Welcome to a Winter Wonderland in Fredericton

A Slow, Soul-Warming Guide to Winter in Freddy

Fredericton shines in every season, but winter brings a special kind of glow, one that invites you to slow down, bundle up, and savour the beauty of the moment. From crisp outdoor adventures to cozy indoor comforts, winter in Freddy is about connection, creativity, and finding joy in the quieter pace. Here’s how to experience the Fredericton Capital Region at its most magical.

FROSTival: Fredericton’s Signature Winter Festival

Winter truly comes alive when Fredericton hosts FROSTival, Atlantic Canada’s largest winter festival. Across three joy-filled weekends, the city leans fully into the season with creativity, community, and celebration.

Glide across the ice at Officer’s Square, wander the ice sculpture trail, catch live music during Shivering Songs, and explore Gallery Hop, where local art offers warmth and inspiration on even the coldest nights. FROSTival is winter — Fredericton style.

Outdoor Winter Adventures in the Fredericton Capital Region

For those who crave fresh air and movement, winter delivers in spades. Head to Crabbe Mountain for downhill skiing and snowboarding, or explore the region’s cross-country ski trails for a quieter, more reflective thrill.

Fat biking adds another layer of adventure, proving winter is anything but idle here. Rent a fat bike from Savage’s Bicycle Centre, Canada’s longest-established bike shop, and explore snow-covered trails. Curious about geocaching? Winter is a great time to give it a try.

At Mactaquac Provincial Park, grab your toboggan and zip down one of the two groomed sliding hills (ranked Top 10 in Canada), skate on the ponds or through the popular forest skate, cross-country ski or snowshoe, or arrive by snowmobile via groomed trails. Stay overnight in a tent or rustic shelter. The hills and skating pond are lit nightly until closing. Call ahead for weather and trail conditions. Snowshoes, sliding tubes, helmets and fat bikes are available for rent at the park (first come, first served).

Dine Around Freddy: Winter Comfort Food at Its Best

Cold days call for good food, and Fredericton’s dining scene shines year-round. Dine Around Freddy, a FROSTival favourite, runs throughout the Fredericton Capital Region.

More than 30 participating restaurants offer curated three-course menus for $45 per person, making it the perfect excuse to linger over comforting flavours and local favourites. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and well worth it.

Sleigh Rides & Romantic Winter Experiences

Winter romance feels timeless in Fredericton. Bundle up for a Sandwith Sleigh Ride through snowy fields, especially magical around Valentine’s Day with special seasonal offerings. Picture an old-fashioned sleigh ride leading you to a cozy cottage in the woods, where hot apple cider, gourmet charcuterie, candlelight, and soft music create an unforgettable winter evening.

Winter Walks & Nature Experiences

Winter invites reflection, and Fredericton offers beautiful ways to wander. Step into the magic of the Calithumpians’ Winter Wonderland, or experience deeper connection through the Wabanaki Tree Spirit Walk.

Guided adventures like Under the Stars Night Hikes and the OG Illumines Night Walk add wonder after dark, while self-guided paths along the North and South Riverfront Trails, Botanical Garden, Killarney, Mactaquac, Hanson Nature Trail, and Gateway Wetlands offer peaceful moments with nature at your own pace.

On Family Day, Kings Landing opens its doors for a free winter walk, inviting visitors to explore the historic village in its snow-covered beauty.

Outdoor Skating in Fredericton

There’s something undeniably joyful about skating outdoors. Officer’s Square remains a winter favourite in the heart of downtown, and Carleton Park has added a skating loop on the northside, while Mactaquac’s Forest Skate offers a truly unique experience gliding beneath the trees in a setting that feels quietly magical.

When conditions allow, pond skating at Mactaquac adds a nostalgic touch to winter days spent outside.

More Winter Culinary Adventures

Start your day with a pancake breakfast at Dumfries Maples during a FROSTival weekend (reservations recommended) or savour the OG Frosty Foodie Experience, where locally sourced ingredients are thoughtfully paired with OG’s sustainably brewed ales.

Indoor Winter Activities & Creative Experiences

When it’s time to head indoors, Fredericton doesn’t slow down. Catch a game, enjoy live music or a theatre performance, drop into an open mic or comedy show, or sign up for a hands-on creative experience–from cocktail classes and needle felting to hand-built pottery mugs. And don’t miss the ever-popular FROSTival Art Battle.

Browse the Fredericton Capital Region calendar for inspiration — there’s always something happening.

Cozy Cafés & Warm Drinks

Warm up from the inside out at Fredericton’s inviting cafés. From rich hot chocolate and expertly brewed coffee to intimate cocktail hideaways, these cozy corners are made for lingering conversations, quiet reflection, and watching winter unfold outside the window.

Winter Getaways & Staycations in Fredericton

Turn your winter visit into a staycation. Mangata Mactaquac, The Hollows, and Water’s Edge offer nature-forward escapes with comfort in mind, while charming downtown accommodations like Quartermain House provide ideal bases for romantic getaways, creative retreats, or slow winter weekends.

Stay a Night & Dinner’s On Us Package

The Stay a Night & Dinner’s On Us package is available at several accommodations across the Fredericton Capital Region until March 31, 2026. It includes $75 in BONUS CASH in Downtown Fredericton or Business Fredericton North dollars to spend during your visit.

Bundle Up, Slow Down, and Discover Fredericton

Fredericton shines in every season, but in winter, its warmth glows even brighter. Bundle up, slow down, and discover your own small-town winter magic.

This post was supported by Fredericton Capital Region; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!