5 great things to do in Fredericton in 24 hours

When you’re driving through New Brunswick on the Trans-Canada Highway, you’re certain to pass through Fredericton. But you won’t see much of this provincial capital from the highway. You’ll need to plan a detour to reach Fredericton’s downtown core, but you’ll be glad you did. With its vibrant food and arts scene, the Riverfront Trail and pedestrian thoroughfares, and friendly small-town feel, there are plenty of things to do in Fredericton, even if you can only stop for a short visit.

Here’s a look at five of the best things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick. With careful planning, you can fit each of these in, even if you only have 24 hours in Fredericton.

Fredericton is one of the cities along the Miramichi River Route road trip, which we toured during a visit hosted by Tourism New Brunswick. Our most recent visit Have questions about planning your own road trip to Fredericton? Join our Facebook community!

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these and make a booking or purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check our Disclaimer for more information. Thanks for your support!

What is Fredericton best known for?

Fredericton is the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It’s known for being the provincial hub for arts and culture. The Fredericton Taproom Trail and recreational opportunities on the Saint John River make it a fun destination in the summer months.

Explore the craft beer and cider scene on Fredericton’s Taproom Trail

Did you know Fredericton is among the top cities in Canada by number of taprooms per capita? It’s easy to explore them by following the Fredericton Taproom Trail. When you visit one of the 11 participating taprooms across the city, you’ll receive a map to help you plan your visits to the rest. Get to enough of them and you can pick up a t-shirt and enter into a prize draw!

This isn’t a driving activity, of course. We suggest parking your car at your hotel and using alternate transportation to explore. If you stay at the Delta Fredericton, a company called DRIFT rents e-scooters and bikes during the summer months.

We picked up a pair of e-scooters and followed the Riverfront Trail to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. This iconic former railway bridge across the Saint John River is now used exclusively by pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters.

Once we reached the other side, we stopped in at Picaroons Brewing Company to enjoy a couple of pints on their enormous outdoor patio. You can head back across the bridge from here or continue to follow the Fredericton Taproom Trail. This feels like unlocking the secrets of Fredericton’s locals!

Remember, e-scooters are a lot of fun, but they’re also very quick. Be sure to wear your helmet, and please ride responsibly and be respectful of fellow trail users.

A visit to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery is a must

If you’re looking for a more low-key outing during your 24 hours in Fredericton, check out the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. As New Brunswick’s provincial art gallery, the Beaverbrook has been making fine art available to Fredericton’s residents and visitors alike since 1959.

One of the centrepieces of the gallery’s impressive collection is Santiago El Grande, an original painting by Salvador Dalí. It’s also home to one of the most comprehensive collections of British art in Canada, as well as works from well-known Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson and Emily Carr. All of them are beautifully presented in a modern and tranquil space. You’ll also find seasonal rotating exhibitions and special events, including art workshops for kids.

Explore downtown Fredericton’s food scene

New Brunswick’s capital has an impressive an eclectic downtown food scene. During our visit, we made it to three great spots.

STMR.36 BBQ & Social, located inside the Delta, is a carnivore’s dream with its selection of barbecue smoked and grilled meats.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, The Abbey Café and Gallery is a fully vegan restaurant blended with a showcase for local art. (Both of these locations have gluten-free and dairy-free options for those who need them.)

And the Chess Piece Patisserie & Café is Fredericton’s only Parisian-style pastry shop.

These are just a few of the great restaurants and cafés in Fredericton, many of which are independent and locally owned. Plan a food tour and dig in!

Take a kayak across the mighty Wolastoq

The Wolastoq — that’s the original name of the Saint John River, bestowed by this area’s Wolastoqiyik people — is the thread that stitches New Brunswick’s capital city together. Even if you have just 24 hours in Fredericton, taking some time to connect with the river is a must.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available at several locations in downtown Fredericton. We took out some kayaks from Second Nature Outdoors, who are based at the Small Craft Aquatic Centre on the Riverfront Trail. The staff here have great advice for destinations on the river based on how much time you have.

Our excursion took us across the river and into a beautiful nearby tributary. A little further upriver, there’s a long series of islands waiting to be explored.

Visit on a Saturday to explore the Boyce Farmers Market

If your visit includes a Saturday morning, don’t miss the historic Boyce Farmers Market, a Fredericton fixture since 1951. Two large halls fill each week with more than 200 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods, meats and cheeses, and unique handmade local products. In the warmer months, pop-up tents even overflow into the parking lots!

You’re sure to find something here that will delight you. The Boyce Farmers Market is open every Saturday year-round from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Delta is a great home base as you explore things to do in Fredericton

Need a home base while you’re in Fredericton? The Delta Fredericton deserves your consideration. It has great amenities on-site such as STMR.36 BBQ & Social, a spa, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool. During the summer months, guest can access DRIFT bike and e-scooter rentals, as well as an outdoor pool and bar with amazing sunset views. Add on the award-winning service, and the Delta Fredericton is an easy choice for an overnight stay in New Brunswick’s capital.

Explore more New Brunswick road trips >