

March Through the Garrison District and Officer’s Square

Located right in downtown Fredericton, the Garrison District is the birthplace of the Canadian Armed Forces. Back on May 19, 1855. Fredericton has had a military presence ever since.

Although in modern times, most of the action happens at the nearby Gagetown Military base, you can still catch the twice-daily Changing of the Guard during the summers at 11 am and 4 pm. During these times, soldiers dressed in period garb perform this historic ritual to the sound of drums and bagpipes.

More Exciting Fredericton Attractions

I’ll be honest, the list above is just breaking down all the things that I did while visiting Fredericton. There are way more Fredericton experiences to fill the gap if your interests lie elsewhere, or even better, if you’ve got more than just a weekend to spend in Fredericton.

So to help you plan, here are a few more Fredericton ideas

Take a Haunted Hike

If you love a little thrill with your travels, check out this lantern-lit ghost walk through historic downtown Fredericton. The tour has costumed phantoms meeting you along the walking trail to teach you about Fredericton’s paranormal past.

Play All Day At Kingswood Entertainment Centre

Kingswood Entertainment Centre is Fredericton’s largest indoor entertainment facility with bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. The game centre includes a Play Zone for young kids and a Toddler Zone for the little ones can play too.

Get In Some Board Game Action

Unplugged Board Games Cafe on Queen Street has over 100 board games to play. There are hundreds of game options that you can enjoy alongside drinks and snacks. Head upstairs to try one of three Escape Rooms for some fun.

Now It’s Time to Experience These Things To Do In Fredericton For Yourself

There are more things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick, than meets the eye. From some of the province’s most stunning nature to the scrumptious Fredericton food scene and everything in between, you can find something for everyone in this beautiful region of New Brunswick.

Many of these businesses and restaurants are anxious for visitors after a tough year. So let’s support local and make the most of your Fredericton adventure.

Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant in Canada? Head over to the  We Explore Canada Facebook Community  and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people passionate about travel in Canada who love to share their local secrets.

Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of We Explore Canada. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel . Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home country and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.

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THIS IS NEW BRUNSWICK

The Best Things to Do in Fredericton, New Brunswick

newbrunswick

August 4, 2021

Fredericton

As the capital city of New Brunswick, it’s not surprising that there are a number of fun and interesting things to do in Fredericton. While it’s known for being a college and government town, there’s a lot to do if you’re planning on visiting or moving to Fredericton .

Despite its size, with a population of just 60,000, you’ll find no end to the ways of occupying your time. It’s going to be even better if you love spending time outdoors and are looking for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and other fun adventures.

Even from the heart of downtown you’ll find bike paths that will whisk you out of the city along the Saint John River. When the weather isn’t cooperating, there are a number of museums, cafes, restaurants, and other indoor attractions you can visit as well.

There are plenty of things to do in Fredericton and it’s definitely one of the gems of New Brunswick. Let’s take a look at some of Fredericton’s top tourist attractions so that you can have a great time during your visit.

Is Fredericton Worth Visiting?

Fredericton is a beautiful city and definitely somewhere you need to check out on a New Brunswick trip. And, yes, it is worth visiting! Here are some reasons why:

The city of Fredericton is a vibrant and historic town situated in the Saint John River Valley. It’s a quintessential example of a Canadian city with elegant architecture and period buildings.

Fredericton is rich in history and culture. There are many museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants to explore. And there is no shortage of outdoor activities and national parks that offer beautiful scenery.

The art scene in Fredericton is so dynamic and inventive. It’s a great place to be inspired.

There are many festivals, such as Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, Brunswick Music Festival and Mardi Gras Festival. Whether you come for the music or for the food, you will find something exciting to do.

The city has shopping centres, malls and stores that will be sure to please even the most sophisticated shoppers.

Overall, Fredericton is an attractive city to visit with amazing cultural and historical sites.

The Best Things to Do in Fredericton

1. saint john river.

Running through the heart of Fredericton is the Saint John River. Further along you’ll find the Saint John River Valley, which is an incredibly beautiful part of the province.

During the summer there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water and enjoy the nice weather. This includes doing things like paddleboarding, kayaking. and even some light boating.

It’s even possible to rent some outdoor equipment so you have a better experience out on the river. A local company, Second Nature Outdoors, offers rentals for kayaks, paddle-boards, canoes, and even bicycles for reasonable rates.

There’s also biking trails, walking paths, and a lot of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river. It’s even possible to go out on a dinner cruise if you’re visiting during the summer.

Visitors are always shocked by the beauty of the St. John River. This is definitely a part of the city you want to spend time exploring if you’re planning a trip to Fredericton.

2. Fredericton City Hall

Located in the heart of downtown is the historic and picturesque Fredericton City Hall. This is a beautiful building that was built in 1875 and is one of Canada’s many National Historic Site’s.

The City Hall is the oldest municipal hall in eastern Canada that’s still used for administration purposes. It features a unique Second Empire architectural style, which is one of the more impressive building styles found in the Maritimes.

The building itself is located on Phoenix Square, which is right in the centre of downtown Frederic Inn. At the very back of the building you’ll find the previously mentioned Saint John River, further enhancing it’s beautiful location.

One interesting fact is that the basement of the Fredericton City Hall was once used as a market. This was rather a rare occurence at the time, when it was happening in 1851.

Today, it’s possible to go on a tour of the building if you book in advance. This is definitely worth it if you’re interested in learning more about history and New Brunswick architecture.

For more information – visit the Fredericton City Hall website .

3. Fredericton’s Bars and Craft Breweries

One of the most interesting things about Fredericton and is that there are a number of great bars and breweries worth checking out. What makes it even more surprising is that just a few years ago there wasn’t a drinking scene in the city at all.

In 1995 the first ‘craft brewery’ opened, Picaroons Traditionals Ales. Since then the craft brewing industry in Fredericton has been growing steadily every year.

There are a surprising number of bars and breweries that you can check out including:

• Red Rover Brewery
• James Joyce Pub
• Picaroons Brewtique
• Graystone Brewing
• Grimross Brewing
• Corked Wine Bar
• Flying Monkey’s Craft Brewery

There’s actually a tourist-based brewery tour that you can follow to check out some of the best local establishments. Head over to the Tourism Fredericton website here to learn more about the ‘Fredericton Taproom Trail’.

4. The Fredericton Lighthouse

While it might seem historic, the Fredericton Lighthouse was actually built in 1989. It was originally used by a boat tour business, although today it’s operated by the Crowne Plaza hotel.

Despite being privately managed, the lighthouse is accessible to the public. It’s both picturesque and maintains a beautiful position along the Saint John River.

As tourists, it’s possible to go up to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the river and the city itself. Even if you’re a budget traveler, keep in mind that the fee is donated to the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

There are some things to do at the hotel as well, including some options for drinking and eating. Either way, the lighthouse is one of the best outdoor activities in Fredericton and definitely worth a visit.

5. The Fredericton Railway Bridge

Another interesting outdoor activity in the city is the Fredericton railway bridge. This is a walking bridge that crosses the Saint John River and offers incredible views of the different parts of the city.

During the summer, the bridge is incredibly popular with people walking and biking across. It’s also a lovely place to visit, making it one of the more romantic things to do in Fredericton.

The bridge itself is known as the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge and was formally a railway bridge. Originally, it was built in 1938, replacing an older wooden bridge from 1889.

The current bridge began its pedestrian use in 1997 and sees more than 600,000 crossings every year. It’s definitely one of the more iconic pieces of infrastructure and offers one of the best views of Fredericton.

6. Officer’s Square and the Garrison District

One of the most iconic places in Fredericton, and even in all of New Brunswick, is the Garrison District and Officers Square. This is another national historic site as well as a provincial historic site in New Brunswick.

The square as well as the entire district boast a beautiful location right on the Saint John River. It has become the de facto place for festivals, markets, and other live events in Fredericton.

This area of the city dates back to when Fredericton was a garrison town. Originally, all of the buildings were made of wood and eventually replaced with the stone structures you see today.

There is actually one original wood building that you can check out in the Garrison. It’s really a great area for history buffs and admiring some of Canada’s oldest architecture.

Those of you looking for more information can participate in a Guided Heritage Walking Tour. Otherwise, you’ll definitely want to check out the Garrison District for the architecture, Local history, and options for outdoor dining and drinking.

Don’t forget to check out the Coleman Frog – a 42 pound New Brunswick legend. You’ll find this beauty and some other local gems inside the Fredericton Region museum.

7. Boyce Farmer’s Market

Consistently voted as one of the best community markets in Canada, the Boyce Farmer’s Market is something you should check out if you get a chance. This is a Saturday morning farmers market in Fredericton that happens year-round.

At this market you’ll find a lot of local options such as local crafts and regional food items. During the summer are a lot of local goods like wild berry jam, traditional seaweed snacks, local honey, and maple candies (a great souvenir).

