Fredericton

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Fredericton [1] is the capital of New Brunswick, Canada. It is located along the St. John River. Fredericton is the cultural, artistic and educational centre of the province. Fredericton boasts two universities - the University of New Brunswick and the liberal arts focused St. Thomas University. Fredericton is also home to cultural institutions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the York-Sunbury Museum and the Playhouse, the latter which serves as a venue for local talent/writers. As well, adding to the city's rich cultural mileu, Fredericton is home to the annual Harvest and Jazz and Blues Festival every fall which attracts regional and international jazz and blues artists. The city also contains a growing IT and commercial sector. The city boasts the highest percentage of residents with a post-secondary education in the province and one of the highest per capita incomes.

The population of City of Fredericton is 48,000 (greater Fredericton 81,346, both per 2001 census), although unofficial reports more around 50,750 (greater Fredericton 84,523) due to the student population which is often not counted in official censuses. The City of Fredericton comprises Fredericton proper, and the boroughs of Silverwood, Nashwaaksis, Devon, Barker's Point and Marysville which were incorporated into the city in 1973.

The city is situated in the west-central portion of the province and, along with Moncton and Saint John, is one of the main urban centres in Southern New Brunswick. The St. John River flows in a west-east direction, bisecting the city and providing the dominant natural feature for the municipality.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Bus

• Fredericton Bus Station 101 Régent Street (506) 458-6000 [2]

[edit] By plane

• Fredericton Airport, YFC. Located in Lincoln.

[edit] Get around

• Fredericton Transit Information call: (506) 460-2200 [3]

• Taxi companies:
  • Checker Cab 506 450-8294
  • Budget Cab 506 450-1199
  • A-1 Taxi 506 455-4444
  • Loyal Taxi 506-455-6789
  • George's Taxi 506 459-1100

[edit] See

It is highly recommend taking an afternoon to walk around the historic district with some historic residences dating back to the late 18th century and the arrival of the British Empire Loyalists. The historic district is located behind the beautiful homes fronting Waterloo Row along the Saint John River.

Other historic and natural attractions around the city include:

• Legislative Assembly [4]

• Odell Park [5]

• Historic Garrison District- Experience Fredericton's vibrant heart, where Colonial history and dynamic modern culture meet by the majestic St. John River. Visit this National Historic Site in the City's downtown and spend the day discovering the colourful Changing of the Guard, the Guard House, Soldiers Barracks, York Sunbury Historical Society Museum, City Hall tapestries depicting the history of Fredericton, Lighthouse Adventure Centre, museums, fine craft shops, walking tours, and outdoor theatre.

• Beaverbrook Art Gallery [6]

• Old Government House[7] is where you'll enjoy a free guided tour in the elegant surroundings where galas and balls were hosted in yesteryear. Built in 1828, this important national and provincial historic site has been gloriously restored to its earlier splendour, and is the official residence and office to the Province's Lieutenant Governor. It features many antiques original to the house, a New Brunswick art gallery, gift shop, and interpretation centre which tells the story of our city and province's past.

• Gallery 78 [8]

• Great Pumpkin Sacrifice - This event takes place every year on Halloween at the Harrison House Residence on the University of New Brunswick campus. Event begins somewhere around 11 pm. A very strange yet interesting ritual in Fredericton.

[edit] Do

• Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, [9]. Usually held in the middle of September and should not be missed. It is a very beautiful time of year and the festival music is top notch.

• Walking/biking trails. There are many to enjoy as well.

• Calithumpians Tour & Theatre Company [10] Established in 1979 Calithumpians Theatre Company continues to provide the humorous and historical theatrical entertainment that they have become known for locally and throughout North America.

• Fredericton Golf & Curling Club [11] 331 Golf Club Road 506.458.0003

• Mactaquac Golf Course [12]

• Mactaquac Park [13] 506.363.4747

• Science East [14]

• York-Sunbury Museum 571 Queen Street

• New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame [15]

[edit] Learn

• The University of New Brunswick [16] founded in 1785.
• St. Thomas University [17] is the province's only Catholic university and has been located in Fredericton since 1964, when it moved from its Chatham, New Brunswick campus.
• New Brunswick College of Craft and Design [18]

[edit] Buy

• Boyce's Farmer's Market, [19]. This is the place to be Saturday morning; it is not to be missed! Get there early because by 10:30 it gets unbareably busy. The market opens at 6:30am every Saturday. The samosas are very tasty. So much so, people seem to push and shove to get in line for them! The German bakers, fresh orange juice and the sausages are awesome.

• Cultures Boutique An international gift store operated by the International Department of the Fredericton YMCA.

• Urban Almanac [20] 75 York Street. This shop has a wonderful assortment of gifts that you won't find anywhere else.

• Backstreet Records 384 Queen Street. Backstreet has a large inventory of rare and hard to find selection of disks and records. It also has lots of used albums.

