Few cities are better or as well situated as Fredericton. It stands on the noble St. John, which here is nearly three quarters of a mile wide. The five older streets and the two newer ones all run parallel with the river. There are shady trees on pleasant streets wherever you go. In the heart of the city you are still in the country. Nature everywhere is so profuse and abundant that it almost shuts out the view of Cathedral Church and Parliament Buildings, and enwraps fountain, statue and river-bank-seat with its wealth of foliage; while in many a shady street the tree branches knock at the house windows for admittance, and place smiling clusters of bloom in the hands of those who throw open the casement in response to the call.
Queen Street is the principal thoroughfare. At its west end is the substantial building known as Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick. Between Queen Street and the river, in a central situation, are the large barracks that were formerly the headquarters of the British army in this province. At the lower end of the street is the handsome Parliament Building, where a small but choice library may be consulted, and from the dome of which building an extensive view may be enjoyed.
Christ Church Cathedral, the recent fire damage to which has been repaired, is patterned after that delightful type of old English church seen in many a quaint parish of the distant motherland. It has a graceful spire and pretty interior, with a beautiful stained glass chancel window presented by the Episcopal Church in the United States.
The substantial building so firmly seated on the southern hills is the University of New Brunswick, the higher education centre of the province. Here there is a geological museum; and from the cupola of the building a wide view may be had of the river and surrounding country.
The glory of Fredericton is the St. John River with its fine scenery and numerous excursions up and down stream; nor must there be forgotten the added pleasure of sailing over the tributary streams such as the Nashwaak, the Nashwaaksis, the Keswick, the Oromocto, the Jemseg, etc.; and of reaching Grand and Washademoak Lakes, and the numerous smaller lakes that are all about.