Most of the market takes place inside two of the large market halls. If it’s busy, there can be a lot of spill over outside with the vendors setting up stands in the area around the main market.

These vendors have cheese, meat, handcrafted goods, goat milk soap, jewelry, baked goods, and even fresh picked vegetables. Inside the market itself you’ll be able to get breakfast from a Café or something to eat at one of the food trucks.

People across New Brunswick are familiar with the Boyce Farmer’s Market. Not only is this a popular attraction in Fredericton, it’s also one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick as a whole.

8. Government House

Government house in Fredericton is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of New Brunswick. It acted as the setting for official discussions that happened during Canada’s confederation.

This is where the Maritime provinces ended up joining the Canadian Federation. It’s not surprising that the Government House is a provincial as well as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Those of you that are interested in architecture will find this to be a beautiful building. It was built using sandstone in 1828 and features a Georgian style of architecture.

All the way until 1893, the Government House was the home of the representative of the British monarch in this province. Surprisingly, it’s still used today to greet and host members of the royal family as well as foreign dignitaries.

During the summer months it’s possible to visit the Government House for a tour. The tour will take you through many of the rooms inside, including the Governors Office, library, both of the conservatory, the drawing room, the dining room, and many other locations.

9. Fredericton Botanical Garden

Easily accessible from downtown is the beautiful Fredericton botanical garden. This is a 53 acre garden that’s full of natural beauty.

At this garden you’ll be able to explore a number of interpretive trail. There’s the well-known Woodland Fern trail and a quiet spot for relaxing, the Memorial Grove.

The garden itself was set up in 1990 and has been a great spot for enjoying nature in the heart of the city. Along with the many different trails, there are incredible displays of flowers and plants that are worth checking out.

During the summer it’s possible to go on a guided tour to learn more about the various displays as well as the garden itself. Take a look at the Fredericton Botanical Garden website if you’re interested in learning more.

10. Odell Park

Right in the heart of Fredericton is the beautiful and picturesque Odell Park. This is a great spot to visit if you’re looking to get away from the hustle of the city and want to relax in a green, shaded oasis.

At the park you’ll find more than 16 km of walking trails and easily accessible paths. There are a number of areas with old growth forest that you can explore, with trees that are more than 400 years old.

The park also features an arboretum as well as a New Brunswick tree species collection. This collection has examples of all of the different trees that are native to the province.

It’s worth checking out Odell Park, especially if you’re planning to visit the botanical gardens. These gardens are located right beside the park and are worth adding to the same visit.

Along with walking trails, there are outdoor sculptures, beautiful gardens, picnic tables, and even a large pond that can be found in the park. During the winter it’s a popular spot for cross country skiing, tobogganing, and ice-skating.

11. Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church cathedral in Fredericton is one of the oldest churches in New Brunswick. It features a picturesque neo-Gothic style and was built during the mid-18th century.

Many visitors are surprised to see this well preserved example of English Gothic revival architecture here in the province. The reason for it is because of Bishop John Bradley, who had the church built based on a 14th century church from his home in England.

What makes the church so unique is the beautifully preserved interior. You’ll definitely want to check out the stained glass, carved stone pulpit, and baptismal font.

Those of you that love architecture, especially churches, are going to find this one to be a gem. There’s even a marble carved effigy memorial inside, which is something very unique in North America.

12. King’s Landing Historical Settlement

The most interesting things to do in Fredericton is the Kings Landing historical settlement. This is a great place to check out if you want to experience what life was like for the original inhabitants here in New Brunswick.

This interesting historical village is open from June through to October. It’s available for tours from Wednesday to Saturday between 10 AM and 5 PM.

Visiting this village will give you a better idea what life was like 200 years ago. Throughout the season there are special events and it’s a great place to learn about New Brunswick history.

This is essentially an open air museum with over 300 acres of preserved artefacts and accurate replicas. There are more than 70,000 artefacts here along with a fully operational 19th century village and 70 historic buildings.

If you’re planning a visit, you can check out the Kings Landing website here . Along with a guided tour, there are also unique culinary experiences, educational programs, and workshops that you can participate in.

13. Live Music at the Lunar Rogue

If you’re a fan of live music you’re definitely going to want to check out the Lunar Rogue in Fredericton. This is a popular spot to visit and is the main hub of the city music scene.

Almost every night, especially on weekends, local bands will be playing here. They serve great food here as well so it’s a great place to go for dinner or to end your day with some great music.

It’s a really popular spot locals so you can expect it to be busy on the weekends. There’s even a great selection of craft beer that you can sample from a number of local breweries.

Whether you’re looking to socialize or just drink some beer and relax, this is the spot to be. If you’re looking for things to do in Fredericton on the weekend, it’s the Lunar Rogue that I would recommend checking out.

15. The Legislative Assembly

The beautiful building that makes up the legislative assembly is a must see in Fredericton. This lovely structure has been in the seat of New Brunswick’s provincial government since 1882.

During the summer, from June until August, it’s possible to take a free guided tour. These tours are available between 9am and 5pm. Throughout the rest of year you can book a tour as well, though you will have to make an appointment.

What makes the legislative assembly so impressive is its picturesque and daunting architecture. The building was built in the Victorian style, something that you see repeated many times across eastern Canada.

It’s hard not to be impressed by this large stone building with its impressive dome on the top. On the inside you’ll be pleased to find a beautifully preserved spiral staircase as well as a portrait gallery of the former Lieutenant governors.

If you’re interested in booking a tour, check out the legislative assembly website here. With its location close to downtown and other Fredericton attractions, This is definitely somewhere worth checking out.

16. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Right beside the legislative assembly building is the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. This is a beautiful art museum in downtown Fredericton.

The gallery was named after Lord Beaverbrook and was opened in 1959. It’s worth noting that the Gallery was recently renovated with a number of new exhibitions included.

This gallery is said to have one of the most impressive and varied art collections in Canada. Along with international artists, there are also a number of exhibitions from artists right here in Canada.

The highlight of the museum is Salvador Dali’s Santiago el Grande, which stands four meters tall in its own gallery space. It’s hard not to be impressed by all of the artwork, as well as the gallery itself, with its 20 foot ceilings.

For more information about the Gallery, check out the Beaverbrook Art Gallery website here.

Where to Stay in Fredericton

There are a number of hotels and bed and breakfasts in Fredericton. Regardless of your budget, you’ll definitely be able to find somewhere reasonable to stay.

Some of the best hotels and accommodations can be found right downtown, even in the Garrison District. Otherwise, there are some great options further outside the city centre and even a number of AirBnb properties available.

Here are some of our recommendations for places to stay in Fredericton:

• Fredericton Inn (budget)
• Crowne Plaza

Things to Do in Fredericton FAQ

What is fredericton nb famous for.

Fredericton is the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.

It has a thriving arts scene and is home to many festivals throughout the year, including the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, the New Brunswick Highland Games, and the Fredericton FROSTival.

Fredericton is also famous for its stunning architecture, including the Legislative Assembly Building, Old Government House, and the Christ Church Cathedral.

Is Fredericton worth visiting?

Yes, Fredericton is definitely worth visiting!

It is a charming and historic city that offers visitors a wide range of experiences.

From strolling along the Saint John River on the trail system (See: hiking in Fredericton ) to visiting the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, there is something for everyone.

The city has many excellent restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

With its rich cultural heritage and welcoming locals, Fredericton is a must-see destination in Canada.

What is in Fredericton, New Brunswick?

Fredericton is a bustling city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.

The city has a rich history, and visitors can explore this history at many sites, including the Fredericton Region Museum and the York-Sunbury Historical Society.

Fredericton is also home to many galleries and museums, such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Science East Science Centre.

Additionally, the city has plenty of natural beauty, with parks, gardens, and nature trails that are perfect for hiking and biking.

What is there to do in Fredericton in November?

November is a great time to visit Fredericton, as the city offers many events and activities during this month.

The city hosts the annual Silver Wave Film Festival, which showcases independent films from around the world.

The city’s arts and culture scene comes alive during November, with many concerts, theatre productions, and art exhibits taking place throughout the month.

Consider visiting one of the indoor pools in Fredericton if you want to swim during the crisp November weather.

Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful autumn colours by taking a scenic drive along the river or hiking through one of the city’s many parks.

How expensive is Fredericton?

Fredericton is generally an affordable city to visit.

The cost of living is relatively low compared to other Canadian cities, and visitors can find a range of accommodations to fit their budget.

There are many affordable restaurants and cafes in the city, and visitors can also take advantage of the city’s many free attractions, such as its numerous parks and museums.

What is the coldest month in Fredericton?

Fredericton experiences cold winters, with the coldest month typically being January.

During this month, temperatures can drop to as low as -18°C (0°F). Visitors should plan accordingly and bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear.

Despite the cold temperatures, the city still offers plenty of activities and events during the winter months, including outdoor skating, snowshoeing, and skiing.