• Owl's Nest Bookstore [21] 390 Queen Street. Very large selection of used books.

• Westminster Books [22] 445 King Street. Westminster is the place to find books from local authors and maritime books.

• Reid's Newsstand & Cafe 435 King Street, (506) 454-5333

• Tony's Music Box [23] 396 Queen Street 506.458.8286

[edit] Eat

Fredericton has an excellent selection of restaurants for the hungry traveler, given its size. Having said that, it is lacking in excellent vegetarian food, as some kitchens can be inconsistent and not very creative. It is, however, possible to get a decent vegetarian meal. I have annotated the previous editor's comments with VEGETARIAN-SPECIFIC INFORMATION. (In this context, 'vegetarian' means no fish, no meat, no poultry. Vegan means vegan. It is almost impossible to get anything made with tofu.)

• The Back Nine Located behind Mexicali Rosa's downtown at 546 King Street via Butternut Lane. Can substitute meat in certain dishes with tofu.

• Cabin Restaurant This place could define the term greesy spoon restaurant. Great food, great prices! 723 Woodstock Road past the Delta Hotel. 506.459.0094

--typical diner, the food is sometimes great, sometimes not so good.

• Sunshine Diner Typical diner fare, with pancakes to die for, at unbeatable prices! Located across from the Diplomat on Woodstock Road.

• Cora's [24] This place has the greatest breakfast! Busy all the time despite the price. Worth every penny! 476 Queen Street, (506) 472-2672

--A chain which features big omelets and crepes with lots of fruit garnish. Okay for ovo-lacto VEGETARIANS, but it would be nice to have some veggie food that does not involve eggs.

• Jack's Pizza & Donairs Largest slices, pies and donairs in town. Open late. 379 King Street, (506) 443-9000

• Brewbakers [25] Located downtown at 546 King Street. (506) 459-0067

--Pricey in the evenings, but a couple of decent vegetarian lunch items (one pizza, one pasta, one sandwich, one appetizer) They serve a mussels in garlic and parmesan sauce which is incredible, as well as a baked brie that, while incredibly small, is very tasty.

• El Burrito Loco [26] 304 King Street, 506 459.5626

--Reasonable but pricey Mexican. Some vegetarian fare, but I ahve never asked what is in the beans. The service and food quality of el Burrito Loco has deteriorated considerably over the past several years. When EBL was a small back kitchen operation where the Blue Door is now located it was a place to go for a great Mexican meal. Owners were very humble. I get the impression it's not the case. Definitely not worth it in my opinion.

• The Blue Canoe A restaurant located at the Irving gas station on the TCH en route to Oromocto. Excellent prices, good value for dollar, hot fresh food. The kind of trucker's stick to your ribs meal you crave.

• The Blue Door [27] Voted best chef in Fredericton according to Where magazine (2005). Featuring an amazing, delicious and diverse menu, it's busy every day and evening of the week. Calling and reserving ahead is always a good idea. Recognized for great service (Multiple servers nominated for Above & Beyond Awards) and considered one of the more 'hip' places to go for dinner, or simply for a great wine selection, or a couple of tasty martinis. 100 Regent Street, 506 455-2583

• The Terrace Dining Room at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, 659 Queen Street, 506 455 3371. A wonderful restaurant in the summertime due in part to its wonderful deck looking out over the river. Friday night usually has a nice prime rib special/buffet. Saturday night is the tour of the world where the chefs of the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel try their skills cooking wonderful dishes from around the world. Worth checking out!

• The Snooty Fox, 66 Regent Street, 506 474 1199. A wonderful on a Friday night. Be sure to call ahead and reserve a table, it can get very busy. Be advised a reservation is no guarantee of a table on a busy night.

--The ROASTED VEGETARIAN SANDWICH is darn good, and inexpensive. Some great beers. Some other veggie options, especially at lunch.

• Dimitri's has really good Greek food! The prices are very reasonable. 349 King Street, 506.452.8882

--Last I looked there was a vegetarian moussaka, and of course the usual hummos, salads, etc. SUPER VEGGIE PITA!!!

• Pano's Souvlaki & Donair 1111 Regent Street, 506.459.8687

--Fewer veggie options than most Greek restaurants, but the veggie stir fry served on french fries is a guilty pleasure.

• The Palate Restaurant & Cafe [28] 462 Queen Street 506.450.7911

• Mexicali Rosa's [29] 546 King Street 506 451-0686 Best nachos in Frederiton (although there are Mexi's in different cities and provinces). Don't miss Margarita Monday's!

--The vegetarian fajitas are not particularly authentic, but they are tasty and the veggies are plentiful. Not the worst choice if you are on the road and could really use a meal that incorporates a lot of vegetables.

