Fredericton and the River Valley

Nestled along the St. John River, you’ll find Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital city, which has large, old Victorian homes, winding trails, and trees on almost every street, making the city feel close to nature even as it offers everything there is to love about a city. As you move farther into the region, you’ll be welcomed by small towns and villages with unique offerings, like Hartland, home to the world’s longest covered bridge, or Florenceville-Bristol, also known as the French Fry Capital of the world. The region also borders the state of Maine, making trips to the U.S. a breeze.

Big, bold, and beautiful are all words that could be used to describe Fredericton and the River Valley. If you love watersports, the river is the perfect playground, and Mactaquac Provincial Park and North Lake Provincial Park offer lovers of the outdoors lots of adventures. Even at the very heart of the city of Fredericton, you’ll find Odell Park, which is a green oasis, not to mention a gorgeous trail system that traces its way along the river. And all the fun isn’t just for the warm months. In winter, you can head out cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trails, and if you love to downhill ski or snowboard, hit the slopes of Crabbe Mountain.

You won’t be bored if you come to live here. You could zipline over trees in the morning and then kick back and relax on a riverside patio in the afternoon. There’s always something new to explore, whether that’s a quirky secondhand shop, a farmer’s market piled high with fresh, local produce, or even Shakespeare performed in the park. There are also ample sports to participate in, like baseball, rock climbing, or golf, just to name a few. And if you’re a history or science buff, check out Kings Landing, a living history museum depicting 19th-century rural life or stop by Science East to get hands on with some science exhibits.

No matter where you live in this region, there’s always a unique festival, event, or venue nearby. Plan an afternoon meandering through The Beaverbrook Art Gallery or the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery for world-class visual art. If you prefer live art, the Fredericton Playhouse brings in exceptional music, dance, and theatre shows. In the fall, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival has some of the biggest names in music taking to the stage. Pair your outings with a culinary scene that ranges from high-end to fast and fun. And with 26 craft alcohol producers in the region, you’ll have lots to raise your glass to!