Saint John New Brunswick simply may be essentially the most underrated metropolis in Canada. And throughout our two visits, we discovered loads of issues to do in Saint John, that may fully shock you. With historic buildings transformed to stylish espresso outlets and micro brewpubs, native artists organising store downtown, and nature at your fingertips, Saint John has rapidly was one in every of Canada’s coolest cities to go to.
Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John, NB is one in every of Canada’s oldest cities courting again to 1604. Discovered by Samuel de Champlain, it turned a significant hub attributable to its inviting harbour. The metropolis has been having a renaissance this previous decade with Millenials opening companies and artists organising store. If you might be planning an East Coast highway journey, be sure you put Saint John, New Brunswick in your listing. Fundy National Park, situated in southern New Brunswick, is well accessible from Saint John and affords wilderness areas, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. These are the highest sights in Saint John and the most effective day journeys from town.
While the rugged coast of New Brunswick is a significant draw highway tripper, there are many issues to do in Saint John situated within the coronary heart of town. We counsel spending not less than two nights to soak up the power of the city and to discover the nightlife.
1. Reversing Falls
As one native mentioned to us, “The Reversing Falls of Saint John is probably the most overrated attraction in the city, but the science behind it is interesting.” And when you perceive that the Bay of Fundy is so highly effective that it reverses the circulate of the Saint John River twice a day, it’s fairly cool.
We checked it out from two totally different viewpoints. I extremely advocate going to the Reversing Falls Skywalk and Bridge to see it from above.
Saint John itself s situated on the Bay of Fundy creating a singular phenomenon because the Bay of Fundy’s excessive tide collides with the Saint John River. As the tides rise, it overpowers the river reversing the circulate. It’s a cool factor to see the river flowing a method after which smashing towards the tide creating rapids and whirlpools.
2. Market Square
This cool road has stored its historic really feel with eateries and bars inside constructing facades courting again to the 1800s. It has that previous world appeal with a hip fashionable vibe.
Stroll alongside North Market Wharf’s waterfront boardwalk the place you’ll occur upon festivals and music occasions on the outside stage. Pop right into a pub or restaurant and do some procuring. At evening, issues actually kick off with folks bar hopping and outside leisure happening on the waterfront.
Cool reality: The New Brunswick Museum can also be situated at Market Square. It’s Canada’s oldest continuous-running museum!
3. Saint John City Market
City Market is an indoor market in downtown Saint John and it’s excellent to walk by way of to purchase some snacks in your highway journey or for a picnic within the park. Grab some bread and cheese on the pretty market and have a picnic in King’s Square, a vibrant park with a singular design that resembles the British flag and is near native sights just like the Saint John City Market. This is a superb place to finish your stroll after shopping the Saint John Galleries.
4. Kings Square
Established in 1734, King’s Square was named after King George III. There are statues and monuments devoted to nice Canadians and conflict heroes. And it’s located in a stunning setting with park benches and greenery surrounding the primary pavilion, making it the right spot for a day picnic.
5. Barbour’s General Store
Barbour’s General Store is a really cool museum and store that dates again to the 1800s. This is a superb place to begin your tour of Saint John. It was initially inbuilt Northern New Brunswick and delivered to Saint John in 29167.
The Saint John customer’s centre is situated inside the place you may e-book excursions and choose up info on the realm. And get info on touring downtown for the historic walks of Saint John.
6. Historic Walks of Saint John New Brunswick
Saint John is Canada oldest metropolis and the one metropolis situated on the Bay of Fundy. It is full of historical past from the early settlers and an interesting maritime previous.
It is price taking one in every of its historic walks to be taught extra a couple of metropolis that dates again to 1604 when Samuel de Champlain proclaimed the identify St. John. It was one other 25 years earlier than a buying and selling put up was constructed right here.
The space noticed many historic occasions together with the American Revolution the place 14,000 Loyalists settled alongside the St. John River. Today you may hint that historical past alongside the Loyalist Trail, Victorian Stroll, and Prince William Walk.
Each self-guided strolling tour takes about 1.5 hours and is an attention-grabbing strategy to discover the structure and streets of Saint John.
