FROSTival is one of New Brunswick’s most anticipated winter festivals, and for good reason.  Not only is the list of activities endless, it spans three weekends and has something for every age and ability. Take in world-class musical & theatrical performances, outdoor skating, snow tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, incredible art galleries & craft workshops, pancake breakfasts & morning markets, delicious dining & cozy taprooms all throughout the Fredericton Capital Region. 

Here’s the roundup of our favorite FROSTival experiences in Fredericton, New Brunswick over the years as a family! Be sure to visit the official 2026 FROSTival page for all the details.

FROSTival runs from January 22nd to February 8th 2026.

Spoiler alert: Pancake breakfasts, Forest Skating and Pottery Classes were a hit with the kids!

The FROSTival pancake breakfast at Dumfries Maples feels like one of those slow, happy mornings you wish you could tuck into your pocket and keep forever. The sugar shack is warm and cozy, filled with the comforting smells of wood smoke and fresh pancakes, and the gentle hum of people lingering over plates instead of rushing through their morning. The hosts welcome everyone with genuine kindness, as if you’ve been coming for years even if it’s your first visit. The portions are very generous, and the maple syrup—rich, amber, and impossibly delicious—poured generously, and tasting like the very essence of New Brunswick. Be sure to pick up some maple syrup and butter on your way out, so you can relive the experience at home! Prices 7 – 14$ – Gluten-friendly options available

There’s nothing like a morning at Boyce Farmers Market, sunlight spills across wooden stalls stacked with handmade wares, warm loaves of bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and the air smells faintly of coffee, herbs, and baked goods. People are there to savor, to admire, and bump into old friends, letting the day ease into motion. There’s a simplicity in it all – a return to how things used to be – market basket in hand, choosing something fresh and good to fuel the family for the week ahead. Open Saturdays, 7 to 1pm

Mactaquac Provincial Park turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months, the long shadows from the trees and filtered sunlight make the entire area “picture perfect”. You will love snowshoeing the wide groomed trails, perfect for little ones getting used to walking with snowshoes for the first time. Did you know that Mactaquac Provincial Park offers snowshoe ($15 for 4h or $20 for Full Day), fat bike ($25 for 2h or $40 for 4h) and snow tube rentals ($8.50 for 2H)? This provision is perfect for those looking to try out a new winter sport without the commitment but all are welcome to use the trails with their own gear!

The FROSTival Kilted Skate at Officer’s Square carries a kind of joyful charm that makes winter feel lighter. Skates glide over the ice while kilts sway, and music drifts through the cold air, blending tradition with playfulness in the most effortless way. The sound of bagpipes echoing through the square is an experience that can’t be missed. Young and old are encouraged to wear their kilts, come for a free skate or sit by the fire and enjoy performances by the St. Andrew Pipe Band and Highland Dancers while feasting on haggis burgers, shortbread and hot chocolate. Food prices vary

The pottery class at Megan Billings Pottery  is a cozy, hands-on escape where you don’t just sit quietly and listen to instruction – you join in and feel it with every press of clay under your fingers. In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll play with slabs, learn simple shaping and joining techniques, and start building your own mug while guided gently through each step. The sky is the limit with all the options for patterns and carvings to make your creation completely unique. Your mug is then left in the studio to be fired and glazed before scheduled pickup. $75 per person for the full two hours, materials and instruction included.

There’s always a hum in the air when it’s Dine Around Freddy time in Fredericton, New Brunswick—wandering into a cozy local restaurant, shrugging off your winter coat, and settling in for a chef-crafted three-course meal that feels both special and simple. For 2026, participating eateries across the city are offering these curated dinners at $45 per person, letting you savor Maritime flavors without fuss, as the snow falls outside and friends stay close, lingering over dessert and drinks. It’s one of those experiences that turns a cold night into a warm memory—perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or just treating yourself to flavors you might not otherwise try. Here‘s the full line up of participating restaurants.

An afternoon as a family at Beaverbrook Art Gallery feels like stepping into another time and world together. As you wander through bright galleries admiring familiar favorites and discovering new pieces, from bold Canadian landscapes to surprising contemporary pieces, the kids’ questions and observations turn each turn into a tiny shared adventure.  The pace is unhurried and welcoming—lots of quiet smiles, little bursts of inspiration, and maybe even a spontaneous sketch in the café afterward. Be sure to have a peek at their upcoming exhibits, FROSTival workshops and drop-in classes. $20 adults, $8.50 youth,$40 family (kids under 6 free)

There’s a special kind of joy that happens when skating under the stars at Officers’ Square in downtown Fredericton during FROSTival’s DJ Night Skate — colorful lights shining the path ahead, music pulsing through crisp air, and everyone gliding (or laughing while trying) to beats that turn a chilly night into a carefree party on ice. Best of all, this icy dance party is free to join in 2026, with no admission cost and free skate rentals right on site, so you can focus on letting the music lift your spirits. See the FROSTival event page for all the details!

