There’s something special about a leisurely drive – the kind that invites you to slow down, soak up the scenery, and uncover a few hidden gems along the way. The Lincoln-Oromocto Scenic Drive is just that — a blend of riverside views, charming local stops, and peaceful nature escapes. Following Highway 102, this relaxing route takes you from Fredericton to Oromocto and back, winding through rich history, welcoming communities, and stunning landscapes.
Start your journey at the Downtown Fredericton Visitor Information Centre (494 Queen Street) and head east along Waterloo Row. Here, grand Victorian homes line the street - quietly echoing the city’s architectural heritage. This stretch along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) sets the tone for what lies ahead: calm, scenic, and inviting. Just minutes in, Morrell Park offers a chance to pause by the water, where a boat launch provides a perfect vantage point.
The river is a constant companion along this drive, appearing at different angles and offering peaceful places to stop, breathe, and take it all in. Keep an eye out for eagles, often seen soaring overhead.
Tucked along the riverbank, the Fredericton Yacht Club welcomes both local and visiting boaters. A little further along, the striking floral Hummingbird Sculpture at the roundabout marks a grassroots endeavour and International Communities in Bloom project that won a National Capital Commission award.
Nature lovers will love the Lincoln Trail - a multi-use path and part of the Fredericton Trail system. There is convenient parking for those that want to hike, bike, or enjoy a walk. Not far from here, the Fredericton Research and Development Centre stands as a reminder to the region’s deep agricultural roots, particularly its work in potato research.
No scenic drive is complete without a few local flavours, and this route delivers:
- The Rocky Lemon Bakery & Café is a cozy spot to grab a coffee and homemade treats.
- Victory Meat & Produce Market, a great place to grab supplies for a picnic.
- Dairy Delite serves up classic soft-serve ice cream treats —a favourite on warm days.
- Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery, a proudly indigenous-owned restaurant and bakery, offering tasty locally-sourced, nut-free options.
For green thumbs, Scott’s Nursery and Rowan’s Nursery offer everything from vibrant flowers to trees, and garden décor.
As the road carries you by the nurseries and shops, you will pass the Fredericton International Airport, a reminder that this quiet corner of New Brunswick is still well connected to the world.
Just beyond, take a slight detour onto Thatch Road to discover Wilmot Bluff Lighthouse, one of six lighthouses built in 1869 to guide steamships between Fredericton and Saint John. Though decommissioned in 1967, it is maintained by the last lighthouse keeper’s family. Nearby, find Thatch Road Boat Launch, a great access point for paddlers, and the MacDougall Walking Trail - another chance to connect with nature. The 3-km paved path winds through a floodplain hardwood forest beginning at a charming miniature covered bridge and ending at an old bridge abutment. Pause before you return for a photo opportunity or just to enjoy the quiet beauty of the river.
Head back and continue along Highway 102, to MacDougall’s Farm Stand – a must-stop for fresh produce and local products.
More outdoor adventure awaits as you cross the Lincoln Bridge over the Oromocto River. This area is a haven for paddlers and trail lovers alike. Deer Park Trails, part of the Trans Canada Trail system, provides year-round opportunities for walking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. A playground, disc golf course, and picnic spots make it an ideal spot for families, too.
Follow Waasis Road into Oromocto - a town shaped by both military heritage and natural beauty. The Gage Golf & Curling Club is a well-maintained course that welcomes visitors, while Fort Hughes, a replica 1812 blockhouse, provides a glimpse into the region’s past.
Sir Douglas Hazen Park offers more riverside charm and access to the local trail system, which is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park has a relaxed atmosphere with stunning river views and a children’s playground. Take in The Gathering Place, a granite sculpture by Jesse Salisbury, as part of the International Sculpture Trail. Nearby, additional sculptures, monuments, and interpretive signs share stories of the region’s early settlers. The Oromocto Marina offers full boating services and provides a picturesque view of the Burton Bridge - which connects to Maugerville and Route 105.
From late May to early fall, the Grimross Oromocto Beer Garden is on site in Hazen Park Wednesdays to Sundays, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for those looking to enjoy a refreshing drink outdoors. In July and August, Wednesday evenings bring the added draw of the Oromocto Night Market and the popular Summer Concert Series expanding the park’s appeal with vendors and live music. Celebrate Oromocto Pioneer Days and Canada Day here from June 27th – July 1, 2025, with entertainment, midway, games, youth activities, food vendors, bingo, pubs, Canada Day parade, fireworks, plus much more!
Another highlight in the region is the Gateway Wetlands Conservation Area. It offers a gentle 1.3-km trail that loops through a rich ecosystem, filled with interpretive signs, wooden sculptures, and quiet benches to enjoy the surroundings. From May to November, the Visitor Information and Interpretive Centre provides additional insight, and smartphone users can dive into the Adventure Lab app for Geocaching fun. Don’t forget to bring some sunflower seeds to handfeed the friendly chickadees - an unforgettable joyful experience. Before you go, take in Expand, a granite sculpture by Jim Boyd celebrating spring, renewal, and new beginnings. It is another treasure on the International Sculpture Trail.
When hunger hits, stop by The Sour Grape Café - a local favourite for hearty, made-from-scratch meals, fresh coffee, and baked goods. Afterwards, browse The Oromocto Galleria showcasing the work of more than 120 local artisans, and for a playful finish, check out The Fairway - Good Guys Golf for mini-putt, a golf simulator, and more family fun.
As the day winds down, head back to Fredericton the way you came - via Highway 102, taking in river views and glimpses of both the Princess Margaret Bridge and the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Grab a coffee and treat and take one last moment at a riverside picnic table to truly savour the peace and beauty that defines this drive.
The Lincoln-Oromocto Scenic Drive isn’t just a route—it’s an experience. It’s about taking your time, connecting with nature, appreciating the beauty of the river, supporting local businesses, and discovering places that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether you spend the whole day exploring or just pick a few favourite stops, this drive offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and small-town charm. So, next time you’re craving a little escape, take the scenic route — you never know what you might find along the way.
By Coreen Hildebrand.
Check out her Maritimes Maven blog for more New Brunswick and Maritimes articles.