Historic Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, will charm you with downtown sights and a cozy city vibe. Spread along the Saint John River within easy drive time of Maine, Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia, this city offers a relaxing introduction to the varied splendors that reward regional visitors.

With a day or more to explore Fredericton, wander the Historic Garrison District in the city's center for a glimpse of local military history. Stop at the York-Sunbury Historical Museum for provincial artifacts and catch a modern marching show at the changing of the guard in Officers' Square during summer months.

When sunny skies set the waters of Saint John River to sparkling, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle up the lazy river for an afternoon, or hike and bike along the recreational trails winding through the area.

Should the wilds of New Brunswick and less traveled reaches of the Saint John River beckon, follow the waterway west to Maine or east to the Bay of Fundy. Whether or not you're stopping at the 19th-century Loyalist village at King's Landing Historical Settlement on your way east, enjoy scenic highway along the river as it winds out of Fredericton in both directions. If you're headed northwest, don't rush past the old covered bridge in Hartland, the waterfall at Grand Falls (when the river runs high) and definitely take a detour through Mt Carleton Provincial Park, one of the province's best kept natural secrets.

Fredericton is 265 miles north of Saint John, with ferry access to Nova Scotia. Fundy National Park is about 450 miles southeast along the Saint John River and 113 miles from Moncton.