Capital City School Tours
We encourage and welcome your class visit to New Brunswick’s Capital City!
We hope this page will be useful in planning your school trip or class visit to Fredericton. Many attractions are outlined with tour information, an approximate tour time and indicate whether guided tours are offered, wheelchair accessibility etc. You can arrange your visit from a few hours to a full day. Book your tours in advance to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
1. Science East Science Centre
668 Brunswick Street; www.scienceeast.nb.ca
Complement your science curriculum with a trip to New Brunswick’s hands-on science centre, or have Science East’s talented educators visit your school. Science East features a variety of inquiry-based activities, demonstrations and travelling exhibits designed to address specific outcomes in the New Brunswick Science Curriculum. For educational & fun overnight trips, ask about our Science Sleepovers. For a full list of programs and services, visit scienceeast.nb.ca
Science Centre/School programs: By appointment
Duration of tour: 75 minutes
Hours: September 1 – May 31: Monday – Friday, 12 noon – 5pm. Saturday 10am – 5pm. Sunday 12 noon – 4pm. June 1 – Aug. 31: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Sunday 1pm – 4pm.
For school visits: Any time by appointment.
Contact: science@scienceeast.nb.ca or 457-2340
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
2. Christ Church Cathedral
Corner of Brunswick and Church Street, near cenotaph; www.christchurchcathedral.com
The Cathedral is a National Historic Site, constructed / completed by 1853, and is one of the finest examples of decorated gothic architecture in North America. The Cathedral was modeled after the medieval parish church of St. Mary’s at Snettisham, England. The Cathedral contains the letters patent from Queen Victoria constituting Fredericton as a Cathedral City.
Admission: Free all year long. Free guided tours in both official languages with student tour guides from July 1 until August 31.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am. – 4pm. Closed all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon following the last morning service. All tours (private or school-related) must be arranged through Fran Miles, Administrative Assistant. Tours can be as short or as long as required.
Duration of Tour: 30 minutes
Contact: Fran Miles: Tel: 450-8500; Email: office@christchurchcathedral.com
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
3. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery
703 Queen Street; www.beaverbrookartgallery.org
Engaging, educational curriculum-based programs for grades K-12 combine inquiry based tours and hands-on art activities. Great inter-disciplinary learning opportunities for all grades; science, history, social studies, math, and second languages. Experience the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions at New Brunswick’s provincial art gallery.
Admission (group rate): Adults $9, Seniors $7, Students $4, Children (under 6) Free, Chaperone/teacher free admission. Group tours must be booked in advance.
Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday/Wednesday/ Friday 10am – 5pm. Thursday 10am – 9pm. Saturday, 10am – 5:00pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm, Holidays 12pm – 5pm
Contact: Beaverbrook Art Gallery: Tel: 458-0973; Email: education@beaverbrookartgallery.org
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
4. Quartermain Earth Sciences Centre
2 Bailey Drive, UNB Campus; www.quartermainearthsciencecentre.com
The Earth Sciences Museum offers tours of fossilized bones and dinosaur replica of a reptile believed to have roamed the province hundreds of centuries ago. A large-scale display shows a journey to the centre of the earth, a chunk of a meteor that fell to earth near Fredericton, a working seismograph, and a mineral showcase with info on Fredericton and NB geology. Short virtual tour of the centre available at quartermainearthsciencecentre.com
Hours: Open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. Group tours by appointment.
Contact: Tel: 458-7205; Email: quartermain@unb.ca
5. UNB Arts Centre
9 Bailey Drive, Memorial Hall, UNB Campus; www.unb.ca
Experience the world through Art! We offer a variety of engaging exhibitions featuring artists of the Atlantic Region as well as many exhibits that explore historical, environmental, social, technological and scientific ideas and viewpoints. Exhibitions are on view September through June. Special tours and workshops for your group can be arranged to suit your particular educational needs.
Admission: Free
Hours: Open Monday to Friday 9 am-4:30 pm or by appointment.
Contact: Oliver Flecknell Oliverf@unb.ca (506) 453-4623
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; Wheelchair Accessible
6. NB Sports Hall of Fame: Where Legends Live!
503 Queen Street; www.nbsportshalloffame.gnb.ca
When you visit us you will find many family-friendly activities that are fun for all ages! Students will be inspired by the amazing stories of our Hall of Famers in our Virtual Locker Room. Play your favourite game on our Sports Simulator, visit our many exhibits, and see the science behind it all in the Biomechanics and Sports Discovery Centre! Learn what it’s like to be a curator in the Hands on Heritage room, available upon request.
Tour Admission: $3.00 per child
Hours: Extended hours during summer months, year round by appointment.
Duration of Tour: 60 – 90 min
Contact: NB Sports Hall of Fame: Tel: 453-3747; Email: nbsportshalloffame@gnb.ca
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
7. Fredericton Region Museum
571 Queen Street; www.frederictonregionmuseum.com
Complement your social studies curriculum with a trip to the FRM, or have our educators visit your school personally or by using one of our virtual classrooms. The FRM has several engaging curriculum-based programs for students at all levels and we are always happy to customize for your needs.
