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Fredericton is New Brunswick's capital, a compact, tree-shaded city on the Saint John River. Settled by Loyalists after the American Revolution and chosen as the provincial capital in the 1780s, it has a strong sense of history and a gentle pace. Two universities give it a youthful population, and its walkable downtown keeps much of its heritage architecture.
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, on the riverbank, holds an impressive collection that includes British and Canadian works. Nearby, the Legislative Assembly building and the Gothic Revival Christ Church Cathedral anchor the historic core. The Garrison District, once a British military compound, hosts summer events and the Fredericton Region Museum, and changing-of-the-guard ceremonies take place in season. Old Government House, a stone residence beside the river, offers tours. The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, a former railway bridge, crosses the water and connects to an extensive trail network, including the South River Front Trail.
Odell Park preserves old-growth forest within the city, and the Fredericton Botanic Garden lies next to it. The city also has a strong craft brewing scene and a well-known farmers market. Fredericton suits travelers who enjoy history, art and easy outdoor activity. Summer and fall are the most pleasant times.
WiserMap travel guideFredericton New Brunswick Beaverbrook Art GalleryPlan a trip to Fredericton, New Brunswick's riverside capital: the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Garrison District, walking bridge, Kings Landing and local flavors.Read the guide
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery on the bank of the Saint John River was a gift from Lord Beaverbrook and holds a strong collection of British and Canadian art. Highlights include Salvador Dali's huge painting Santiago El Grande and works by Atlantic Canadian artists. Allow about two hours, and check for free entry evenings.
The Fredericton Region Museum is in the old Officers' Quarters of the Garrison District and covers local history from Indigenous peoples and Loyalists to the world wars. Its most famous exhibit is the Coleman Frog, a giant stuffed frog with a tall tale behind it. It is open mainly in summer; allow about an hour.
The Legislative Assembly Building on Queen Street opened in 1882 and has a domed chamber, a spiral staircase and a library holding a rare set of Audubon's Birds of America prints. Free guided tours run in summer and on weekdays when the house is not sitting. Bring photo ID and allow about 45 minutes.
Christ Church Cathedral is a fine Gothic Revival Anglican cathedral completed in 1853, set on a lawn near the river in downtown Fredericton. It was one of the first new cathedral foundations in the British Empire since the Reformation. Visitors are welcome outside service times; look for the stained glass and the old clock.
The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge is a former railway bridge across the Saint John River that was converted into a walking and cycling bridge. It links downtown with the north side and the riverside trail network. Walk across at sunset for great views of the river and the city skyline, and continue on the trails on the other side.
The Garrison District is the historic military area of downtown Fredericton, with stone barracks, the guard house and a parade square from the British era. In summer, soldiers in red coats perform a changing of the guard ceremony, and there are concerts and markets. Check the summer schedule for ceremony times.
Old Government House is a stone mansion from 1828 on the bank of the Saint John River, once home to the governors of New Brunswick and again the official residence of the lieutenant governor. Free guided tours show the restored rooms and tell the story of the site. Check opening days, and walk the riverside grounds afterwards.
Kings Landing is a large living history village about 35 kilometres west of Fredericton, with houses, mills, a store and farms moved here and restored to show rural New Brunswick in the 1800s. Costumed interpreters work the farms and kitchens. It is open in summer and early fall; allow most of a day and wear comfortable shoes.
Odell Park is a large wooded park in the city with walking trails through old growth hemlock and pine, a pond, open lawns and a deer enclosure. It is a quiet escape from downtown and popular with families. The trails link to the Fredericton Botanic Garden next door, so combine the two for a half day walk.
The Fredericton Botanic Garden is next to Odell Park and has trails through collections of rhododendrons, perennials, trees and native plants, run largely by volunteers. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and fall gives bright colours. Entry is free; go from late May to early June for the best flowers.
The Boyce Farmers Market is a large Saturday morning market in downtown Fredericton with more than 200 vendors selling local produce, meat, cheese, baked goods, crafts and international food. It is one of the best markets in Atlantic Canada and a local tradition. Arrive early for the best choice and parking, and bring cash.
The Harvest Music Festival takes over downtown Fredericton every September with blues, jazz, roots, rock and folk acts on stages in tents, bars and venues around the Garrison District. Some shows are free and others need a pass. Book a place to stay early, as the city fills up, and check the program for headline acts.
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