27 Best Things To Do In Fredericton, New Brunswick

Planning a trip to New Brunswick? After reading Is Fredericton Worth Visiting? Reasons You’ll Want to Add It to Your Trip, you might be wondering what are the best things to do in Fredericton.

Well, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll walk you through the highlights from our one-week stay in the city, spots we visited, activities we loved, and a few extras that are well worth your time.

If you’re traveling around New Brunswick, don’t miss my other guides too: Is Bathurst, New Brunswick Worth Visiting?, Is the Acadian Peninsula Worth Visiting?, and Is the Village Historique Acadien Worth Visiting?. They’ll help you plan the perfect East Coast adventure.

Best Things to Do in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Fredericton, based on our personal experience and a few spots we’re saving for next time. They’re not in any specific order, just our favourites!

1.Visit Odell Park

We first found Odell Park through the iOverlander app, which listed it as a good overnight spot for RVs and vans. When we visited, we quickly realized it’s not only convenient, but also one of the most beautiful parks in the heart of Fredericton.

We came here at least twice during our stay to enjoy short morning hikes. The trails are well maintained, some a bit hilly, but nothing too difficult, so it’s accessible for most people. The park also connects to the Fredericton Botanic Garden, located at the upper end, which is perfect if you want to extend your walk.

2. Walk or Bike Along Angelview Park

Angelview Park was one of our first discoveries in Fredericton when we went looking for a place to watch the sunset. (Spoiler alert: you can’t actually see the sunset from here!)

Still, the park itself was a wonderful surprise. With several parking spots available, we unloaded our bikes and rode for several kilometres along the well-designed cycle path. It’s smooth, scenic, and makes for a relaxing ride or walk.

If you follow the route all the way, you’ll reach a perfect sunset spot just behind a nearby RV resort.

3. Watch the Sunset from the Hartt Island - RV Resort

That Hartt Island RV Resort we stumbled upon while biking from Angelview Park? It turned out to be one of the best sunset views we found in Fredericton.

We came back in the evening just to watch the sky change colors over the river, it was gorgeous.

The Hartt Island itself is a family-friendly spot where you can stay if you’re traveling with your camper. Camping, water park, and even mini golf. If you’d like to learn more, check out their official site here.

4. Visit The Muse Café

One of our first breakfast outings in Fredericton, while hunting for vegan options, was The Muse Café downtown. It’s a cozy little spot with plenty of options for everyone, and we were happy to find a vegan bagel with plant-based salmon and cream cheese. It was surprisingly good!

We paired that with a matcha latte and a regular latte, and loved the experience so much that we stayed for a couple of hours to work on our laptops. The atmosphere was laidback, the Wi-Fi worked great, and it became one of our go-to cafés during our stay.

5. Walk the Salamanca Trail

Our very first stop in Fredericton was the Salamanca Trail. It was raining when we arrived, so we parked there to have lunch in the RV. Later, we went out for a walk and quickly realized how lovely this trail is.

Part of Fredericton’s downtown trail network, Salamanca is well-marked, peaceful, and a great place to stretch your legs. We even brought Corita along with us for a little adventure.

Along the way, you’ll find nice viewpoints of the river and some great angles of the bridges crossing the Saint John River.

6. Visit the Fredericton Region Museum

Located in Officers’ Square, right near the river, the Fredericton Region Museum is a must if you’re interested in history. We didn’t have the chance to visit this time, but it’s on our list for next time.

The museum showcases the cultural and military history of the Fredericton region, and it’s also home to the famous Coleman Frog, a quirky local legend. If you want to understand the story of this city more deeply, this is the place to go.

7. See the Lighthouse by the River

Just a short walk from Officers’ Square, you’ll spot a charming lighthouse right on the riverfront. We were curious and decided to check it out, only to realize it’s actually a bar and restaurant "Lighthouse By 540", not a traditional lighthouse.

In the end, we didn’t go inside, but it still made for a fun photo stop along our downtown walk.

8. Visit the Boyce Farmers’ Market

The Boyce Farmers’ Market is one of Fredericton’s top attractions and came highly recommended everywhere we looked before our trip. It only runs on Saturday mornings, so we made sure to plan around it.

