16 Greatest Issues To Do In Saint John, New Brunswick

Positioned within the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, Saint John is a captivating metropolis with loads of issues to do. With a thriving arts and tradition scene, nice out of doors surroundings, and a bustling downtown space, Saint John presents one thing for each sort of traveler.

It is without doubt one of the oldest cities in Canada and is residence to over 70,000 individuals. The town of Saint John was based by French settlers in 1604 and is Canada’s oldest ‘integrated metropolis.’ It nonetheless retains many options from that point, corresponding to its outdated structure and historic websites like Fort Howe, which have been preserved for all to get pleasure from.

We had been actually impressed by Saint John throughout our latest highway journey by way of New Brunswick. The town had a actually cool and hip vibe, and the structure in Downtown Saint John particularly, reminded us a little bit of the West Village in New York. With plenty of patios, outlets, and eating places, the world was alive throughout our go to in July. After spending a couple of days within the metropolis, we discovered plenty of issues to do in Saint John to maintain us entertained.

It doesn’t matter what your pursuits are, Saint John has one thing so that you can get pleasure from. We hope this journey information will show you how to plan your journey and profit from your time on this fantastic metropolis. With so many sights and potentialities for day journeys within the surrounding space, just like the Fundy Path Parkway, Saint John could make for a implausible residence base.

Welcome to Saint John

How To Get To Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is positioned on Route 1, also called the Trans-Canada Freeway. It’s simply accessible by automobile, aircraft, ferry, bus or prepare.

By Air

Saint John Airport (YSJ) is positioned simply quarter-hour (by automobile) from downtown and presents common flights from Canadian cities, together with Toronto and Halifax, nevertheless it doesn’t supply direct flights.

Larger Moncton Worldwide Airport (YQM), positioned in Moncton, 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the city (by automobile), is a wonderful choice as, though additional away, it does supply direct flights from cities corresponding to Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

Halifax Stanfield Worldwide Airport (YHZ), positioned in Nova Scotia, is a serious hub for each home and worldwide flights in Atlantic Canada. The airport presents service to many main cities throughout Canada, in addition to direct flights to a number of European and US locations.

By Ship

The Saint John Cruise Terminal welcomes cruise ships by way of the summer time months and presents easy accessibility to downtown. The port can be a well-liked cease for ferries crossing the Bay of Fundy, together with the CAT ferry, which runs between Saint John and Maine, USA.

Port Saint John, New Brunswick. Photograph Credit: Tourism New Brunswick/Port Saint John

By Prepare Or Bus

VIA Rail operates trains to Saint John from Montreal and Halifax. The prepare station, positioned downtown, presents easy accessibility to all town has to supply.

Greyhound Canada operates common buses from cities together with Montreal and Halifax, with the bus station being positioned on the north facet of downtown.

Downtown Saint John
Photograph Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

How To Get Round Saint John

Saint John’s public transportation system is operated by Saint John Transit and contains common bus routes all through town.

On foot: Strolling is an straightforward, free, environmentally pleasant technique to traverse town, significantly downtown, the place most sights are inside strolling distance.

By bike: Saint John additionally presents bike leases by way of Bike Saint John, with varied pick-up and drop-off places all through town. This can be a nice choice for individuals who need to discover extra of town on their very own time and at their very own tempo whereas protecting with the environmentally pleasant strategy.

By Automobile: Saint John additionally presents varied automobile rental choices for individuals who favor to have their very own mode of transportation.

If you’re solely within the metropolis for a couple of days and need to be sure you cowl the highest sights, try the metropolis tour bus for a handy, enjoyable, and informative technique to see the most effective issues to do in Saint John in a day.

Photograph Credit: New Brunswick Tourism/Matt Hewitson
Photograph Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

Greatest Time To Go to Saint John

Saint John is a vibrant metropolis all yr spherical; nonetheless, the most effective time to go to is dependent upon your pursuits and preferences.

The Summer time months (June-August) supply heat climate with a mean excessive of twenty-two °C (72 °F), good for out of doors actions corresponding to exploring the beautiful surroundings alongside the Saint John River, the Bay of Fundy, or climbing in close by Fundy Nationwide Park. That is additionally peak vacationer season, with sights and lodging probably being busier and barely costlier.

The Fall months (September-November) supply nice climate, with a mean excessive of 13 °C (55°F), and the altering leaves make for stunning climbing trails and surroundings.

Winter (December-March) presents the chance to get pleasure from winter sports activities, corresponding to cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing, whereas nonetheless having the ability to discover indoor sights such because the New Brunswick Museum or Imperial Theatre.

