Is Fredericton Worth Visiting? Reasons You’ll Want to Add It to Your Trip

Planning your trip to New Brunswick and wondering is Fredericton worth visiting?

After spending almost a week in Fredericton during our 5-week RV adventure across New Brunswick, we can say the capital city surprised us in more ways than one. In this post, we’ll share our honest experience, what makes Fredericton unique, and a few reasons why you might want to include it in your own New Brunswick road trip.

And if you’re exploring more of the province, you might also enjoy our posts about Edmundston, Bathurst, New Brunswick, Miramichi in the summer, and the Acadian Peninsula.

Is Fredericton Worth Visiting?

Yes, based on our experience, Fredericton is definitely worth visiting! If you’re looking for a calm vibe, local culture, outdoor activities, and the convenience of stopping in one of the province’s larger cities, Fredericton makes a perfect stop.

It’s a great place to pause, explore a little, and recharge before continuing your New Brunswick road trip. Even though it’s the capital, Fredericton has its own unique character that sets it apart from other big cities in the province.

Plan Your Trip to Fredericton
🏨 Find a hotel here.
🚗 Rent a car here.

Where Is Fredericton Located?

Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick, sitting along the beautiful Saint John River, not far from the U.S. border with Maine.

We visited Fredericton right after our stop in Miramichi, making it the natural next point on our RV route. (If you’re curious about that part of our trip, check out our post on 18 Things To Do in Miramichi in Summer.)

What is Fredericton Known For?

Fredericton is best known as the political capital of New Brunswick, but it has much more to offer than government buildings. The city has a creative, artistic atmosphere, and we also discovered it’s home to one of the largest craft beer scenes in Atlantic Canada.

Some of the things that made Fredericton stand out for us included:

Long biking trails that run along both sides of the Saint John River.
Several delicious vegan-friendly restaurants (a nice surprise for us as travelers).
The Fredericton Taproom Trail (a self-guided beer tour) that we managed to complete part of.
Wide green spaces and incredible riverfront sunsets.
And of course, simply strolling around town to soak up local life and explore its historic spots.

If you’re still asking yourself is Fredericton worth visiting, we hope our experience helps you decide. Whether you’re just stopping for a night or planning to stay a few days, Fredericton is a beautiful city with more to offer than you might expect.

Is Fredericton Near Water?

Yes! Fredericton is located right on the shores of the Saint John River, with the city stretching across both sides and connected by several bridges. The river adds so much charm, especially if you enjoy biking, walking trails, or catching a sunset by the water.

However, Fredericton is not by the ocean. If you’re looking for a seaside vibe, we recommend visiting Saint John, which is about an hour south and sits directly on the Bay of Fundy.

Is Fredericton a Walkable City?

Absolutely. Downtown Fredericton is compact and easy to explore on foot. We parked our RV in different spots and wandered around both walking and biking, which made it stress-free to see the highlights.

From coffee shops and art galleries to the local farmer’s market and green spaces along the riverfront, most of what you’ll want to experience downtown is within walking distance.

Is Fredericton More French or English?

According to Statistics Canada (2021 Census), about 79% of Fredericton residents speak English as their first language, while around 9% speak French. The rest of the population speaks a mix of other languages, reflecting the city’s growing diversity.

From our own experience, we mostly encountered English speakers. That said, it’s good to remember that New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, so you’ll often see both English and French on signs, menus, and government buildings.

Places to Stay in Fredericton, New Brunswick (RV and Hotel Options)

If you’re still wondering is Fredericton worth visiting, part of what makes it a great stop is how easy it is to find a place to stay, whether you’re traveling in an RV or looking for a comfortable hotel.

Hotels

Fredericton has a variety of hotels, from well-known chains to charming local stays. Some popular options include:

Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton: A riverside hotel with a pool and easy access to downtown.
Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook: Right in the heart of downtown, perfect if you want to walk everywhere.
The Fredericton Inn: A more budget-friendly choice with family-friendly amenities.

Tip: If you’re traveling in summer or around festival season, book in advance since hotels fill up

Campgrounds Near Fredericton

We didn’t stay in a campground this time, but while biking we discovered Hartt Island RV Resort & Water Park, a private campground right on the Saint John River. It looked lively and family-friendly, with lots of RVs and trailers parked. If you want hookups and amenities (plus easy river access), this is a great choice.

Other options include:

Woolastook Park Campground: About 15 minutes from downtown, with wooded sites and water views.
Mactaquac Provincial Park Campground: A bit further out but great for hiking, swimming, and nature lovers.