When we arrived, it was packed, we had to walk in lines just to make it through the stalls. Most of the products focused on cheese, meat, and baked goods (not really our thing as vegans), but the atmosphere was lively and fun.

The highlight for us was the patio outside, where we found a vendor selling vegan samosas. The line was huge, but it was worth the wait, they were delicious and we highly recommend them!

9. Visit Wilmot Park

We spent a few hours at Wilmot Park, a perfect spot for families or anyone looking to relax outdoors. There’s parking available along the side streets, and plenty of entertainment for children, including a splash pad to cool off on hot summer days.

The park also has paved walkways for a pleasant stroll, open green spaces, and facilities like washrooms, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon here.

10. Enjoy the Fredericton Botanic Garden

Connected to Odell Park, the Fredericton Botanic Garden was a lovely surprise during our stay. The first day we only had a short time to look around, so we decided to return the next day and enter through the upper entrance, which has plenty of parking. From there, we slowly walked our way down through the gardens.

We found a variety of flowers and plants, with themed areas and even a garden where each plant was paired with a piece of poetry created by local artists. There’s also a connecting trail with a memorial along the way, which made for a nice reflective stop.

One of our favourite parts was following an Indigenous story told through different art pieces spread throughout the garden. Each section revealed another part of the story, and it was both beautiful and educational.

If you enjoy nature, art, and culture all in one place, this is a must-add to your list of things to do in Fredericton.

11. Visit The Abbey Café & Gallery

One of our absolute favourite stops in Fredericton was The Abbey Café & Gallery. Since we always look for vegan options, we were thrilled to find this fully vegan café with a huge menu. The space itself doubles as an art gallery, with local artists showcasing their work. You can sit on the main floor or head downstairs for extra seating.

Our favourite spot was by the window upstairs, full of natural light, perfect for working on our laptops. What started as a lunch stop quickly turned into an entire afternoon of eating, and working.

We tried a bit of everything: a soup, a burrito, a sushi bowl, and later in the day matcha and chai lattes plus two different cakes. Everything was delicious, and the cozy vibe made it hard to leave.

If you’re vegan (or just enjoy good food), The Abbey Café & Gallery is one of the best things to do in Fredericton for both dining and culture.

12. Cross the Carleton Street Bridge

It’s impossible to miss the Carleton Street Bridge, a striking blue pedestrian bridge that crosses over the street in downtown Fredericton. It’s both practical and beautiful, giving you a fun way to move through the city without traffic.

We biked across it during one of our rides and loved the view, you can also get some really nice photos from the top. It’s a small but a great stop while exploring downtown.

13. Complete the Fredericton Taproom Trail

One of the coolest surprises during our trip was discovering the Fredericton Taproom Trail. Did you know Fredericton has one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in Canada? We didn’t either, and that’s exactly why this trail was created.

The Taproom Trail connects local breweries around the city. At each stop, you can collect a stamp on your map, and if you complete enough visits, you can win prizes like t-shirts and other goodies. You can grab a map at any participating brewery.

Of course, this trail is meant to be done on foot, by bike, or using other safe transportation, please don’t drink and drive.

We visited Trailway Brewing Co. and had a fantastic time (We’ll share more details below). If you enjoy craft beer, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Fredericton.

14. Walk or Bike the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge

The Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge quickly became one of our highlights in Fredericton. We biked across it on a sunny afternoon, and the views of the Saint John River were just gorgeous.

This bridge was originally built in 1889 as part of the Fredericton Railway Bridge. After being decommissioned, it was transformed into a pedestrian and cycling bridge in 1997. Since then, it has become one of the most popular spots in the city, with hundreds of people using it every day.

If you’re biking, keep in mind that there’s a speed limit and you need to give priority to pedestrians. Whether you’re on foot or on two wheels, this is one of the most scenic and relaxing things to do in Fredericton.

15. Visit Trailway Brewing Co

As part of the Fredericton Taproom Trail, we managed to squeeze in a visit to Trailway Brewing Co. We biked about 30 minutes to get there, and it felt like a hidden gem once we arrived.