Thanks for coming along and sharing in our favorite FROSTival moments over the years!

Which one is your favorite, and which did we miss?

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The post FROSTival in Fredericton, New Brunswick first appeared on Reaching Happy.

My husband and I grew up playing outside, from sun up to sun down, through the snowy and the wet seasons, we were outdoors.  He played by the big wide ocean and I played at a little marsh near the river.  When we decided to have children, we knew we wanted them to experience the same wild & free upbringing.  We wanted them to embrace our province’s ever-changing weather and for them to know that life is always better outdoors.  We thought back to how our parents facilitated this all-weather lifestyle and made changes to ensure the outdoors was always appealing and accessible: rubber boots by the door, umbrellas and raincoats hanging close by, baskets for foraging and buckets for critter catching, a bin of mitts and hats…options for layering and shedding layers as needed throughout the day.  We also keep extra layers in the trunk of our vehicle for on-the-go adventures, quick changes for a wade in a stream or foggy stops at the beach. We have found that when our children are able to freely explore their environment with all their senses and without interruption from a parent’s worry of ruined clothing or being too cold or too wet, there’s something inside of them that changes forever.

Their bond with the outside world is forged and they will always return to it for comfort and solace throughout their lives.

When the girls were very young, we quickly realized that investing in quality outdoor gear was crucial.  Kids are hard on their clothes…and trust us, you do not want to spend their entire childhood shopping to replace things that they have outgrown or that did not hold up to the rigors of outdoor play.  We learned early on to invest in well made pieces that “grow” with them and will last more than one child, and more than one season.

Look for lots of room in the body, cuffs that roll up or suspenders that can be lengthened, strong stitching, metal fasteners and easy to wash items.  One brand we stumbled upon and that instantly became a favorite is Fairechild, a women-owned local business which transforms recycled plastic bottles into high-performance adult and kids outerwear. The designs and colors are timeless and the quality is simply unmatched. With waterproof, windproof, breathable rainsuits, pants, coats, hats, mitts and bags to choose from, they have us covered from top to bottom. Finding raingear made without harmful chemicals was very important to us and Fairechild certainly fits the bill:

“Our recycled fabric is both PTFE-free and PFC-free. It’s made of only three elements (oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen), so it poses no health risks.  Fairechild is “OEKO-TEX” certified, a standard that’s higher than government regulations, ensuring the garments are free of harmful chemicals.  We’re also approved by “bluesign”, a sustainability standard that ensures the lifecycle of our products and guarantees the highest level of consumer safety. – Fairechild Website” 

Under our Fairechild outerwear we love to start with merino wool as a base layer as it not only wicks away moisture, it keeps you warm in the cool months and cool in the warm months. Wool releases moisture from its fibers quickly when your body surface is hot and damp, and slows down when it’s cold and dry.  Layer your favorite wool sweaters or fleece on next, along with cozy pants that have lots of flex for movement and a warm pair of wool socks or two.   The more comfortable the clothing, the more enjoyable and carefree your outdoor adventures will be.

An unexpected plus to the Fairechild line is that their products are very lightweight and perfect for throwing in a backpack before an adventure.  There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere with your arms full of heavy raingear as the day has gone from rain to sun.  This gear dries in an instant and folds up small for easy transport.  Once home, everything is machine washable and dryer safe. We throw our gear into the laundry as soon as we get inside, that way it’s ready to go the next time adventure calls.  Are you raising a free-range child?  What’s your favorite all weather gear?

“I’m an advocate for getting outside, an ambassador for puddle jumping, if you will. As a parent, I know that we all want the best for our children. This includes a world with bounties of food, natural resources and access to clean water.” – Tabitha Osler, Fairchild Owner, Designer & Mother 

 “Disclaimer: We were invited to experience Fairechild’s outdoor wear in exchange for our honest review, all comments are our own and based on years of use.”

The post Our Favorite Outdoor Clothing for Kids first appeared on Reaching Happy.

This off-grid oasis was a wonderfully memorable adventure right from the very start.  We quickly unloaded our gear into a wagon that was made available to us, strapped on our snowshoes and set out on the path to our cabin.  There are currently five cabins available and each one offers its own unique charms, landscape and views.  The cabins are set back from the main path and generously spaced from each other, which offered just the privacy we were hoping for.  As soon as we laid eyes on our cabin, we knew we were going to be experiencing something very special. 

