· CA

Fredericton

Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Discover Fredericton: Where History Meets Charm on the Saint John River Nestled in the heart of New Brunswick, Canada, Fredericton is a captivating city that effortlessly blends small-town charm with big-city attractions…

#Capital city#Historic architecture#University town#Outdoor activities#Cultural events

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Fredericton.

Top Hotels in Fredericton

Top Flights to Fredericton

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Fredericton.

Tours

Sightseeing in Downtown Fredericton

Explore the historic downtown district, featuring landmarks, parks, and cultural attractions.

Shopping

Shopping at Regent Mall

One of the largest shopping centers in Fredericton, offering a wide variety of stores and dining options.

Outdoor

Outdoor Adventure at Mactaquac Provincial Park

Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, and picnicking in a vast park setting.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Fredericton.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

76,000

Languages

English, English, French

Average weather

Fredericton

Jan

-5°-15°

Feb

-3°-14°

Mar

2°-8°

Apr

10°-1°

May

18°5°

Jun

24°11°

Jul

27°14°

Aug

26°13°

Sep

21°8°

Oct

13°2°

Nov

5°-3°

Dec

-2°-11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Fredericton.

What people love

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, Canada, offers a variety of unique attractions and experiences that make it a great travel destination. Some of the pros of traveling to Fredericton include:

Rich History: Fredericton has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, which is evident in its well-preserved historic buildings, museums, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Legislative Assembly Building, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Fredericton Region Museum.
Outdoor Activities: The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Saint John River running through it and numerous parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Visitors can go hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking along the river, or explore the nearby Odell Park and Killarney Lake Park.
Arts and Culture: Fredericton has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing local talent. The city is also home to the renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Canadian and international art.
Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Fredericton hosts a variety of festivals and events that celebrate the local culture, food, and music scene. Highlights include the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, the Fredericton Craft Beer Festival, and the Christmas at the Market event.
Culinary Delights: Fredericton offers a diverse culinary scene with a range of restaurants serving up delicious local and international cuisine. Visitors can sample fresh seafood, farm-to-table dishes, and traditional Acadian specialties at eateries throughout the city.

Overall, Fredericton's combination of history, outdoor activities, arts and culture, festivals, and culinary delights make it a compelling destination for travelers looking to explore the beauty and charm of New Brunswick, Canada.

Enjoy your trip to Fredericton!

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, could include:

Weather: Fredericton experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers. Travelers who are not used to extreme cold weather may find it challenging to adjust.
Limited public transportation: Fredericton's public transportation system is not as extensive as in larger cities, making it less convenient for travelers to get around without a car.
Limited nightlife: While there are some bars and restaurants in Fredericton, the nightlife scene may be quieter compared to larger cities, which could be a drawback for travelers looking for a vibrant nightlife experience.
Limited tourist attractions: Fredericton is a smaller city with fewer tourist attractions compared to larger cities in Canada. Travelers looking for a wide range of activities and attractions may find their options limited in Fredericton.
Distance from major cities: Fredericton is located in a more remote area of Canada, which means it may take longer to travel to and from other major cities or attractions in the region.

Overall, while Fredericton offers a charming small-city experience with beautiful scenery and a friendly community, travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks when planning their trip.

Fredericton is the capital city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It has a rich history that dates back several centuries, intertwining indigenous heritage, colonial settlement, and modern development.

Indigenous History

Before European settlement, the area around Fredericton was inhabited by the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people, part of the larger Wabanaki Confederacy. The Wolastoqiyik lived along the river they called "Wolastoq," meaning "Beautiful River," which is now known as the Saint John River.

Early European Settlement

In the late 17th century, French settlers established a fort at the mouth of the Nashwaak River, a tributary of the Saint John River. This fort, Fort Nashwaak, served as the capital of Acadia from 1692 to 1698. It was an important site during the conflict between the French and English for control of the region.

Founding of Fredericton

The city of Fredericton was founded by British Loyalists who settled in the area after the American Revolutionary War. In 1785, New Brunswick was established as a separate colony from Nova Scotia, and Fredericton was chosen as its capital due to its inland location, which was considered more defensible against American attacks.

Development as a Capital

Fredericton's establishment as the capital led to the development of key governmental and educational institutions. The University of New Brunswick (UNB), one of the oldest public universities in North America, was founded in 1785. The city also became the site of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick.

Significant Events and Historical Figures

John Saunders: An influential early figure, Saunders was a Loyalist who played a critical role in establishing the legal and educational framework of New Brunswick.
Marysville: Now part of Fredericton, Marysville was a company town established in the 19th century by Alexander Gibson, a significant figure in the lumber and railway industries.
Confederation: In 1867, New Brunswick became one of the four founding provinces of Canada, with Fredericton continuing as the provincial capital.

Important Landmarks

Old Government House: Built between 1826 and 1828, this building served as the residence for the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.
Christ Church Cathedral: Completed in 1853, this Anglican cathedral is an example of Gothic Revival architecture and a National Historic Site of Canada.
The Fredericton Region Museum: Offers insights into the city's history, including exhibits on the Indigenous people, colonial history, and local industries.
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery: Established in 1959 by Lord Beaverbrook, it houses an extensive collection of Canadian and international art.

Modern Era

Fredericton has evolved into an educational and cultural center, with a strong emphasis on information technology and knowledge industries. The city hosts the annual Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, attracting visitors and musicians from across the region.

Fredericton's blend of historical architecture, cultural institutions, and natural beauty along the Saint John River continues to make it a vibrant and significant city in New Brunswick and Canada.