Free RV Overnight Spots (Boondocking)

We tried three different free spots around Fredericton, all found through iOverlander:

Costco: The parking lot was huge and quiet, which made it an easy overnight stop.
Odell Park: A quiet overnight spot and perfect for starting the morning with a peaceful hike.
Walmart (North Side): Calm, easy, and a great base if you’re exploring that part of the city.

These options made our stay affordable and flexible while still allowing us to enjoy everything Fredericton has to offer.

Where to Eat Vegan in Fredericton

If you’re vegan like us and still wondering is Fredericton worth visiting, the answer is yes, even if the vegan options are a little limited. Most of the time we cook in our RV, but we also love checking out local cafés and restaurants wherever we travel. Here are some of the spots we tried and enjoyed:

Tim Hortons
A Canadian classic and always a reliable stop. You can ask for coffee with oat, almond, or soy milk alternatives, which is perfect on the road. Plus, we often take advantage of their free Wi-Fi to catch up on some work.
The Abbey Café & Gallery
Located right in downtown, The Abbey is both a café and an art gallery featuring paintings from local artists. The vibe was beautiful, the food was amazing (Julieta had a soup and a burrito, and Aldo got a Sushi bowl), and we ended up staying for hours working at a cozy table by the window with plenty of light. Highly recommended if you want great food and atmosphere.
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
If you’re not vegan, you’ll find plenty of options here. But even as vegans, we managed to enjoy the experience. The samosas were a hit (there was a long line for a reason!), and although there weren’t too many veggies available yet, it was still early in the harvest season, we loved exploring the stalls and the lively market vibe.
Neighbourly Coffee
On the north side of the city, this was one of my favorite discoveries. The chia pudding was incredible, and they had several vegan-friendly menu options. The café is cozy, and the best part? They also offer rooms to stay overnight. If we had found this place earlier in our trip, I would have gone back multiple times. Definitely on my list for next time!
Trailway Brewing Co.
A must-visit if you like craft beer. Located on the north side of Fredericton, we biked about 30 minutes from downtown to get there, and it was so worth it. We tried some of their beer and shared the deep-fried cauliflower bites, which were absolutely delicious. Between the food and the drinks, it was one of our favourite evenings in the city.
The Muse Café
One of the first cafés we tried in Fredericton. It was busy in the morning, but their vegan option caught our eye: a bagel with vegan cream cheese and vegan salmon. It turned out to be surprisingly good, and we paired it with a latte and a matcha latte. A great stop for a casual breakfast or coffee break.

Travel to Fredericton (RV Travel Routes)

There are plenty of ways to get to Fredericton. If you’re on a New Brunswick road trip, chances are you’ll be arriving from Miramichi, Moncton, or Saint John.

From Miramichi

This was the route we drove during our trip. It took about 1.5 hours to reach Fredericton, and the drive itself was beautiful.

Along the way, we stopped at the Longest Footbridge in New Brunswick, a fun surprise that made the trip even more memorable. (You can read more about it in our post on 18 Things To Do in Miramichi in Summer.)

Most of the drive follows Route 8, which is in excellent condition and easy to handle with an RV.

From Saint John

If you’re coming from the south, driving from Saint John to Fredericton is quick and easy.

Just take the Trans-Canada Highway NB-7 N to Rue Regent/NB-101 N in Fredericton. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the city. The roads are smooth and RV friendly, with a few scenic river views along the way.

Fredericton Airport

You can also fly directly into Fredericton International Airport (YFC), located about 14 km (15–20 minutes) from downtown. It’s a small but convenient airport with connections to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

Once you land, you can rent a car at the airport to get around, or use a taxi/rideshare service to reach the city center.

While downtown Fredericton is very walkable, having a car is useful if you plan to explore surrounding areas or continue a road trip through New Brunswick.

Is Fredericton Safe?

You might also be asking yourself: is Fredericton safe? Based on our experience and what we’ve read, the answer is yes.

According to Statistics Canada (2021 data), Fredericton’s crime rate is below the national average and generally lower than other mid-sized Canadian cities. Most incidents are minor and related to property, not violent crime.

During our week in Fredericton, we never felt unsafe, whether we were walking around downtown, boondocking in different spots, or biking along the trails. Like anywhere, it’s good to use common sense (lock your vehicle, don’t leave valuables out), but overall, Fredericton gave us a welcoming and safe impression.