The atmosphere was relaxed, the beer selection was fantastic, and the food was just as memorable. We ordered fries and deep-fried cauliflower bites that were so crunchy and delicious, we ended up ordering a second round! Pairing them with a cold beer made it one of our most enjoyable evenings in Fredericton. Highly recommended.

16. Bike or Walk the Westmorland Street Bridge

On our way back from Trailway Brewing, our map showed us a shortcut across the Westmorland Street Bridge. Though it’s primarily a car bridge, it has a dedicated lane for cyclists and pedestrians.

Crossing the bridge was a little windy in the middle, but it was safe, well-separated from traffic, and gave us a new perspective of the city. It also made the ride back to our RV (parked downtown) much quicker.

Pro tip: parking in this downtown lot is free on weekends, perfect if you want to explore Fredericton by bike or on foot.

17. Have Breakfast at Neighbourly Coffee

This was Julieta’s personal favourite stop in Fredericton. On the north side of the city, not far from where we were boondocking at Walmart, we noticed a rustic and charming house. A quick online search told us it was Neighbourly Coffee, and since it opened early (around 7 a.m.), we decided to give it a try.

The menu blew us away, there were plenty of sweet and savory vegan options. We tried soup, a sandwich, cookies, and what became my absolute favourite: the vegan chia pudding with berries (truly the best I’ve ever had!).

We paired everything with a matcha latte and coffee, and left wishing we had discovered this place earlier in our trip. If you’re vegan, Neighbourly Coffee is a must.

18. Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Although we didn’t make it to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery this time, it’s one of the city’s most recommended attractions. Located right on Queen Street, across from the river, the gallery is home to an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, including works by Salvador Dalí and J.M.W. Turner.

If you enjoy art, culture, and a bit of history, this should definitely be on your list of things to do in Fredericton.

19. Garrison Skatepark

While walking downtown, we stumbled upon the Garrison Skatepark, where a group of teenagers were showing off their tricks.

If skating is your thing, this park is well-maintained, centrally located, and free to use. Even if you’re not a skater, it’s fun to stop by and watch the energy of the local youth community.

20. Go Tubing on the Nashwaak River

Tubing down the Nashwaak River sounds like the ultimate summer adventure in Fredericton. We didn’t have time to fit it in, but it’s high on our list for next time.

Several companies, like Nashwaak Tubing and Drifters Tubing, offer rentals and shuttles, making it easy to spend a day floating down the river with friends or family. On a hot day, it’s a carefree and fun way to enjoy the outdoors.

21. Walk Along the Garrison District

The Garrison District is one of the most historic and cultural areas in Fredericton. We biked through it and loved the mix of history, museums, and local creativity.

Here, you’ll find the Fredericton Region Museum, the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design.

In the summer (June to September), don’t miss the Barracks Fine Craft Shops, where local artisans sell their handmade work in a historic 1827 stone and wooden building originally built by the British Army.

It’s an area full of character and definitely worth spending time in.

22. Garrison Night Market

One event we unfortunately missed was the Garrison Night Market. Every Thursday evening in the summer, Carleton Street in the Garrison District transforms into a lively pedestrian market, with food stalls, artisan kiosks, and live music.

We left Fredericton just before it happened, but from what we heard, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s downtown atmosphere. If you’re in town on a Thursday, make sure to add this to your list of things to do in Fredericton.

23. Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre

If you’re in Fredericton during the summer, you might stumble upon the Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre in the heart of downtown. When we visited, a local singer was performing in the evenings.

From music and plays to cultural events, the outdoor stage brings people together during the warm months. It’s a great way to relax in the evening and enjoy the city’s arts scene.

24. New Brunswick Highland Games Festival

Another event that caught our attention during our stay was the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival, held annually on the grounds of Government House. Although we didn’t attend, it looked like a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage.

The festival features piping and drumming, Highland dancing, and traditional Scottish athletics like caber tossing. If you’re in Fredericton in late July, this is one of the most unique cultural things to do in Fredericton.