Making the Most of a Trip to Fredericton

Fredericton offers visitors a diverse range of activities and attractions that are sure to appeal to anyone.

From exploring the city’s rich history and culture, to enjoying its beautiful parks and gardens, there is always something to see and do in Fredericton.

Whether you are interested in arts and culture, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing and enjoying the local cuisine, Fredericton is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

So, whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, be sure to add Fredericton to your travel itinerary.

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Best Things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Nestled in the heart of Canada’s charming Maritimes, Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, is an East Coast destination worth a visit. This picturesque city, located in the scenic Saint John River, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

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Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, vibrant arts and music scene or simply a relaxing getaway, Fredericton has something for everyone. The town is also known for its craft beer scene. Fredericton boasts more breweries and cideries than any other place in Atlantic Canada. 

Fredericton draws big crowds during the annual Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival and is an essential artistic city for contemporary visual artists. It was home to notable Canadian painters such as Goodridge Roberts, Molly, and Bruno Bobak.

Whether you are coming to Fredericton for the arts, the beer, or are simply driving by on your road trip through Eastern Canada and wondering if a visit to Fredericton is worth it. Our short answer is – yes it is! 

We stopped in Fredericton on our East Coast Road Trip and found it to be a charming city for a few day’s visit. Here are some of our suggestions on things to do in Fredericton for first-time visitors!

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How to get to Fredericton

Fredericton International Airport (YFC)  serves as one of the hubs for the region. Despite the “international” label, Fredericton doesn’t service too many international destinations. Air Canada and Porter Airlines are the main airlines flying in and out of the city daily, connecting domestic visitors with destinations across Canada and some, to the US.  

Maritime Bus is the leading coach service in and out of Fredericton, New Brunswick. The bus operates routes connecting major cities in Maritime Canada and operates 7-days a week.

Via Rail, Canada’s rail network, offers good connections with Fredericton from a number of key population hubs in Quebec and Ontario.  

By far the most popular way to get to Fredericton is by car. Given that many of the visitors arriving in Fredericton come from either Ontario, Quebec or neighbouring states within the US, driving to Fredericton makes the most sense. 

How to get around Fredericton

Downtown Fredericton is rather compact and can be easily explored on foot. We parked our vehicle during our visit to Fredericton and were able to walk around the town with ease. 

If you are planning a few out-of-town day trips, there are a number of ways you can get around. 

Public Transport

The public transit is well-linked throughout the entire city, with six lines to get you around and even to places further out of downtown. They do operate 7-days a week. However, the schedule is slightly different on Saturdays, so check the bus schedule before you go. 

You can rent a car from the airport, which might be more convenient than a pick-up service. Avis and Enterprise are two examples of companies that offer rental cars directly from the airport. 

Biking 

Bikes are a sustainable way of getting around the town and an ideal way of sightseeing, especially if you visit during summer. The local government is working on trying to establish Federicton as a bike-friendly city. There are currently 45 kilometres of bike lanes and 39 kilometres of bike routes city-wide.

Best Time to Visit Fredericton

Visit in summer for the best weather.

Summers in Fredericton are perfectly warm, with temperatures picking up in June and dropping again in September. During the shoulder months of June and September, you can expect daytime highs of around 68°F (20°C) and nighttime lows of around 52°F (12°C). It isn’t very rainy during the summer months, and you’ll get at least 8 hours of daylight. Months on either side of the summer season can be mild. However, keep in mind that you will get fewer sunlight hours.

If you want to experience the best weather in Fredericton, New Brunswick, we recommend you travel early to mid-July. The weather in the summer gets up to 25-27°C and rarely drops below 13-15°C at night. You’ll find all activities and attractions operating at full steam and enjoy the best the region has to offer. 

Visit in the Shoulder Season for the Best Prices

Spring: Spring is a lovely season to visit Fredericton because the city comes to life with colorful flowers and luscious vegetation. Since the springtime temperature is often about 10°C (50°F), it is ideal for outdoor pursuits like biking and hiking.

Fall: Visit Fredericton in the fall when the leaves are turning vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow. Since the fall’s average temperature is around 10°C (50°F), it’s a great time to go biking, hiking, and engaging in other outdoor activities. Fall is also a fantastic time to visit the city’s numerous vineyards and craft breweries, which provide seasonal goods and tours.

Winter: With an average temperature of roughly -10°C (14°F), winters in Fredericton may get rather chilly. While this is the case, the city also hosts a number of indoor activities and events. This includes the Fredericton Frostival, where you can enjoy ice slides, ice bars, and other winter sports. The winter is a terrific time to explore Fredericton’s culture and gastronomy because so many of the city’s museums, galleries, and eateries are open.

Top Things to do in Fredericton

Check out the bill thorpe walking bridge.

Situated in the heart of Fredericton, the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge was built in 1938 to replace the initial bridge from 1889. Formerly a railway bridge, the iconic infrastructure now serves as a transportation link over the Saint John River. The bridge connects the north and south sides of the city of Fredericton. It also offers some of the best views of the city, and it’s one of the best things to see in Fredericton.

Visit the Beaverbrook Art Gallery 

If you are an art enthusiast, consider a stop at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery . A homage to local and international artists, the public art gallery has more than 300 pieces of art . The recently renovated art gallery now features a new entrance and building façade. 

The museum also has an Artists in Residence programme. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience live art as it’s being created. Artists from New Brunswick, Canada and abroad work on site and interact with the public while conducting their residence.

Hang out at the Historic Garrison District

Inspired by the rich history, the Historic Garrison District is a Community space that hosts the Garrison Night Market, with 140+ vendors, live music, artists, and more every Thursday night from June to September. With architecture that recreates the late 1800s, activities like Croquet and the changing of the guard ceremony, you don’t have to go far in this national historic site to experience history. 

If you’re interested in learning about the history of New Brunswick, be sure to visit the Fredericton Region Museum , which is located in Officer’s Square, just east of the historic Guard’s House and Barracks on Carleton Street.

Hike or Bike along the Fredericton Trail system 

With a network of over 120 km of trails meandering along the beautiful Saint John River, this is a favourite destination in Fredericton for outdoor and adventure Lovers. Whether you enjoy walking, running or mountain biking, these trails offer beautiful scenery for a lovely bike ride, jog or stroll at sunset. 

Go on a Sunset Walk along South Riverfront Trail on Saint John River

We loved our evening walks along the trail by the river during our stay in the city. 

The South Riverfront trail runs through downtown and offers an easy escape for locals and visitors.  The path is paved and wide, suitable for walking, jogging and biking. 

Not only can you enjoy being outdoors, but you can also admire the public art sculpture “Watermark” by Gerald Beaulieu along the trail.  

Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market 

There is no better way to know a city than to visit the local farmer’s market. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is one of Canada’s Top 10 Community Markets and has incredible energy. 

The market is open every Saturday morning and features more than 200 local vendors, selling everything from clothing to produce, gifts, souvenirs and more. Sadly, we weren’t in Fredericton on a Saturday. But, it’s one of the many things to do in Fredericton recommended to us by locals. If you love markets, this is a must on the list of things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  

Join a Bike or Kayak tour with Second Nature Outdoors 

Second Nature Outdoors is Fredericton’s home for outdoor activities.  With a location right on the riverfront in downtown Fredericton, these guys offer guided tours and kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals.

If you are looking for a unique type of activity, you can also sign up for a Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Class.

Follow the Taproom Trail

There is no secret that Fredericton loves its beer and cider. Known as Atlantic Canada’s Brewing Capital, Fredericton has the most taprooms per capita in Canada ( 11 taprooms). 

Thus, Fredericton’s area craft breweries and ciders collaborated with Fredericton Tourism to create a Taproom Trail that we think it’s a must when visiting Fredericton.

Grab a passport and get a stamp every time you visit a brewery on the map. Collect stamps and redeem them for free goodies and merch. The Taproom Trail is a great way to explore Fredericton’s culture and taste the local flavour, and it also makes for a fun date in the city.

We didn’t visit all the breweries in Fredericton during our stay. But, we hit up a few and found that each one offers something different and provides a unique atmosphere. We’ve recommended a few of our favourites later on in the article. 

Visit the Northside Creators Market

A vital community hub, the Northside Creators Market is a non-profit cultural market opened every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the smell of freshly brewed coffee, pick up some fresh produce, grab a bite to eat or browse for unique gifts and art pieces from wildly creative creators. 

Northside Creators Market is another excellent way to sustain the local economy, help small businesses and enjoy the city’s culture.

New Brunswick Highland Games Festival

If you visit Fredericton during the month of July, be sure to check out the Highland Games Festival, which is held every July on the grounds of the historic Government House in Fredericton. You’ll get to watch traditional Scottish Highland athletic competitions , sample whiskey, and enjoy a spectacular piper and drum march.