How to Get Around Fredericton

Fredericton is a well-organized city with plenty of green spaces, trails, and convenient services. For us, it felt very RV-friendly, which adds another reason why the answer to is Fredericton worth visiting is a solid yes, especially if you enjoy a slower, relaxed pace of travel.

Public Transportation in Fredericton

Fredericton Transit operates city buses Monday to Saturday, with routes that cover the main areas of town.

While it’s reliable for commuting, service is limited in the evenings and on Sundays. If you’re planning to explore mostly downtown, you likely won’t need it, but it’s good to know there’s a public option.

Car Rental in Fredericton

If you arrive by plane or want a smaller vehicle while your RV is parked, there are several rental car agencies available, including Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, and Budget.

You can find them both at Fredericton International Airport (YFC) and in the city itself.

Biking in Fredericton

This was one of our favorite ways to explore! Fredericton has over 120 km of multi-use trails that connect both sides of the Saint John River, allowing you to bike across the city with ease.

The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge is especially popular and offers amazing views of the river.

The trails are well-maintained, safe, and easy to navigate, perfect for bringing your own bike or renting one locally. If you love cycling, Fredericton will definitely impress you.

Walking in Fredericton

Downtown Fredericton is compact and easy to explore on foot. We parked our RV in a paid lot (free on weekends, which was a nice surprise) and wandered around without needing to move the vehicle.

Some of our favorite walking spots included:

Odell Park: A peaceful forested area with hiking trails and connected to the Fredericton Botanical Garden.
Fredericton Botanical Garden: This was an amazing walk surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees, while also learning more about the garden.
Riverfront Trail: The perfect walk along the Saint John River.
The Green (downtown riverside area): where we found the small lighthouse that turned out to be a bar!
Boyce Farmers Market: Best enjoyed on Saturday mornings, buzzing with locals.

Even our cat, Corita, got carried along for some of these walks, which made them even more memorable.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Fredericton?

Fredericton has something to offer in every season. We visited in the summer, and we’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy outdoor activities, events, and festivals. The city feels more alive, the markets are buzzing, and the weather makes it easy to explore by bike or on foot.

In fall, Fredericton is known for its beautiful foliage along the Saint John River. Winter brings a quieter pace, with skating and cozy cafés, while spring is when the parks and trails start to bloom again.

How Many Days Do You Need in Fredericton?

If you’re short on time, even a 2–3 day stop is enough to get a good feel for the city. You can enjoy downtown, walk the trails, and visit a few local spots.

But if you’re traveling full-time like us, we’d suggest staying longer. We spent a full week in Fredericton and still didn’t manage to see everything. The slower we travelled, the more we noticed the little details that made the city special.

Easy Day Trips from Fredericton

One of the best things about staying in Fredericton is its location. It’s close to other beautiful destinations, which makes it easy to add more stops to your New Brunswick road trip without driving too far.

Here are two great day trips we enjoyed that you can easily make from Fredericton:

The McNamee/Priceville Footbridge

If you’re curious to explore more of the area, the McNamee/Priceville Footbridge is about 30 minutes north by car. It stretches across the Miramichi River and is the longest suspension footbridge in New Brunswick.

We stopped here on our way from Miramichi to Fredericton, and it was worth it. Walking across the bridge felt unique, and it gave us a chance to enjoy the river views and learn a bit of the local history. It’s not something you find every day!

Saint John

Saint John was our next destination after Fredericton, and it makes a fantastic day trip if you’d like to be by the ocean. As New Brunswick’s only port city on the Bay of Fundy, it has a completely different feel, hilly streets, historic architecture, and salty ocean air.

Things you can do in Saint John:

Visit the famous Reversing Falls Rapids, where the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides collide with the Saint John River.
Stroll through Irving Nature Park, one of our favorite stops for its coastal trails and ocean views.
Walk along one of the city’s beaches and dip your toes in the Bay of Fundy.
Explore the historic uptown with its old brick buildings, shops, and restaurants.

While you can make it a day trip, we recommend planning it as a separate stop if you have time. For us, spending a bit longer in Saint John was absolutely worth it.

Conclusion: Is Fredericton Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! If you’ve been asking yourself is Fredericton worth visiting, we hope this post has helped you find your answer.

As a vegan couple living full-time in an RV, we felt welcome, safe, and able to enjoy what the city had to offer. From plant-based food and quiet riverfront trails to cozy cafés and easy RV overnight spots, Fredericton gave us the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery.

So go ahead and add Fredericton to your East Coast Canada itinerary, we’re so glad we did.

And if you’re planning more adventures in New Brunswick, don’t miss our posts on: