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24 Things to do in the Fredericton Capital Region this Summer!

Planning a trip to the Fredericton Capital Region this summer? We've got you covered with our list of 24 must-do activities! Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there is something for everyone. With so much to offer, the Fredericton Capital Region is the perfect destination for your summer getaway. 

Markets!

The Fredericton Capital Region is a market lover's dream! The most recommended stopping spot for anyone visiting the area is the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market. Featuring over 200 local vendors, it is THE place to be on Saturday morning, no matter the time of year.

The Garrison Night Market will return in June! This outdoor market features local and imported handmade products, art, craft, textiles, locally grown farm products, local craft beer & cider, youth entrepreneurs, buskers and more. It will occur every Thursday on Carleton Street in the Historic Garrison District from June 6 to September 5.

But that's not all. The Fredericton Capital Region boasts markets across the region, including the Gagetown Farmers Market, the Northside Creators Market, and many more.

Fredericton Taproom trail

Discover Atlantic Canada's Craft Brewing Capital through the Fredericton Taproom Trail! Sip through the Capital City with the taproom trail featuring 11 participating taprooms. With a passport-style map, you can collect stamps and win prizes!

Explore the Wolastoq (Saint John River)

What better way to unwind and commune with nature than to rent a stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak from Second Nature Outdoors in Fredericton or at the Oromocto Marina, be sure to check out some of their guided experiences too.

Try something new and head to the Big Axe Marina in Nackawic to test the water bikes along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) in front of the World's Largest Axe!

Discover the magic of Wolastoq Adventures! This Indigenous-owned business offers a unique experience with illuminated kayaks and paddleboard rentals. Glide through the waters in transparent kayaks, equipped with waterproof Bluetooth speakers.

Hit the Trails!

With the sun shining, summertime is the perfect time to hit the trails! The Fredericton Capital Region boasts an incredible trail network running along the scenic Wolastoq (Saint John River) and the region's lush forests. Whether you enjoy running, biking, or hiking, there is a trail for every adventurer. Explore Killarney Lake Park on the northside, featuring over 20km of trails around the picturesque lake, or the scenic adventure trails of the Oromocto River Watershed.

Experience the Nackawic Nature Trail and you can’t miss the Shogomoc Walking Bridge while in the area!

Art All Around

Located in downtown Fredericton, discover the world-renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery and its incomparable collection of historical and contemporary paintings, sculptures, and more! While exploring the downtown Fredericton art scene be sure to check out the various unique galleries from Gallery on Queen, to the George Fry Gallery!

The Fredericton Capital Region is boasting with galleries, sculptures and more! Take a trip to the Acacia Gallery in Arcadia and explore the incredible sculptures at Hanson Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden in the Rural District to experience unique pieces from local and internationally renowned artists.

Inspiration from our creative community can be found around every corner including many public art pieces and monuments installed in plain sight! Read our blog outlining a few of the installations found along the Fredericton riverfront trail system, the International Sculpture Trail, and additional iconic pieces in the Fredericton Capital Region.

There's no time like the present to discover the past!

Throughout their 50th anniversary celebration, Kings Landing will be open every day of the week starting June 1. This open-air museum showcases daily rural life in 19th-century New Brunswick. Don't just imagine what life was like 200 years ago. Step back and live it!

Patio Season

There is no shortage of delicious food and vibey patios in the Fredericton Capital Region! With the weather warming up, patio season is officially in full swing all around the Fredericton Capital Region.

A patio must this summer, add The Lot to your patio bucket list! The Lot food & beverage garden is tucked away in an alley off of Queen Street offering food and drinks! The perfect hangout this summer.

Located just off the Fredericton trail system along the Wolastoq (Saint John River), stop by The Lighthouse by 540 for a meal and some drinks! Along with incredible food, this patio offers stunning views of Fredericton’s waterfront and a perfect summer atmosphere.

Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours

Embark on a medicine walk through the Old Growth Forest of Odell Park, where you will learn about local flora and fauna, the fascinating history of local plants and trees, along with their use as medicines, food, and in the ceremony.

Craft Culture

From unique distilleries to craft beer festivals, the Fredericton Capital Region is the go-to spot for craft alcohol enthusiasts. For tasty craft liquors, stop by the First Light Distillery tasting room in Hanwell, Big Fiddle Still in Harvey or Black Galley Distillery in Hanwell and try their unique products, from flavoured vodka to cream liquors.

This summer experience the region’s highly anticipated craft beer events! Take advantage of the Big Axe Craft Beer Festival, the biggest outdoor craft beer festival in Atlantic Canada at the World's Largest Axe in Nackawic. Get your tickets for Down East Brew Festival, an outdoor celebration of some of the region’s best beer, cider, mead, spirits and wine happening on Carlton Street in downtown Fredericton in August. As the sun sets over the Wolastoq (Saint John River), enjoy drinks, live music, and good company with Beer on the Bridge happening on the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge this July!

Enjoy a show at the Fredericton Playhouse

Whether you enjoy performance arts, live music or comedy shows, the Fredericton Playhouse is home to many incredible shows throughout the summer. Keep an eye on their website to learn about their programs and get those tickets before they sell out!