Visit Odell Park

Located within walking distance from the city center, Odell Park offers plenty to do and see regardless of what time of year you visit the area. During the warm months, you can take your pick from several picnic areas, play disc golf, enjoy the Fredericton Botanic Garden or the many kilometres of walking and biking trails. During the winter, the park is maintained for those who enjoy snowshoeing or cross country skiing. 

Spend the Afternoon at King’s Landing

If you enjoy exploring historic sites, there is one just outside of town that’s perfect for a quick escape from the crowds. Located a 25-minute drive southwest of Fredericton, the historic settlement of King’s Landing is a living museum, offering over 40 exhibits, hands-on workshops, and a 19th century village with living characters in period costume. Learn about the history of the settlement, help with heritage gardening, and enjoy a themed dinner in the village.

Best Restaurants in Fredericton

Wolastoq Wharf: Wolastoq Wharf is an upscale seafood restaurant managed by St. Mary’s First Nation Retail Sales Division. The restaurant offers live music, a patio and a friendly atmosphere.

540 Kitchen & Bar: This restaurant has something for everyone. Combining fine dining with comfort foods, they source all their ingredients naturally, taking care of nature, economy and local delicacies. 

Brewbakers:   Whether you come here to eat or drink, you will have a great experience at this casual fine-dining restaurant. They are a warm, wood-hued tavern featuring comfort fare, seafood, and meats. You can also choose to stay inside or outside on Fredericton’s finest rooftop patio.

MOCO Downtown: MOCO Downtown is an elegant restaurant in the downtown area with a menu that offers modern Italian fare with fresh handmade pasta and simple, rustic sauces. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options, and you should make a reservation before dining here.

Issac’s Way:  A casual eatery in the heart of Fredericton, Issac’s Way is a restaurant with a casual, colourful, and friendly atmosphere. Their menu includes globally inspired farm-to-table eats, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and all their dishes are made from scratch.

Dimitri’s: Known for its excellent food, huge portions, and family environment Dimitri’s is Fredericton’s favourite Greek restaurant. Skordalia, Moussaka or Horiatiki (Greek Salad), this restaurant has it all.

Greystone Brewing: Situated on King street, the brewery is a part of the Fredericton Taproom Tail and offers a selection of year-round and seasonal craft beer brewed downtown Fredericton. Attached to the brewery, you can find the Graystone taphouse, where you can enjoy one of their 23 taps dedicated to local craft beer and ciders. You can enjoy a pint in front of the fire during winter or sit on the patio’s hammock during summer.

Trailway Brewing Company: Trailway Brewing Co. is another brewery on the Taproom Trail in downtown Fredericton. The menu offers a variety of beers and ciders on tap that you can choose from. 

Friendly staff, fantastic beers and a great taproom are the elements that make Trailway Brewing Co. a visitors’ favourite. The brewery also offers a patio and food trucks during summer.

The Cap Brewery: The Cap is a small space that promotes live music, comedy and the arts. The brewery is a friendly place with a lovely atmosphere, perfect for a night out. The cap has weekly events such as trivia nights, stand-up comedy and jazz nights to lie concerts. They also have a variety of drinks to choose from and to taste the local colours.

Where to Stay in Fredericton 

Hilton garden inn fredericton   .

Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton offers a restaurant, fitness center and a shared lounge. Situated right in the downtown area, the hotel is minutes’ walk from Beaverbrook Art Gallery, shows at Fredericton Playhouse, historic Officers’ Square, and a variety of local restaurants. Other facilities include breakfast, lunch and dinner, free wifi, pet friendly and parking.

Chateau Fredericton

Located uptown, Chateau Fredericton is a boutique hotel in a quiet location that is still very close to restaurants, the New Brunswick College, and other points of interest. The Fredericton Botanic Garden and Odell Park and Game Refuge are a five-minute drive away, and you’ll be within walking distance of several restaurants and cafes. For a cozy night in, the hotel has a heated indoor saltwater pool and offers room service. 

Fredericton has something for everybody. From art to fun activities, delicious food, and excellent beer, we think it’s a friendly place to spend your summer. There are lots of cool things to do in Fredericton, which we are sure you will enjoy, whether you visit it during summer or winter.

Have you ever been to Fredericton? What advice would you give to fellow travellers?

About the author.

Oksana & Max St John

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12 Unmissable Things to Do and See in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton is the capital city of New Brunswick province of Canada. It is situated on the banks of the Saint John River in the west-central part of the province. Some of the most fun things to do in Fredericton , NB are centered around the river. This includes nature retreats, adventure activities, kayaking, swimming, nature trails, boat cruises, and so on. The city is an important art and culture center. There are several art galleries, studios, and innovative art centers among places to visit in Fredericton . The most well-known among these is the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, which houses a historical and contemporary collection of North American and European artworks.

Fredericton is also home to Boyce Farmers Market, which is included among the top 10 markets in Canada. In the shopping section below, we have listed many other markets, permanent and seasonal, hosted in the city. You will come across some of the most fascinating things to see in Fredericton, NB as you explore these markets. They are also the top attractions to explore street food and unique delicacies from different cultures of the world.

Being a major cultural center, the city hosts a variety of celebrations, events, festivals, and shows. These encompass several creative fields including performance arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. Several Fredericton tourist attractions are exclusively dedicated to one or more art forms and also serve as hosts for these events. If you want to enjoy such celebrations, the best time to visit Fredericton would be between June and August.

On the other hand, if you are more interested in exploring history, you should begin Fredericton sightseeing with the city’s regional museum. Then you can tour colonial buildings in the city like government houses, military buildings, and churches. Though the most fascinating historical site is the Kings Landing Historical Site. This museum village is one of the best historical places to see in Fredericton, NB. This museum recreated a pastoral village settled by Loyalists in the early 20th century.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn a small part of the commission and for that, you do not need to pay any extra amount.

Table of Contents

The Top 12 Tourist Places to Visit in Fredericton

1. beaverbrook art gallery.

This gallery exhibits a collection of artworks by Canadian and British artists. It also holds exhibitions of historical and cultural items. The gallery also hosts workshops and events to promote regional culture. It is one of the best places to visit in Fredericton, NB for cultural experiences. The British and Canadian collection features artworks going back to the 18th century. The international collection exhibits include works of American, French, Dutch, and Spanish artists, some of which date back to the 14th century. You will need about an hour to tour this art gallery.

2. Fredericton Region Museum

This museum tells the story of Fredericton and the central part of New Brunswick. With a collection of more than 30 thousand artifacts, this museum delves into the history and culture of Aboriginal people of the region and people who came and settled here such as Acadians, Loyalists, and Europeans. This museum also has artifacts about natural and wildlife history. The statue of Coleman Frog in this museum is one of the most popular things to see in Fredericton, New Brunswick. You will need at least an hour from Fredericton travel to tour this museum.

3. Science East

This science center focuses on educating children about various sciences and scientific concepts through engaging activities. This museum is housed in former county jail and many of the exhibits are built in former jail cells. It has some of the most engaging indoor activities to do in Fredericton for children concerning energy production, animal life, dinosaurs, space, optical illusions, and more. The museum also has an exhibit area dedicated to forensic science and solving crimes. This exhibit would interest adults while children are enjoying the activities. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.

4. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Listed among the top 10 markets in Canada, Boyce Farmers Market is a blend of chaos and culinary delights. The market sells local produce, seafood, meats, milk products, natural food products, and more. It is also popular for souvenir shopping. There are several stores selling handicrafts, jewelry, pottery, artworks, gift items, and more. There are a lot of fun things to do in Fredericton, NB exclusive to the Broyce Farmers market. You can find interesting street food and breakfast dishes served in the market’s Food Alley. You will need at least an hour to explore it.

5. School Days Museum

This museum is built with various artifacts collected from schools in New Brunswick. It basically traces the evolution of the education system since the 19th century. It is also popular among Fredericton tourist attractions as people are overwhelmed with nostalgia as they tour this museum. The one-room school-house exhibit of the museum lets people interact with various equipment and items. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum when you visit Fredericton.

6. Lighthouse on the Green

This lighthouse stands at the turn of the river St. John. Taking in the view of the city and the curving river from atop this lighthouse is one of the best things to do in downtown Fredericton. You will need a few minutes to admire the view and click pictures with the city or the river in the backdrop.

7. Officer’s Square

This region was once occupied by the British garrison until 1869. This square is popular among Fredericton attractions for changing of Guard ceremony. The ceremony is reflective of British military tradition when two guards exchange positions at a post. The ceremony takes place every day and is one of the popular performances to see during Fredericton sightseeing. You will need about half an hour to witness the change of guard performance.

8. Kings Landing

Not the one from Game of Thrones. This site is where Loyalists settled after leaving 13 American colonies. This museum village gives insight into the pastoral life of loyalist settlers in the region. It is one of the most interesting places to go in Fredericton, NB as this interactive museum lets people participate in various farm skills activities. You will feel transported back to village life of the early 20th century. You will need at least an hour to tour this village museum.