Spring (April-Could) is a good time for out of doors actions, with temperatures starting to heat up and flowers blooming all through town. It is usually a much less busy time for vacationers, with potential offers on lodging and sights.

It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to Saint John, there’ll at all times be lots to do and see on this vibrant and charming metropolis.

Greatest Issues To Do In Saint John, New Brunswick

Whether or not you might be visiting for a weekend or per week, Saint John presents loads of actions and sights for guests of all ages. Listed below are our Saint John’s must-see sights:

1. Discover Space 506 Container Village

Space 506 is a inventive haven offering the proper surroundings for locals and vacationers to discover new potentialities. This eclectic area offers locals and guests an incredible alternative to help dozens of distributors and artisans whereas appreciating various artwork kinds.

The transport containers home domestically owned companies on Saint John’s waterfront, making this distinctive spot an city buying vacation spot. The outlets and meals vehicles present guests with scrumptious meals choices along with nice stay music or occasions.

Yearly, this waterfront container village hosts the AREA 506 Pageant over the New Brunswick Day lengthy weekend. Throughout this pageant, you’ll get to browse an enormous, numerous group of distributors, craftspeople, and native artists. Every single day in the course of the pageant, there are stay music performances by a number of totally different acts.

Space 506 Container Village in Saint John
Space 506 Container Village in Saint John
At Space 506 Container Village in Saint John

2. Immerse Your self In Historical past At The Loyalist Home

Loyalist Home is a Nationwide Historic Web site that provides an perception into the lives of American Loyalists who settled in Saint John throughout and after The Revolution.

It options interval furnishings with reveals about native historical past, providing you with new data on this subject whereas additionally shedding mild onto outdated tales from generations previous.

If you’re inquisitive about studying extra about American historical past or Canadian structure, then make sure you add Loyalist Home to your checklist of must-see sights.

3. Go to King’s Sq.

King’s Sq. is a hub for Saint John’s arts, tradition, and heritage. From the Imperial Theatre, which hosts varied performances all year long, to the Farmers’ Market, the place native distributors promote contemporary produce and handmade items, there may be at all times one thing occurring in Kings Sq..

The sq. additionally options historic buildings corresponding to Metropolis Corridor and Trinity Church, making it a must-see vacation spot for historical past buffs.

Kings Sq., Saint John

4. Stroll The Waterfront Boardwalk

Saint John’s boardwalk boasts beautiful views of the Saint John River and harbour space. It presents glimpses into New Brunswick’s pure sources and wealthy historical past courting again centuries earlier than Confederation.

The boardwalk, which was in the midst of a serious renovation mission throughout our go to, options varied eating places, outlets, artwork galleries, and out of doors health gear for individuals who need to train whereas having fun with the gorgeous views of the harbour and its vibrant fishing boats. It’s going to be an enormous focus level and attraction within the metropolis, so make sure you spend a while there throughout your go to.

5. Store At Saint John Metropolis Market

The Saint John Metropolis Market is the oldest steady market in Canada, courting again to 1830. Positioned downtown Saint John, this vibrant market presents quite a lot of domestically sourced merchandise, together with produce, crafts, and ready meals.

You don’t need to miss out on scrumptious aromas, together with contemporary merchandise corresponding to meats, bread, and cheeses. It’s an incredible place to select up some souvenirs or seize a chew to eat and pattern some native flavours.

Saint John Metropolis Market
Photograph credit: Vacation spot NB / Lauren Mullaly
Photograph credit: Vacation spot NB / Lauren Mullaly

6. Be a part of A Moosehead Brewery Tour

For these 21 and over, the Moosehead Brewery Tour presents a behind-the-scenes have a look at how considered one of Canada’s largest unbiased breweries operates to create award-winning beers. The tour additionally contains beer tastings, making it the proper cease for craft beer lovers.

Moosehead Brewery. Photograph credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Moosehead Brewery. Photograph credit: New Brunswick Tourism

7. Go On A Prince William Stroll

Positioned within the coronary heart of Saint John, New Brunswick, the Prince William Walkway presents guests attractive views of town and the harbour space. This 4km path winds by way of varied parks and historic websites, together with Rockwood Park, Irving Nature Park, Fort Howe Nationwide Historic Web site, and Carleton Martello Tower Nationwide Historic Web site.

Prince William Avenue itself is a well-liked spot for photographers seeking to seize the gorgeous Saint John skyline. Make sure you convey your digicam alongside on this stroll.