Upon entering the cabin, we were greeted with a warm crackling fire and an overall feast for our senses.  Warm and cozy textures were at every turn, from the rugs that lined the floors to the pillows and throws that were always just a short reach away.  Tasha and Corey also supplied the most thoughtfully curated welcome basket that we have ever seen.  We loved looking through all the treats and locally made products, as well as the indigenous art and décor that filled the cabin.

The charming kitchenette was well equipped with a coffee press, drinking water, a cutting board and knife, mugs, a wash basin and soap, popcorn popper, cast iron pan and cooking utensils. To answer everyone’s top question, the modern and spotless outhouse was only a few steps away…just follow the fairy-lights after dark. 

The upstairs loft area housed a double bed lined with high-quality linens and an array of comfortable pillows to suit everyone’s needs.  We brought a bed-roll and sleeping bags for the girls and they easily fit snuggled alongside our bed. The cabin offered solar lights, as well as battery operated lanterns and a flashlight.  There were also several bins tucked away that provided fun board games, coloring books and general supplies.  I enjoyed poring over the wonderful book stack that was provided, the local foraging guide was amazing!

Before coming, we truthfully wondered what challenges we would face being without electricity and plumbing.  Honestly, having the chance of being truly present while performing everyday tasks such as cooking and washing dishes, was actually quite therapeutic. We worked together to stoke the fire, make bread and other stove top meals and then tidy up.  Instead of rushing through our day, we truly had the chance to reconnect and immerse ourselves in the experience at hand.  We played games, read and colored, toasted marshmallows and popped popcorn, went for hikes around the property and enjoyed a fire outside.

We definitely could have stayed tucked away from the world for our entire vacation but we knew the Kingston Peninsula had lots to offer.  Just a few minutes away, we found the beautiful Moss Glen Nature Trail and waterfall, what a powerful sight no matter the season. Elmhurst Outdoors is another gem to discover, we just so happened to visit while the Maple Farm was up and running. We enjoyed the most informative tour and maple taffy sampling.  Gig and Denise also offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing on beautiful groomed trails, during the winter months.

Another option are the charming tours available at the historic 1810 Carter House, which can be followed by a light lunch served in the tea room. The peninsula is also home to the John Fisher Memorial Museum which showcases local historical items with everything from indigenous basket work to tools and articles of clothing from early settlers. If you are looking to grab a bite, you will find drinks and eats for the whole family at Reeds Point Pub. In the summer months, we love to explore the Kingston Farmers’ Market, the selection from local vendors is unmatched in the area – fresh produce, international cuisine and an endless array of creations from local artists.

If you feel like traveling a little further, we highly recommend Crystal Beach.  It’s the perfect spot to play in the sand, take a dip or grab a snack at the canteen.  Be sure to swing by Fullerton Farms Corner Market  for an ice cream on the way by. In the fall, plan a visit to Mackay Apple Orchards and enjoy the most scenic u-pick in the area.  On site you will also find Yip Cider, which offers tours and cider tastings. The very best part of exploring the area is all the hidden gems you will find along the way, the views and vistas are simply unmatched.

With our hearts and bellies full, we were more than happy to settle back in to our cozy cabin at La Belle Cabane. What an incredible hideaway, with even more features and amenities being added every season. We know we simply must return one day soon.  Rumor has it, spring and summer plans include a community herb, mushroom, and vegetable garden, as well as a few adorable piglets, who will join the resident chickens and ducks.   When the time came to leave, we felt different than when we arrived…lungs filled with fresh air, hearts a little bigger, minds a little clearer and love a little stronger.  This location is more than an accommodation, it’s an experience that will leave you and your family feeling brand new.

Enjoy your Stay!

Say HELLO to Tasha and Corey!

The post Visiting Kingston, New Brunswick (Kingston Peninsula) first appeared on Reaching Happy.

We recently spent a long weekend exploring the stunning area surrounding St. Mary’s Bay with our daughters and would love to share our travels with you.  With breathtaking views at every turn, you really can’t go wrong no matter where you find yourself along this coast.  In case you prefer a little planning, I will highlight our favorite family-friendly excursions and discoveries.

Our adventure began in Saint John, New Brunswick where we hopped on the Fundy Rose ferry and arrived in Nova Scotia just two and a half hours later.  A serene drive down the coast found us in the Municipality of Clare.  We were instantly struck by the raw beauty of the coastline, from endless sandy beaches to steep rugged cliffs, this area has the perfect spot for every beach lover. We settled into the Mavillette Beach RV Park and found ourselves just steps away from one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever been on; Mavillette Beach Provincial Park. 

