The Historic Garrison District occupies several blocks of downtown Fredericton and preserves much of the military infrastructure left over from the city's long history as a British garrison. Officers' Square, the Guard House, and the old Barracks buildings (now home to the Fredericton Region Museum) form the core of the district. The square itself is a large open green used for events and summer performances.
Walking through the district is free and rewarding. The architecture is mostly mid-19th-century institutional — handsome stone and red brick buildings in an orderly grid that reflects the military mind. In summer, interpreters in period costume give context to the buildings and their history. The riverfront immediately south of the district is part of the city's excellent trail system, with benches and picnic spots looking across the Saint John River.