The autumn leaves, the cool crisp air, and fresh local produce, what better time to visit The Fredericton Capital Region? With so much to explore, eat, and drink, get ready to fall in love with the season!
1. #FredTapTrail
With the changing leaves, come changing flavours in our craft breweries! Hop on the Fredericton Taproom Trail and visit our local taprooms to try out the new fall flavours! Discover the FredTapTrail!
Taprooms2. Take a Hike!
Lace up your hiking boots for a trek amongst the trees, a journey to a waterfall, or a riverside stroll. The Fredericton Capital Region offers miles upon miles of trails, and come fall, they are simply showing off with their colourful vistas. Walk (or bike!) the 120 KM+ Fredericton Trail system, explore the trails and waterfalls of the Oromocto Watershed, or take in the scenery at the Lakeside Trail in Harvey.
Trails3. Orchard Hopping
The Fredericton Capital Region is full of fantastic Apple Orchards! Pick some apples and grab some fresh produce, while enjoying the crisp breeze and vibrant colours of the season. For a complete list, check out our apple U-Pick list! In-cider tip: Need a quick apple fix, but not eager to pick your own? Stop into Coburn’s farm store for fresh produce, pumpkins and cider. While their orchard is not open to the public, you can have a go at their straw bale maze, and take a peek at their unique and darling Pumpkin House!
Apple U-Pick4. Step Back in Time
A quick 20-minute drive from downtown Fredericton, Kings Landing is an open-air, interactive museum that offers over 40 exhibits, horse-drawn wagon rides, hands-on workshops, dining and shopping! All within a 19th-century village full of costumed characters, farm animals, and their incredible stories!
Partake in themed weekends such as Country Fair, Lyrics & Lore, and Thanksgiving Weekend, and come away with a greater appreciation of life in the 19th century!
5. Markets!
With multiple markets in the Fredericton Capital Region, there’s something for the whole family! Visit the Boyce Farmers Market every Saturday morning from 7am to 1pm, or hit the Northside Creators Market on Saturdays and Sundays! Throughout much of the fall, the Gagetown Farmers Market will be open on Sundays from 11am to 3pm. A short and scenic drive from the city of Fredericton, this outdoor market on the village riverfront is weather dependent, so check for updates and hours on their Facebook Page.
The New Maryland Market is held one Sunday each month and offers a changing lineup of artisan craft vendors and food trucks! Follow their Facebook Page for updates.
6. Take a tour of Historical Architecture
Take in the Fredericton Capital Region’s amazing historical architecture by visiting some of our oldest (and coolest) buildings! Some hot spots in downtown Fredericton include St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease, Christ Church Cathedral, Government House, Fredericton Region Museum and the Legislative Building!
On Fredericton’s Northside, only 10 minutes from downtown, head to Marysville to catch a glimpse of the old Mill and see the charming brownstones of the neighborhood. Take a drive out to the Village of Gagetown, 40 minutes from downtown Fredericton, to see turn-of-the century architecture, including the Tilley House Museum. Be sure to bring a camera, these historic buildings make instaworthy backdrops!
7. All About Art
Take a stroll around the city and enjoy over 30 public art pieces, including outdoor murals and sculptures! Keep the inspiration flowing by visiting one of several local galleries in the Fredericton Capital Region, featuring works by local creators and world-renowned artists.
The Fredericton Capital Region is also home to some very unique, and very large, art installations. The fall is the ideal time to take a scenic drive to see the world’s biggest axe in Nackawic, the huge fiddle of Harvey, or the Big Potato in Maugerville!
8. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours
Hear ancient stories of the land as you enjoy a guided walk through the Old Growth Forest of Odell. Learn about the local insects, plants and trees, and their use in traditional Indigenous medicine, food and ceremony. You can explore some of their locally harvested herbal body care and wellness products through their product line, Soul Flower Herbals, available at Sacred Arts or at the Boyce Farmers Market!
Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours9. Fredericton Region Museum and NB Sports Hall of Fame
Visit the museum in downtown Fredericton to learn about the history and heritage of central New Brunswick and see the famous 42-pound Coleman Frog! While downtown, visit the NB Sports Hall of Fame to learn about the province’s incredible athletes and sports history. Check their websites to keep updated with featured collections, opening hours, and upcoming exhibits!
