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.
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 78
- Gallery on Queen
- New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame
- 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
- Odell Park
- 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
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Camping
- 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
- Que Padre
- The Lighthouse by 540
- St. James’ Gate
- Wolastoq Wharf
- Maxwell’s Steak and Seafood
- Cafe Riverside
- The Squeeze
- 540 North
- 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?
By Air
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.
By Road
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.
By Water
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 –
The post 12 Unmissable Things to Do and See in Fredericton, New Brunswick appeared first on Wide World Trips.