Only visiting for a short time? Make the most of it with these must-see highlights! From iconic attractions and rich cultural experiences to unforgettable food and outdoor adventures, this curated list showcases top picks to guarantee a memorable stay.
History & Culture
Historic Garrison District
The Historic Garrison District is situated in the heart of downtown Fredericton. Rich in history and culture, it is the epicenter of entertainment in the city. At the heart of the district is Officers’ Square, a National Historic Site that sets the stage for a lively summer lineup of free weekly activities - historic walking tours, live concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, community dancing on Thursdays, and movies under the stars on Fridays. Thursday evenings are especially vibrant, as the area transforms for the Garrison Night Market, the second-largest night market in Canada where locals and visitors gather to enjoy an exciting blend of food, craft, and culture.
Historic Garrison District
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Welcome to one of Canada’s finest art collections; a powerful blend of history, culture, and creativity. This world-class art gallery is home to both local and global masterpieces and features a diverse range of permanent and travelling exhibitions. This prominent gallery is one of many scattered throughout the region.
Pro Tip: Lie down on the floor in front of “Santiago El Grande” for the best view of the four-meter-tall, breathtaking painting.
Kings Landing
Step back in time at Kings Landing, a living history museum. This cultural attraction has been showcasing 19th-century life in New Brunswick for over 50 years. Don’t be surprised when you’re asked to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. To get an even fuller sense of the period, refuel at the King’s Head Inn, the onsite restaurant offering a selection of traditional fare. Whatever you get up to at Kings Landing, you can be sure you’re making a little history of your own!
Kings LandingFestivals and Music
Festivals and Music
The live music scene is considered the heartbeat of the Fredericton Capital Region. From large, take over the downtown events like the Harvest Music Festival; to intimate performances at local pubs and clubs, live music is a staple in the capital region 365 days of the year. Find a full list of festivals and more info on live music on our Calendar of Events!
Calendar of EventsNature & Scenic Views
Trails, Parks & the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge
A visit to the Fredericton Capital Region is not complete without experiencing our beautiful trail network and visiting the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, which offers stunning views of the majestic Wolastoq (Saint John River). A city close to nature, Fredericton boasts various parks within city-limits, including Odell Park, a 400-acre urban forest that links to the Fredericton Botanic Gardens; Hyla Park, Canada’s first amphibian park, and Carleton Park, the perfect picnic spot featuring views of the downtown skyline. Just outside the city you will find Mactaquac Provincial Park, a natural gem worth exploring, offering a wide range of activities year-round.
Trails
Wolastoq (Saint John River)
Known as the “Rhine of North America”, the Wolastoq (Saint John River) is approximately 673 km (418 miles) long. It winds through the middle of our capital city and is the crown jewel of the Capital Region. Whether enjoying the beauty of the river from our extensive trail system, getting up close and personal on a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or angling at the only place you can reel in the legendary Triple Crown, the beauty of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) is always on full display.
Local Flavours
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
No visit to the Fredericton Capital Region is complete without a stop at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market. This Saturday morning tradition features 200+ stalls including fresh produce, baked goods, unique local crafts, and more!
Pro-tip: The Garrison Night Market and Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market are just the beginning. Visit our Market page for more information on local markets and farm stands.
Local Craft Beer & the Fredericton Taproom Trail
Welcome to Atlantic Canada’s Craft Brewing Capital! With numerous distilleries, breweries and cideries you can sip your way through the region. Whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter - expect to be delighted by award-winning craft beer and alcohol producers in the Fredericton Capital Region.
Pro-tip: A unique way to explore the craft beer and ciders local to the Fredericton Capital Region is through our one-of-a-kind #FredTapTrail.
This highlight reel is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the Fredericton Capital Region has to offer. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, there’s always something new to discover! For more things to see and do, explore more of our website, and don’t miss the Calendar of Events for the latest festivals and happenings.