About Fredericton

“One of the top seven Intelligent Communities in the world.”

For a city of just over 80,000 people, Fredericton packs a big punch for anyone interested in crafts and design. Not only has it been named a Cultural Capital of Canada, it was the first Canadian city to offer free wireless internet access throughout its downtown.

Fredericton began several thousand years ago as a seasonal camp for the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations, then with arrival of Europeans became the Acadian community of St. Anne. The United Empire Loyalists settled here in 1783 but wouldn’t recognize Fredericton today, a city with two universities and two colleges, great shopping and all sorts of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. And it’s the hub of New Brunswick’s high tech industry.

Nestled on the banks of the St. John River, Fredericton is 280 km from Halifax and 1000 km from New York City, only 135 km from St Andrews and the Bay of Fundy and 172 km from the warm beaches of Kouchibouguac National Park.

Fredericton boasts a 70 km trail system, the world-famous Beaverbrook Art Gallery (just steps from the College), and all kinds of entertainment and cultural events throughout the year, including the famous Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

Want to learn more?

The City of Fredericton has an excellent website with comprehensive information and related links to community resources and cultural activity.

Fredericton Arts Alliance publishes a monthly activity update on Fredericton’s vibrant arts and culture community.

Canada’s oldest provincial crafts council provides comprehensive information on New Brunswick crafts.

Downtown Fredericton provides up-to-date information on events and festivals and a local business directory, including pubs and nightclubs, restaurants and cafés, bookstores and boutiques.

New Brunswick’s provincial art gallery is located just down the street from the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design.

Information on New Brunswick’s arts and culture, entertainment, festivals, and sports and recreation, is available on the government’s tourism website.