Fredericton

Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is a picturesque city nestled along the Saint John River in the province’s west-central region. Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, Fredericton offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication. The city is home to renowned institutions like the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University, contributing to its reputation as an educational hub. Fredericton’s downtown area boasts historic architecture, art galleries, and a lively market scene, while its extensive network of trails and proximity to natural landscapes make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring its heritage sites, enjoying local festivals, or simply taking in the riverside beauty, Fredericton provides a welcoming and enriching experience for all visitors.​

Public Transit

Fredericton, New Brunswick, offers a comprehensive public transit system operated by the City of Fredericton. Here’s an overview of the services available:​

Regular Bus Service

Fredericton Transit operates 12 fixed routes throughout the city, serving most residential areas. Buses run Monday to Saturday from approximately 6:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with reduced hours on Sundays. Sunday service, introduced in June 2024, operates hourly between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., including Route 200 Crosstown, which connects the north and south sides of the city.

The central hub for most routes is Kings Place in downtown Fredericton. Routes are typically labeled with numbers and directional indicators (e.g., 10N for Carlisle Road North). A typical route has an hourly frequency throughout the day, with more frequent services during peak hours.

Para Transit Service

Para Transit provides specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use regular bus services. Service operates Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance. 

Fares and Payment Options

The standard fare for regular bus service is $3, payable by exact cash, debit, or credit card. Children under 6 ride for free. For Para Transit, the fare is also $3 per ride, with discounted 10-ride tickets available fredericton.ca.​

Schedules and Route Maps

Detailed schedules and route maps are available on the City of Fredericton’s official website. For real-time bus tracking, the MyRide Fredericton app provides live updates on bus locations and arrival times.

Trains & Busses

Public Bus Service

Fredericton Transit is the city’s primary public transit provider, offering 12 fixed bus routes that cover most residential areas. Service operates seven days a week, with buses running Monday to Saturday from approximately 6:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and reduced hours on Sundays. The central hub for most routes is Kings Place in downtown Fredericton. All buses are accessible and provide barrier-free transportation options fredericton.ca.​

Train Service

Fredericton no longer has passenger train service. The city’s former train station, located on York Street, ceased passenger operations in 1962, and freight services were discontinued in 1996. The station building remains as a heritage site.​

Intercity Bus Service

While Fredericton lacks a passenger rail system, it is served by Maritime Bus, which provides intercity bus connections throughout the Maritimes

Roads

Key Roadways and Highways

  • Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 2): The main highway that runs through Fredericton, connecting the city to other major locations in New Brunswick and beyond. It’s the primary route for traveling east-west across the province.

  • Route 105: A key route running through the city, providing access to the north and south sides, and linking Fredericton with nearby towns.

  • Hanwell Road: One of the main arterial roads, connecting Fredericton to the southern areas, including residential neighborhoods and shopping areas.

  • Regent Street: A major road that runs through the downtown area, home to many businesses, government buildings, and local attractions.

Road Network

  • Downtown Fredericton: The city’s core is centered around a well-organized grid of streets. The downtown area is accessible and walkable, with key streets such as Queen Street, King Street, and York Street offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and offices.

  • Residential Areas: Residential streets are well-maintained and connect to major roads like Prospect Street, which offers access to both suburban areas and downtown.

Traffic and Construction

  • Traffic Flow: Fredericton generally has moderate traffic, with peak congestion occurring during rush hours in the morning and late afternoon. The downtown area can experience heavier traffic due to its commercial nature.

  • Road Work: Periodic roadwork and construction projects are common, especially in the summer months, as the city maintains and upgrades its infrastructure.

Cycling and Pedestrian Access

  • Fredericton is bike-friendly, with many streets offering bike lanes. The city also has an extensive network of walking trails, including paths along the St. John River.

Overall, Fredericton’s road network is straightforward and well-connected, making it easy to navigate both in the city and to surrounding areas.

Air

Air Travel in Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton International Airport (YFC), located approximately 13 km southeast of downtown Fredericton, serves as the city’s primary gateway for air travel. The airport has experienced significant growth, with a 25% increase in passenger traffic in 2023 and a 13% rise in 2024, reaching approximately 380,000 passengers.

