After 25 years of dedicated service as a nurse, my mom finally retired. To celebrate this incredible milestone, my sisters and I planned a trip — our first vacation together as adults. What made it even more special? It was the first time we travelled somewhere together that wasn’t “home” to Jamaica. This journey was a blend of gratitude, celebration, and reconnection, and we found the perfect destination in New Brunswick, Canada.

Family travel isn’t just for young kids. There’s something deeply meaningful about travelling with your parent and siblings as grown-ups — seeing them relax, try new things, and experience life with fresh eyes. Our base for the trip was Fredericton, the capital region of New Brunswick. What we discovered was an ideal mix of history, culture, outdoor fun, and warm Maritime hospitality.

Where We Stayed

We stayed in one of downtown Fredericton’s newest hotels, which opened in late 2018 and is just steps away from restaurants, shops, galleries, and the Historic Garrison District. We booked adjoining rooms, a simple decision that made things so much easier since we were all in each other’s rooms anyway.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Pickle Jar, is a hot spot in the summer, especially the patio. Southside Shake, the onsite gin bar, featured an impressive list of over 80 gins and hosted a Gin & Jazz night every Friday and Saturday. Pro tip: Visitors can get free multi-day parking downtown — just stop by the Visitor Info Centre at 494 Queen Street.

Fredericton is a vibe!

We jumped right into the local scene at Groove in the Garrison, a dance party held every week in Officers’ Square. With music, laughter, and people of all ages dancing under the open sky, it felt like we were part of something truly local and joyous.

We also explored a part of Fredericton’s 120-kilometre trail network along the Wolastoq (Saint John River) and Nashwaak River, which offers scenic routes perfect for walking, running, or biking. Don’t miss the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge at golden hour — the views of downtown Fredericton are breathtaking.

If you’re planning a summer visit, make sure to check out the local festival calendar. We were lucky to catch the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival, the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Think: piping, caber-tossing, Highland dancing, Celtic music, whiskey tasting, and even workshops to learn Gaelic or how to play the bagpipes!

Walking Through History

Fredericton is a flat city, which made it easy for us to explore on foot. From Christ Church Cathedral to cozy cafés and artisan boutiques, everything is within walking distance. We took the free Calithumpians Walking Tour, where costumed guides brought Fredericton’s history and folklore to life. This one-hour tour through the Historic Garrison District and the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick had us smiling the entire way — and it was one of my mom’s favourite experiences.

Paddle Adventures on the Wolastoq

At age 65, my mom kayaked for the first time ever — and she loved it! We spent a peaceful afternoon paddling the Saint John River, one of Canada’s designated heritage rivers. Everyone except me was new to kayaking, but they all wanted to try it. After a quick lesson on how to paddle, we were off.

One of the things that made this experience easy for beginners was that the river was very calm at the time we went, and the views quickly helped everyone overcome their anxiety. Check out Wolastoq Adventures, which recently introduced Sunset Cruises and Traditional Indigenous Tours aboard a 10-passenger pontoon boat. These tours highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Wolastoqey people — a beautiful way to learn and connect with the land and its stories.

Garrison Night Market & Local Eats

One of our favourite outings was the Garrison Night Market, held every Thursday from 4:30 to 9:00 PM in the Historic Garrison District. With over 100 vendors, live music, food trucks, and artisan goods, it was a great way to unwind and discover local makers. We really enjoyed the food vendors, there was a variety of cuisine from Caribbean to Polish, and we even brought home some matcha-covered cashews from one of the stands. We wrapped up the night with the Thursday Summer Concert Series in Officers’ Square.

Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours

One of the most meaningful activities of our trip was a Medicine Walk with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours in Odell Park and the Fredericton Botanic Gardens. Guided by Cecelia Brooks and her son Anthony, we learned about medicinal and edible plants, wild food, and Indigenous history. This was more than just a nature walk — it was a grounding, educational experience that reminded us of the deep connection between people and the land.

We all found something to oooh and aaah over. For me, it was learning about the various mushrooms in the forest in the area. I like foraging for mushrooms, and it was interesting to see some new ones that are not available where I live. My mom really enjoyed the story of the indigenous people’s connection to the land and learning about how to see and identify the differences in trees and shrubs that look almost identical until you turn over the leaves. One of my sisters enjoyed learning about the plants that grow in the forest, and some of them require close observation. My other sister simply enjoyed walking in nature, with the sun shimmering on the leaves of the plants as we walked by. We all went a little gaga at the botanical gardens. What is it about flower gardens that just holds us all in such awe? Photo Credit* Neal White

Living History at Kings Landing

When we were kids, one of the few TV shows I remember us all watching together was The Little House on the Prairie. I think it reminded us of a similar existence in Jamaica in the country. Not quite the prairie, but similar joys and challenges of a rugged paradise. When we arrived at Kings Landing, it was like stepping back in time and into our favourite TV show. This immersive living history museum brought the 1800s to life with heritage homes, costumed interpreters, and the charming bustle of village life. We had a traditional New Brunswick lunch at King’s Head Inn, and visited Gordon House, which commemorates Emancipation Day — the abolition of slavery in British North America on August 1, 1834. The exhibit, developed in partnership with the New Brunswick Black History Society, was both eye-opening and emotionally charged.

