Queen Elizabeth II is guided by New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord as she arrives in Fredericton, N.B. on Friday. Queen Elizabeth II is a twelve-day Golden Jubilee tour of Canada. Photo: Andrew Vaughan/CP

After a late night gala in Toronto, the Queen arrived in Fredericton on Friday looking fresh, smiling as she greeted well-wishers bearing flowers and monarchy memorabilia.

Arriving by motorcade at Fredericton's Old Government House for her official welcome to the province — the eighth day of her Golden Jubilee tour to Canada — the Queen was greeted by New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord and his wife, Diane.

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Wearing a striking red dress with matching red hat, she then headed to the saluting base with Prince Philip and the Lords in tow.

She was saluted not once, but twice by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, R.C.A. (The Loyal Company) band.

This is the first time the military band has been paraded for the Queen.

She was also welcomed by a full guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. The province wanted to celebrate the Queen's rich history in the Canadian military.

The Queen has been Colonel-in-Chief of a number of military regiments and thus was the first female member of the Royal Family to serve in the military.

Laughing and talking with Mr. Lord, the Queen was also introduced to New Brunswick Justice Minister Brad Green, Andy Scott, member of Parliament for Fredericton, several provincial MLAs and Les Hall, the city's mayor.

But the most important part came next, as the Queen began a slow walkabout, chatting with decorated veterans, many who brought royal memorabilia with them. One member of the crowd had a framed picture of the Queen on her coronation day.

The Queen was also able to hear a local Maliseet singer as she stood on the steps of Old Government House.

Earlier Friday, the Queen left Toronto after a busy day on Thursday. She had spent the evening at a gala held by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and featuring everything from ballet to the Tragically Hip.

Fredericton marks the Queen's eighth day of her Golden Jublilee tour across Canada.

Later Thursday, she will attend a reception in honour of the first ten recipients of the newly created Order of New Brunswick.

The order is based on "achievement and furthering of life in New Brunswick."