Fredericton Lighthouse on the Heritage Walking Tour, New Brunswick (Canada).
My first time to the Canadian Maritimes was to Nova Scotia last month, but it’s time to visit another easterly province, New Brunswick. I was greeted at the airport by Heather, a staff member at Tourism New Brunswick, who was surprised that she didn’t know anyone at the airport.
“In a place this size, usually you know half the people here,” she shrugged.
Travel Fredericton, Canada
My first excursion of the day was on a heritage walking tour of downtown Fredericton, both through the Canadian National Historical Site Garrison District (where British troops were garrisoned between 1784 and 1869) and the lovely waterfront along the St. John River.
Our lovely guide, Jenna, was dynamic and was an enthusiastic storyteller: from the partially believable ghost story about the “good soldier” who drowned being “bad” and will now stand guard at the jailhouse for eternity, to the important contribution of Martha Hamm Peters (née Lewis), who was the first woman to attend the Provincial Normal School. She was denied on her first application but accepted in 1849 under these conditions:
- She had to arrive 10 minutes early and leave 10 minutes late.
- She had to be escorted to school by her brother or father.
- She had to be completely covered, including a veil and gloves.
- She couldn’t talk to anyone but the professor.
Of course, she graduated at the top of her class and the next year three more women were accepted into the school. Now that’s girl power.
Joe and I After Inspecting the Guard in Fredericton, New Brunswick (Canada).
Changing of the Guards
Next I was rushed to Officers’ Square, where the re-enacted Changing of the Guard ceremony was taking place. It seems I would be the one inspecting the guards, so I had to be punctual in order to meet Joe, a retired military guy, who would brief me and show me the ropes. Usually, he chooses someone from the crowd to do the job, but I guess I know the right people 
I stood up on the dais and looked out to the soldiers standing erect. I was saluted and then the commander approached me to ask if I would inspect the guards. He even called me ma’am… I agreed, being told that if I said no, they’d all just go home (and I wanted to see the show!).
So off he went to prepare the troops while Joe took me over to them. One by one I inspected their attire as they stood erect and tried to avoid eye contact. I was told I could ask them questions, so I stopped at a young man and asked him his age.
“14, ma’am.” And how long had he been in Fredericton?
“Four years, ma’am.” Good. Now, what is your favourite colour?
He paused, obviously stunned by my question (I used a really serious voice).
“Um, purple, ma’am.”
Delta Fredericton Sunset on my First Night in New Brunswick, Canada.
And with that, I left the poor kid alone, returning to the dais for another salute and a tune by the pipers and drummers. It was all so lovely.
Then it was picture time and the tourists got to approach the young men and women to get their photos taken. Mine was already taken by a tourism staff member and given to me in a framed envelope as a keepsake. Everyone who inspects the guard gets one and I hear I’ll also be getting a personalized thank you letter for participating.
What I Liked:
- The heritage walking tour staff was animated and engaging. She did a great job on her third summer as a guide and was able to tell history in a fun way. These tours are free.
- What’s not to like about being chosen to inspect the guard at the changing of the guards ceremony? It was a surprising treat and I had a blast- supposedly tourism Fredericton receives countless emails from others who have been chosen thanking them for making their day. It’s really a nice touch.
Lori Henry is a freelance Travel & Lifestyle writer based in Vancouver, Canada. She covers Solo Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Wellness & Spas, and Cultural Dance, and is often called "That Cultural Dance Gal."
