22+ Things to do in Fredericton in 2022!
Visiting Fredericton this year or simply looking for something new to do? Here’s a list of 22+ ways to #ExploreFredericton in 2022! No matter when you plan on visiting, there is always something in store for everyone in the capital city. From a vibrant music culture, to an ever-growing culinary scene, and a multitude of options for outdoor adventures, Fredericton is the perfect 4-season destination! Take a look at the list below and let us know – what’s your favourite thing to do in New Brunswick’s capital city?
1. Markets!
Fredericton is a market lover’s dream! Probably the most recommended stopping spot for anyone visiting Fredericton, is the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market. Featuring over 200 local vendors, it is THE place to be on Saturday morning, no matter the time of year.
Open every day of the week, The Cultural Market allows you to experience a traditional “cultural market” while shopping for such a wide selection of goods and services, ranging from international crafts, local delicacies or enjoy a delicious meal, featuring local and international foods. This vibrant market brings different cultures from around the world together under one roof.
Looking for an easy, but delicious “grab and go” option? Swing by the Food Market at the Ex for a variety of international flavours such as Greek, Syrian, Jamaican, Korean and Mexican. This environmentally friendly market where everything is recyclable will leave you wanting more!
Back this summer after a 2-year hiatus is the Garrison Night Market! This outdoor market features local and imported handmade products, art, craft, textiles, locally grown farm products, local craft beer & cider, youth entrepreneurs, buskers and more. It will take place every Thursday on Carleton Street in the Historic Garrison District, June 9 to September 8.
Finally, you won’t want to miss out on Fredericton’s newest market addition, the Northside Creators Market. This vendor-owned market will allow you to find passionate people growing and making things they love!
2. Fredericton Taproom Trail
Discover why we are “Atlantic Canada’s Craft Brewing Capital”! Launched in early 2020, the Fredericton Taproom Trail will take you on a tour of our local taprooms, and the best part? Cool swag and prizes!
3. Play on the Wolastoq
What better way to unwind and commune with nature than to rent a stand up paddleboard (SUP), canoe or kayak from Second Nature Outdoors, be sure to check out some of their guided experiences too!
4. Hit the Trails!
No matter what time of the year, there is always a trail to explore! Fredericton boasts an incredible 120 km trail network offering a variety of distances around the city. Whether you enjoy running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, or simply going out for a hike, there is a trail for every type of adventurer. Don’t forget to explore Killarney Lake Park on the northside, featuring over 20km of trails around the picturesque lake.
5. Art all around!
The wait is over, after a 2-year renovation the Beaverbrook Art Gallery has re-opened! But that’s not all – visit any of our local art Galleries for some truly breathtaking artistry. Gallery 78, Gallery on Queen, and the George Fry Gallery are great spots to start a cultured and inspiring filled afternoon!
Don’t forget about our public art pieces. Fredericton has over 30! There has never been a better time to immerse yourself in art! Check out our Off the Wall Art tour and the I Spy a Mural tour!
6. There’s no time like the present to discover the past!
Kings Landing opens for the season in June! This open-air museum showcases daily rural life in 19th century New Brunswick. Don’t just imagine what life was like 200 years ago, step back and live it!
7. Grab a bite!
There is no shortage of delicious food in Fredericton! Check out our blog and get inspired. The Fredericton culinary scene is sure to excite your taste buds and leave you wanting more!
8. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours
Embark on a medicine walk through the Old Growth Forest of Odell Park where you will learn about local flora and fauna and the fascinating history of local plants and trees along with their use as medicines, food and in ceremony.
9. Forest Bathing
Did you know that some of the hemlock trees in Odell Park are more than 400 years old? Immerse yourself in one of Eastern Canada’s Best Old Growth Forests. This 333-acre park located in the heart of Fredericton features over 16 km of trails and is the perfect place for a picnic.
10. Enjoy a show at the Fredericton Playhouse
Whether you enjoy performance arts, live music or lectures, the Fredericton Playhouse is home to many incredible shows throughout the year. Be sure to keep an eye on their website in order to learn about their programs and to get those tickets before they sell out!
