Recommended tourist attractions in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Eastern Canada

Fredericton, which stretches along the Saint John River, is the capital of New Brunswick, a province located in eastern Canada between Quebec and Nova Scotia. In the 18th century, it served as a garrison for the British military as they expanded into Canada. Even today, a changing of the guard ceremony is held at the site of the former garrison.
Perhaps due to this historical background, Fredericton is a bilingual city where both of Canada’s official languages, English and French, are used side by side. Be sure to stop by for a visit—especially in combination with a trip to Quebec. Now, let’s introduce five tourist attractions in Fredericton.

1. Officers' Square

Located along a bend of the Saint John River, Officers' Square served as a garrison for the British Army from 1785 to 1869, and for the Canadian Army from 1883 to 1914. Today, the area has been completely transformed into a hub for concerts, theater performances, skating rinks, and festival events in Fredericton.

Although the land was long owned by the Province of New Brunswick, it was purchased by the City of Fredericton in the summer of 2016. This move is expected to further enhance the area as a tourist attraction. In summer, a changing of the guard ceremony takes place to honor its past, making it a popular sightseeing spot in Fredericton. Its proximity to the riverfront also makes it a great stop while strolling around the city.

2. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

One of the most important parts of travel is food, and in Fredericton, the Boyce Farmers Market is a must-visit gourmet spot. Held on Saturday mornings, it is a local market where you can find not only seasonal local produce but also a variety of international ingredients and Fredericton souvenirs.

Said to have started in 1951, the market now features over 250 different vendors. If you're visiting Fredericton on a Friday or Saturday, make sure to explore this vibrant and energetic side of the city.

3. Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick

The building of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, located in Fredericton, was reconstructed in 1882 after being destroyed by fire in 1880. It stands today as a symbolic tourist attraction representing the province’s political and historical identity. The three-story sandstone building, designed in the Second Empire style, features a French-style mansard roof and three corner spires. The centerpiece is a central octagonal dome tower, reaching 41 meters in height, which has become an iconic symbol of Fredericton.

Inside the building is the Legislative Library, which houses records related to New Brunswick’s political history. It is conveniently located across from another key Fredericton attraction—the Beaverbrook Art Gallery—making it an ideal stop during a sightseeing tour.

4. Beaverbrook Art Gallery

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery was founded in 1959 by Lord Beaverbrook, Max Aitken, to house approximately 300 artworks, mainly from Canada and the United Kingdom. Over time, with additional generous donations, the gallery's collection has expanded to over 3,000 pieces. The diverse collection now includes not only Canadian and British art but also paintings, ceramics, and furniture from countries such as Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands.

This gallery is the official art gallery of New Brunswick and a must-see destination for art and culture enthusiasts visiting Fredericton. Its riverside location along the Saint John River also offers excellent accessibility.

5. No Escape

Have you ever heard of the real-life escape game? In downtown Fredericton, this thrilling adventure has taken root under the name “No Escape”. Now quietly popular among families, young adults, and tourists, it offers a unique activity for visitors and locals alike.

Operated by Unplugged Games Café, No Escape is a physical escape room game where players must uncover clues and solve puzzles to escape from one of three themed locked rooms—all within just 25 minutes. It’s an exciting experience that’s both mentally engaging and physically immersive.

Ideal for groups of friends or as a team-building exercise, No Escape challenges your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Beyond the escape rooms, Unplugged Games Café also boasts an impressive collection of over 500 board games, making it a hotspot for Fredericton locals seeking a vibrant social hub.

◎ Explore Fredericton: A Bilingual City with Natural Charm

Fredericton is Canada’s second-largest bilingual city after Montreal, where both French and English are commonly used in everyday life. The scenic Saint John River flows through the city center, stretching down to the U.S. state of Maine. A walk along the riverbank offers not only a relaxing view but also access to many of Fredericton’s top tourist spots—all within a leisurely stroll.

Whether you're a fan of escape rooms or simply seeking a culturally rich Canadian destination, Fredericton offers the perfect blend of entertainment, language, and nature.