25 Things to do in Fredericton this Fall!
The fall leaves, the cool crisp air, local produce flourishing, what better time to visit New Brunswick’s capital? There’s still lots to explore, eat, and do right here in Fredericton!
1. #FredTapTrail
Not only do the leaves start to change in the fall, but so do the craft beer varieties! Hop on the Fredericton Taproom Trail and visit our 10 local taprooms to try out the new fall flavors they are offering this year!
2. Markets!
With five markets located right here in Freddy, we’re sure there’s something for the whole family! Visit the Boyce Farmers Market and the Northside Creators Market every Saturday morning, or hit up the Cultural Market, the Eco Market or the Food Market at the Ex!
But don't stop there! There is even more produce and goodies at farm stands in and around Fredericton! Check out our blog here to find out about where you can find them and the goodies they carry!
3. Harvest Music Festival
We are thrilled that Harvest Music Festival will be returning for in person, face to face music happening in Fredericton, September 14-19! Look for headliners such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Revivalists, Grace Potter, July Talk & John Hiatt, just to name a few. Get your tickets before they sell out!
4. Fall Festivals
New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition : Sept 6-12 - Features outdoor activities, rides, and educational experiences. Exhibits and prizes will be virtual this year. But most importantly, gate admission to the NBEX grounds is FREE to celebrate the return of community events!
St. Mary’s First Nation Pow Wow: Sept 18 - An annual celebration that brings together many first nation groups in the Maritimes. Food, music, dancing, drumming & more!
Silver Wave Film Festival: Nov 4-7 - Over 100 films by local, national, and international filmmakers; workshops, panels, parties, and guest filmmakers.
NB Spirits Festival: Nov 16-20 - Canada’s Oldest Spirit Festival! Over 400 of the world’s finest scotch whiskies and spirits.
5. Step Back in Time & Learn Some Cool Stuff
Visit the villagers at Kings Landing, a short 20-minute drive from Fredericton; they have a great line up of events in the fall and would love to pass on their knowledge to visitors! Learn about the Duels and Trials of the 19th Century with “Crime & Punishment” (Sept 10 & 11), or hear stories about a soldier’s life and keep an eye out for deserters and skedaddlers with “Military Muster” (Sept 18 & 19), or revel in live music, theatre performances and good old fashioned storytelling with “Lyrics & Lore” (Sept 25 & 26). Then it’s all things harvest with Apple Fest (Oct 2), Harvest Home Thanksgiving (Oct 9 & 10) and Thanksgiving Auction & Closing Day (Oct 10).
6. Scooters for Rent!
Mint Rentals, located at the Delta Fredericton, is where you’ll find a number of really nifty electronic scooters! Grab your friends and rent them by the hour, half day, or full day! A great way to see Fredericton!
7. Science East
Visit New Brunswick’s only science playground right here in Fredericton! Enjoy some interactive science activities and take a tour of the dungeon museum, a prison from almost 200 years ago!
8. Fredericton Region Museum
Visit the museum to learn about history and heritage of central New Brunswick and see the famous 42lb Coleman Frog! Check their website to keep up to date with their featured collections and upcoming exhibits!
9. All About Art
Take a tour around the city and enjoy over 30 public art pieces Fredericton has to offer! But don’t stop there, there are several galleries offering you an extensive line of artwork! Speaking of artwork, you may have noticed some colourful walls in the downtown. The murals are a wonderful expression of the creativity and talent in our capital city, check out our Mural Tour blog and head out in search of some very cool public art.
10. Take a Tour of Historical Architecture
Check out Fredericton’s amazing historical architecture by visiting some of our oldest (and coolest) buildings! Some hot spots are St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease, Christ Church Cathedral, Government House, Fredericton Region Museum, the Legislative Building and so many more! Be sure to bring a camera, these buildings create the best Instaworthy backdrops!