• Luna Pizza Best Pizza in Fredericton! 168 Dundonald Street, 506.455.4020

--Best pizza in Fredericton is not saying much. They are pretty good if you order a whole pie, but the slices can be disappointing.

• Fadi's Pizza 312 Main St. 454-9888 BETTER PIZZA--good quality and tasty. The fatoush salad is great! Authentic, very garlicky, large portion, and possibly VEGAN.

• Coffee & Friends 415 King Street 506.455.4554

• The Happy Baker 520 King Street, Carleton Place, 506.454.7200

--Lunch only. Their soups are good and there is generally a vegetarian choice. Some of the sandwiches are veggie.

• Oscar's Bar & Bistro, 958 Prospect Street, +1 506-455-6014, [30]. Oyster and wine bar. See website for menu & specials. Happy Hour & Free Tapas on Friday. Live Jazz band on Sat nite.

• Bruno's [31] Upscale seafood restaurant. In the Delta hotel, 225 Woodstock Road, 506-451-7935.

• The Diplomat 24-hour family restaurant with breakfast and a Chinese buffet. 253 Woodstock Road (next to the Delta), 506-454-2400.

• Frank's Finer Diner [32] 50s-themed diner specializing in fish and chips. 86 Main Street, 506-459-0707.

--This diner is very good. Known for their famous Fish & Chips and great Pies. They are located on Main Street on the northside of Fredericton. The chocolate cake with boiled icing is a real treat.

• Caribbean Flavas [33] Brightly-coloured dining room serving fantastic Caribbean food, with very friendly service. It's not cheap, but well worth the price. Plenty of vegetarian options too. Voted New Brunswick’s best restaurant for 2006 by the visitors to Diningpick.com.

[edit] Other listings:

• Misu -- Brookside Mall (drive around to the back entrance)

--One of Fredericton's better Chinese Restaurants. They will sometimes make tofu if you ask nicely, they have some, and they are not busy. They have a nasty tendency to slip ground pork into your vegetarian food, so be explicit and vigilant.

• Meis -- Downtown, Regent Street

--Authentic Chinese Restaurant. Under new management, but the menu hasn't changed. They make their own tofu and offer many vegetarian dishes. Many of their meat dishes can be made vegetarian if you ask (like the potstickers). --in this VEGETARIAN's opinion, the food is hardly "authentic Chinese" and the options are limited. There are, however, many worse restaurants in Fredericton.

• Asian Beef Noodle

--update as of spring 2007: this restaurant has improved a lot. There is now tasty vegerarian fare available: a respectable pad thai, tofu curry, some noodles. A good addition to the scene.

• Most major fast food chains can be found on Prospect Street on the south side and Main Street on the north side.

Jack's Restaurant & Bar coming soon! Karaoke on Tuesday nights!

[edit] Drink

• Dolan's Irish Pub, 349 King Street, (506) 454-7474
• Snooty Fox, 66 Regent Street, (506) 474 1199
• Jame's Joyce Irish Pub, 659 Queen Street, (506) 450-9820
• Jester's Court
• Lunar Rogue [34].
• The Cannon's Cross 15 Riverside Drive, (506) 455-1201.
• The Capital [35]
• The Cellar [36]

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Hostel

• Hostel Fredericton 621 Churchill Row, +1 506 450-4417, [37].

[edit] Hotel

• Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel [38] 659 Queen Street (506) 455-3371

• Delta Fredericton [39] 225 Woodstock Road, (506) 457-7000

• Fredericton Inn [40] 1315 Regent Street, (506) 455-1430

• Prospect Inn 1600 Woodstock Rd, (506) 450-9911

• UNB Hotel [41] 20 Bailey Drive, UNB Campus (506) 453-4800

Offers reasonable rates for both tourists & students. Walk-ins welcome!

• 'Wandlyn Inn' [42] 958 Prospect Street (506)462-4444 Toll-Free Reservations: 1-800-561-0000

[edit] Bed and Breakfast

• Carriage House Inn 230 University Avenue, (506) 452-9924

[edit] Get out

• Woodstock. About an hour by car to the north-west.
• Miramichi. To the north-east.
• Moncton. To the south-east.
• Edmundston. To the north-west.
• Quebec. To the north-west.
• St. Andrews. To the south-west.
• United States. To the south-west.
• Saint John. Due south.
• Marysville. A historic mill town.
• King's Landing [43] Historical Settlement outside Fredericton north on the Trans-Canada Highway. King's Landing is a 300 acre (121-hectare) outdoor living history museum. The Landing recreates the sights, sounds and feel of rural New Brunswick in the 1800’s. Staff, with authentically reproduced costumes work in the homes, shops, school, church, and theatre. Enjoy vintage dining, and unique gifts all in the spectacular backdrop if the St. John River valley. Kings Landing was the winner of Attractions Canada Top International Attraction Award in 1999.