The heart of the city with stunning views of the Wolastoq River, beautiful historic buildings, and many activities within walking distance, Fredericton’s downtown offers some of the city’s sought after neighbourhoods.
Downtown offers the most diverse zoning for commercial, residential and institutional and as well the most walkable neighbourhoods with plenty of amenities and recreational, and cultural activities! Moreover, it is the government hub for the region, hosting Fredericton’s City Hall and New Brunswick’s Legislature.
Foodies will delight in the dining options…
…such as Lebanese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and more! There’s something to curb almost any craving. With a mix of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, you can find something for every meal of the day. In the summertime, many restaurants open beautiful patios – perfect for a family meal or a great spot to start your night out.
Nightlife is alive and well in downtown Fredericton, with a variety of bars, pubs, breweries, and distilleries. Those who enjoy live music will love The Cap and Dolan’s Pub… or wait for the renowned Harvest Music Festival! The festival has occurred annually since 1991, hosting hundreds of performers from around the world on 20+ stages spanning across several city blocks. Harvest Music Fest is a must-see event for Frederictonians and international music-lovers alike.
Of course, downtown offers much more to do both inside and out.
For a cultural experience, visit the Fredericton Regional Museum to learn more about the diverse history of New Brunswick, or visit one of the many art galleries. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery offers a world-class art collection. Directly across the street is Gallery 78, the oldest private art gallery in the province, situated in a beautiful Queen Anne Revival home. For the budding artist, a trip to Clay Cafe or The Dandy Paint Lounge is a worthwhile venture.
Further family-friendly activities include Science East and Unplugged’s Board Game Cafe and Escape Rooms.
To burn a bit of energy, Fredericton’s downtown offers an array of outdoor entertainment. E-scooter rentals have become popular in recent years, while many still prefer to stroll or run the walking trails which border the river. While out for a walk, a visit to the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is a must! This Saturday-morning market offers fresh food, local crafts, and so much more.
You’ll find year-round outdoor activities, from Second Nature Outdoors watercraft rentals in the summer to ice skating in Officer’s Square in the winter. Each year, the city hosts FROSTival, a 3-week winter festival offering a range of activities around Fredericton. Downtown events during FROSTival include the Shivering Songs Music Festival and ice sculpture showcases.
A glimpse of history in downtown Fredericton
Oftentimes, people will stray from the city’s walking trails into the downtown neighbourhoods to appreciate the local architecture. Downtown boasts some of Fredericton’s most beautiful homes, with some constructed as early as the 18th century! Whether you love a cozy craftsman or a luxurious Queen Anne Revival, the variety of styles means there is something for everyone. Local nicknames for downtown neighbourhoods include the Town Plat, Rabbit Town, and the “Golden Triangle” which encompasses University Ave to Waterloo Row up to Beaverbrook St and offers some of the larger century homes.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, there’s no denying that downtown Fredericton is the place to be!
Downtown schools:
George Street Middle School
Schools nearby:
Connaught Street Elementary
École Sainte-Anne
École des Bâtisseurs
Fredericton High School
Downtown dining:
Kitchen 540
J’s Asian Kitchen
Snooty Fox
11th Mile
The Palate
RustiCo
Mill Town Roasters
Resources:
https://gallery78.com/
