Nature Lover Getaway Weekend
It’s time to unwind, relax and enjoy natures beauty in the City of Stately Elms! We’ve put together this suggested itinerary to help make a weekend plan to appreciate and experience fresh air (Fredericton ranks 8th in the whole world for clean air - 2011 World Health Organization)
Why not make it a long weekend – you deserve it!
DAY 1
Odell Park and Fredericton Botanic Garden
(*Pre-book) Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours
Embark on a medicine walk through the unique old growth forest of Odell Park with Wabanaki medicine keepers Cecelia Brooks and son Anthony as they share their knowledge about local flora and fauna, the fascinating history of local plants and trees along with their use as medicines, food and in ceremony. Learn about the Wabanaki landscape and culture, wild mushrooms, medicinal plants and insects, and the ancient stories of the lands called Wabanaki.
(*Pre-book) Stay for lunch where you can eat and learn about ancient food. Enjoy Four Sisters Soup & Acorn Bread. The soup is made using hominy corn, squash, beans and sunflower seeds or sunchokes. You will see the traditional way the meal is prepared as taught by the ancestors.
While in Odell be sure to visit the artists who are part of the Summer Artist in Residence Program to see how they use the park and garden spaces as inspiration or as sources of materials to incorporate into their artistic creations.
Just above Odell Park, connected by several public hiking trails is the Fredericton Botanic Garden with 54 acres of trails, streams, springs and natural habitats along with beautiful displays of flowers and foliage. You can also witness creativity in full bloom with Artists in Residence working in the Garden. There is a new Literary Garden where New Brunswick’s rich literary community is featured, combining the beauty of nature with written word inspired by 29 New Brunswick writers and poets. The garden features flowers, plants and trees mentioned in literary works by New Brunswick writers with placards about the plants, the writers and the works that inspired their inclusion in the garden.
DAY 2
The Wolastoq River and Trail Network
Explore the majestic Wolastoq (Saint John River)
Enjoy the hidden treasures of Fredericton's river systems The Saint John and Nashwaak rivers offer a unique ecology in both history and biology and are home to some incredible birds, fish and mammals.
(*Pre-book) Sunrise Paddle
If you’ve got 4 or more in your travel bubble and want to get a bright & early start to the day, consider pre-booking with a guide from Second Nature Outdoors for a guided sunrise paddle around the islands of the Wolastoq River, and finish at the SNO hut with a locally roasted coffee.
Kayak or Canoe Rentals
Second Nature Outdoors rent single and double canoes, kayaks and paddleboards so you can meander along at your own pace and take in the city views from the Saint John River or venture into one of the smaller waterways. www.secondnatureoutdoors.com
Time to hit the trail!
Fredericton has a network of over 120km of trail, much of it along the beautiful Saint John River, countless streams and tranquil wooded paths that allow you to get back to nature. Head to Second Nature Outdoors for their half-day Gears & Beers self-guided tour to explore both the city’s trails and a few of the local craft breweries and taprooms located right off the trails (craft cider/beer vouchers provided).
Just off the Gibson Trail, on the northside, find your way to Hyla Park, a nature sanctuary protected by the Nature Trust of New Brunswick with a short network of trails that meander through the woods and along the wetlands. Hyla Park has a number of wetlands and is home to the gray tree frog, six other species of frogs and toads and three species of provincially rare plants. There are a couple of other Nature Preserves in the Fredericton Area to check out as well!
Wind down your days with relaxing dinners
If you want to stay outside, just about every restaurant and cafe have an outdoor patio for your dining pleasure. There’s also the new outdoor food market at the Ex with 10 food huts for take away. Or you can head downtown to City Hall and Phoenix Square for Fredericton al Fresco. Order delivery from your fave dining spot to your bistro table outside and enjoy while listening to live local music.
If you have another day, head upriver to Mactaquac Provincial Park, New Brunswick’s largest recreation park of open land and forest and a wonderful network of nature trails and free picnic sites, supervised beach, golf, and marinas. *Pre-book a Great Canadian Beaver Pond Voyage for a guided walk on the gentle trails to see beaver dams and lodges, dragonflies and other wetland introducing wonders nestled in our Acadian forest.
Tips:
- To fuel you for a busy day outdoors, You might want to sit down to a hearty breakfast - check out these great spots
- Here are some recommended spots to watch the amazing sunsets you will find in Fredericton!
- If you’re here on a Thursday Night, sign up for Paddle & Pint, a guided Stand Up Paddleboard tour on the Wolastoq River followed by some refreshing local craft beer.
Where to Stay:
There are several spots to choose where you’ll slumber in Fredericton, from quiet B&Bs and larger hotels that overlook the river to campgrounds and even glamping is now an option in the greater Fredericton region. Many of our accommodations are offering great Stay & Play packages this summer (that include Second Nature Outdoors activities)
View more suggested itineraries on our Itinerary Inspiration page!