25. Visit the Government House

One of the most beautiful buildings we came across was Government House. At first, we didn’t know what it was, we just noticed how impressive it looked. After a quick search, we learned it was originally built in 1828 as the residence of New Brunswick’s Lieutenant-Governor.

Today, Government House is a designated National and Provincial Historic Site. It’s open for tours and often hosts cultural events, including the Highland Games mentioned above. If you love architecture and history, it’s a fascinating stop during your visit.

26. Bike Across Fredericton

One of the best ways to explore the city is by bike. Fredericton has more than 120 km of multi-use trails that connect different neighborhoods, parks, and viewpoints. You can bring your own bike or rent one in town.

We biked several sections, including from Angelview Park out to the west and across the north side of the city. The routes were in excellent condition, except for one small section under construction. Overall, it was a fantastic way to see the city at our own pace.

If you love cycling, this is one of the top things to do in Fredericton, especially in the summer when the trails are buzzing with activity.

27. Kayak on the Saint John River

Although we didn’t get to try it this time, kayaking on the Saint John River is one of the most recommended outdoor adventures in Fredericton. You can either bring your own kayak or book a guided tour with a local outfitter.

Paddling along the river gives you a completely different view of the city and its surrounding nature. Definitely something we’d add to our list for a future visit.

Day Trips from Downtown Fredericton

• Oromocto

Located just a short drive (about 20 minutes) from Fredericton, Oromocto is known as a military town, home to the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, one of the largest military training facilities in the country.

We went there mainly to run a few errands, but it gave us a glimpse into the area’s importance. While it’s not typically considered a tourist destination, Oromocto has riverside walking trails and parks where you can enjoy a quiet break from the city. If you’re curious to explore beyond Fredericton, it makes for a quick and easy day trip.

• Visit Kings Landing

About 30 minutes from Fredericton, Kings Landing is a living history museum that recreates rural New Brunswick life in the 19th century. We didn’t get a chance to visit this time, but from what we’ve read, it’s very similar in style to the Village Historique Acadien (which we loved).

At Kings Landing, costumed interpreters bring history to life by demonstrating traditional crafts, farming, and daily life. It’s a full cultural experience where you can wander through historic homes, watch performances, and even participate in hands-on activities.

If you enjoy history and immersive experiences, Kings Landing is definitely one of the best day trips from Fredericton to add to your itinerary.

• Visit Mactaquac Provincial Park

We heared about Mactaquac Provincial Park, about 20 km from Fredericton, but didn’t get to visit this time. From what we’ve read, it’s a popular spot for hiking, camping, golfing, and even water activities on the Saint John River.

If you’re planning a longer stay in Fredericton, Mactaquac makes for a perfect day trip or even an overnight camping adventure.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering what are the best things to do in Fredericton, we hope this post gave you plenty of ideas to plan your trip. From riverside trails and biking bridges to local cafés, markets, and cultural festivals, Fredericton truly has a mix of nature, history, and community that makes it a special stop in New Brunswick.

Looking for more travel ideas in the region? Check out these posts:

• 32 Things To Do In The Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
• Is The Acadian Historical Village Worth Visiting? A First-Timer’s Guide
• Where to Stay in New Brunswick, Canada: Best Hotels by area
• Is New Brunswick Worth Visiting? 5 Weeks Exploring The Province
• 50 Best Things to do in New Brunswick (Complete Travel Guide)
• Is Mount Carleton Provincial Park Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know.
• Is Bathurst, New Brunswick Worth Visiting? Things To Do In 48 Hours
• 18 Best Things To Do In Miramichi In Summer
• Is St. John Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
• 16 Best Things to Do in Saint John, New Brunswick
• What to Do in Edmundston, New Brunswick
• Fundy Trail Parkway Guide to Exploring New Brunswick’s Coast
• How to Spend a Full Day on the Fundy Trail Parkway: A Complete Guide
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park Guide (2026): All You Need to Know Before You Go
• Hopewell Rocks Itinerary: Low + High Tide Guide (How to Plan Your Day)
• Is Prince Edward Island Worth Visiting? A Complete Travel Guide

Let us know which of these activities you end up trying, we’d love to hear your favourites and maybe even add them to our list for next time!