FrederictonOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Indigenous Lands to Acadian Settlement

Fredericton's history spans 12,000 years, with archaeological evidence of Indigenous camps in the area. The Wolastoqiyik people, also known as Maliseet, farmed along the Saint John River for centuries. Their village, Aucpaque, was a few miles north of the present-day city.

European presence began in the late 17th century. French colonists built Fort Nashwaak in 1692 on the north side of the Saint John River, at the mouth of the Nashwaak River. This fort served as the capital of Acadia for a short period. In 1732, Acadians, having left British-controlled Nova Scotia, established a settlement called Pointe-Sainte-Anne (Ste. Anne's Point) on the south side of the river. This settlement was destroyed in 1758 during the Expulsion of the Acadians by the British in the St. John River Campaign.

Loyalist Arrival and Capital Status

Fredericton's modern history began in 1783 with the arrival of United Empire Loyalists from New England, who were leaving the American Revolution. These Loyalists settled at Ste. Anne's Point. In 1784, New Brunswick became a separate colony from Nova Scotia. Fredericton was chosen as the capital over Saint John due to its defensible position further inland. On April 25, 1785, Governor Thomas Carleton renamed the settlement "Fredericstown" in honor of Prince Frederick, Duke of York, the second son of King George III. The name was shortened to Fredericton. The city was incorporated in 1848.

As the capital, Fredericton attracted institutions. The New Brunswick Legislative Building was constructed in 1790; the current building dates to 1882 after the original was destroyed by fire in 1880. King's College, now the University of New Brunswick, was founded in 1785, making it the first English-language university in Canada. Christ Church Cathedral, an example of Gothic Revival architecture, was built between 1845 and 1853, serving as the seat of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton.

• —Officers' Square — This National Historic Site was a parade ground and social area for the British military garrison from 1784 to 1869. It hosts outdoor events, and the old guard house remains.
• —Loyalist Monument — This monument near the Saint John River commemorates the arrival of the United Empire Loyalists in 1783, who established Fredericton as the provincial capital.
• —Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick — The building, completed in 1882, houses the provincial legislature. Its architecture reflects the role of government in the city. Public galleries are available for tours.
• —Historic Courthouse — This stone building, constructed in the mid-19th century, served as a judicial center. Its classical design shows Fredericton's role as a legal and administrative hub.
• —Military Barracks — Part of the Historic Garrison District, these barracks show the city's past as a British garrison town from 1784 to 1869. The compound includes buildings that housed soldiers.
• —Christ Church Cathedral — Consecrated in 1853, this Gothic Revival cathedral is an architectural landmark, modeled after St. Mary's Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, England. It has stonework and stained-glass windows.
• —Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge — Formerly a railway bridge, this structure is now for pedestrians and cyclists, crossing the Saint John River and connecting the north and south sides of the city.
• —University of New Brunswick (UNB) — Established in 1785 as the Academy of Liberal Arts and Sciences, UNB is the oldest English-language university in Canada. Sir Howard Douglas Hall is a historic building on campus.
• —Garrison District — This National Historic Site includes historic buildings, such as the Officer's House, and shows Fredericton's military heritage. It contains shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The period for warm-weather activities in Fredericton is from late June to early September. During these months, average daily high temperatures are above 19°C (67°F), with July averaging 25.7°C (77°F). This weather is suitable for exploring the city and attending outdoor festivals. Fall, from September to November, offers mild weather, though temperatures decrease.

Winter, from December to March, is cold and snowy. January is the coldest month, averaging -13.8°C (9°F). While suitable for winter sports, many outdoor attractions are less accessible, and daylight hours are shorter. Precipitation is highest in November and October. The period from late June to early September is recommended for visitors seeking outdoor activities.

Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is 14 km from downtown. Car rental services are available from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National. Taxis cost around $21 to the city center. Maritime Bus offers routes connecting Fredericton to destinations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Downtown Fredericton is walkable or bikeable, with over 100 km of multi-use trails, including the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Fredericton Transit provides public bus services Monday to Saturday, with Sunday service also available. Kings Place is the main interchange point for all bus services, with hourly frequency. Bus fare is $2.25 per direction. Open payment options using debit/credit cards, cellphones, or smartwatches are available for $3.00 a ride. On-street parking and parking garages are available downtown. Brunswick Street and Queen Street are one-way in the downtown core.