Fredericton recently expanded its trail system for walkers and bikers. The centerpiece of the system is The Green, a 5km (3-mile) pathway that follows the river from the Sheraton hotel to near the Princess Margaret Bridge. It's a lovely walk, and you'll pass the Old Government House , downtown, and the 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'll get wonderful views of the downtown and river valley. If you continue onward, the Nashwaak/Marysville Trail follows an abandoned rail bed along the attractive Nashwaak River; after about 4km (2.5 miles) you can cross the Nashwaak at Bridge Street and loop back to the pedestrian rail-bridge via the Gibson Trail.
A number of other trails link up to this expanding network, which stretches more than 60km (37 miles). A free trail guide brochure is available at the information centers, or contact the New Brunswick Trails Council at tel. 506/459-1931.
Bikes may be rented by the hour or the day at the Fredericton Lighthouse at the Lighthouse Adventure Centre (tel. 506/460-2939) near Regent St. Wharf, or at Radical Edge, 386 Queen St. (tel. 506/459-3478). Rentals are around C$35 (US$28) per day or C$5/US$4 per hour.
The Carleton II (tel. 506/454-2628) offers 1-hour excursions on the river aboard a ship with a capacity of 100 passengers. You'll learn about local history, view the city from the scenic river, and perhaps spot a bald eagle flying along the shoreline. The tours depart several times daily in summer from the wharf near the Fredericton Lighthouse (at the foot of Regent St.). Rates are about C$7 (US$5.60) adults, C$3 (US$2.40) children.
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. Ask also about naturalist-guided tours of the river.
Finally, the Kingswood golf course (tel. 800/423-5969 or 506/443-3333; www.nbgolf.ca/golf.php) was recognized by Golf Digest as the best new Canadian course in 2003. It features 27 holes, a par-3 course, and a double-ended driving range.