9. Old Government House

Built-in 1828, this house serves as the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. The building exhibits the Gregorian style of architecture with a sandstone facade. It is one of the few places to see in Fredericton, NB that exhibit colonial grandeur. The building is open for public tours between June and August. Many politicians and royal family members have stayed in this house. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this house.

10. Christ Church Cathedral

This church was built during mid 19th century. In 1845 Bishop John Medley invited architect Frank Wills to design this church. It is the most monumental Fredericton sight, almost surprising in size for a small city. Frank Wills modeled this church after the 14th-century church of St. Mary of Snettisham. It is a fine example of the English Gothic Revival style of architecture. You will need an hour or so to tour this church.

11. Outdoor Activities to do in Fredericton

People can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, boat tours, and fishing in the St. John river. There are also nature retreat places to visit near Fredericton to explore the woods with adventure climbing, ropeway jungle, hiking, and overnight camping. The Hyla Nature Preserve park also has budding wildlife consisting of small mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, and insects. The park also has lakes and nature trails. During winter the lakes freeze over and people come here for ice skating and to place ice hockey. It is one of the most popular spots for outdoor activities to do in Fredericton. If you are a fan of the supernatural and horror, the haunted hike and haunted places walking tour sights are must see in Fredericton. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying any of these places.

12. Garrison Night Market

The Garrison Night Market is held every Thursday night between June and September. The streets are lined with shops on either side. It is one of the top things to do in Fredericton at night. This market has shops selling textiles, fashion, jewelry, handicraft items, local art, books, antique, imported products, natural products, and more. You will need at least an hour to tour this market.

If you are looking for more tourist attractions in Fredericton, New Brunswick check out the section below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and experiences that you can enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in fredericton, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in fredericton.

• Beaverbrook Art Gallery
• Fredericton Region Museum
• Kings Landing Historical Site
• Lighthouse on the Green
• School Days Museum
• Government House
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Legislative Assembly Building
• St. Dunstan’s Church
• St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease
• Charlotte Street Arts Center
• Wilmot United Church
• New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame
• Gallery on Queen
• Officer’s Square Provincial Heritage Place
• York Sunbury Historical Society
• Guard House and Soldier Barracks Museum
• Fort Nashwak National Historical Site
• Yellow Box Gallery
• George Fry Gallery
• St. Paul’s United Church
• Old Public Burial Ground
• RB Studio Art Center and Gallery
• Brunswick Street Baptist Church
• Provincial Archives of New Brunswick

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Fredericton

• Saint John River
• Hyla Park Nature Preserve
• Nashwaaksis Stream Nature Park
• Killarney Lake
• UNB Woodlot
• Mactaquac Dam
• Garden Creek Falls
• Nashwaakis Stream

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Fredericton

• Science East
• Fredericton Botanic Garden
• Woolastook Park
• Mactaquac Provincial Park
• The Playhouse
• Wilmot Park
• Hartt RV Resort & Waterpark
• Kingswood Entertainment Center
• Treego Mactaquac
• Calithumpians- The Haunted Hike
• Sir Douglas Hazen Park
• Hanwell Recreation Park
• Morell Park
• Croquet match
• New Brunswick Theatre

Shopping in Fredericton

• Boyce Farmers Market
• Regent Mall
• Garrison Night Market
• Downtown Fredericton Inc.
• Sacred Arts
• The Corbett Center
• The Northside Creators Market
• 506 Artisan Market
• Kings Place Mall
• The Artisan District
• Brookside Mall
• Mactaquac Market
• New Maryland Market
• Eco Market @ Ville
• Gagetown Farmers Market

Beaches & Islands in Fredericton

• Killarney Lake Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Fredericton

• Paddleboarding
• Walking Tours
• Bicycle Tours
• Haunted Hikes
• Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in Fredericton

• Fredericton City Hall
• Garrison District
• Fredericton Railway Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Fredericton

• Lunar Rogue
• Food Market at the Ex
• The Lighthouse by 540
• St. James’ Gate
• Wolastoq Wharf
• Maxwell’s Steak and Seafood
• Cafe Riverside
• The Squeeze
• Gahan House
• Monks and Jonasie
• The Shake Shed Freddy
• Picaroons Roundhouse
• El Mariachi
• Coastline Pizza
• Montana’s BBQ
• King West Brewing
• Dos Toros Taqueria
• Pier 23 Pub
• The Coffee Mill

Where to Stay in Fredericton?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Fredericton. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Fredericton.

Luxurious Hotels

• Best Western Plus Fredericton Hotel & Suites
• Chateau Fredericton, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Radisson Kingswood Hotel & Suites, Fredericton, NB
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fredericton, an IHG Hotel
• Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton
• Fredericton Inn
• Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook, an IHG hotel
• Comfort Inn Fredericton
• By The River B&B
• Quality Inn & Suites Amsterdam
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton
• Best Western Plus Woodstock Hotel & Conference Centre

Mid-Range Hotels

• Travelodge Fredericton
• Crabbe Mountain Inn
• Steamers’ Bed & Breakfast
• Big Axe Bed & Breakfast
• Days Inn by Wyndham Oromocto Conference Centre
• Days Inn by Wyndham Fredericton
• Ramada by Wyndham Fredericton
• Carriage House Inn
• Silverwood Inn & Suites

Budget Hotels

• Norfolk Motel
• Lincoln Inn Fredericton
• Fort Nashwaak Motel
• Jemseg LakeView Motel
• Knights Inn Woodstock

How to Reach Fredericton?

Fredericton International Airport is situated 13 km southeast of the city. You can get direct flights to visit Fredericton from Montreal , Toronto , Halifax , Ottawa , Punta Cana, Deer Lake, and Cancun. You can get buses and cabs to reach the city from the airport.

There is no train station in the city, so the best public transport option to reach Fredericton is by bus. Canadian towns and cities are well connected by a robust bus network. You can get direct or at least a connecting bus for Fredericton travel from several places in Canada.

If you planning to travel by road, you should head for routes 10, 7 or 2.

There are no direct water routes to reach Fredericton.

Image Reference

• Beaverbrook Art Gallery – Amqui / Wikimedia Commons
• Fredericton Region Museum –
• Science East – Amqui / Wikimedia Commons
• Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market –
• School Days Museum –
• Lighthouse on the Green – pedrik / Flickr
• Officer’s Square – ActiveSteve / Flickr
• Kings Landing – Robber Esq / Flickr
• Old Government House – urban_lenny / Flickr
• Christ Church Cathedral – rickmacewen / Flickr
• Outdoor Activities to do in Fredericton – noricum / Flickr
• Garrison Night Market –
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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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What To Do In Fredericton: A Small City with Big City Ideas

Halifax-based contributors *John and Sandra Nowlan scoped out what to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick. They’ve almost become city “insiders” after frequent visits to the New Brunswick capital where their daughter and three granddaughters live.

“Great things can happen in little places,” said Frank Scott.

We were chatting with Scott, the co-owner of the Lunar Rogue, a downtown pub with walls covered by 600 bottles of  Scotch whisky. The Rogue (as locals call it) is one of only a handful of pubs around the planet to be among the “Great Whisky Bars of the World” as chosen by Whisky Magazine . 

By his “little places” comment, Frank Scott was referring not only to his Loyalist/Colonial-style watering hole but to the small city in which it’s located. Fredericton, New Brunswick. With a population of about 60,000, the city boasts a symphony orchestra, four universities, a world-class art gallery, a modern Playhouse, a Convention Center, outstanding restaurants, indoor and outdoor markets for every taste, and a year-round series of unique festivals.

Jump ahead to...

A spirited whisky festival

Among those major annual events is Frank Scott’s own creation, the New Brunswick Spirits Festival , held each November. Since its inception in 1995, the Festival, the oldest of its kind in Canada, has expanded to a five-day event featuring 350 different brands, 80% of which are blends and single malts from Scotland. Due to COVID,  it had to be canceled last year but the 2022 November event is a ‘go’. Frank Scott even makes annual trips to the best whisky regions of Scotland to enhance his knowledge and discover new products.

Other notable events year-round

Other major Fredericton festivals include the winter getaways, FROSTival and Shivering Songs (East Coast songwriters, musicians, and storytellers), RibFest in June, the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival each July, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in the fall, and the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival in March.

In addition, a mid-February to mid-March tradition is Dine Around Freddy, where 25 restaurants in the city offer locals and visitors carefully selected three-course dinners for just $35 Canadian ($28 USD).  

Where to stay in Fredericton

There are a variety of accommodations in and near downtown Fredericton. During our long weekend (Thursday to Monday) in New Brunswick’s capital, we spent two nights at Fredericton’s riverfront hotel, Crowne Plaza Fredericton – Lord Beaverbrook, open since 1948 and recently upgraded.

The hotel was named for Max Aitken, a Canadian-British newspaper tycoon (and the first Baron Beaverbrook). Its location is ideal, adjacent to the Saint John River, next door to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and across the street from the Convention Centre and Playhouse. Its new restaurant, Maxwell’s Steak & Seafood, features specialties like wild boar, Northumberland lamb, lobster, and oysters on the half shell. The beef short rib was especially tasty. 

