Blog

Travelling through time: Exploring History in the Fredericton Capital Region

Attention all history enthusiasts and curious explorers! Join us as we embark on an unforgettable adventure through time and learn about the history of the Fredericton Capital Region, New Brunswick and Canada. From the architectural beauties throughout the region to our interesting military legacy, each historical site has a tale to tell, waiting to be discovered!

Architectural Landmarks

The Fredericton Capital Region has an extensive list of mesmerizing landmarks that stand as testaments to the city's rich architecture. As you venture on a journey of exploration, be captivated by the architectural marvels from different time periods.

Churches

From elegant spires piercing the sky to ornate stained-glass windows, discover the awe-inspiring architecture of our local churches! Experience the rich history of Christ Church Cathedral, a National Historic Site and North America’s first Cathedral. Admire the impressive 68-foot tower and spire at Brunswick Street Baptist Church and discover the impeccably preserved St. Anne's Chapel of Ease, which seems to be frozen in time!

Churches

Fredericton City Hall

Our City Hall was built in 1876, making it one of the oldest city halls still in use in the Maritimes! As you wander through the city center, take a moment to appreciate the charming red bricks, vibrant green roofs, exquisite golden highlights and the clock tower that adorns this historic building. Meet Freddy The Nude Dude, a statue older than the Statue of Liberty! Cool tidbit: The statue on City Hall's fountain is a replica, the original Nude Dude is actually inside the City Hall. And while you're there, don't hesitate to step inside and explore the Visitors Information Centre to find more information on what to do in the Fredericton Capital Region.

City Hall

Legislative Assembly Building

Built in 1882, the New Brunswick Legislature is a must-stop for every history enthusiast! Explore the chamber as you learn all about both the building itself and the politics of the province. You can take a tour on during the summer on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Fun fact: On the second floor you can find a volume of John James Audubon's "Birds of America.”

New Brunswick Legislature

Gagetown Island & The Mount House

Among the secrets of New Brunswick lies an age-old mansion nicknamed Mount House, situated on an island close to Gagetown. Potentially dating back 350 years, this could be the most ancient residence in the Maritimes, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this mysterious location.

The Mount House

Tilley House in Gagetown

Tilley House is a National Historical Site that was used as a residence and later transformed into a local treasure where you can learn about some of Queens County's historical figures, such as Father of Confederation, Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, and the talented artist Anthony Flower. The structure itself dates back to the 1780s and has an architectural style reminiscent of the time, with a timber-frame construction and wood cladding.

Tilley House

Government House

Step into Government House, New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governor's official residence, and travel back in time with historic furnishings from the 1800s. Experience English-style architecture and indulge in a fun-filled journey through its charming past! Our recommendation: once inside, visit the Government House Gallery which showcases art, paintings and crafts. There are free guided tours, so don’t miss out!

Government House

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Not only is the Beaverbrook Art Gallery one of Canada’s finest art galleries, but it is also an architectural marvel! Recently renovated, the gallery now features a modern white front with spacious windows that flood the interior with natural light. This contemporary look creates a striking contrast with the New Brunswick Legislature, a historic building located just across the street. Before immersing yourself in the captivating art within, don't forget to take a moment and appreciate the beauty of the gallery's exterior and the remarkable sculptures that decorate its surroundings!

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Gallery 78

Located on Queen Street, Gallery 78 is the perfect spot to admire art by up-and-coming local artists, but did you know the building itself is an architectural work of art? Commissioned by politician Edward Moore, it was designed by Joshua Limerick and named “Crocket House.” The Crocket House stands as an impressive illustration of the architectural diversity and influences that were prominent during the 1800s. So explore the art both externally and within its walls!

Gallery 78

Waterloo Row

The best way of appreciating the city’s residential architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries is by wandering around Waterloo Row! Featuring a stunning vista of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) on one side and a row of charming houses on the other, Waterloo Row presents an ideal chance for those looking for Fredericton’s scenic beauty.

Local and New Brunswick Heritage

Find out more about our local and provincial history by visiting our museums and sites of interest! From the bookish wonders at the Provincial Archives to the sporting legends at the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, get ready to discover the coolest spots that celebrate our fascinating past!

Provincial Archives

As all history enthusiasts know, archives contain an essential record of history, and the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick is no exception! Join their behind-the-scenes tour every Thursday (make sure to book ahead!) for an exclusive look into the history of New Brunswick through the collection of maps, photos, texts, and other treasures carefully amassed by the archives!

Provincial Archives

Kings Landing

Experience daily life in New Brunswick as it was 200 years ago! At Kings Landing you can interact with the historically costumed villagers and immerse yourself in the history of the province by helping around the gardens, milking a cow, firing a musket or doing other hands-on activities.