Haunted Hikes

Spine-tingling tales and phantom thespians take the stage on this other-worldly walking tour of downtown Fredericton. Funny and lighthearted one moment and testing your beliefs the next, Haunted Hikes by the Calithumpians theatre troupe is a Fredericton scene not to be missed!

Lakeway Houseboat Vacations

Lakeway Houseboat Vacations offers an incredibly unique vacation experience to spice up your summer. Relax and rejuvenate with a ‘cottage on the water’, exploring the Wolastoq (Saint John River) with your houseboat! Offering full amenities and the ability to dock in various spots, there is no better way to explore the region.

Waterfall Chasing!

The Fredericton Capital Region is filled with beautiful waterfalls to explore. Spend some time discovering the rushing waterfalls from Fredericton Junction to Central York, Nashwaak and more!

Museums!

Home to the world-famous 42-pound Coleman Frog, the Fredericton Region Museum is the perfect place to explore Fredericton's past with exhibits featuring Indigenous and Acadian history, Confederation and a WW1 Trench Replica.

Discover the history and heritage of the military forces in New Brunswick at the NB Military History Museum in Oromocto at the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Explore the exhibits and programs and take part in activities!

FORE!

Itching to get back in the game? The Fredericton Capital Region is your perfect New Brunswick golf getaway destination! Looking for an indoor tune-up or to give this new spot a go? Make sure to visit Par 94 and get swinging with their golf simulators!

Go for a Float

Spend a day relaxing with friends and family on a lazy river float down our rivers! Check out Nashwaak Tubing, Drifters Tubing or Gornabilly Tubing and spend a day floating down the river in the sun carefree.

Live Music & Performances

There’s a hip, casually cultured beat in the Fredericton Capital Region after dark. Live performances in our local taprooms, pubs, cafés and parks. From traditional rockin’ Maritime music, to jazz, rock/pop, indie, dance clubs and wine bars. When it’s time to kick back at the end of the day, the choices unfold in vibrant fashion.

Mountain Bike Minto

Minto is unlike any other trail system in Atlantic Canada. Sculpted by massive earth movers during its coal mining days, the landscape offers a mountain bike goldmine of trails, views and features like no other. Stay for a weekend and camp on the Minto Trail System with Tiny Trails for a unique experience and taste-test local brews after biking with their taproom!

Visit Mactaquac Provincial Park

Open year-round, Mactaquac Provincial Park offers a variety of activities for the whole family. The trail network can be enjoyed during every season, and TreeGo will get any adrenaline junky excited for the summer. Make sure you take some time to explore the Great Canadian Beaver Voyage while you're here. Immerse yourself fully by taking advantage of this little oasis!

Go Glamping!

Discover the great outdoors of the Fredericton Capital Region while camping luxuriously by trading in your tent and sleeping bag for a dome retreat. Relax in a hot tub and warm up in the sauna on the Lake George waterfront with Water's Edge Glamping. Visit the pet-friendly domes at River Run Resort & Grill or discover the beauty of Grand Lake at the Glamp Camp.

Hartt Island Water Park & Mini Golf

Make a splash in the Hartt Island Water Park featuring slides, sprays and vortex whirlpool or relax in the 4,000 square foot heated leisure pool and poolside lounge chairs. The Hartt Island Mini Golf is the perfect place to tee off with the family.

Garrison Skatepark

New Brunswick's largest skate park features a large selection of world-class plaza terrain and a one-of-a-kind modern bowl complex with 3 bowls - the largest at 8'6"! Meant to cater to all ages, the new skatepark is situated in downtown Fredericton.

Shop Local

The Fredericton Capital Region is filled with local shops of all varieties, perfectly fit for a shopping spree. Visit Briggs & Little Woolen Mills Ltd. and the The Station House while in Harvey, discover the shopping district in Downtown Fredericton, or grab some unique gifts from Coffee In My Jungle in Nackawic!

Festivals & Events

The Fredericton Capital Region is boasting with special events and unique festivals to experience this summer.

Listen to the voices of the ancestors of the Wolastoqiyik people as they share their culture through music, dance and traditional ceremonies at the Sitansisk Powwow June 14-16 and the Bilijk Powwow September 13-15!
Celebrate Fredericton Capital Region’s incredible 2SLGBTQAI+ community with Pride week happening July 12-21, partake in events celebrating the Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage in the province with the New Brunswick Highland Games happening July 26-28, and indulge yourself in the Acadian language and culture with the annual Acadian Day celebration happening August 15!

Finish off the summer season with the Fredericton Capital Region’s iconic music festivals! Nashwaak Music Fest is happening August 2-4 – the New Brunswick Day long weekend – showcasing up and coming east coast talent, with tenting and camping available right on the festival grounds! End summer with a bang at Harvest Music Festival, Atlantic Canada’s best festival experience happening September 10-15

What is on your #ExploreFrederictonCapitalRegion list? Find more inspiration on our website by reading our blogs and visiting our calendar of events