Active Pursuits

Fredericton has expanded its trail system for walkers and bikers; the system now includes some 80km (50 miles) of trails. The centerpiece is undeniably The Green, a 5km (3-mile) path that follows the river from the Delta hotel to near the Princess Margaret Bridge. It's a lovely walk, and passes by most of the city's key sightseeing points: the Old Government House, the downtown area, and open parklands near Waterloo Row.

Connecting with The Green is a well-used pedestrian bridge that crosses an abandoned railroad trestle just east of downtown. From this vantage point, you can get great views of downtown and the surrounding river valley. If you continue, the Nashwaak/Marysville Trail then follows an abandoned rail bed along the attractive Nashwaak River; after about 4km (2 1/2 miles) you can cross the river at Bridge Street and loop back to the pedestrian rail bridge via the 3-mile Gibson Trail.

A number of other trails link up to this network, as well. A free trail guide is available at the information centers, or contact the New Brunswick Trails Council (tel. 800/526-7070), which builds and maintains bridges and trails throughout the system.

Bikes may be rented by the hour or the day until the snow flies at both the Lighthouse Adventure Centre (tel. 506/460-2939), near Regent St. Wharf in the Fredericton Lighthouse, and at Radical Edge, 386 Queen St. (tel. 506/459-3478). Figure about C$20 to C$25 per day or C$5 to C$7.50 per hour for a rental.

Another option for getting on the water is the Small Craft Aquatic Centre, on Woodstock Road (behind the Victoria Health Centre and near the Old Government House; tel. 506/460-2260). It's open daily from the middle of May to early October and rents rowing shells, canoes, and kayaks. Also ask about naturalist-guided tours of the river.

Finally, the Kingswood golf course (tel. 800/423-5969 or 506/443-3333; www.kingswoodpark.com/golf.php) is among the province's finest. It consists of 27 holes, a par-3 course, and a driving range. Greens fees for 18 holes run from C$54 to C$69.