Fredericton, New Brunswick Attractions and Things to Do
As the capital of New Brunswick, Fredericton as well as its surroundings are home to a heady mix of sophisticated, outdoorsy, and historic attractions. From the thriving and boisterous weekly Boyce Farmers Market and treetop adventure courses of TreeGo to the Historic Garrison District and annual Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, there are so many things to do, see and explore in Fredericton.
Beaver Brook Art Gallery
The Beaver Brook Art Gallery is the official provincial art gallery of New Brunswick, Canada. Here, visitors will find a representation of artists and artwork from English and French speakers, First Nations Peoples, as well as those from a spectrum of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. For information on past, current, and future exhibits, go to www.beaverbrookartgallery.org
Boyce Farmers Market
Open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is a tradition that celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2011. Each week, there are over 250 vendors both indoors and out. Items for sale include fresh, local produce, meats, seafood, breads, cheeses, jams, wine, chocolate, coffee, as well as crafts, pottery, jewelry, paintings, textiles, and even lawn sculptures. Visit www.boycefarmersmarket.com
Government House
Built in the 1820s as the home of the Governors and Lieutenant-Governors of New Brunswick, Government House has been through many changes and served many different purposes over the last 180 years. It has been a school for the deaf, a World War I military barracks, a military hospital, and RCMP J Division Headquarters. Today, having been restored to its original glory, Government House is a popular attraction with free bilingual tours Monday through Saturday, from mid-May to the end of August. Go to www.gnb.ca/lg/ogh/index-e.asp
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival
Held over six days in September, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is a Fredericton favorite, attracting talented, renowned musicians from all over the globe. Participants have included Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Super Chikan, Tin Banger, Taj Mahal Trio, Sophie Milman, Rose Cousins, Levon Helm Band, and Gypsophilia. The Festival is held throughout downtown, with the main pavilion behind City Hall. Go to www.harvestjazzandblues.com
Historic Garrison District
Fredericton's Historic Garrison District is a National Historic Site of Canada situated downtown. British troops were garrisoned here for decades, from 1784 to 1869. Today, it's a vibrant Fredericton tourist destination with musicians, artists, historical reenactments, the Fredericton Region Museum, School Days Museum, New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and the gallery of New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. For more, go to www.historicgarrisondistrict.com
Kingswood Entertainment & Golf
Kingswood is the ultimate in fun, family entertainment. This Fredericton destination includes golfing, a fitness center, bowling, a gymnastics center, ice rink, lodge, and the Cosmic Zone, an awesome arcade, indoor play climber, and lazer tag course. To learn more about all that Kingswood has to offer, go to www.kingswoodpark.com
Legislative Assembly Building
The Legislative Assembly building is the seat of government for New Brunswick province. Since 1882, the current building, built in the Second Empire Style, has housed the Legislative Assembly, and is a distinguished Fredericton landmark. Visitors and guided tours are available in the summer from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the winter. For more information, go to http://www.gnb.ca/legis/education/visit/visit-e.asp
Mactaquac Golf Course
Located only 7 km from the Riverside Resort & Conference Centre, the Mactaquac Golf Course is 18 holes of challenging terrain set in an incredibly beautiful forested area of New Brunswick. The course is more than 300 acres in the rolling hills of the St. John River Valley. Golfers from pros to novices will enjoy hitting the range as well as the Mactaquac Pro Shop and Snack Bar. For more information, go to www.mactaquacgolf.com
The Playhouse Theatre
The Fredericton Playhouse has provided arts and entertainment since the mid-1960s, and is the first venue of its kind in New Brunswick. It serves as a venue for local, national, international, and touring productions in a variety of genres from live music to theatre. For the latest schedule, visit www.theplayhouse.ca
TreeGo
For a unique and exhilarating experience, try TreeGo Aerial Adventure Course, a ropes course and group building experience. Ziplines and tightropes among other challenges, appeal to adults as well as children age 7 and up. Located in the forests of Mactaquac, TreeGo boasts equipment that is safe as well as thrilling. To find out more, visit www.treegomactaquac.com