7. Loyalist Trail
Loyalist House – Union Street
Walk the Loyalist Trail all through the downtown core to observe within the footsteps of early settlers. There are indicators all through town that includes plaques and buildings showcasing the historical past of the Americans who settled the realm after the American Revolution. Here you’ll see the loyalist cemetery and picturesque gardens.
Stops on the Loyalist Trail Include:
County Court, King’s Square
City Market
The Old Burial Ground at Sydney Street
Stone Church on Carlton Street
Loyalist House on Union Street
Barbour’s General Store.
8. Historic Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre is a beautiful historic theatre with a connection to Hollywood. Louis B. Mayer (MGM Studios fame) grew up in Saint John and mentored an area businessman by the identify of Walter Golding.
Golding opened the vaudeville theatre attracting the likes of Ethel Barrymore and Harry Houdini. It has just lately been renovated and the historic decor will knock you off your toes. You can take a tour of the theatre, or see a present!
9. Grannan and Germain
This is the best nook in Saint John. Here you’ll discover quirky outlets, artist galleries, and loads of decisions for meals, bars, and pubs. Grab dinner at Italian by Night that serves scrumptious genuine Italian meals after which end off on the comfortable sofas of Port City Royal for cocktails.
10. Downtown Art Galleries
There are loads of artists which have arrange store in Saint John and you may take a gallery tour to see all of them. The folks of Saint John are welcoming and can fortunately invite you in for a chat to speak in regards to the artists and artwork of show.
If you proceed strolling to Princess Street from Grannan, you’ll come to many galleries and workshops. Pop into the historic warehouses and also you’ll discover artists studios showcasing distinctive artistic endeavors.
11. Cape Spencer Lighthouse
Just a brief drive out of town is the Cape Spencer Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself isn’t spectacular, however the view is phenomenal. High cliffs overlook the Bay of Fundy with the lighthouse standing proud on a steep hill reaching 200 toes above the bay.
It’s situated close to Bayshore Beach, if you find yourself there, head right down to the water for a bit of little bit of seashore time.
12. Hiking Trails Irving Nature Park
If you might be in search of issues to do in Saint John outdoor, there are many issues to do close to town. Irving Nature Park has loads of mountaineering trails with lookouts to spectacular views of The Bay of Fundy. With 6 totally different ecosystems, it’s an attention-grabbing hike. We stumbled upon a protracted sandy seashore that we walked hand in hand in solitude and it’s a excellent spot for chicken watching and watching the Bay of Fundy.
13. Sunset at Fort Howe
The greatest place in Saint John for sundown is Fort Howe. Climb to the highest of the hill and watch the solar go down over town with the Trinity Church Steeple entrance and centre.
14. Carlton Martello Tower
Martello Tower dates again to the conflict of 1812. It is only one of 9 remaining Martello Towers in Canada that have been vital forts for protecting watch over the port. It is a nationwide historic web site and value a go to. The construction has been restored with military barracks, jail, and gun powder rooms courting again to 1865.
15. Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park is a sprawling 2,200-acre oasis within the coronary heart of Saint John, New Brunswick. This pure gem affords a various array of landscapes, from dense forests and serene lakes to lush wetlands. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a biking fanatic, or somebody who likes to paddle, Rockwood Park has one thing for everybody.
Families will discover loads of picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great spot for a day trip. Wildlife fanatics can preserve a watch out for deer, numerous chicken species, and fish within the park’s waters. Open year-round, Rockwood Park affords guided excursions and academic packages that cater to guests of all ages, making it a improbable vacation spot for nature pictures and birdwatching.
One of the park’s highlights is the 1.5 km Rockwood Park Trail, excellent for a leisurely stroll to soak within the pure great thing about Saint John. Whether you’re trying to calm down or embark on an out of doors journey, Rockwood Park is a must-visit vacation spot in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Saint John Day Trips
When travelling anyplace in Canada, we advocate having your individual automotive. We booked a automotive rental for our highway journey giving us lots of flexibility. And with low-cost parking throughout the road, we set out every day to discover the sights in and across the metropolis. Most sights are anyplace from 10 minutes to 2-hours away.
