Sights in New Brunswick
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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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B
Tidal Bore Park
The tourist literature talks up the twice-daily return of the waters of the tidal Petitcodiac River. In theory, the tide comes in as one solid wave, unfurled like a carpet across the muddy riverbed in one dramatic gesture. As the tide advances up the narrowing bay it starts to build up on itself, pushed from behind by the powerful tides in the Bay of Fundy, the world's highest. The height of this oncoming rush can allegedly vary from just a few centimeters to about 1m. In reality, it usually just looks like a big mud seep, and well…boring. The spoiler is the causeway that was built across the Petitcodiac in the 1980s, which the government pledged, in 2007, to remove.
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C
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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D
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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E
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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G
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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H
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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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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Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Let the kids make their own masterpieces while you leisurely stroll the gallery. Materials include paint, pencil and clay, and ideas are inspired by the art on display.
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