Welcome to New Brunswick’s capital city!
Fredericton, underneath the 2024 solar eclipse’s path of totality, sits in a scenic river valley spot along the Saint John River which flows south and into the Bay of Fundy at the city of Saint John.
Credit: Hemmings House/Tourism New Brunswick
The city is totally ready for being under the 2024 solar eclipse’s path of totality. They have a downtown festival prepared in their riverfront parks and streets, other events around town, and much to see and do outside of astronomy.
The Solar Eclipse in Fredericton
2024 Solar Eclipse: April 8, 2024
Eclipse Begins: 3:21 PM/Total eclipse: 4:33:50 PM ADT
EclipseFest Fredericton & Other Viewing Areas in the City
EclipseFest Fredericton is the official festival for this rare astronomical event. The festival runs from Saturday to Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse event. EclipseFest will feature exhibits and presentations, a special show and more at the Science East Science Centre, theatre presentations, kids’ activities, and food trucks set up through downtown Fredericton.
- Find the EclipseFest celebrations downtown near the riverbanks and Queen Street. Nearby are trails which lead alongside the river and to the Government House, Wilmot Park, or the Carleton Street River Lookout.
- Leave the city and see parts of rural New Brunswick on your way to the year-round Mactaquac Provincial Park west of the city. Follow the Eagle Trail to explore the river’s shores, or the Pond Trails on the other side of the highway.
- Carleton Park, or the trails between the Railway Bridge and downtown, are all excellent places for a quick getaway from the downtown crowds.
Top sights to see in Fredericton
Many of the cool things to see in Fredericton will be close to the EclipseFest events. Beyond downtown Fredericton, there are many reasons to get out on the New Brunswick highways and explore.
- Take a self-guided walking tour around downtown Fredericton to view the incredible historical architecture of places like the University of New Brunswick, the School Days Museum, Old Government House, the Legislative Assembly, Officers’ Square Provincial Heritage Place or City Hall.
- Travel a short drive east of Fredericton to visit the New Brunswick Military History Museum and the Fort Hughes Military Blockhouse in Oromocto.
- Take a drive along River Valley Scenic Drive.
- It is spring and hence, sweet water season! Head to Dumfries Maples Sugar Bush, located 35 minutes outside Fredericton, for a traditional sugarbush experience!
Fredericton’s Best Hiking & Cycling Trails
One of Fredericton’s top hiking areas is also one of the city’s top attractions: the Botanical Gardens offer visitors over 10km of hiking trails within the city. But also nearby are riverside trails, Mactaquac Provincial Park, and several other smaller parks.
- Begin a walk at Carleton Park and the Alexander Gibson Memorial. From here, the riverside trail leads as far west as downtown.
- The local Botanic Garden is open all year-round and may have some early spring sprouts by April 5-6. The garden is a great place for a walk, with looping and forested Creekside trails.
- Follow the Fredericton and New Brunswick section of the Trans Canada hiking trail with a trip to Oromocto. There is a 5.5km section which follows alongside the Saint John River.
Hotel Ideas in Fredericton for April 5-8, 2024
Hotels, cabins, and resorts around Fredericton are booking up quickly for April 5-8, 2024, but there are still a number of great options available. Choose between adorable B&Bs, cottages and hotels outside of Fredericton, or downtown hotels near EclipseFest.
- Radisson Kingswood Hotel & Suites are offering a Bed & Breakfast package with vouchers for breakfasts or a Pet Package where pets stay for no extra charge.
- The By The River B&B has a variety of room options for solar eclipse weekend in Fredericton. This accommodation is walking distance from the EclipseFest fun. They offer a romance package, a girl’s getaway, and a spa day package.
- The Strong Timbers B&B, south of the city, have a few different room options for their riverside rooms.
- Find a cottage outside of the city! These Airbnb options will bring your stay to areas outside of Fredericton overlooking the rivers or lakes.
Dining in Fredericton
Fortunately for anyone visiting Fredericton for EclipseFest and the 2024 Solar Eclipse, many of the city’s top restaurants are in downtown near the festivities. Many others are a short walk away, while others take you further toward the outskirts of the city.
- For casual takeout: enjoy international cuisine through Fredericton’s local spots like Dimitri’s Greek Restaurant, the Sun Prince Chinese Restaurant, Shere Punjab Kitchen, or Yassou Souvlaki & Donair.
- For upscale dining: find the 540 restaurants in three different locations for premium seafood, and other great gourmet eats. They operate the 540 Kitchen & Bar, The Lighthouse, and 540 North.
- For coffee or breakfast: Claudine’s Eatery is a perfect choice for Caesars and brunch; the Cinnamon Café is a great choice for vegan food options; and the Coffee Mill Restaurant is a good choice for anyone in search of a hearty meal.
- For market-fresh foods: stock up from many local markets open the weekend before the Eclipse: Fredericton Boyce Farmer’s Market, The Northside Creators Market, New Maryland Market, Food Market at the Ex, and the Gagetown Farmers Market.