Fundy National Park, situated in southern New Brunswick, affords gorgeous wilderness areas, numerous wildlife, and scenic landscapes, making it a must-visit vacation spot.
If you go to Saint John, New Brunswick, listed here are the primary sights you can not miss.
16. Hopewell Rocks
Hopewell Rocks is an ideal day journey from Saint John New Brunswick
The Hopewell Rocks are in all probability essentially the most well-known attraction on all of New Brunswick and with good motive. Located 2 hours from Saint John, they make for a wonderful day journey from town.
These flower pot rocks grace the covers of magazines and journey guides every time one searches for Canadian East Coast Attractions. Every day 100 million tons of water drain from the Bay of Fundy revealing the ocean ground. This is your likelihood to witness the world’s highest tides.
Visitors can stroll for hours alongside the Bay of Fundy taking within the large rock formation uncovered by the tides. Keep a watch on tidal instances to plan your go to. You can stroll across the rocks 3 hours earlier than and three hours after low tide.
We advocate visiting round sundown. Once the solar goes down, most individuals go away and you’ve got all of it to yourselves. There are corporations that supply kayaking round Hopewell Rocks at excessive tide and that is extremely advisable. We kayaked the Three Sisters on the opposite aspect of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia and it was a spotlight of our journey!
17. Fundy National Park
18. Waterfalls
It’s a ravishing drive, however please do get out of the automotive to soak up the stunning waterfalls, bogs, beaver ponds and boardwalks. If you resolve to in a single day within the park, there are a number of choices from tenting to cabin leases, yurts and oTENTiks.
You may also e-book guided walks on the park headquarters to discover the Medicinal forests, seashore explorations and indigenous experiences.
19. Cape Enrage
Cape Enrage is just not solely a beautiful scenic cease on the coast, however it’s also a ravishing drive. Driving by way of the winding roads, we stopped commonly to soak up the views earlier than popping out at a rocky seashore full of Inukshuks.
When the tide is out, the rock led to a large sandbar the place you may stroll out 200 metres alongside the ocean ground.
Just a bit of farther alongside is the Cape Enrage lighthouse sitting atop a towering cliff. Bring a picnic to benefit from the view or have a espresso and snack on the restaurant.
There are additionally some adventures available together with a zipper line and 46-metre (150 foot) rappelling wall. We didn’t know in regards to the mountaineering wall, or we might have undoubtedly equipped for a climb.
20. St. Martins Covered Bridges
Covered Bridge St. Martins
St. Martins is a ravishing historic city that’s not removed from Saint John. While we advocate staying an evening right here, it could possibly simply be carried out as a day journey to see it’s wonderful surroundings together with its 2 lined bridges. New Brunswick is understood for its historic lined bridges. You can discover them scattered all through the province. But there are two situated very near Saint John within the city of St. Martins.
If you time it proper, you may expertise the most effective of the Bay of Fundy at low tide. We went early within the morning to keep away from crowds and site visitors and explored at low tide. The city was quiet and fishing boats sat on dry land ready for the tides to come back in. The ocean ground was uncovered and we walked alongside the rocky seashore spying eagles perched on the pier in search of their prey. Be positive to take a stroll on the paths close to the lighthouse for higher views of the river and bridges.
21. Caves of St Martins
The Caves of St. Martin are additionally to not be missed! St. Martin Caves nearly disappear at excessive tide, however when the water goes out, you may stroll all the best way out to discover inside. These caves are large and spectacular.
The pink cliffs appeal to photographers from world wide to seize these iconic Instagram pictures. Don’t neglect to go across the nook to discover much more caves and cliffs.
And be sure that come again later within the day to see the caves at excessive tide. You’ll be amazed to see how a lot water covers the bottom that you simply walked on hours earlier. You may also e-book kayaking journeys in St. Martins to exit and discover the Bay of Fundy.
22. Fundy Trail Parkway
St. Martins is the gateway to the Fundy Trail. The Fundy Trail Parkway is a 30km (19mile) drive alongside the coast of New Brunswick. At one time, guests may solely see this scenic stretch of shoreline by mountaineering the Fundy Footpath (68 km lengthy). But right this moment anybody can discover the coast by automotive with the choice to get out and hike a number of km to see seashores, gorges and waterfalls.