From the hotel, it’s an easy stroll to everything downtown including several unique craft shops like Gallery 78, a 19 th century Queen Anne Revival mansion that’s the oldest private gallery in New Brunswick, and a shop called The Artisan District with some of the most distinctive locally produced pottery, blown glass, woodworking and jewelry we’ve ever seen.

Our other accommodation was The Red House Bed and Breakfast, This 1859 Victorian home, located a short walk from downtown, has been lovingly turned into guest accommodations by John and Monica Antworth. Our room was the original master bedroom, furnished, like the whole house, with antiques from the original owner. 

The room’s adjacent nursery has been converted into a white marble bathroom with a large shower and stand-alone tub. We were offered several choices of bath salts and soap. The bedroom had cable TV, excellent lighting with a heat pump for comfort. Our hosts provided a welcome treat of sparkling wine, cheese, and snacks. The morning breakfast – fruit, Eggs Benedict, and coffee – was outstanding.

An eclectic dining scene

Fredericton now has a sophisticated dining scene that includes excellent independent coffee shops. The Tipsy Muse, a popular meeting place for the city’s many poets, artists, and actors is located close to the Playhouse and offers live music along with great coffee and Montreal bagels. 

The Purrfect Cup, a cat café across the river with excellent locally roasted brews and cute kittens, has a separate room to enjoy coffee and snacks while playing with adoptable felines. The café partners with local animal shelters. Since it opened a few years ago, it has placed 425 cats in loving homes. 

The city also has a growing number of ethnic eateries. The Dos Toros Taqueria & Tequila Bar had some of the best Mexican food we’ve ever enjoyed while the Street Greek North would do well in downtown Athens. 

Other restaurants feature Ethiopian, Caribbean, German, Korean, Lebanese, and Indian cuisine. We were also delighted by the evolution of the very popular new restaurant at the riverside Delta Fredericton Hotel. Its STRM.36 (named to honor the steamboat that plied the Saint John River, making 36 stops) has BBQ ribs and brisket that rivaled the smoky treats we’ve enjoyed in Texas.

A craft beverage mecca

For a relatively quiet city, it’s remarkable that Fredericton supports more than two dozen craft alcohol producers – breweries, cideries, meaderies, wineries, and distilleries. In fact, to compete with Frank Scott’s whisky collection, the local Hilton Garden Inn started featuring gin. It now offers the largest selection in the Maritimes, 63 different varieties of the juniper berry-flavored beverage. We were there on a Saturday night for the very popular  Gin and Live Jazz. A great weekend combination.  

What to do in Fredericton: Compact but fun-filled

So much of compact Fredericton demonstrates why it punches well above its weight as a small city. 

The national Globe and Mail newspaper has called Fredericton “one of the ten smartest Canadian cities in which to do business” as well as “one of the top 5 new technology boomtowns.” A key part of that business-friendly environment is Knowledge Park, a 35-acre research and technology campus located on the outskirts of the city near the big box shopping areas. 

The Cyber Centre, a $37 million part of Knowledge Park, supports more than 600 cyber security jobs in the provincial capital. Technology giants like IBM and Siemens are already using the city as a launchpad for developing, testing, and marketing innovative ICT technologies. The best-educated workforce in New Brunswick is helping make this happen.

You won’t have to worry about what to do in Fredericton. There are plenty of attractions. K nown as “The City of Stately Elms”, Fredericton is renowned for its generous green spaces including forests and parklands. A rare old-growth forest within the city limits is Odell Park, 333 acres that include 16 kilometres of trails with some trees more than 400 years old. The park includes the Odell Arboretum and New Brunswick Species Collection. 

A highlight for us was a walk through the park where we learned about medicinal plants and drank fir tip tea provided by Cecelia Brooks and her son, Anthony, from Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours, one of several thriving tourist-oriented companies in Fredericton.  

The downtown area has a Science Museum called Science East, perfect for kids, at the site of a former Victorian-era prison that was built in 1842. It includes the only outdoor science playground in Atlantic Canada and has more than 150 compelling hands-on science exhibits. 

The museum sits next door to the lively Boyce Farmers Market, named one of the ten best farmers’ markets in Canada. With over 200 stalls indoors and outdoors, the main building was constructed in 1951 but the site of the market pre-dates Fredericton’s founding in 1783. 

The New Brunswick Legislative Library includes a rare copy of Audubon’s “Birds of America” (a similar copy sold for $8.8 million). The cultural masterpiece of Fredericton is the riverside Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Currently undergoing a $10 million renovation, it includes the oldest birch-bark canoe in the world and Salvador Dali’s huge and impressive painting, Santiago El Grande .

As if to emphasize Fredericton’s status as a small, livable city, the December issue of US News and World Report listed Fredericton as one of “The Ten Best Places to Retire in Canada”. The “little place” is being noticed.

*Sandra and John Nowlan are travel and food writers based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Disclosure: The Nowlans accommodations in Fredericton were hosted but any opinions expressed in this post are their own.

All photo credits: John and Sandra Nowlan (except for lead photo, Adobe Stock)

• The New Brunswick capital is an easy one-day drive from most of New England.
• Read the Nowlan’s article about Prince Edward Island: Canada’s Food Island, located about 3/5 hours from Fredericton via the Trans-Canada Highway.

For more information, see the Fredericton Visitor Information Centre .

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21 Fun Things to Do in Fredericton New Brunswick

Looking for the best things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick? Here are our top suggestions for what to see and do in the capital city. 

Situated on the Saint John River in New Brunswick, Fredericton is a charming city with plenty to see and do! 

Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality, this charming capital city offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. It’s a quiet city, and you wouldn’t think you’re in a capital city, but that’s life on the East Coast for you! 

Explore the trails, visit a brewery or take in the historic sites. Wherever your interests lie, there are plenty of things to do in Fredericton for everyone.

21 Best Things to Do in Fredericton

With plenty of history, as well as excellent art galleries, award-winning taprooms and breweries, unique artisan markets and over 120 km of trails, Fredericton has so much to offer. Here are our top suggestions, including things to do in Fredericton with kids. 

1. Shop at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

When: Saturdays 7 am – 1 pm 📍665 George St

Named one of the best farmers markets in Canada, the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market has been a Saturday morning tradition in the city for over 70 years.

There are over 200 stalls that sell everything from handmade crafts, art, jewelry and flowers to fresh produce and baked goods.

Enjoy a hot breakfast or pick up a snack to enjoy as you browse the market.

The samosas are highly recommended, but you’ll also find other delicious treats like baklava, which was amazing.

2. Visit Historic Garrison District

The Historic Garrison District is a National Historic Site in the heart of Downton Fredericton that recalls Fredericton’s past as a garrison town.

This area is home to Barracks Square, Officers’ Square and the Guard House, and provides a glimpse into Fredericton’s history during the late 18 th and early 19 th century.

Costumed guides offer free 1 hour walks through Fredericton’s historic sites while entertaining with local history and folklore. Tours start from City Hall and are available from June to October.

Here you’ll also find historic re-enactments and different festivals and events throughout the year, including the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival which runs for a week in September.

On Thursday nights from June until early September, this is also the home to the Garrison Night Market. Shop for local and imported handmade products, listen to live music and performances and sample delicious food from around the world.

3. See the Changing of the Guard

📍575 Queen St

The Officer’s Square in the Historic Garrison District is also where you’ll see the colourful Changing of the Guard, which happens twice daily at 11 am and 4 pm. In the summer months, there is an additional ceremony at 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Fun Fact: Fredericton was the birthplace of the Canadian Army – In 1784, Fredericton became the headquarters of the British military and remained a British Garrison until Confederation in 1867. After Confederation, the new government established the Infantry School Corps, which was the start of the Canadian Army.

4. Visit Beaverbrook Art Gallery

📍703 Queen St. 

One of Canada’s finest art museums, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery is located on the banks of the historic Saint John River.

The gallery features an impressive collection of Canadian and international artworks, with contemporary New Brunswick artists and other Canadian artists alongside renowned international artists. 

One of the most famous paintings is Salvador Dali’s masterpiece Santiago El Grande, a large 4-meter tall painting that, along with three other Dali paintings is part of Beaverbrook’s permanent collection. 

There are over 7000 objects in the gallery, including several large outdoor sculptures on the gallery grounds. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is also home to the oldest birchbark canoe in the world, which was crafted in Fredericton in the 1820s by the local Wolastoqiyik First Nation.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is one of the most well-known Fredericton attractions and is a must-see when you’re visiting the city. Kids are welcome and there are programs and events specifically for kids throughout the year.

Cost: $12 adults, youth (6-16 years) $6, children under 6 free, family rate $25

5. Explore Odell Park

This gorgeous wooded park right in the heart of Fredericton is a great way to get outdoors, whether in the summer or winter months.

