Fredericton Tourist Attractions
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Fredericton, the capital of the east Canadian province of New Brunswick, is charmingly situated on the lower reaches of the St John's River.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, an Anglican diocesan church, is a remarkable building. It was built in the Neo-Gothic style in the middle of the 19th C. The stained glass and the wooden interior are true works of art. The visitor's attention is also drawn to the gravestone of the first Anglican bishop of Fredericton, constructed in a form not usually found in North America.
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
The collection of Lord Beaverbrook (1879-1964), today forms the backbone of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. On display are works by artists such as Salvador Dali, Botticelli, Gainsborough, Hogarth, Reynolds, and Turner.
Legislative Assembly Building
The venerable building occupied by the New Brunswick legislative assembly was built in the 1880s. The high conference chamber is very beautiful; here visitors can admire portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by the famous artist Joshua Reynolds.The present Legislative Assembly Building in Fredericton has been the seat and symbol of democracy since 1882, when it replaced a building that had been destroyed by fire two years earlier.
Birds of America Engravings
The parliamentary library in Fredericton owns a complete set of copper-plate engravings of the famous "Birds of America" by the Haiti-born American artist John James Audubon (1785-1851).
Military Compound
The park-like area known as the Military Compound lies in the Fredericton town center between Queen Street and the river. At one time the British garrison was stationed here. In more recent years the trappings and equipment of the Canadian army have been moved to a site out of town.The Guard House on Carleton Street, between Queen Street and the bridge, has been reconstructed in the style of the 19th C. It contains quarters for officers and other ranks. Uniforms and military equipment are also on display.
York-Sunbury Museum
The York-Sunbury Museum with its comprehensive collections is housed in an extension to the officers' quarters and provides background information on the history of the region. Of particular interest are the exhibitions dealing with the Indian aboriginals, as well as those collections covering the Victorian period and the story of Fredericton as a garrison town up to and including the First World War.
New Brunswick College of Craft and Design
The New Brunswick Craft School is also in the Military Compound. Here the artists and craftsmen can be watched as they work and examples of their work can be purchased.Some of the areas of study at the school include clay, creative graphics, fashion, jewelry, photography, textiles and more.
University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick was built in 1785, making it the third oldest in Canada. It stands southwest of the St John River on a hill from which there are excellent views. The library and the provincial archives it houses include a number of first editions donated by Lord Beaverbrook, including works by V. Bennett, Charles Dickens and H.G. Wells.
Playhouse
The Playhouse in Fredericton owes its existence to the town's great patron, Lord Beaverbrook. He also financed the first theatrical troupe in the province.The Playhouse offers a variety of performances each year that include not only theatre but also dance and music by groups from across Canada and around the world.
Science East Science Centre
The Science East Science Centre is located in the former York County Jail in Fredericton. Over 100 hands-on exhibits allow visitors to discover science in an entertaining manner. Highlights of the Science Centre include exotic insects, laser beam patterns, infrared camera, and the creation of a mini-tornado.
New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame
At the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in Fredericton, provincial sports heroes and teams are honored through portraits, displays, photographs and memorabilia. In addition to the permanent collection the Sports Hall of Fame also features temporary exhibits with current content.
McAdam - McAdam Railway Station
McAdam Railway Station is a national and provincial historic site that was constructed between at the start of the 20th Century. The combination of Gothic, Baroque and Victorian styles are featured in this three-storey building. Railway artifacts and local crafts are on display, and daily guided tours are available.
W.W. Boyce Farmers' Market
The W.W. Boyce Farmers' Market has been in operation in Fredericton since the early 1950s. Items available at the market include a variety of locally produced commodities including farm products, baked goods, ethnic items and crafts.The market only operates on Saturday mornings and is both a local and tourist attraction.
Fredericton Botanic Garden
The Fredericton Botanic Garden is located on a hillside backed by the old growth forest of Odell Park, with a view across the St. John River valley. This evolving garden will eventually have 12 themed areas.
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Map of Fredericton Attractions
Map - Fredericton
