10 Things to do: Check out Uptown Fredericton!
Uptown Fredericton has a wide array of options for places to stay, eat and shop but do you know about its hidden secrets? Beyond the big box stores, you will find hiking trails; tucked away on the edge of the upper half of the city you’ll be happy to hear that there is A+ ramen being served (yes, the noodles are made in-house) and just a hop, skip and a jump away from the busy intersections you can find a quiet place where you might just learn something new about your family history.
Where are these places? Sounds like you need to read our list of 10 things to do Uptown:
1. Work on your #FredTapTrail Map
Sip your way through the Capital City with the #FredTapTrail! The #FredTapTrail is a passport-style map that allows craft beer and craft cider fans to choose their own taproom adventure. Every time you grab a pint or flight at one of the taprooms listed on the map, you will receive a stamp, enabling you to collect exclusive #FredTapTrail swag. Crafty connoisseurs who collect a stamp from all 11 participating taprooms with be entered into the grand prize draw. Get started Uptown at Maybee Brewing Company or Grimross Brewing Co.
2. Family Friendly Accommodations
Choosing an uptown accommodation is a great idea if you want to be close to both Fredericton’s shopping center’s and a large selection of restaurants. Many of these accommodations have a big focus on family friendly features, including the one word that most kiddos care about most when choosing a place to stay: POOL. The Best Western Plus has an indoor, saltwater pool, Château Fredericton's water slide is a fam favorite and Days Inn Fredericton features both an indoor AND outdoor pool! Don’t forget to check out our Stay & Play packages to make the most of your stay!
3. Dining Uptown
Uptown is brimming with options for dining, from fast food to fine dining and some local favorites in-between. Monks and Jonsie’s brick and mortar location on Bishop Drive offers up-scale pub food with a twist; their pulled-duck naan'which and Pork Belly Adobo over rice are both delish! Tokyo Ramen has quickly become a local favorite because of their house-made noodles, drool worthy broths and bubble tea menu. Sweet Belgium Desire will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth with their fully loaded waffles fresh off the iron or provide you with the perfect comfort food for lunch: creamy mac n cheese. If you’re looking for locally roasted coffee or some of the best cinnamon buns around, The Coffee Mill Restaurant has that and more. Burger lovers need to know about Stuft Burger Bar and Poutinerie, serving up tasty apps, gourmet poutines and specialty burgers.
4. Shopping for Everyone
The Regent Mall, Uptown Centre, and Corbett Centre all provide a centralized shopping experience for visitors. Looking for local uptown? Jewelz By Angie is a small boutique offering their own full line of jewellery plus locally created giftware, décor, bath & beauty products and more! Don’t miss MY HOME Consignment, where you will find Home Decor and Small Furniture on consignment, as well as some handmade items.
5. The Botanical Garden
The 23-hectare, Fredericton Botanic Garden is located in the upper perimeter of Odell Park. The park itself is a beauty to behold with its 333 acres of old growth forest and 16 km of trails but the garden is a must-see for all plant enthusiasts! The garden features winding trails, streams and springs, as well as a beautiful display of flowers and foliage that you can visit on your own time or by booking a free tour. During the summer months, visitors can witness creativity in full bloom with the Artists in Residence program, where local artisans are working on projects inspired by nature’s beauty. Don’t forget to take a peek at the Rhododendrons statue while you’re there, one of the many pieces of public art interspersed across Fredericton.
6. UNB Woodlot
Accessible to most skill levels, the varied terrain of the 3,815-acre UNB Woodlot is great for walking your dog, taking a jog or riding the trails on your bike (don’t have one? Why not rent a set of wheels for the day?) Some picture-perfect views can also be enjoyed in the woodlot, with its natural eco system of local wildlife, ponds, streams and small waterfalls. The Hiking NB site has all the information you will need for finding the trail head.
7. Kingwood Entertainment Centre
Perfect for kids, or kids at heart, Kingswood Entertainment Centre is Fredericton’s largest indoor entertainment facility. Bowl a string (or 2) of candlepin bowling, test your shot at lazer tag or take on one of the 40 arcade games available on-site. An indoor playground for kids features a 45 ft inflatable obstacle course and 21 ft high play climber, available to book with your bubble buddies.
8. Exciting & Unique Activities
When it comes to interesting activities, there are many hidden gems located uptown! Located in the Vanier Industrial Park, Capital City Paintball has 3 different outdoor fields to choose from, each with its own style of play. Try out the Dirt Jumpbike Skills Park, a specialized cycling facility geared to BMX and free-ride cyclists OR the Kimble Wheeled Sports Park, a professionally designed parked meant for skateboards, scooters, inline skates or BMX; both facilities welcome those of all ages and skill levels.
9. There’s lots to see and do on Campus!
The UNB/STU campus not only offers great views of the Capital City, there are some interesting historical items to explore. The Provincial Archives of New Brunswick is a must see for history buffs; take a tour with one of their archivist to peruse family papers, maps, architectural plans, photos, sound recordings, films and videos that will leave you with a deep connection to New Brunswick’s history and a great understanding of how well it’s preserved (available by appointment only). Next to the Old Arts Building is the William Brydone Jack Observatory, built in 1851 and the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Canada. Keep walking and you will find McCord Hall, once used as the University’s icehouse. The 19th-century structure was restored in 1963 and named in honour and became a rendezvous for a group of exceptional writers associated with UNB which the great poet Alden Nowlan, labeled "The Icehouse Gang”.
10. Make it a Golf Getaway
With three of the best golf courses in New Brunswick within putting range of the Capital City, Fredericton makes for a great golf getaway! Kingswood Golf’s 18-hole signature and 9-hole executive course earned recognition from Golf Digest as Canada’s Best New Course in 2003. Kingswood features a 30ft waterfall, rock cropping’s, pot bunkers, and marshlands, taking full advantage of the beautiful scenery the Capital Region has to offer. Located in the rustic lodge overlooking the golf course, Sam Snead's Oak Grill & Tavern is the perfect place to enjoy a meal (and maybe a local craft brew) after a day on the green.
We hope you are inspired to #ExploreFredericton’s amazing Uptown! This list is just a sample of the many things to do in the city! Stop by our Visitor Information Centre or check out our website for more ideas for taking-in the Capital City.
Did we miss your favourite Uptown thing to do? Let us know in the comments!