Museums10. Mountain Biking
With the heat of summer finally lifted, it’s a great time to give mountain biking a try. Within the Fredericton Capital Region, you will find two stellar mountain biking trail systems! Woolastook is a former Provincial park featuring cross-country trails that are currently managed and maintained by River Valley Cycling. New and experienced riders can enjoy rolling terrain in the forest and along the water. Be sure to make the climb to the top of Mountain Road- the view is worth it!
The Minto Mountain Bike trail system is built upon land that was once mined for coal. Ridges of mine tailings, varied trees and water features create a fun park that is exciting and challenging to riders of all levels.
11. Art Galleries
While you explore Downtown Fredericton, make sure to visit the world-class Beaverbrook Art Gallery, a must-visit location and one of Canada’s most impressive and varied art collections! You can also discover nearby galleries like Gallery on Queen, Gallery 78 and the George Fry Gallery. Venture beyond the city to the Acacia Gallery in the Village of Gagetown and the fun, handcrafted sculptures at Hanson Art Gallery & Sculptures in French Lake, where you can appreciate creations by local and internationally acclaimed artists.
Art12. Fall Golfing
You don’t have to look far; the Fredericton Capital Region has many beautiful golf courses that allow you to practice your swing beyond the summer season! Read our Fredericton Capital Region golf list for more information on teeing up a round at one of the 8 courses in the region!
Golf Courses13. Kingswood
Visit Atlantic Canada’s Largest Family Entertainment Centre! With laser tag, two play climbers, a toddler zone, arcade games, bowling, a food court, golf course, 25 km of trails, Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern and a Raddison Hotel on site, it’s the perfect destination for family fun!
Kingswood14. Mactaquac Provincial Park
Known as a playground for all seasons, autumn is an amazing time to discover Mactaquac Provincial Park. Explore their extensive trails on foot or on bike, basking in the serenity of nature, complete with wildlife and waterfalls. Book a round of golf, or attempt an aerial adventure with TreeGo, a thrilling obstacle course up in the trees! TreeGo will have you traveling from tree to tree while harnessed to safety cables the entire time. Enjoy it at your own pace and go as far as you’d like!
With camping available through early October, you can stay and play at Mactaquac to make the most of your experience!
15. Night out on the Northside
Grab some friends for some fun on Fredericton’s Northside! Drink some local craft beer and cider, partake in some exciting axe throwing at HaliMac, and bowl a strike at the Drome! With both venues within a 5-minute walk from each other, you can easily visit both locations for an exciting, and dare we say competitive, night out!
Explore Fredericton16. Festivals
Fall is festival season in the Fredericton Capital Region! If you are a fan of live music, you can’t miss this year’s Harvest Music Festival, Atlantic Canada’s Best Festival Experience, from September 10 to 15. You can also visit Kings Landing and enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving Festival, experience the film scene in New Brunswick with the Silverwave Film Festival, sip on local whiskey at the oldest spirit festival in Canada, the New Brunswick Spirits Festival, and much more!
Festivals17. Dining
Visit our local restaurants and be delighted by the freshly picked ingredients from the Harvest! From sweet desserts to traditional Maritimer cuisine and international delights, savour the season's flavours! Patio season is still in full swing, with cozy heated patios that allow you to enjoy the burst of fall colours while you delight in the season's flavours.
Restaurants18. Coffee Shop Scene
Stop by a local coffee shop and indulge in seasonal flavours with a cup of your favourite drink and a tasty treat! Our local cafés are the perfect spot to make your daily coffee run before you head to the market, hit the trails, go apple picking, or engage in another fun-filled fall activity. So grab a cozy sweater and visit our local coffee shops for a delicious pumpkin spice latte, a sweet cinnamon roll, and any other seasonal staple!
Cafés19. Waterfall Chasing
Incredible natural sights surround the Fredericton Capital Region, and when fall arrives, our waterfalls transform into a breathtaking amber paradise. If you're all about discovering hidden gems only the locals know, it's time to go on a waterfall-chasing adventure!
Waterfall ChasingLooking for more? You will find tons of other fun fall activities right here on our website! Book a stay, and make this autumn one to remember in the Fredericton Capital Region.