Boasting 333 acres of trees that have ‘never been cut’, Odell Park is home to some trees that are more than 400 years old!

There are 16km of trails winding through the forest to explore, the Fredericton Botanic Gardens (see below), a kids’ playground and a picnic area. In the winter, there’s an outdoor skating rink, a sledding hill and plenty of cross-country ski trails. 

6. Visit Fredericton Botanic Garden

📍10 Cameron Court, Odell Park

At the western end of Odell Park, the Fredericton Botanic Garden is home to gorgeous flower beds and woodland trails.

Wander through the garden and visit the different themed sections, which include daylilies, peonies, rhododendron and azaleas, as well as a rock garden and a pollinator garden.

While it may be smaller than other Botanic gardens, it’s still a lovely place to visit and easy to access.

The Botanic Garden is right beside the Holiday Inn where we stayed and made for a nice walk after checking in to our hotel. My kids loved trying to count the frogs in the pond!

Fun Fact: Fredericton was named “Frederickstown” after Prince Frederick, the second son of King George III.

7. Catch a Show at the Playhouse

📍686 Queen St

Given to the people of New Brunswick in 1964 by Lord Beaverbrook, the playhouse has been Fredericton’s venue for performing arts for decades. 

Hosting live theatre, dance and musical performances by both local and international artists, there’s always something going on at the Playhouse.

The box office is open daily, and events change frequently so be sure to check their website for what’s on while you’re in Fredericton.

8. Relax at Wilmot Park

📍50 Woodstock Road, Fredericton

Once the Government House gardens, Wilmot Park is now a great spot for anyone to enjoy the outdoors.

With walking trails and plenty of grass to relax on, it’s a great spot to get outdoors in Fredericton.

There are also tennis and basketball courts, lawn bowling, and playgrounds, and the splash pad is a great spot for kids to cool down in the summer. 

9. Enjoy the View from the Lighthouse

Located downtown overlooking the Saint John River, the lighthouse boasts one of the best views in Fredericton!

While it’s not a working lighthouse anymore, you can still climb to the top for a view over the Saint John River.

After taking in the view, enjoy an ice cream or have a drink on the patio, while enjoying some fantastic views over the river. 

10. Explore the Trails

Fredericton has over 120km of trails throughout the city, including many that run along beautiful rivers.

Walk along the South Riverfront trail for views of the St. John River, or cross the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge for spectacular views of Fredericton’s downtown area.

On the north side of the Saint John River, Nashwaak Trail is a crushed gravel path that runs along an old railbed, passing through the center of Fredericton and continuing alongside the Nashwaak River.

This 8km trail is great for hiking, biking, running, or just walking. I ran part of this trail while running the Fredericton Half Marathon and it’s a scenic way to explore Fredericton outside of the downtown area.

11. Try a Craft Brew

Fredericton is known as Atlantic Canada’s Craft Brewing Capital and has the most taprooms per capita in Canada.

There are over 25 local craft alcohol producers, ranging from breweries, ciders, distilleries, meaderies and wineries.

Sample a flight at any of the numerous taprooms, or try the Fredericton Taproom Trail, which is a passport-style map highlighting 11 taprooms to try. 

While I can’t drink beer, many taprooms have gluten-free options. TrailWay Brewing has an excellent Sundog Cosmo and there’s also York County Cider, which has both beer and cider on tap.

Maybee Brewing is another recommendation, and if you’re visiting Nakawic, mentioned below, Big Axe Brewing is a fantastic choice.

12. Play and Learn at Science East

📍668 Brunswick St, Fredericton

Looking for fun things to do in Fredericton with kids? Head to Science East, a unique science centre in downtown Fredericton.

Built in a former county jail, the building is also a provincial historical site and many of the exhibits are built in former jail cells.

There are three floors of engaging activities for kids, ranging from optical illusions to activities on animal life and energy production, space, and dinosaurs.

With so many interesting activities to choose from, it’s easy to spend an hour or two here.

Science East is open year-round, making it a perfect place to go when the weather is too hot or too chilly, or it’s a perfect activity for a rainy day in Fredericton.

13. Explore Hyla Nature Preserve

Just off the Gibson Trail is Hyla Nature Preserve, Canada’s first amphibian sanctuary.

Discover the seven different types of frogs that call this area home, including the Hyla, a gray tree frog that the reserve is named after.

Marked trails lead through the reserve, keep an eye out for beavers along the way too!

14. Killarney Lake Park

📍1600 St Mary’s Street

This gorgeous park has a freshwater lake with a great sandy beach, which is supervised in the summer months.

Swim and relax, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

There are also 20 km of walking trails that circle the lake, and during the winter, these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and walking. 

Things to Do Near Fredericton

15. go tubing on the nashwaak river.

📍1575 Rte 148, Durham Bridge NB

A great way to spend a summer day is to float down the Nashwaak River on an inflatable tube! 

Nashwaak Tubing, the original Nashwaak tubing company, offers different packages, either shorter 1-1.5 hour runs or longer 3-5 hour trips.

Choose from regular inner tubes or vinyl tubes that come with backrests and bottoms, and a shuttle upriver is included in the package.

Relax and take in the scenery as you float down the beautiful Nashwaak River.

**Open May to early September

16. Kings Landing

📍5804 NB-102, Prince William NB

Step back in time and experience life in the 19 th century at Kings Landing.

This living history museum is just outside Fredericton and offers a glimpse into life in the area throughout the 19 th century. 

With over 70 historic buildings, farm animals and costumed staff, you’ll learn about New Brunswick’s 19 th century history and what life was like in the Central Saint John River Valley during that time. 

Buy your admission tickets here

17. Treego Mactaquac

📍1439 Route 105 Hwy, Mactaquac NB

For those with a sense of adventure, Treego Mactaquac is a perfect way to get outdoors.

Safely secured with a harness, navigate through the various aerial adventure courses and zip-line through the tree canopy. 

Their self-guided courses allow you to choose how far and how fast you go, depending on your endurance and confidence. It’s a fun time for both kids and adults! 

Cost: Adults, $38, Children 7-10 years $23, Youth aged 11 – 17 years, $32, weight and height limits do apply. Open late May to mid-October. 

18. Mactaquac Provincial Park

📍1256 NB-105, Mactaquac NB

Spend the day outdoors at Mactaquac Provincial Park. There are plenty of walking trails, including an accessible one, as well as a golf course and a freshwater beach to cool off and relax at.

There’s also a campground if you wish to camp overnight.

Nearby is the impressive Mactaquac Dam, which spans the Saint John River and provides hydroelectric power to the area.

19. Nackawic

📍152 Otis Drive, Nackawic, NB

Located 30 minutes from Downtown Fredericton is the town of Nackawic, home to the World’s Biggest Axe.

Standing at an impressive height of 15 meters (49 feet) high and weighing an incredible 55 tonnes, this popular landmark pays tribute to the region’s proud logging heritage.

Snap a photo beside this huge axe, then dip your toes in the water at the sand beach or visit the Big Axe Brewery , which is one of the craft breweries highlighted on the Fredericton TapRoom Trail.

20. Gateway Wetland Trails

📍 1 Gateway Dr, Oromocto, NB

Located just outside of Fredericton, this reserve has lovely nature trails on a boardwalk over wetlands and through the forest.

The kilometre-long trail has a choice of two loops, and covered houses or structures along the trails, providing lookout spots over the wetlands.

There are several carvings along the way, such as a beaver and bear, that are fun and informative for kids.

21. Dari Delite

📍2180 Lincoln Road, Lincoln

Head to nearby Lincoln for a cool treat at Dari Delite.

This beloved local ice cream stand has been serving up homemade frozen treats for decades.

Whether you opt for a soft-serve cone – they have twist flavour as well – or an old-fashioned ice cream sundae, complete with a cherry on top, Dari Delight has something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Where to Stay in Fredericton

Fredericton has three main areas for accommodations: the North Side, Downtown, and near the highway. Staying downtown allows easy access to most of the attractions and historical sites while staying near the highway is convenient for those driving into Fredericton. 

Delta Hotels by Marriott

4.5⭐ 8.2/10 on Booking

Located on the waterfront, the Delta Fredericton is a 4.5 star hotel that combines stunning views with luxurious amenities.

Enjoy a comfortable stay in the spacious rooms and suites, while admiring views of the Saint John River from the suites.

The hotel features a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. 

Its central location and proximity to local attractions make the Delta Fredericton an excellent choice for business travellers or families. 

Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook

4⭐ 7.9/10 on Booking

As one of the oldest hotels in Fredericton, the Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook offers a unique blend of modern comfort with historic elegance and charm.

Located in the heart of Fredericton, the Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for those who want to be in the center of Fredericton. 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fredericton

4⭐ 8.5/10 on Booking

For travellers seeking a comfortable and affordable stay, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is an excellent option.

