waking up to fredericton

 

This week Fredericton hosts delegates from across the country for the Travel Media Association of Canada annual conference.  Each day I'm going to be sharing one of my favourite things about my little corner of the world.

It's been nearly 20 years since the last train rattled through Fredericton but the old rail lines continue to live on as a vital part of the capital's daily life.   Crisscrossing the city, they form a substantial part of Fredericton's impressive network of walking and cycling trails including the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge.  Spanning the magnificent St. John River, the 581 metre bridge joins together Fredericton's north and south sides and offers some of the best views of the city.  It's popular throughout the day - and year round - with cyclists, joggers and walkers but I think it's at it's finest early in the morning with the sunrise casting a pink glow on Christ Church Cathedral, the dome of the Legislature and the UNB and St. Thomas campuses on the hill.  

While you're there, be sure to take a stroll along "The Green" to admire some of the city's most stunning public buildings and stately homes. Grab a coffee and your camera and start your day in Fredericton off right!

The old rail lines are not the only part of the city's rail heritage to find new life.  The old York Street station came dangerously close to deteriorating beyond repair but it's recently been refurbished  by Alcool NB Liquor, J.D. Irving, Limited and the Province of New Brunswick.  A new structure was added at the back to house Alcool NB Liquor's retail operation while the original structure was refurbished with a specialty kitchen for tastings, meetings and community events. 380 York St.