A large part of Fredericton's charm is that it's both a cozy small town and a city competing on the (art) world stage. The capital of New Brunswick flanks both sides of the majestic St. John River and features tree-lined streets with gorgeous Victorian architecture , several historic buildings and plenty of green space.
You won't have to go far to find a cultural experience. Fredericton is home to countless historic sites, museums with world-class art, galleries , several great music venues and some world-renowned festivals. The city also boasts the highest number of working artisans per capita in Canada. Need more inspiration?
5 things you’ll want to do in Fredericton…
1 - Historic Garrison District
Explore the epicentre of Fredericton’s heritage, culture and entertainment – complete with soldier's barracks, cellblocks and guard’s quarters. This National Historic site is home to many a festival or concert and offers daily tours of all attractions.
Family trip? Children can partake in fun day-in-the-life reenactments ($) to experience authentic British soldier life in Barracks Square.
Highlight: Plan a pitstop at Café des Amis for a scrumptious tête-à-tête with friends.
2 - Beaverbrook Art Gallery
View an impressive collection of Canadian, American and British works including a dedicated exbibit featuring local Atlantic Canadian artists in the McCain, gallery and a host of world-class international, national and New Brunswick historical and contemporary art.
Highlight: The Gallery is famous for Salvador Dalí’s towering 13’ X 10’ canvas masterpiece, Santiago El Grande.
3 - Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
Farm-to-table may be trendy but it’s been a staple since 1951 in this Saturday morning farmer’s market. Visitors and locals alike can stock up on artisanal cheeses, organic meats and produce, sauces and arts and crafts from over 250 vendors.
Highlight: Seasonal buys like fresh picked fiddleheads in the spring, garden furniture for summertime and a peck of pickled peppers and other preserves.
4 - Kings Landing
A short jaunt from downtown Fredericton leads one to explore an award-winning living history museum representing life in New Brunswick throughout the 19th century. Guests are immersed in the sights, sounds, colours, and personalities that transformed a young colony into a vibrant nation, beginning with the arrival of the Loyalists and continuing to the Victorian era and the turn of the 20th century.
Highlight: The 1855 King’s Head Inn offers hearty meals and light lunches, complete with costumed service, flickering candlelight
5 - Odell Park
Hike, bike or walk trails in this centrally located green 300 acre paradise ! Smell the roses – literally – in the adjoining Botanic Garden or partake in winter activities including skating, skiing or tobaggoning.
Highlight: Learn about native New Brunswick trees traversing the 2.8km Odell Arboretum trail or take a guided medicine walk with Wabanaki Treet Spirit tours.
A spectacular day in Fredericton
Nature lovers can explore the vast network of over 100 kilometres of trails that run on both sides of the St. John and Nashwaak rivers. Cross the St John River on the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge and connect to the Greater Trans Canada Trail System. Walk, bike or run through urban, suburban and wilderness environments, a truly spectacular way to see the city!