Kings Landing

Currie House Museum

Did you know that elephants once swam and bathed in the Oromocto River? Do you know who the first woman licensed to practice medicine in New Brunswick is? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then the Currie House Museum in Fredericton Junction needs to be your next stop! Visit this curious museum to discover more lesser-known stories from the region.

Currie House Museum

Former York County Jail

Wander through Science East's basement as you tour the 1840s jail cells of the former York County Jail! Learn the jail's past, including the now-prohibited isolation cells and the frightening presence of serial killer Allan Legere, nicknamed the "Monster of the Miramichi," who previously occupied these exact walls.

Former York County Jail

School Days Museum

Located in the Justice Building in Downtown Fredericton, the School Days Museum showcases the history of New Brunswick's public schools, teacher training and the Department of Education. Featuring a vast collection of artifacts, archival material, books and furniture that depict the evolution of education in the province, all within the former Teachers' College.

School Days Museum

Fredericton Region Museum

Housed in the former Officers' Quarters is the Fredericton Region Museum, the perfect place to uncover the history of Fredericton through exhibitions on the Indigenous, Acadian and Loyalist inhabitants of the area. Additionally, the museum is home to The Coleman Frog, a 42-pound local icon!

Fredericton Region Museum

Old Public Burial Ground

Learn about the first Loyalist families that settled New Brunswick at the Old Public Burial Ground, the resting place of the first clergy, judges and other government officials of the province. To give you an idea of the cemetery's long-standing age, the first recorded burial dates back to 1787 for Anthony Foster, an English officer, whose gravestone you can still visit!

Old Public Burial Ground

Boss Gibson’s Marysville

Just off the riverfront of the Nashwaak River stands Marysville, a testament to early industrialism and village planning. This brick landscape was first envisioned by Alexander “Boss” Gibson — a Canadian lumber merchant and industrialist. An iconic building found in Marysville is the impressive +130-year old four-story brick Cotton Mill, which stands as a National Historic Site!
Explore Boss Gibson’s Marysville to learn more about this important Canadian figure and the early integration of industrial and residential communities.

Boss Gibson’s Marysville

New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame

Right in the heart of Downtown Fredericton, you can find the famous New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, where you can learn all about local and national athletes or the science behind your favourite sport! Whether you are a sports enthusiast or just curious, their interactive exhibitions that make this a must-stop.

New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame

Military Legacy

New Brunswick is the birthplace of the Canadian military, and thus, we house some of the most important historical military landmarks in the country. The Fredericton Capital Region’s military history dates back to its founding in the late 18th century and it has continued until the present day.

Historic Garrison District

The Historic Garrison District lies at the city's core and features former British Garrison structures later used by the Canadian Army. Explore the Soldier's Barracks, now home to artisan shops, or visit the Guard House and Officer's Barracks to learn about the life of the soldiers in the 19th century. In summer, historically-costumed guards march through the district, recreating the city’s military history.
Summer hot tip: During this season, watch Guard House Theatre reenact barracks life or join a walking tour to delve into the district's history. On Thursday nights, the popular Garrison Night Market takes over Carleton Street. Featuring 100+ vendors each week, it is the largest night market in Atlantic Canada.

Fort Hughes Military Blockhouse

When the United Kingdom was at war with the Americans in 1812, Fort Hughes was a strategic location for the Loyalist regiment called the Royal Fencible Americans. While you can’t visit the original any longer, this replica stands near its original place in Hazen Park, Oromocto, so if you are interested in American, Canadian and British history, this is the place to be!

Military Blockhouse

Canadian Military Engineers Museums

Located near the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, Oromocto, the Canadian Military Engineers Museums educates visitors on the contributions of our Canadian military engineers in developing technology in the country, both during war and peace times. With around 35,000 artifacts, this museum showcases military development from the 18th century all the way up to the present day.

Canadian Military Engineers Museums

Internment Museum in Minto

With nearly 600 well-preserved artifacts, the Internment Museum in Minto provides a vivid representation of past events in Canada’s military history, specifically exploring the Canadian perspective of World War II. What started as a small school project evolved into an immersive museum, so if you are visiting Minto, add the Internment Museum to your list of must-visits!
Visitors can enter by donation throughout the summer.

Internment Museum

New Brunswick Military History Museum

Nestled at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown is the New Brunswick Military History Museum, a statement of the province’s military legacy! Housing multiple exhibits, programs, artifacts and activities, this museum shows the history of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick Military History Museum

With so much history to explore in the Fredericton Capital Region, let us help you plan the rest of your stay! From cozy accommodations to dining options and many fun-filled activities, our website is full of inspiration to help you plan your trip.