11. Haunted Hikes
Spine-tingling tales and phantom thespians take the stage on this other-worldly walking tour of the downtown. Funny and lighthearted one moment and testing your beliefs the next, Haunted Hikes by the Calithumpians theatre troupe is a Fredericton scene not to be missed!
12. Fishing Fredericton
There are countless streams, creeks and brooks feeding into the Lower Saint John River, making fishing in Fredericton some of the best around! And hey – Fishin’ Canada just named the Saint John River one of the top 5 places in Canada to catch bass! Check out our blog by founder of Strike Back Sportfishing Adventures, Adam Foster to learn some tips and tricks for striking gold (via boat or shore!) in our bountiful waters.
13. Waterfall Chasing!
For those who prefer to wander on land, check out this guide to local Fredericton area waterfalls!
14. Fredericton Region Museum
Home to the world famous 42-pound Coleman Frog (read more in our “10 Quirky, Weird and Unusual Things about Fredericton” blog post!), the Fredericton Region Museum is the perfect place to explore Fredericton’s past with exhibits featuring Indigenous and Acadian history, Confederation and a WWI Trench Replica.
15. FORE!
Itching to get back in the game? Fredericton is your perfect New Brunswick golf getaway destination! Looking for an indoor tune-up or to give this new sport a go, make sure to visit Par 94 and get swinging with their golf simulators!
16. Get caffeinated!
Fredericton is a coffee lover’s dream! Enjoy a lazy weekend by visiting the local cafes and take in the variety of flavours our beloved vendors have to offer. Find out which coffee shops suit your taste best by reading our blog!
17. The Fredericton Geocaching Tour
Get out and explore the great outdoors! Geocaching is fun for the whole family! Using a GPS, find up to 15 caches and collect custom geocoins for your efforts.
18. Catch a Sunset from the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge
A local favourite, the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge offers a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Downtown Fredericton skyline. Grab your camera and take in the view as the sun sets on another day.
19. Visit Mactaquac Provincial Park
Open year-round Mactaquac Provincial Park offers a variety of activities for the whole family. The trail network can be enjoyed during every season and TreeGo will get the any adrenaline junky excited for the summer. Immerse yourself fully, by taking advantage of this little oasis, just a short drive away from the city center!
20. Church Hoppin’
Experience beautiful architecture and rich history all-in-one by taking a tour of Fredericton’s beautiful churches. Visit St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease, Wilmot United Church, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church. Take in the historic architecture and beauty of these classic Fredericton landmarks.
21. Hartt Island Water Park & Mini Golf
Make a splash in the Hartt Island Water Park featuring slides, sprays and vortex whirlpool or relax in the 4,000 square foot heated leisure pool and pool side lounge chairs. The Hartt Island Mini Golf is the perfect place to tee off with the family - meet Pinocchio, make a putt through a windmill and do your best to dodge the ball-stealing dino!
22. Science East
Science East is Fredericton’s premier destination for those who want to play, learn and discover! Explore Atlantic Canada’s ONLY science playground, featuring a climbing wall, human gyroscope & more OR take a tour of the dungeon museum, a Victorian-era prison with an intriguing history!
23. Garrison Skatepark
How’s your Ollie’s and kick flips? Fredericton’s newest (and largest in New Brunswick) 15,000 sq2 skate park features a large selection of world-class plaza terrain and a one-of-a-kind modern bowl complex with 3 bowls - the largest at 8’6”! Meant to cater to all ages, the new skatepark is situated right downtown.
24. Calithumpians Outdoor Summer Theatre
Grab your lunch and settle in to enjoy lively family theatre! Expect humorous and historical plays, with witty song parodies for which the Company is famous.
25. Festivals & Events
From hosting the 2022 East Coast Music Awards, to the Harvest Music Festival, and the Highland Games, this vibrant capital city always has a multitude of events on the calendar. Keep an eye on our website to find out more details about dates and ticket options!
What is on your #ExploreFredericton list? The warm weather and bright sun only last a few months, so be sure to get out there and enjoy it! Book one of our Stay & Play Packages by April 30 to receive a special $100 bonus at check-in! Find more inspiration on our website by reading our blogs and visiting our calendar of events!