The smooth pale sand stretched out as far as we could see in either direction.  The clear water offered swells that were enjoyed by surfers and wave jumpers all day long. The girls loved walking the beach, playing in the water, creating sand art and beach combing. Best of all, at one end of the beach there were hundreds of sea creature-filled tide pools.  We have never seen so many large red crabs, colorful periwinkles, hermit crabs and sand shrimp. 

 Overlooking the beach there is Snacks on the Shore, a refurbished boat sitting on land, offering take-out style meals, ice-cream and beverages.

After watching a beautiful sunset and a restful sleep listening to the waves crash, we woke ready to explore. We headed to Belliveau Cove for the day with a visit to Ecole Dans L’Anse Resto sur Mer.

This is a must-stop if you are looking for a delicious and unique family dining experience.  The restaurant is found in a refurbished school house that’s filled with character.  The seafood was outstanding and the prices were very reasonable.  Did I mention the view?  It’s not every day you can gaze at a beautiful lighthouse while enjoying your lunch.

We next stepped outside directly behind the restaurant to explore the Belliveau Cove Trail and Lighthouse.  The family-friendly trail follows the coastline for 5 kms, taking you along the beach, past saltwater marshes and to Clare’s first Acadian cemetery.  The trail is teaming with wildlife and plenty of opportunities to beach comb.

We had heard great things about Meteghan Family Park so we made sure to make the stop later that day.  It did not disappoint!  We have never been to such a unique and engaging play park. Most structures are made of wood and offer countless ways to play.  The girls absolutely loved the zip line and giant play nets.

Needing an afternoon pick-me-up, we dropped into the Roadside Diner for a coffee or two.  We decided to try a slice of their homemade pies without realizing we could have all shared ONE slice!  They may possibly have been the best pies we have ever tasted and the portion sizes were unbelievable.  Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Macaroon, Coconut Cream and Blueberry Cheesecake…a definite hit with the kids!

Full of energy, we headed to Smugglers Cove Provincial Park. We were greeted with jaw-dropping views of the cove from above and then discovered stairs that took us down to the heart of the cliffs and caves.  Stories have spread that these caves were used during the prohibition to smuggle rum. 

We didn’t get a chance to look for treasure as the tide was in and the caves were out of reach.  The beautiful beach and unique wave-shaped rocks were just as exciting to explore though!  After a day of adventure we tucked in for the night with our bellies and hearts completely full.

Saturday mornings are for markets and Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market did not disappoint.  We loved having a chance to see what local artists, authors, farmers and bakers had created and best of all, getting to meet a few locals and share some laughs.

We loaded up on fresh plums, blueberries, baked goods and hard cider.  We find visiting local markets in our travels a wonderful way to truly have a “taste” of the area.

 Be sure to drop in to David’s Antiques and say “hello”, we found a beautiful Lucy Maude Montgomery hardcover book AND made a new friend.

We next changed into our rubber boots and met up with Marcel, our guide, for a little lesson in clam digging.  We chased the tides and headed out to the farthest sand bar with our custom clam digging tools and buckets. 

We were taught how to gently pierce the sand and feel for the scrape of metal on shell with our forks.  We loved learning more about the area and local clam digging habits and customs. 

The endless skies and beaches were unbelievable, St. Mary’s Bay is one of the most unique bodies of water we have ever explored. 

Happy and tired from our day’s adventures we dropped by Chez L’ami take-out for little sweet treat before heading back to our RV for the night.  We were happy to feast on delicious soft serve ice cream, chocolate vanilla swirl for the kids and blueberry for us.  Perfect! 

On our last morning, we had a few hours before we needed to be at the docks to catch out ferry home so we decided to stop by Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse for a picnic.  We drove up and were immediately impressed by the beautiful lighthouse and then we took a few steps and took in the expansive views.

The cliffs are something that really can’t be described!  We saw three local artists all at work trying to capture the beauty of this area on their canvases.  We settled on one of the available picnic tables and enjoyed watching the wildflowers dance in the wind and the sounds of the waves crashing as we ate.  We then wandered down the hill to a little wharf tucked into the coast.

The colorful fishing boats bobbed in the water next to the dock and weathered boathouses lined the shore.  What a beautiful way to end our time in the area. 

Thank-you for sharing in our travels and I hope you add Clare/Saint Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia to your travel bucket list, as we know you will NOT be disappointed.

Our trip was sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia and the Municipality of Clare, reviews and opinions are our own.

The post Visiting Clare/St. Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia first appeared on Reaching Happy.

It was in this home that L.M. Montgomery felt most inspired and wrote several of her world famous novels.

