Article written by Elizabeth Plante
Our shooting for Repères continues and last week, we were in Fredericton. With a tight itinerary around the Maritimes, we could only stop there for one day. Without knowing exactly what there was to see in the capital of New Brunswick, we let ourselves be guided by our steps all day.
Although there are a multitude of top 5 or top 10 places to see in Fredericton, I wanted to go there from MY must-see list to spend a memorable day there.
City Hall
Before you rack your brains for parking downtown, head straight to City Hall. The parking lot of the municipal building is ideally located for a walking tour afterwards.
ATTENTION! DO NOT PAY THE RATE SHOWN ON THE SIGNS!
First go to the Tourist Office inside the town hall. In addition to giving you all the information you need to get your bearings, the employees will provide you with a free parking pass valid for 3 days! Yes, 3 days! No parking meter to pay for your stay! We like that!
You can take a tour of the oldest city hall still based on the maritimes. The 3 p.m. guided tour in French will allow you to see the bicentenary tapestries as well as the restored clock. If you're like me and prefer to enjoy the good weather, take the downtown walking tour!
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Psst! While at City Hall, try to be there for the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour between noon and 3 p.m. in July and August. To truly relive the atmosphere of the time to the sound of the bagpipes, I suggest the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Place des Officiers (see below).
The Historic Garrison District
Declared a national historic site in 1964, the Historic District is the cultural and heritage jewel of the province. Accessible on foot from City Hall, the Historic Garrison District includes the Soldiers' Barracks and Guardhouse, the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, and the George Fry Gallery.
In July and August, the neighborhood comes alive with concerts, guided tours, theater and characters in period costumes. You can even play croquet with costumed entertainers!
Just behind the guardhouse on Carleton Street, you will find the former military store which now houses the administrative offices of the Fredericton Visitor Center.
Fredericton Regional Museum and Officers Square
Officers’ Square is the place of choice to enjoy the New Brunswick summer. From the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, to summer concerts, plays and festivals, the square will thrill you!
Note that the popular Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Located across from Officers Square, the Fredericton Regional Museum is a must see! The 1853 colonial-style building will impress you from both the outside and the inside. The interactive tour will take you through fascinating parts of the city's history.
The Greens and the lighthouse
From the Officers' Square, go to the promenade along the St. John's River. You are now on the Greens, a 5 km trail perfect for a bike ride or on foot.
Start by going to the Lighthouse on the Greens for a great view of the city and surrounding area (it costs $2 per adult to climb to the top of the lighthouse; it's free for children under 12).
If you feel fit, walk (or better, run!) the 5 kilometers of the Greens. In addition to breathing fresh air and enjoying the view, you can stop to observe works of art.
You can see below Watermark, a sculpture by Gerald Beaulieu which, in addition to being pretty, serves as a marker to indicate in real time the flood level of the city when the river comes out of its bed.
This list is far from being exhaustive! With one day you see the essentials, but there is so much more to see in Fredericton: the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the New Brunswick Legislative Building , Waterloo Row, the Farmer's Market, The Tannery district, Odell Park and the many churches…
One day to visit Fredericton is too little! I will be back to Freddy Beach for sure!