An indoor pool and hot tub, plus comfortable rooms and a free buffet breakfast make this a good choice for your time in Fredericton.

Conveniently located near the TransCanada Highway, and only a few minutes’ drive from Regent Mall or Queen’s Square in the downtown area, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a great choice for those looking to explore Fredericton on a budget. 

👉 Check for rates and availability on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia

How to Get to Fredericton

Fredericton is conveniently located just off the TransCanada in central New Brunswick. It makes for a great road trip destination on the East Coast, from cities in both Canada and the United States. 

If you’re planning a road trip to the East Coast , Fredericton is a good stopping point along the way! 

From the United States, Fredericton is only 90 minutes from the Calais, Maine border and 60 minutes from the Houlton, Maine border. 

Other Driving Times: Montreal (8 hours), Halifax (4 hours), Quebec City (5.5 hours), Boston, Massachusetts (7 hours), Bangor, Maine (3 hours).

Fredericton also has an international airport, which offers daily flights through Air Canada, Porter, Sunwing and Lynx Air. Rental cars are available to rent at the airport, or taxis are available to take you to Downton Fredericton.

Tips for Parking in Fredericton

If you are driving to Fredericton, be sure to pick up your free parking pass !

Passes are valid at municipal parking meters and the City Hall Parking lot. Out-of-province license plates are able to get a parking pass that’s valid for 3 days, New Brunswick plates can receive a 1-day parking pass.

There’s a limit of 1 pass per license plate and/or driver’s license. Available May to October from City Hall Visitor Info Centre, or Parking Services from November to May.

RV’s are able to park at the Upper Queen St lot for free – day use only, no overnight parking. 

FAQ’s: Visiting Fredericton

Absolutely, Fredericton is definitely worth visiting! With its rich history and culture, natural beauty and plenty of outdoor opportunities, it’s a charming city and there are plenty of things to do in Fredericton for everyone. 

While you could definitely stay longer and explore more of the area, spending 2 or 3 days in Fredericton is sufficient. There area plenty of things to do in Fredericton in the downtown area that would take a full day or two, but if you have the time, spending another few days would allow you to do more activities and see other areas of the capital region.

Honestly, anytime is the best time to visit Fredericton! There’s plenty to do year-round and each season brings different activities and experiences. Summer is a great time to visit Fredericton, as the weather is warm with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and there are plenty of outdoor activities to do, both on the river and in the city. Fall offers picturesque fall colours and crisp autumn air that’s perfect for hiking, exploring parks and scenic drives. Winter brings a blanket of snow and is an ideal time for winter sports, such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. Temperatures range from -4°C to -13°C, although it can get a bit colder than that!

READY TO TRAVEL? USE OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES Accommodations: Booking.com  | Hotels.com | Expedia Rental Car: Discover Cars Travel Insurance:   SafetyWing Tours and Activities: Viator | Get Your Guide eSIM:   Airalo

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Fredericton

With a unique balance of history, natural beauty, culture and warm hospitality, Fredericton is a fantastic place to visit in New Brunswick.

No matter your interests, there are plenty of things to do in Fredericton, from art galleries and historical sites to outdoor adventures and craft breweries.

Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, Fredericton’s charm and range of attractions make it a truly worthwhile destination to discover. 

For more tips and inspiration on travel in Atlantic Canada, be sure to check out these posts: 

• Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Moncton
• 7 Things to do in Florenceville, NB
• 18 Fun Things to Do in Halifax with Kids
• 19 Best Things to Do in PEI with Kids
• Facts about New Brunswick

Erin Martin is the founder and sole writer for Wanderlust with Kids. Together with her twin boys, they have travelled to over 20 countries and five provinces within Canada. Erin is responsible for planning and facilitating all of her family's travel itineraries and adventures, whether locally or internationally. An explorer at heart, Erin aims to make any travel adventure kid-friendly and shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do, both in Canada and abroad.

Visitor Guide

Fredericton Tourism provides a variety of brochures for our visitors. We will be glad to send you copies in advance of your visit. Request forms for groups, conventions and events are available from  Lynn Davidson .

If you would like to order a Visitor Guide, please fill out the form below and we will send you a copy of the 2023-24 Visitor Guide .

Request a 2023-2024 Visitor Guide

City Reveals Capital Construction Projects for 2024

New processes aim to decrease traffic delays and speed up project timelines.

The City of Fredericton has announced seven major improvement projects for the 2024 capital construction season and several neighbourhood improvement projects. These construction projects are part of the City’s ongoing investment in flood mitigation work, replacing aging infrastructure, while creating safer roads and streets.

One of the bigger projects this year, is the first phase of a major infrastructure renewal project on Main Street. This is a multi-year project and part of the City’s Main Street Urban Design Plan. It will transform the street into a more functional and pedestrian friendly gateway to northside neighbourhoods and the business district.

The City is also investing in flood mitigation work in Lincoln, Riverside Drive and the downtown. Building resilience to flooding is a major priority for the City and has been part of our plans for decades. Upgrading underground infrastructure and creating safer stretches of road at the same time means we won’t need to disrupt these areas with construction work for many years.

“Construction is necessary for growing and evolving cities like Fredericton,” said Coun. Bruce Grandy, Chair of the City’s Mobility Committee. “Construction projects keep our drinking water clean; sewer and storm systems functioning, reduce the risk of flooding and ensure safe travel around the city.”

The City has made improvements following the 2023 construction season. The City is using a Request for Proposal (RFP) model when selecting contractors for critical, high impact work that will evaluate bids not just on cost, but project schedule, phasing and more. Project tenders are going out earlier in the year giving contractors the ability to start – and finish – projects earlier. Clear expectations with consultants on issues related to design and on-site duties have been set and senior staff are having ongoing discussions with utilities to find solutions to conflicting work schedules.

“Council recognizes the 2023 construction season was challenging for everyone,” added Coun. Grandy. “The 2024 construction season will not be without delays or inconveniences, but we are confident that we’ve taken appropriate measures to make this year’s construction season as seamless as possible for residents.”

Major Infrastructure Projects in 2024

Major infrastructure projects are infrastructure renewal projects that impact major roadways, and last for several months.  These projects may have impacts on nearby businesses and commuter traffic and often involve the replacement of buried pipes that are at the end of their usable life.

Major infrastructure projects for 2024 include:

• Full closure of Brookside Drive north of Glennorth Street.
• Phased closure of Main Street to through traffic from Hawkins to Seymour Street for the duration of construction.
• Phased closure of Northumberland from Queen to Brunswick Street, east / west traffic in either direction to be maintained.
• Officers’ Square
• Full closure of Regent Street from George Street to Churchill Row
• Full closure of Riverside Drive from Sumac St. to Corbett Ave to through traffic for the duration of construction.
• Full closure of Woodstock Road at Garden Creek to Still Water Crescent through traffic for the duration of construction.

During construction season, residents can help reduce traffic congestion by exploring flexible work schedules, walking, biking, carpooling, using transit, allowing extra time to complete errands, and reducing or combining trips across the bridge, and around the city.

For more information, visit the City’s website , like us on  Facebook , follow us on  Twitter , subscribe to our  email alerts .

Beginning June 20, 2024, WestJet will operate new non-stop, twice weekly seasonal service between Fredericton and Calgary, igniting two-way tourism and business opportunities, while also bolstering connectivity between Atlantic Canada and WestJet’s global hub in Calgary. 

“The addition of service between Fredericton and Calgary is a testament to our ongoing commitment to deliver on our promise to expand our service in Atlantic Canada through critical east-to-west connectivity, which has been met with strong community support,” said Andrew Gibbons, WestJet Vice-President of External Affairs. “The route we are celebrating today will not only foster enhanced business and leisure ties but further strengthen the connection between the vibrant and unique economies in both Fredericton and Calgary.”

“We’re delighted to welcome WestJet’s non-stop route from Fredericton to Calgary,” said Johanne Gallant, President and CEO of the Fredericton International Airport Authority. “YFC is a growing airport in a thriving region, and this new flight brings the connectivity families, businesses and visitors are looking for.” 

“WestJet’s new Calgary-Fredericton service will be great news to a growing number of Albertans looking to vacation in the Fredericton and the rest of the Maritimes," said David Seabrook, Director of Tourism for the Fredericton Capital Region. "The connections between family and friends in the two provinces are historically very strong and this new route will be great for those wanting to plan a visit to New Brunswick's Capital City this summer."

Summer 2024 schedule reinforces WestJet’s leading leisure position for Atlantic Canada 

The service between Fredericton and Calgary is in addition to WestJet’s previously announced expansive summer schedule for Atlantic Canada, featuring over 25 non-stop routes connecting six Atlantic markets across Canada and beyond. 

Guests travelling from Atlantic Canada will also be one stop away from accessing WestJet’s growing list of global destinations, including to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport through WestJet’s global hub in Calgary. 

More information about WestJet’s full summer schedule can be found on WestJet.com. 

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