We rented a vehicle for this trip and were elated to get a fully loaded 2017 Dodge Journey. This vehicle comes equipped with an easy to use touchscreen navigation system, TV for rear passengers (not that we had any), backup camera, the most comfortable seats and many other cools features. This will make some of the long drives we're going to embark on that much more comfortable.
Our hotel was a 5 minute drive outside of downtown Fredericton situated on the river. We ended up with a river view room. The hotel was recently renovated and was fully equipped with a gym, two pools, restaurants, and easy access to a waterfront trail leading back into downtown. The hotel staff was quite pleasant and Z was even recognized as the guest of the day on our arrival day. For the most part the hotel was quiet except for our second night when a party was taking place on the floor above us.
It was a hot day when we arrived, and despite our exhaustion from the day before and trip over we decided we'd make the most of the rest of the day and go explore downtown. After a tasty lunch at the poolside restaurant, Z starting his daily seafood intake, we went for a walk over to Government House, a 500m walk along the waterfront trail from our hotel. This is the official residence and office of the lieutenant governor of New Brunswick. The mansion was built in 1828 and renovated to modernize in 1996. We had wanted to join a tour but when we arrived the ever friendly elderly visitor centre host informed us there were no tours that days because the guide had the day off after working 6 days straight. Unfortunate, but we decided no problem we'd come back the next day. The next day the same gentleman informed us there would be no morning tours as the lieutenant governor was hosting a foreign diplomat shortly. We thought it strange he didn't know that the afternoon prior but he then said that the schedules are not always made in advance. He did allow us up to the second floor gallery where we could view an artist's rendering of our 23 Prime Ministers. There was a short write up accompanying each portrait that outlined the PM's greatest accomplishment(s) or in some cases their greatest downfall. It was quite fascinating to read.
In downtown we walked around the historic Garrison district. This district houses former soldiers' barracks, a guardhouse and a cell block; buildings which have all been restored and are now home to local artisans studios and galleries. Officers' Square is a park where the city holds outdoor concerts in the summer. We enjoyed a fabulous string trio concert one evening. The city has Canada 150 flags and signs all over; it appears very patriotic here. Everyone we have encountered is very friendly...people actually greeted us as we were walking along the waterfront trail.
The city has a lot of green space and parks. It's quite serene and peaceful here. The houses we've seen so far are like I had envisioned...I'd sum them up as colonial architecture but recognize there are many different styles within. Real estate prices are mind blowingly cheap compared to back home. You can get a really nice 3-4 bedroom home for under $300k. The pace of life appears more relaxed here as well. Fredericton, despite being the province's capital, has a bit of a small town feel to it. We found later in our journey that the city has a height restriction bylaw that does not allow building to be taller than 10 storeys. With a population of only 58,000 that bylaw doesn't seem like it would restrict growth anytime soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment