Story Ideas
The Poets Corner of Canada
It’s clear to all that visit Fredericton, driving down Waterloo Row along the St. John River and seeing a statue of Robbie Burns as he greets you that we respect our poets. In 1947 the Government of Canada proclaimed Fredericton to be “The Poets Corner of Canada" in recognition and honour of three famous Fredericton poets: Bliss Carmen, Charles G.D. Roberts, and Francis Joseph Sherman. Learn about these poets and Fredericton’s other literary greats.
More Artisans Per Capita
With a population just over 50,000 Fredericton may be considered small in size, but it’s known for its richness in arts, crafts and culture which is prevalent in many of the attractions and activities around the city. From the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design, to the renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Boyce Farmers’ Market, Casemates craft shops (open during the summer months) to the many galleries and shops peppered along the downtown. It’s no wonder Fredericton has more artisans per capita than any other city in Canada!
Pewter Capital of Canada
It was almost 40 years ago that Fredericton’s Martin Aitken, at the age of 17, founded Aitkens Pewter. Aitken was one of the first students of Dr. Ivan Crowell who established the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design and was instrumental in bringing pewtering techniques to Fredericton. Over the years Aitkens Pewter has become one of Canada’s oldest and most respected pewtering businesses.
The Clarkson Cup – a Fredericton connection
The Clarkson Cup trophy, which was designed with the plan to rival the scale of the Stanley Cup, is adorned with the flowers of the provinces and territories of Canada, ancient masks and the Inuit deity Sedna, who is holding a puck and a hockey stick. This was the wish of Fredericton silversmith (and edVentures Fredericton & NBCCD instructor) Beth Biggs who was commissioned to make the Cup. Biggs designed and built the sterling trophy and collaborated with three Inuit artists: Okpik Pitseolak, Therese Ukaliannuk, and Pootoogook Qiatsuk.
Brewery of the Year
Picaroons Traditional Ales, Fredericton’s microbrewery, was recently awarded the prestigious title of Brewery of the Year at the Canadian Brewing Awards. At Picaroons downtown Brew-tique visitors are able to sample and buy their favorite hand crafted traditional British-style ale and see interpretive displays explaining the brewing process. Brewing equipment on site will soon be operational, so visitors can watch the brewing process in action.
Best International Festival Experience on Canada's East Coast!
The Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, Atlantic Canada’s premier international music festival experience, recently wrapped up for another year (September 13 – 18). Large in scope but staged on an intimate scale, music fans experience 23 indoor and outdoor stages, 125 long-set performances by more than 350 performers from across the region, Canada and around the world.
Canada’s Oldest Whiskey Festival
This 3-day event includes special tastings hosted by world leading authorities on whiskies & premium spirits offering appreciation techniques. The festival offers over 150 of the world's finest Spirits, Single Malt Whiskies, Scotches, Cognacs, Rums, Gins and Liqueurs. The event is chaired by Frank Scott, co-owner of Fredericton’s Lunar Rogue Pub (named a Great Whiskey Bar of the World by UK Whiskey Magazine).
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
Named one of the top 10 markets to visit in Canada (Canadian Geographic Traveller) the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is a Saturday morning tradition for both locals and visitors to Fredericton.
The Market is open every Saturday, 6am to 1pm with over 200 vendors ; Farmers, artisans, craftspeople, offering a tempting variety of fresh meat, garden vegetables, home baked goods, maple syrup, flowers, handcrafts, jewelry and more. Some of the farmers, artists, artisans and enthusiastic entrepreneurs span over multiple generations and are as interesting as their wares! 2012 marks the 60th anniversary for the market.
The Saint John River Heritage Corridor
Steamboats & Lighthouses
From 1816 to 1947, steamboats tugged along the St. John River, the primary route of travel in this part of the province. Steamboats carried freight and passengers along the river and most communities had a wharf, much like modern day bus stops. Visit Hampstead Wharf as an example of these community wharves, which remain as the last vestiges of the steamboat era. Hampstead Wharf also boasts one of 11 lighthouses on the St. John River- and is one of the few inland lighthouse systems in Canada.
Woodcarving at O’Toole Gallery
Discover your inner artist by carving the famous shape of a fiddlehead from your own section of local wood. The carving tools feel a bit strange in your hands at first, but you’ll proudly remember this experience every time you look at your carving.
French Fry Capital of the World
Discover the impact the humble potato has had on the survival of New Brunswick’s early settlers and how important it is to the economy of the Province today at the Potato World Museum. Explore the interactive displays for interesting insights into the potato’s history, the industry, the science and the hard work of the people who strive to put the best potatoes possible on your dinner table and learn why this region is the recognized French Fry Capital of the World.