Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is probably not the first place that comes to mind for a fun adventure-filled getaway. On my first ever visit to the city last summer, my eyes were opened to what Fredericton offers – and any preconceptions were quickly put to bed. Located on the Wolastoq (Saint John River), Fredericton offers a compelling mix of outdoor adventure, bustling markets, and a vibrant arts scene that’s perfect if you only have two to three days. If you’re looking for things to do in Fredericton in summer, the city offers an excellent mix of paddling, biking, markets, art, and great food.
Fredericton comes alive in summer. Paddle the peaceful waters of the Wolastoq, bike along more than 150 km of multi-use trails, and explore vibrant markets filled with local food and crafts with a side of live music on Thursday nights. Outside the city, mountain bike through an otherworldly landscape of ridges and turquoise-coloured lakes – remnants of 400 years of coal mining.
A Saturday morning stop at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, a wander through the fabulous Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and browsing local stores like The Artisan District make for a varied and interesting two day getaway. Here are my suggestions on the best way to spend two adventure-filled summer days in Fredericton.
Planning to spend more time in New Brunswick? Some other adventures in New Brunswick I’d recommend include the fun and unique Eye of the Needle Loop hike in Walton Glen Gorge and the first-class coastal drive along the Fundy Trail Parkway.
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Why Fredericton Is Perfect for an Active Summer Getaway
- Easy access to nature: One of the best things about visiting Fredericton in summer is how quickly you can escape into nature. Within minutes of downtown you can be hiking, biking, or paddling along rivers and through wetlands.
- An excellent city for biking: Fredericton has more than 150 km of multi-use trails, including the South Riverfront and North Riverfront trails.
- Plenty of places to paddle: If you love kayaking or canoeing, look for numerous paddling routes on the Wolastoq (Saint John River) and tributaries that range from easy short outings to longer adventures best suited to experienced paddlers.
- Compact and easy to explore: Many of the best things to do in Fredericton, including outdoor adventures, breweries, markets, and galleries are close together, so there is less driving and more exploring.
- Excellent food and craft beer: Fredericton has a strong café, restaurant, and craft brewery scene.
If you only have 48 hours in the city, here’s how to spend two active summer days in Fredericton combining paddling, biking, markets, art, and delicious food.
Visit the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
If you’re in Fredericton on a Saturday morning between 7 AM and 1 PM, head over to the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market – held at 665 George Street. Founded in 1951, it’s rated the number one thing to do in Fredericton by TripAdvisor – and it’s equally popular with residents. Featuring almost 200 vendors, you’ll find everything from locally-grown produce to baked goods, crafts, and international food stalls. There’s also an onsite restaurant.
Grab a coffee, sample a pastry and take your time wandering through the aisles, before heading out to explore more of Fredericton.
Experience the Garrison Night Market in Fredericton
The Garrison Night Market set on the grounds of a former British military garrison is held on Thursday evenings from 4:30 PM – 9 PM from mid-June until mid-September. It’s a fun way to experience Fredericton’s community spirit.
More than 120 vendors sell everything from locally-grown farm produce to artwork, clothing, and handmade goods. Each week you’ll find different vendor pop-ups and on-street performances. The number of food vendors is impressive offering everything from international street food to Hungarian chimney cakes.
Wander the area, grab dinner, and then enjoy one of the free outdoor concerts at nearby Officer’s Square.
Paddle the Wolastoq (Saint John River)
One thing I didn’t appreciate before visiting Fredericton is just how many paddling opportunities surround the city. Within a short drive of downtown, you can be kayaking through surprisingly wild landscapes. After a few hours kayaking the peaceful Wolastoq Island Route, I understood why paddling around Fredericton is so popular. It makes sense too, considering this was the home of the famous Chestnut Canoe Company. Our family had one of these canoes growing up.
Today paddlers can explore more than 100 kilometres of routes – both along the Wolastoq and its tributaries – including the Oromocto, Keswick, and Nashwaak rivers.
On the signature Wolastoq Island Route that I paddled, meander past about a dozen undeveloped islands between Mactaquac and the Delta Marriott Hotel, stopping to gawk at eagles and herons along with beavers, otters, and deer. You may even see a large sturgeon jumping – though we did not. The paddle ends conveniently at a dock beside the Delta Hotel – a great finishing point for lunch or a glass of wine while enjoying one of Fredericton’s epic sunsets.
There are several more signature paddling routes:
- the two – three hour Oromocto River-Sunpoke Loop through three distinct eco-systems
- the full day Keswick River 100-Turn Route for more experienced paddlers
- the 90-minute Nashwaak River route that starts in Marysville and ends at Picaroon’s Roundhouse.