Glamping at Bear Island Kingdome

After a few days, it was time to get out of the city and head over to Bear Island, where we glamped in style at Bear Island Kingdome. These luxury domes and cottages offer waterfront views, private docks, and optional add-ons like snowshoes, fondue kits, and projectors for movie nights. If I were to redo this experience, I would plan less so that we had time to use the kayaks, sit outside on the dock with a book, and completely unplug from the rest of the world. There is so much to do nearby that it was a matter of balancing the competing desires to explore as much as possible and soak in the zen of the area.

I’ve done yoga with baby goats before, but never done a hike with goats. It was unexpectedly full of laughter and cuteness overload. We visited Dancing Goat Therapy Farm for LlamAzing Hikes and Llamastay Yoga. Goats, it turns out, are excellent hiking companions. The Burtts Corner countryside with
gorgeous pastures, luscious forests, and views of the Keswick River was just the therapy my mom needed.

After a pleasant start to our day, we were off on an Eco Adventure Tour. We did the Eco Off-Road Adventure Tour with Crabbe Mountain Inn. Initially, we were not going to do this activity, and then we found out that their ATVs are enclosed, so we don’t have to worry about getting too much dust on us or getting soaked if it starts raining. I really enjoyed having someone who knows the area do the driving and sharing their knowledge of the region with us. I was giddy over finding Lobster mushrooms in the wild; I had never seen them up close before. Our guide, Angela, took us through the rugged landscapes of the area, pointing out scenic views, telling stories, and having a picnic lunch. This was a standout day for us. You can also have lunch at the on-site restaurant.

To end our busy day, we went on a sunset sailing tour from Beyond Expectations Sailing, and it was as peaceful as it was scenic. It must be something in the water because every experience was made more wonderful by the amazing hospitality and friendliness of our guides. Everyone went out of their way to make the experience as memorable as possible. Kim and Faye were absolutely phenomenal and very knowledgeable about sailing.

Claudine’s Eatery: A Must-Try Meal

Our most loved food stop was Claudine’s Eatery — a cozy, family-friendly spot serving up East Coast comfort food. The Lobster Benny, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, and breakfast poutines were out of this world. This is the kind of place that makes you feel at home the minute you walk in.

Where else to eat

After almost a week, there were quite a few places that we tried:

Gahan House is a brew house, but go for the food even if you aren’t into beer. The Nachos and the burrito bowls were a hit with the whole group, and I was personally impressed to see they have a gluten-free and vegan menu. I would go back for the gluten-free carrot cake. So good.

Tongue & Groove Bar and Grill. is located at Crabbe Mountain Resort, and is a good option after your ATV excursion

MOCO is a fabulous spot for a celebration. Both the vibe and the food were 10/10

540 Kitchen & Bar. We all loved how vibrant this restaurant is. If possible, call ahead and reserve an indoor spot right by the patio, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

A few more things to do:

1. Odell Park & Fredericton Botanic Garden
This spacious park has flat walking trails perfect for all mobility levels, making it easy for grandparents to join a nature stroll while kids explore the playground and forested paths. The adjacent Botanic Garden offers quiet benches, beautiful floral displays, and spots for a relaxed picnic together.

2. Science East
Engaging for both kids and adults, Science East offers hands-on exhibits in a historic stone building (originally a jail). While the little ones enjoy interactive stations, grandparents can appreciate the history of the building and join in on low-effort, high-interest demonstrations like the Tesla coil or magnetic wall puzzles.

3. Beaverbrook Art Gallery
A perfect spot for a family cultural outing, the gallery blends art appreciation for adults and grandparents with kid-friendly programming. Art lovers can explore classic and contemporary pieces, while the younger ones enjoy hands-on creation spaces and occasional family-focused tours or events.

4. Riverfront Trail & Walking Bridge
This flat, paved trail runs along the scenic Saint John River and is ideal for walking, biking, or using a stroller or mobility aid. Grandparents can enjoy the views from benches or local cafés while others walk the length of the historic Railway Bridge. It’s an easy way to stay active together while enjoying nature.

Bonus Multigenerational Picks:

• Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market: Enjoy breakfast together, browse local crafts, and sample regional produce—ideal for a relaxed Saturday outing.
• Kingswood Entertainment Centre: While younger family members bowl or climb, older ones can relax with a coffee or try mini golf.
• Mactaquac Provincial Park: Ideal for a day trip—bring a picnic, enjoy swimming or fishing, or take a gentle nature walk together.

New Brunswick gave us everything we could have hoped for — and so much more. It was a trip filled with laughter, learning, and lots of firsts. My mom paddled for the first time. We danced in the streets. We hiked with goats and petted llamas. And we grew even closer as a family.

If you’re looking to create new memories with the people who mean the most to you — whether they’re your kids, your parents, or your siblings — consider Fredericton and the surrounding region. It’s a place where all generations can connect, unwind, and explore.

To the woman who raised us, nurtured us, and continue to inspire us — this one was for you, Mom. ❤️