11. The Fredericton Geocaching Tour
Got a little adventure itch? Geocaching is a great way to get up and moving this fall! You can find up to 15 cashes, all you need is a GPS and a sense of adventure!
12. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours
Enjoy a walk through the Old Growth Forest of Odell and learn all about the local plants and trees, and their use in medicine, food and ceremony!
13. Orchard Hopping
Everett Family Orchard, River View Orchard and Charlotte’s Family Orchard are only a few of the many great orchards we have here in the Fredericton area! Get the best fruit and veggies around and don’t hold back on those apple crisps!
14. Explore the Forest
Take a walk through one of our picturesque parks and take in the fall beauty! Enjoy Odell Park right in the center of the city, take a short drive to Mactaquac Provincial Park, or enjoy the nature preserves we have close to home!
15. Taste Nature’s Bounty
Visit one of Fredericton’s fine dining locations and get a taste of local produce! Or stop by one of our many cafes and enjoy a warm beverage (perhaps fall themed) and chat with the locals!
16. 120km of Trails
What better way to take in the explosion of fall colors then to take a stroll (or a bike ride) on Fredericton’s 120km trail system. Bring your family, the pup and don’t forget your camera, and enjoy some fresh air in our capital city!
17. Mountain Climbing
Enjoy some exercise and some views by venturing on a hike not too far from home! With two great hikes right off the number 7 Highway, as well as Currie Mountain right here in the city! But don’t stop there! There are many more trails to discover all over New Brunswick.
18. Fall Golfing
You don’t have to look far, Fredericton has many beautiful golf courses that allow you to practice your swing and challenge yourself! To name a few: Kingswood Golf, West Hills Golf, and Mactaquac Golf Course as well as five other courses in the Fredericton area! Be sure to check out our blog to get the scoop on all things golf in Fredericton and area.
19. Waterfall Chasing
It may be a little too chilly to swim, but these waterfalls still have a lot to offer! Go for a nice walk, enjoy the fall leaves and a great waterfall destination!
20. Meet you at the Skate Park!
For any skater or biker, the Garrison Skate Park is paradise. The newly built terrain holds unique and one-of-a-kind features that are only present in certain skate parks in Canada. Whether you know how to skateboard or not, this park has a lively atmosphere and is the perfect hangout spot. You can also catch concerts, demonstrations, and other events being held at this location. Look for the upcoming Sk8Fest, happening September 23-25. And the best part? The park is conveniently situated in the heart of our city!
21. Shopping
Get some Christmas shopping done early or treat yourself to something nice by enjoying Fredericton's shopping! Fredericton is home to many local shops featuring unique, handcrafted items, and we have your big box stores covered, as well as the Regent Mall, home to 100+ stores! Looking for something locally made? Our local craftspeople come together to showcase their wares with the Fredericton Fall Craft Show, Oct 1-3 or the Fredericton Christmas Arts & Craft Show (Nov 12-14 and Dec 3-5).
22. NB Sports Hall of Fame
Get in touch with your inner sports nerd and take a trip to the NB Sports Hall of Fame! Doing private tours of groups up to 12, grab some friends and enjoy learning about sports history!
23. Kingswood Entertainment Centre
Visit Atlantic Canada’s Largest Family Entertainment Centre! With lazer tag, two play climber’s, arcade games, bowling, a food court, golf course, 25 km of trails and Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern, there is something for the whole family to enjoy!
24. TreeGo
TreeGo is a thrilling outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy obstacles from tree to tree with the safety of being tied to safety cables the whole time. Enjoy it at your own pace and go as far as far as you’d like!
25. HaliMac Axe Throwing
Grab some friends, drink some locally brewed craft beer and cider, and partake in some exciting axe throwing!
Looking for more? You will find tons of other fun activities right here on our website! Did we miss something? Let us know your favourite fall activity in the city. Remember, while you are out exploring, take some pictures and tag #ExploreFredericton to show us what you’ve been up to this fall!
