Things to do in Fredericton
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York-Sunbury Historical Museum
York-Sunbury Historical Museum is in the old officers' quarters built between 1839 and 1851, an edifice typical of those designed by royal engineers during the colonial period. The older section has thicker walls of masonry and handhewn timbers. The other, newer end is made of sawn timber.
The museum has a collection from the city's past spread out in 12 rooms: military pieces used by local regiments and by British and German armies from the Boer and both world wars; furniture from a Loyalist sitting room and a Victorian bedroom; aboriginal and Acadian artifacts and archaeological finds. The prize exhibit, though, is a stuffed 19kg frog, the pet of a local innkeeper.
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Old Government House
The magnificent stone palace that is Old Government House was erected for the British governor in 1826. The representative of the queen moved out in 1893 after the province refused to continue paying his expenses, and during most of the 20th century the complex was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) headquarters. It now evocatively captures a moment in time with tours led by staff in period costume.
New Brunswick's lieutenant governor lives on the 3rd floor and his limousine with a single crown for a license number is often parked outside.
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Soldiers' Barracks
The Soldiers' Barracks gives you an idea of how the common soldier lived in the 1820s (lousy food, too much drink). The Guard House from 1828 indicates more of the day-to-day hardships, but the conditions for those held in cells were truly nasty. Threaten your kids. Check out the concerts and storytelling performed here in July and August.
The lower section of the barracks is now used as artisan studios, and the College of Craft & Design, behind the Justice Building, presents the work of local artists.
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Brewbaker's
This ultrapopular restaurant has something for everyone. Choose from a discreet booth in the chic, dim interior or hoot and holler out on the bright, packed patio. Food choices are just as broad - get a burger or indulge on Maple Ginger Atlantic Salmon. Vegetarians will find mouth-watering salads and pasta dishes. Unless you're famished, the meal-sized appetizers (like a pound of mussels steamed in a divine cream sauce) will fill you plenty.
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Legislative Assembly
Built in 1880, the Legislative Assembly is a marvel of craftsmanship and detailing. When the Legislative Assembly is not in session, guides show you around, pointing out things of particular merit, like the wooden speaker's chair and spiral staircase. When the assembly is in session (end of November to Christmas, March to June), visitors are welcome to observe.
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Christ Church Cathedral
Built in 1853, the Christ Church Cathedral is a fine early example of the 19th-century revival of decorated Gothic architecture and has exquisite stained glass. The cathedral is particularly notable because it's very compact - tall for the short length of the building, yet with a balance and proportion that make the interior seem both normal and spacious.
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Officers' Square
At Officers' Square, once the military parade ground, see the full-uniform changing of the guard ceremony mornings and evenings weekdays from mid-July to the third week in August. Also in summer the Outdoor Summer Theatre performs daily. The free historical skits are laced with humor. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, free band concerts attract crowds.
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Chez Riz
After 15 years operating a popular Quebec restaurant of the same name, Pakistani chef Rizuan Ul-Hak packed it all up and moved to Fredericton. What luck! The tandoori chicken is so good, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada, is apparently a faithful customer. Come in to sample the smorgasbord of Eastern treats at the fragrant buffet.
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Molly's Kitchen
More of a pub than anything else, this cave of a place is filled with eclectic decor, and ceiling-high stacks of books. Out back is a quiet, green, backyard patio where you can enjoy homecooked soups, pastas and shepherd's pie as well as espresso, ice cream and a stiff drink. Just about everything is made from scratch.
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Boyce Farmers' Market
This Fredericton institution is great for picking up fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese. Mixed in among the 150 or so stands are some selling handicrafts, homemade desserts and flowers. There is also a restaurant (open for breakfast and brunch). This is a great place to hobnob with local characters.
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Palate
For well-prepared fine Continental dining with contemporary flair and a seasonally changing menu, this personable corner spot is recommended. The purple and yellow room is especially highly regarded for its seafood, but meats, pastas and chicken are also well represented. The Atlantic salmon is superb.
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Small Craft Aquatic Center
For drifting away, the Small Craft Aquatic Center, on the Saint John River beside Old Government House, rents out canoes, kayaks and rowboats. On offer are good weekly passes, guided canoe tours, one-hour to three-day river-ecology trips, and instruction in either canoeing or kayaking.
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Science East Hands-On Science Centre
Once the end of the railroad line, this building now holds beginnings of science discovery. There's a dungeon museum as well as over 100 hands-on exhibits, from a shadow box and laser-beam writer to an insectarium where you might get to pet a giant stick bug. Ideal for kids.
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Snooty Fox
Upscale pub food, with highlights such as Thai stir-fry or Steak and Guinness Pie, is notoriously good at this English-style pub popular with the university crowd. Service is friendly but slow and there's a nonsmoking section. Try the artery-hardening jalapeño poppers.
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El Burrito Loco
Looking like a displaced cactus, this adobe fortress rises out of historic Fredericton like Montezuma's revenge. The largely authentic, south-of-the-border food, including tamales and enormous burritos, is cooked by owner-chef Carlos Pérez, direct from Puerto Vallarta.
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First Nations Craft Experience
For kids as well as adults, have a First Nations Craft Experience with artisan Will 'White Bear' Dedam. Make your own dream catcher and experience a smudging ceremony while listening to Will tell native legends. Hours are variable; check at the visitors center.
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Blue Door
Yes, it has a blue door that you can't miss. This local hotspot has an intriguingly varied menu ranging from coconut curry with mussels to Uli's pasta incorporating local sausage and mushrooms. Start your meal with a fab cocktail. There's a kids menu too.
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Clippermen's Barbershop
Let your inhibitions get lost in a fog of ale to discover your true style. Canada's only licensed barbershop lets you sip while they clip. Oh what the hell, you know you always wanted a mullet! Four varieties of beer help you cope with your new look.
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Loyalist Cemetery
The Loyalist Cemetery, dating back to 1784, is an atmospheric, thought-provoking history lesson of its own, revealing large families and kids dying tragically young. The Loyalists arrived from the 13 colonies after the American Revolution of 1776.
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Racine's
Fredericton's newest fine-dining venue, this bilingual restaurant is mostly seafood geared but also has wonderful pasta, and meat dishes. Try the Atlantic salmon stuffed with pesto and wrapped prosciutto with tomato and fennel coulis, mmm…
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Barracks
Just across from the College of Craft & Design and nestled into the Soldiers' Barracks, these little arts and crafts shops sell mostly goodies created by the college's graduates. Find everything from pottery to handmade paper.
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Aitkens Pewter
With a workshop continuing the rare, ancient craft of working in pewter and unique products, this store is well worth a visit. Kitchenware, jewelry and other items are offered at reasonable prices. It's also great for souvenirs.
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Carleton
To see Fredericton from the water, the Carleton has one-hour cruises on the Saint John River. Afternoon and evening departures are offered daily in July and August, and less frequently in June, September and October.
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Adventure Center Lighthouse
There are 12 recreational trails around town and along the river that either begin or intersect at Adventure Center Lighthouse. They range from 700m to 10.2km. See the posted map/plaque/guide alongside the trails.
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Dimitri's Souvlaki
Reliable Dimitri's has been presenting a broad menu of Greek taverna classics such as brochettes and moussaka since 1988. Some vegetarian options are available too. Enjoy your meal on the rooftop patio.
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