Hikes vary from 300 (984 toes) metres lengthy to 4.4 km. (2.73 miles) It is among the most scenic drives in Canada with unimaginable views of large sea cliffs. What we love about this drive is that the pace restrict is just 40 km (24mph) and there are a number of pull-offs to soak up the view.
23. Split Rock at Duck Pond Beach
We by no means would have identified of this spot have been it not for Ingrid at Bunkhaus Hostel. We have been looking for a spot to spend dawn and she or he urged Duck Pond Road, simply 40 minutes outdoors town.
While crowds gathered on the cliffs of St. Martins, we had the view of the Cliffs of Simonds all to ourselves. They are simply as spectacular as St. Martins with pink cliffs stretching out to the ocean. The cliffs are situated on a seashore the place you may unfold out a blanket to soak up the view.
24. Alma
Alma is a city situated on the entrance to Fundy National Park and is an enthralling fishing village that’s price spending a while in. It has lots of totally different choices for eating and some locations for lodging.
There are reward outlets and bookstores reminding me a little bit of the small cities situated alongside Route 66. In {the summertime}, this place is buzzing. It is right here which you can seize one other a kind of iconic pictures of fishing boats tied to the pier sitting on dry land ready for the tide to come back in.
25. Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is a pure marvel that boasts a few of the highest tides on this planet. This gorgeous bay is a haven for outside fanatics, providing actions like kayaking, whale watching, and mountaineering. The bay’s wealthy biodiversity contains whales, dolphins, and quite a lot of seabirds, making it a major spot for wildlife remark.
Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Bay of Fundy is widely known for its distinctive pure and cultural heritage. Visitors can discover the bay by way of guided excursions that delve into its fascinating historical past, geology, and wildlife. With quite a few seashores and coves, the Bay of Fundy is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. Whether you’re in search of journey or tranquility, the Bay of Fundy affords an unforgettable expertise in New Brunswick.
Where to Eat in Saint John
Lemongrass & Peppers Pub – Lemongrass had genuine Thai Cuisine that was very satisfying. Located at Market Square you may eat on the patio or inside.
East Coast Bistro – East Coast Bistro is an upscale restaurant that’s excellent for a romantic evening out. We strolled alongside Prince William Street to the inviting diner the place we ate wine and cheese whereas ready for our foremost course. I’ll undoubtedly be consuming there once more.
Saint John Ale House – Located close to Lemongrass at Market Square, Saint John Ale House is one other excellent spot to eat. Its upscale pub fare affords lots of selection with a rotating menu. Like Lemongrass, it has a patio the place you may take within the motion on the boardwalk.
Italian by Night – This was our favorite meal in Saint John. The genuine Italian cuisines made us really feel as if we had stepped into a bit of nook of Italy.
Port City Royal – Port City Royal has an inviting ambiance with uncovered brick and a comfortable leather-based sofa that invitations patrons to combine and mingle. Great for a cocktail after your meal, or you may order meals right here too.
Where to Stay in Saint John
The Hilton Saint John is an effective central location on the water that’s inside strolling distance to all of the downtown sights. Plus, you may by no means go unsuitable with a Hilton. Check out charges and Availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Delta Hotels by Marriott is one other nice location downtown. Just 25 minutes from Saint John Airport within the coronary heart of downtown. The indoor pedway system connects it to Saint John City Market, Brunswick Square Shopping Complex, City Hall, the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, Harbour Station. View it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Saint John, New Brunswick will certainly shock you. Many folks overlook journey to New Brunswick when visiting the East Coast, however there are lots of issues to do in Saint John and the encompassing space.
If you add it to your itinerary, you received’t be disillusioned.
If you ask somebody from Saint John what makes it so particular, the unanimous reply would be the folks. And we agree! The folks of Saint John are the friendliest in Canada and are glad to lend a serving to hand, supply recommendation and simply say hiya within the morning if you are out in your espresso. If you journey to Saint John New Brunswick, you’ll make recollections to final a lifetime.
Plan Your Trip To Canada’s East Coast With These Resources