Located along the banks of the St. John River about 50 mi/80 km northwest of Saint John, Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick and one of the most beautiful cities in Atlantic Canada.
Well worth the drive is Kings Landing Historical Settlement in Mactaquac Country (22 mi/35 km west), a working historical village that re-creates rural life in English New Brunswick from the 1700s to the early 1900s. The costumed staff members play their roles well: After chatting with a farmer's wife or the local publican for a few minutes, you'll feel like a town resident.
Hazen Park Marina in the nearby town of Oromocto offers an afternoon of quiet strolling on the pier, and the Village of Gagetown (just 40 minutes away) offers unique arts and crafts found only in the Maritimes. You may also want to try your hand at fly-fishing for salmon on the world-famous (and close-by) Miramichi River.
History
English settlers established Fredericton in 1760 after the original French settlement had been abandoned. Following the U.S. Revolutionary War, many British loyalists who fled the U.S. settled in Fredericton. In 1785, it became the provincial capital. Many of Fredericton's residents work at the University of New Brunswick or for the provincial government.
Sightseeing
Several attractions are centered around Officers' Square, the main park in the city. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Square (July and August) is colorful, and there are free musical performances throughout the summer (usually Tuesday and Thursday evenings).
The York-Sunbury Historical Society Museum documents Fredericton's military and civilian past with military artifacts and exhibits related to Native Americans, Acadians and others. Within the old British Military Compound is the Guard House, a restored military lockup (with a costumed guard on duty) and the Soldiers Barracks. Both illustrate what military life was like in the mid-1800s.
Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1853, is a replica of St. Mary's Church in Snettisham, England. It has the gold cloth used during the coronation of King William IV and a Bible signed by English monarchs. Another church of note is St. Dunstan's, which occupies the site of the first Roman Catholic cathedral in New Brunswick.
The Legislative Assembly Building has impressive hand-colored engravings by John James Audubon and a portrait of King George III painted by Joshua Reynolds. Take the time to walk up the spiral staircase to view the Victorian legislative chambers from the visitors' gallery. Outside the building, look for Britannica, a figurine on the rooftop.
More art is found just across from the Legislative Assembly Building: The Beaverbrook Art Gallery houses an especially good collection of 18th-century British works, as well as more recent art by Salvador Dali and several Canadian artists, including Cornelius Krieghoff.
The National Exhibition Centre has changing exhibits that cover a wide variety of subjects, including art, photography and handicrafts. And you might also consider visiting the University of New Brunswick (many historic buildings on campus) or spending an evening at the Playhouse, a performing-arts center.
For a relaxing afternoon, stroll along the Green, a grassy, tree-shaded area beside the St. John River.
Calendar
The summer months in Fredericton are filled with festival after festival, designed to merge the rich history of the Maritimes with modern life. If festivals are your thing, plan your vacation around the Highland and Scottish Festival in July, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in September, the Wine and Spirit Festival in October or even WinterFest in February. Take your parka though—winters are cold there.