Ways to experience the FRM:
- Hands-on learning in our workshop style programs
- Guided Tours of our fascinating galleries
- Self-Guided Visits to explore the museum
- Walking tours of downtown historic sites
- Share your classroom connections, student work, questions, and visits with our virtual classroom
School visits are open to summer schools, camps and similar groups too.
Admission: $2 per student & free for chaperones (1 Chaperone for every 10 students)
Hours: Tour hours Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm. Must be booked 2 weeks in advance.
Contact: Tel: 455-6041; Email: frederictonregionmuseum@gmail.com
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours
8. New Brunswick College of Craft & Design (NBCCD)
457 Queen Street
With a heritage dating back to 1938, the College of Craft and Design is an internationally recognized postsecondary institution offering certificates, diplomas, and an articulated degree option with UNB, with studios in Aboriginal visual arts, ceramics, fashion, graphic design, integrated media, jewellery/metal arts, photography and textiles. Take a tour of the Soldiers’ Barracks, one of Canada’s most unique learning environments where state-of-the-art digital studios are housed in a renovated heritage building. Make a point of visiting the Gallery, which showcases the work of students and faculty, as well as emerging artists and craftspeople from throughout the Atlantic region.
Admission: Free
Hours: Monday – Friday by appointment.
Duration of Tour: tailored tours, full tour – 90 min
Contact: New Brunswick College of Craft & Design (NBCCD) 453-2305
Ammenities: Activities/Special Events; Guided Tours; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
9. School Days Museum
Queen Street (annex of Justice Building, East Entrance)
Step back in time and visit a classroom of the past, featuring New Brunswick school related artifacts such as textbooks, teaching aids, students’ work, school furniture, Provincial Normal School and Teachers’ College pictures.
Admission: Free
Duration of Tour: 30 min.
Hours: Mid June – Late Aug.: Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm; Saturday 1 – 4pm Late Aug. – Mid June: by appointment
Contact: SDMuseum: Tel: 459-3738; Email: sdmuseum@nb.sympatico.ca
Ammenities: Guided Tours; English/French Tours
10. Fredericton Public Library - Downtown
12 Carleton Street
Introduce your classes to the joys of reading and the foundational skills of literacy. Classes can obtain free library cards, learn all about the resources and programs offered and enjoy an engaging educational tour. Tours can be customized to suit any audience in either Official language. Please call the Children’s Department to arrange your school visit – 460-2806.
Admission: Free tours
Duration of Tour: 1 – 2 hours
Hours: Book tours in advance by calling 460-2806
Contact: Children’s Services: Tel: 460-2806; Email: fpl-child@gnb.ca
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Teacher/Self Guided; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
11. Legislative Assembly
706 Queen Street; www.gnb.ca
Enrich your civics curriculum with a visit to the Legislative Assembly. Learn how an election works, about the various levels of government, what an MLA does, how a Bill becomes Law, and maybe even watch a Sitting of the Legislature from the Gallery.
Admission: Free
Duration of Tour: 1 hour
Hours: Labour Day – late June, Monday to Friday, 9am – 4:30pm, by appointment; summer months, open 7 days/week, 9am – 5pm
Contact: Diane Mercier-Allain: Tel: 453-2527; Email: wwwleg@gnb.ca
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
12. Government House
51 Woodstock Road; www,gnb.ca
Often called “New Brunswick’s Ceremonial Home”, this National and Provincial Historic Site is the residence and office of the province’s Lieutenant-Governor. Awards ceremonies, medal presentations, honours, public receptions, lectures, concerts and more take place in the restored rooms of what is Canada’s most-publically accessible Vice Regal residence. Rooms are filled with period antiques made by some of the best craftsmen in all of North America, along with significant donated items, contemporary New Brunswick art and links to the province’s three founding cultures
Admission: Free
Hours: Book tour in advance.
Duration of Tour: 45 – 60 min. All tours begin at the Public Entrance – east end.
Contact: Office of the Lieutenant Governor: Tel: 453-2505; Email: ltgov@gnb.ca
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
13. Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre
752 Union Street, Fredericton North; www.ducks.ca/education
Come and experience wetland education with Ducks Unlimited Canada. Our bilingual programs (K-7) are science curriculum linked and involve hands-on learning. Meet our resident turtle, feel real beaver and muskrat fur, or go on a field trip to a local wetland where we’ll catch invertebrates! You’ll soon discover why wetlands are the second most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and why they need protecting!
Admission: $3 per youth (minimum of $30 per program).
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Duration of tour: 1 to 2 hours.
