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Coming to Graduation? Here are Seven Must-See Fredericton Destinations

In June of 2017, Fredericton will welcome Yorkville University’s students, faculty, staff and soon-to-be alumni for the biennial graduation ceremony.

Because Yorkville specializes in graduate and bachelor programs with flexible delivery, this may be the first visit many of our students have made to the beautiful capital of New Brunswick.

But while this small city may slide under the radar compared to larger urban centres, Fredericton has an enormous heart, impressive architecture and a relaxed style.  Even better, late June, with its shining days and warm nights is one of the optimal times to appreciate what the locals refer to as “Freddy Beach”, and the surrounding sights.

To get your travel plans off on the right foot, we’ve compiled the following list of the seven most uniquely Fredericton destinations that will thrill Yorkville University’s alumni, and their friends and families.

  1. The Old Train Bridge:

Fredericton’s walking bridge is a former train bridge, built in 1888, which became part of Canada’s National railway system in 1924.  The bridge, spanning the mighty Saint John river, is now reserved exclusively for pedestrians and connects the South side of the city to the North.  A trek across the old train bridge offers incredible views of the city of Fredericton, and if you’re into microbrews or delicious pub fare, you can now pop into the newly refurbished Picaroons Roundhouse, located on the North side.

King’s Landing Historical Settlement is a refurbished town, replete with period actors who will re-create for you what it was like to live close to the land in an old-school New Brunswick community of 100 years ago! Over 70 preserved and restored buildings—many of which are still in use!—make a visit to King’s Landing akin to stepping into a time machine, with chances to see, smell, participate in and sometimes taste what it was like to live in 19th century Canada.

  1. Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

The Beaverbrook gallery was established in 1959, thanks to funding by Maxwell Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook.  The Beaverbrook is New Brunswick’s official provincial art gallery and houses an impressive collection of works of art, including pieces by J.M.W. Turner, Salvador Dali, the Group of Seven, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Christopher Pratt, as well as many pieces by Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Acadian artists.  If Art is your main squeeze, The George Fry Gallery, located at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, a few blocks north on Queen street is handy, as is Gallery 78, one of Fredericton’s best and most well-established private art galleries, located in a stunning Queen Anne Revival mansion.

  1. Botanical Gardens & Odell Park.

The Fredericton Botanical Gardens is located adjacent to Odell park, the city’s centrally located green space.  The gardens offer several different zones, including a forest walk, a rhododendron & azalea area, and a memorial garden for rest or contemplation.  From the Botanical gardens, Odell park is easily accessible and includes a park for kids, a multitude of trails, and even a 400-year-old Hemlock tree, if you need a big hug.

  1. Dunbar Falls.

Dunbar falls is accessible via a beautiful and moderate 1 km hike accessible from the Northside of Fredericton through the Durham Bridge area.  The trail takes hikers up to Dunbar falls, a waterfall that reaches 8 feet, and is the perfect outing for nature-lovers on a sunny early-summer New Brunswick day!

  1. Killarney Lake.

For those who prefer to lounge in the sun or take a leisurely swim, Killarney Lake is the perfect place. With a sandy beach, and a level, lake-side trail, Killarney Lake is just minutes from downtown Fredericton by car. There are basic outhouses, but Killarney Lake is otherwise a little natural oasis close to the urban centre. Take a picnic, go for a swim to cool off, and don’t forget your sunhat.

  1. Boyce Farmer’s Market.

The Boyce market is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s best farmer’s markets—and it’s also one of the oldest!  In the summer months, the farmer’s market spills outdoors, and boasts the freshest local and organic produce, an amazing array of food-cart businesses for snacks on-the-go, and the works of artists and artisans from all over the province, selling quality handmade goods, from folk art to pottery, to jewellery, to hand-crafted dolls and textiles.

 

Contributed by Yolande Clark. Yolande is Yorkville University’s Alumni Relations Officer. In addition to connecting with Yorkville’s amazing alumni, she loves to read and to spend time with her family. To find out more about Yorkville University and its programs click here (http://bit.ly/1nTGLoC)

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