The Wolastoq Watershed Paddling Trails in Fredericton are gearing up for a formal launch on Friday, June 12, 2026. Going forward, there will be a dozen official launch sites for paddlers in the city, along with drop-off sites, and parking areas. There are more than two dozen mapped routes covering over a 100 kilometres along with suggestions on where to rent canoes and kayaks.
Bike Fredericton’s Scenic Riverfront Trails
Bike-friendly Fredericton is home to more than 150 km of multi-use trails located on both sides of the Wolastoq (Saint John River). I explored part of the city’s extensive trail network with the help of a local guide and a rental bike from Savage’s Bike Centre – Canada’s oldest bike shop. The bike shop itself is worth a look – as it’s located in a former fire hall and still features the original brass fire pole and marks in the floor where the horses once stood.
Over a few hours on the relaxed bike ride, my guide and I traveled through downtown Fredericton past historic sites, museums, and cafes and through multiple neighbourhoods on the far side of the river. We cooled off with a cold one in the air-conditioned comfort of Picaroon’s Brewing Company before finishing the ride across the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. It offers one of the best views of downtown Fredericton. What a perfect way to spend a hot, sunny afternoon.
Mountain Bike the Colourful Minto Trails
For the most unique mountain biking experience in Atlantic Canada drive about 45 minutes east of Fredericton to reach the nondescript trailhead at the end of a dirt road for the Minto Trails. There is nothing else nondescript about the experience!
The bike trails weave through a former coal mining area with a 400-year history. The long ridges of mine tailings have been converted to flowy, sometimes very steep sections of singletrack, intersected with brilliantly-coloured emerald and turquoise lakes. I have never seen a place quite like it before.
I am a cautious mountain biker – and ready to hike at a moment’s notice. But these beautifully-constructed trails made me attempt things I wouldn’t otherwise. I practically had the place to myself so no one could hear the whoops of joy that came unbidden on the flowy sections.
The bottom line – this is fun, fast, flowy terrain with very few roots or rocks to worry about – except near the beginning of the trails. I didn’t attempt any of the expert black routes but I’m guessing there’s a strong pull to ride these by more experienced riders than I.
When you’re finished biking head to the Tiny Trails boutique campground and taproom, a kilometre from the trailhead. You can stay here in micro-motel setting or by camping in the woods. I simply got a cold drink and sank back into the comfort of a chair in the shade, marveling at what one man created.
Visit the Beaverbrook Art Gallery
If you’ve got an hour or more I highly recommend a visit to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Established in 1959 with a donation of 300 pieces of artwork by Lord Beaverbrook, the permanent collection has grown to over 5,000 pieces.
Many well-known and respected Canadian artists are represented including Alex Colville, The Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Shirley Bear. There are also many international works spanning 600 years from western Europe and the United States, Indigenous art and rotating exhibitions.
At the entrance in the museum Grandfather Akwiten is on display. It’s to be the oldest surviving birchbark canoe in existence built by the Wolastoqiyik people in the early 1800s. It was recently returned after spending more than 100 years at the University of Galway in Ireland.
I also found the story of Pacotille/Trinket by Denise Richard to be very compelling. She delves into the consequences of fast fashion and mass production on ocean life. Her piece below, made of dollar store trinkets, serves as a reminder of the effect of our disposable culture on the destruction of marine ecosystems.
Explore Fredericton’s Downtown Shops
I am not a big shopper but when I’m in a new town or city I do like to see what the local shops are selling. I love visiting outdoor stores but I have a soft spot for crafty kind of stores too. If you’re in Fredericton, visit The Artisan District. I collect mugs from my travels – and this unique store has loads to choose from.
Where to Stay in Fredericton
I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Fredericton. It’s got a great location – within walking distance of most major sights.
More Great Things to Do in New Brunswick
- Fundy Footpath Hike in New Brunswick: A Full Guide – A detailed guide to hiking the rugged Fundy Footpath, covering trail length, difficulty, coastal views, camping spots, and planning tips for this iconic New Brunswick adventure.
- Kayaking Chance Harbour to Black Beach near Saint John, NB – Kayak along the scenic Bay of Fundy coastline from Chance Harbour to Black Beach, paddling past rugged cliffs and small caves to finish near a seal colony on an island across from Black Beach.
- Best Places to Visit in New Brunswick in Summer: Beaches, Islands & Hiking – From coastal parks to charming towns, these seven New Brunswick destinations shine in summer with outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.
- Fundy Trail Parkway Experience in New Brunswick – A drive along the Fundy Trail Parkway delivers dramatic Bay of Fundy scenery, waterfalls, and short coastal hikes in New Brunswick.
- 12 Stops on a Road Trip in Acadian New Brunswick – Taste fresh seafood, wander colorful Acadian towns, and explore rugged coastlines on this New Brunswick road trip.
***Thank you to Tourism New Brunswick and the Fredericton Capital Region for hosting my stay. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.***
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