Contact: Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre: Tel: 458-8848
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
14. UNB Conference Services
UNB Conference Services invites you to bring your next class trip to UNB! Our beautiful campus is waiting to welcome you and your students to experience all that UNB and Fredericton have to offer! UNB offers single and double rooms in buildings that have large TV lounges ideal for movie nights, playing games, ordering pizza or relaxing. There is ample parking adjacent to buildings for your bus. UNB Conference Services has created Educational Trip Packages that include accommodations, dining, on and off campus educational experiences and evening activities. We work with each group to plan every aspect of their stay to ensure that the trip is one they will not soon forget! Residences have live-in staff to help you get settled, provide information and generally be a resource to you. We also have late night Front Desk service and UNB Security Personnel are on duty 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of all guests. On campus you can enjoy park-like green spaces, recreational facilities, tours or presentations from our student leaders and faculty, and access to dining halls, retail dining, libraries, provincial archives and other services & resources. UNB offers workshops tailored specifically for school groups that balance experiential learning with fun and interesting activities, including tours of our Bio Medical Engineering lab, our Observatory, and our brand new Quartermain Earth Sciences Centre. We are also close to downtown Fredericton and all its attractions, shops, adventures and parks. A 5 minute drive or a 15 minute walk through our beautiful trail system will find you in the heart of the Atlantic Canada Riverfront Capital.
Admission: Free Tours of Campus
Package Pricing: Contact for more information
Hours: Monday – Sunday (May through August)
Contact: University of New Brunswick Conference Service Tel: 1-888-865-6122; Email: stay@unb.ca
Attractions Within 30 Minutes of Fredericton
A. Kings Landing
TCH West Exit #253; https://kingslanding.nb.ca/school-groups
Each year, history comes to life for thousands of students as they enjoy educational programming and guided tours of Kings Landing. Our curriculum-based, educational programs focus on 19th-century, rural New Brunswick and may include indigenous history. If there is an educational outcome you’d like to reach with your Kings Landing field trip, let us know! With enough notice, we’re able to offer customized programs. If you’re a teacher looking for a truly unique field trip—make plans to bring your students, young and not so young alike, to Kings Landing.
Admission: $5/guest (Guests include students, teachers, education assistants, parents, guardians, and chaperones. Minimum 15 guests.)
Hours: June – October, Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am – 5pm
Contact: Karen Price; Tel: (506) 363-4971; Email: karen.price2@gnb.ca
B. Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility
One of the largest Atlantic Salmon conservation hatcheries in the world. Learn how migratory fish resources, particularly Atlantic Salmon, are protected at Mactaquac and about the conservation efforts for this endangered species. Tour the unique salmon rearing facility where about 400,000 juvenile and 5000 adult salmon are raised.
Admission: Free
Hours: May 15 to August 31, 9am - 3:30pm Monday – Friday, Bus tours and school groups welcome by appointment.
Duration of Tour: 30 min.
Contact: Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility: Tel: 363-3021 ext.232
C. Mactaquac Generating Station
The largest hydroelectric Generating Station in the Maritime provinces went into operation in 1968 and now produces in excess of 670,000 kilowatts. The dam, which raised the water level almost 40 metres, is a rock-filled structure with a watertight clay core. Students will learn about the powerhouse with the turbines and generators, and how electrical current is transmitted.
Admission: Free
Hours: Mid May – Labour Day, Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm. Group tours can be arranged throughout the year
Duration of Tour: 30 - 60 mins
Not suitable for preschool or kindergarden aged children. No open toed shoes. Shoes or sneakers must be worn..
Contact: Mactaquac Generating Station: Tel: 462-3800/462-3886
Ammenities: Guided Tours; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
D. Mactaquac Provincial Park
Discover outdoor wonder and experience! Mactaquac Provincial Park offers a series of “Learning in Nature Adventures” from April through until November. These are half or full day journeys are facilitated by a Parks Officer for groups or classes of youth ranging from Kindergarten through to University level. This experiential learning is introduced and explored in a safe, fun and supportive atmosphere with themes like:
- The Park environment, ecology and natural history,
- nature interpretation and
- environmental ethics.
There is a 10 km trail network with trails ranging from the 1.5 km wheelchair accessible Beaver Pond trail to the moderately challenging Alex Creek walk. Maps are available at the Administration Building.
Contact: Park Officer, Mactaquac Provincial Park: Tel: 363-4747; Email: mactaquacpark@gnb.ca
Ammenities: Guided Tours; Educational Programs; Activities/Special Events; English/French Tours; Wheelchair Accessible
Leisure Activities
E. Kingswood Entertainment Centre
31 Kingswood Park; www.kingswoodpark.com
Kingswood is home to Atlantic Canada’s Largest Family Entertainment Centre. The facility includes thirty lanes of candlepin bowling, lazer tag, indoor play zone featuring a 35 foot playclimber and 45 foot inflatable obstacle course, Cosmic Arcade & prize redemption counter, Pizza Hut Express, food court and gymnastics centre. Can accommodate groups of 5 to 500. Kingswood, your one-stop school destination.
Hours: Open year-round. Sunday 12pm – 8pm, Monday – Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 11pm
Contact: Toll Free 1.800.423.5969 Ext. 235 or Local 444.9500, Ext. 235; Email: ecreservations@kingwoodpark.com
For more information, visitor guides, please contact:
Fredericton Tourism 11 Carleton Street, Fredericton, NB E3B 3T1
Tel: 460-2041 or Toll-Free 1-888-888-4768 Fax: 460-2474
Email: tourism@fredericton.ca Web: tourismfredericton.ca