The grounds also include a gift shop, walking trail, a beautiful old barn and pastures with views that will take your breath away.

Before exploring the museum we joined “Matthew” and his horse, Molly, for an hour long carriage ride…

through pastoral landscapes…

and along the “Lake of Shining Waters” on red earthed paths.

We were able to enjoy a beautiful stop to explore a private sandy beach…

we ran along its coast and took in the red cliffs while the salty sea air filled our lungs.

To think that Lucy Maud Montgomery walked these same beaches and sought inspiration from these exact views…just incredible.

Once back at the museum we were able to explore the home filled with rooms that L.M. Montgomery had enjoyed throughout her childhood.  Many items from her stories are still in the home…these seemingly simple items inspired her writing and have become cherished the world over. The glass front bookcase which was mentioned in so many “Anne” books is on display and we were tickled pink to be able to peer at our own reflections, just as L.M. Montgomery and Anne did. Her patchwork quilt, wedding dress as well as her hand-coloured and developed photographs are on display also. During our visit, we learned that Lucy was married in this home and we took turns standing in front of the fireplace in the parlour…the exact spot she made her vows. What a beautiful spot to live out all your “Anne” dreams!  If you are in the area, be sure to drop by and visit The Anne of Green Gables Museum and step back in time into the world of L.M Montgomery.

The post Our visit to the Anne of Green Gables Museum ( & Matthew’s Carriage Rides) first appeared on Reaching Happy.

As we strolled along, we were able to meet the “villagers” in their homes or places of work, talk about what was happening in their day and even pitch in and help with tasks and chores. We met mothers and teachers, farmers and a millwright, a blacksmith and a printer,and even storekeepers and carpenters, just to name a few. We helped harvest a garden, boil and dry wool, spin yarn and spool thread.  We helped at the printery, blacksmith shop and sat in on a lesson at school.  All this while strolling through farmland and watching chickens and roosters wander, young cattle, horses, sheep and goats in their fields and even pigs rolling about in their muddy pens.

We highly recommend a stop at The King’s Head  for a refreshing lunch…costumed servers spoiled us with fresh brown bread and butter.  We next hopped on a  horse and wagon ride to travel from one end of  the site to the other, as this village contains 70 historical buildings on over 300 beautiful acres.  We visited a few of the exhibits and had a chance to dress in traditional costumes, this was a huge hit with us all! 

We arrived when the doors opened and left when they closed and still we didn’t see it all!     If you are near New Brunswick’s capital of Fredericton, we highly recommend this gem!  Pictures speak louder than words, so we hope you enjoy a few captures from our day.

We are already planning our next visit!  Have you been to King’s Landing?

-Sue

The post A Visit to King’s Landing Historical Village first appeared on Reaching Happy.

Butterstix Dustless Chalk by Jaq Jaq Bird

Travel Bingo by eeboo

“Water Wow” by Melissa and Doug

“Scratch and Sketch” by Heather Zschock

Twistable Colored Pencils by Crayola

Blink by Mattel Games

Doodle Board by Sunany

“The Sky” Toob by Safari Ltd.

Travel Matching Game by eeboo

Sketchbook by eeboo

Tape Activity Book by Melissa and Doug

Sticker Play Set by Melissa and Doug

Reusable Mini Bags by Jaq Jaq Bird

Wikki Stix by Wikki Stix 

Rummy Cards by eeboo

What are your favorite travel activities?

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The post Travel Activities for Kids first appeared on Reaching Happy.

Our first stop was the beautiful barn.  The girls were greeted by two fabulous Parks Canada hosts who gave them each an explorer’s booklet to complete during their visit.  These little touches really capture the girls attention and they LOVED completing these tasks (we did too!).

Next up, the main attraction…Green Gables!

Pantry and Sewing Room 

Newspaper from 1885.

The girls loved spotting the chamber pots! Heheh

Anne Shirley’s room!

Lots of detail…including her travel bag…and Bonnie the Geranium!

Puffed Sleeves!

Can you see the broken slate?  The girls had a good roar about this!

A trek through the “Haunted Woods”…not so spooky after all!

We spotted some Queen Anne’s Lace on our trek through the many trails on the premises!

And look who we found!  So special!

Although, I am partial to my Annes!

On the way back to our campground we drove past the home in which L.M. Montgomery grew up!

Twin Shores Campground was an amazing spot to settle for our week on Prince Edward Island…the beaches and landscapes were simply breathtaking!

We will definitely be back!  Have you been to P.E.I before??

Sue

The post Green Gables, Prince Edward Island with Kids first appeared on Reaching Happy.