Fredericton
YFC
New Brunswick’s pretty riverside capital is noted for its creative spirit. It has the country’s only college devoted exclusively to fine crafts and design, an outsize community of working artists and artisans, and handmade wares of all kinds. Yes, that includes beer, cider and spirits – you’ll find the Maritimes’ highest concentration of craft breweries here.
Eat & Drink
11th Mile
It was headline news when husband-and-wife duo Peter Tompkins (previously head chef at Toronto’s Quince) and Jennie Wilson moved home to their native New Brunswick to open their own kitchen. With its Scandi-inspired decor, creative cocktails and modern Canadian menu (roasted asparagus with romesco, anyone?), the restaurant is already a foodie favourite.
Graystone Brewing
In Fredericton’s food and drink scene, it’s craft beer that’s causing all the br(ew)haha. Here, at the first brewery/taphouse to open downtown, try Graystone’s own small-batch, West Coast-style ales (the Patagonia pale is among the most popular), or one of the other 20-plus New Brunswick brews on offer.
540 Kitchen & Bar
At this relaxed, popular-with-locals spot, you will find elevated takes on comfort-food staples, like the raved-about Diner Burger (add the optional fried egg). The ever-changing dishes are more thoughtful than your average pub grub, with priority on ingredients sourced from New Brunswick farms whenever possible.
Chess Piece Pâtisserie & Café
This casual gem is the place for an afternoon espresso with a slice of Paris, made from scratch. The decadent Choco-Nut Praline – chocolate and peanut-butter mousse with peanut praline, almond dacquoise and chocolate torte – wins the popularity contest.
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What to Do
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Beaverbrook was originally founded to showcase collections of British and Canadian paintings, but today it’s also where you should go to brush up on New Brunswick’s visual culture, including works by Acadian and First Nations artists. A new 1,300-square-metre wing, opened in 2017, has made room for much more to see.
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
Located in the heart of downtown Fredericton, this bustling Saturday market stocks an array of handmade goods and artisanal handicrafts. With food stalls and live music, it’s a perfect spot for mingling with locals and picking up souvenirs (from sustainable cushion covers to hand-painted birdhouses).
The Radical Edge Bike & Ski
Cycling for fun or fitness is big in Fredericton, where you will find everything from flat, leisurely riverfront paths to the nearby MVP trail system (the technical terrain draws mountain bikers). Rent your wheels at this outdoor sports store and go exploring, or join one of the weekly community rides geared more to locals than tourists.
Historic Garrison District
Once home to the British military garrison (1784–1869), this National Historic Site is still a hub of activity, with outdoor concerts, festivals and other entertainment. It’s also a destination for fine crafts – a Fredericton specialty – with the old soldiers’ barracks now housing artisan studios. On summer Thursdays, shop the new Garrison Night Market for handmade goods, textiles and farm-fresh produce.
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