Airport Facilities

YFC boasts a modern terminal equipped with amenities such as a restaurant and lounge, gift shop, car rental services, and self-service check-in kiosks . The airport is accessible, featuring braille markings, automatic doorways, and ample space for travelers using assistive devices.​

Airlines and Destinations

While YFC does not offer direct international flights, it provides connections to major Canadian hubs, facilitating access to global destinations. The airport’s growth reflects its increasing role in regional connectivity and economic development.

Getting to YFC

The airport is accessible via Route 102 and Route 105, with ample parking available for short- and long-term use. Public transportation options and taxi services are also available for travelers.

Health Care in Fredericton

Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital

The primary healthcare facility in Fredericton is the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, a 315-bed teaching hospital operated by the Horizon Health Network. It offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health services, and specialized treatments such as oncology and rehabilitation. The hospital is affiliated with Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, contributing to medical education and research. 

Horizon Health Network

Fredericton falls under the jurisdiction of the Horizon Health Network, one of two regional health authorities in New Brunswick. Horizon Health Network operates 12 hospitals and 28 health centers/clinics across the central and southern regions of the province, providing a variety of programs and services. It is one of the largest employers in New Brunswick, with approximately 14,000 staff members and over 100 facilities.

Access to Family Physicians

Accessing a family doctor in Fredericton can be challenging, as there is a waitlist for new patients. The Patient Connect NB program is a provincial initiative that matches residents with available family physicians or nurse practitioners on a first-come, first-served basis. As of 2022, approximately 74,000 individuals were awaiting placement. 

Mental Health Services

Mental health services in Fredericton are available through the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, which is located on the same campus as the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. The center provides specialized care for individuals with neurological and complex health conditions, including mental health support. Additionally, the Horizon Health Network offers various mental health programs and services across its facilities.

Health Information Lines

For non-urgent health inquiries, residents can contact 811, the provincial HealthLink service, to speak with a registered nurse. In case of emergencies, 911 should be dialed.

Educate in Fredericton

Fredericton, New Brunswick, offers a comprehensive education system encompassing public schooling and a range of post-secondary institutions.

Public Education

New Brunswick provides free public education from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The province operates a dual system of English and French schools, reflecting its bilingual heritage. In Fredericton, students can attend various elementary, middle, and high schools, including Fredericton High School and Leo Hayes High School, which serve different regions of the city. Education is compulsory from age five to sixteen, with many students continuing to earn their high school diploma.

Post-Secondary Institutions

University of New Brunswick (UNB): Established in 1785, UNB is Canada’s oldest English-language university. The Fredericton campus offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties, including arts, science, engineering, and business. 

St. Thomas University (STU): A liberal arts institution located adjacent to UNB, STU specializes in humanities and social sciences, offering programs in journalism, criminology, and more.

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) – Fredericton Campus: NBCC provides diploma and certificate programs in fields such as business, health, engineering, and information technology. The Fredericton campus is situated on the UNB grounds, allowing students access to shared facilities.​

Eastern College: Located on Prospect Street, Eastern College offers career-focused programs, including a pharmacy lab and a public massage therapy clinic for hands-on training.​

University of Fredericton: An online institution offering degree programs in business and leadership, catering to working professionals seeking flexible learning options.​

Educational Attainment

Fredericton boasts one of the most highly educated populations in Canada, with over 7% of residents holding a master’s degree or higher, surpassing the national average.

THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY

Fredericton, New Brunswick offers a vibrant mix of cultural, outdoor, and family-friendly activities. You can stroll along the scenic trails of the St. John River, explore local history at the Fredericton Region Museum, or catch live performances at the Playhouse. Art lovers will enjoy the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Canadian and international works. Don’t miss the Boyce Farmers Market on Saturdays, a local favorite for fresh produce and handmade goods. With year-round festivals, parks, and a welcoming downtown, Fredericton is full of charm and adventure.

Check out the full range of events and activities at: Fredericton Capital Region

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