Irving Nature Park
Rockwood Park. Photograph credit: New Brunswick Tourism
The Artwork Warehouse in Prince William Avenue. Photograph Credit: Tourism New Brunswick/Lauren Mullaly
Paris Crew Artwork & Craft Studio close to Prince William Avenue. Photograph Credit: New Bruswick Tourism

8. Go Native At Queen Sq. Farmers Market

Queen Sq. Farmers Market is a seasonal market, open Could by way of October, providing domestically grown produce and handmade items. Positioned within the coronary heart of uptown Saint John, it’s a well-liked spot for locals and guests to seize contemporary groceries or browse distinctive crafts and paintings.

9. Store At Market Sq.

Should you’re on the lookout for a novel buying expertise, you’ll love exploring the native boutiques in Market Sq.. You’ll discover clothes outlets, stunning residence decor, and handmade jewellery. The eating places supply quite a lot of cuisines, from Belgian waffles to Mexican meals.

And for those who’re on the lookout for a spot to loosen up with a cup of tea or a beer, there are many choices to select from. Whether or not you’re seeking to do some critical buying or simply window buying, you’ll discover what you’re on the lookout for on this vibrant group.

10. Irving Nature Park

Positioned simply exterior of Saint John, on the sting of the Bay of Fundy, Irving Nature Park presents 600 acres of woods with eight strolling trails and recreation areas. The park presents breathtaking views of the ocean and probabilities to see wildlife like seals, whales, and bald eagles.

Take a stroll alongside the boardwalk, study concerning the park’s six totally different ecosystems, and get a 360° view of the rugged Bay of Fundy shoreline from Lookout Tower.

The park options loads of amenities, together with accessible washrooms, barbecues, a kids’s forest with two cedar hedge mazes and a playground. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a spot to loosen up or an journey, Irving Nature Park is certain to have one thing for everybody.

It’s a pure magnificence and a must-see vacation spot for anybody who needs to get open air and discover Saint John past town centre.

Mispec Seashore, Irving Nature Park Saint John. Photograph Credit: Tourism New Brunswick/Aaron McKenzie Fraser
Irving Nature Park

11. Reversing Falls

Reversing Falls is considered one of Saint John’s hottest sights, providing the distinctive expertise of seeing nature battle towards the tides of the Bay of Fundy.

These sequence of rapids and tiny waterfalls could be seen from the Reversing Falls Bridge or, even higher, on a jet boat tour the place you’ll be able to expertise them up shut.

The tides within the Bay of Fundy are a number of the strongest on this planet, and twice a day, they alter route. Because the tide is available in, it pushes towards the Saint John River stream and creates highly effective rapids often known as Reversing Falls.

Don’t count on a large waterfall however a sequence of attention-grabbing rapids. The view from above is unquestionably value it!

Reversing Falls, Saint John

12. Fort Howe Nationwide Historic Web site

Fort Howe is a delegated nationwide historic website positioned within the metropolis of Saint John, New Brunswick. Through the American Revolution, the British constructed the fort in 1777 to defend town from the American rebels.

At present, the fort is open to the general public and is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. Guests can discover the fort’s many buildings, together with the barracks, powder journal, and guardhouse. The fort additionally has a museum that shows artifacts from its lengthy historical past.

Fort Howe is a vital a part of New Brunswick Saint John’s historical past and is a must-see for anybody visiting town.

13. Bay Shore Seashore

Bay Shore Seashore is a gorgeous seaside positioned simply exterior of Saint John, providing beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy and a picturesque lengthy sandy seaside.

The seaside is well-liked for swimming in the summertime months and exploring the tidal swimming pools at low tide. It’s additionally a well-liked spot for birdwatching, with varied species typically noticed alongside the shoreline.

14. Take a Self-Guided Historic Strolling Tour

Historical past buffs have their selection of strolling excursions that take you thru the historical past and landmarks distinctive to this metropolis. The Loyalist Path and the Victorian Stroll are full of attention-grabbing historical past and interesting tales about Saint John’s early settlers, plus they’re completely free! Customer Info Centres throughout Saint John have Historic Strolling Excursions brochures, or you’ll be able to obtain an digital model.

15. Browse the Artwork Galleries on Princess Avenue

Take a stroll down Princess road and pop into the numerous outlets and artwork galleries. You’ll additionally come throughout bookstores, cafes, and extra brewpubs as you get nearer to the Saint John River, the place Princess Avenue results in AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village. The Saint John Theatre Firm can be positioned on Princess Avenue, the place you’ll be able to catch quite a lot of stay music performances and performs.

Housed in a historic constructing courting again to 1878, Cobalt Artwork Gallery options quite a lot of work, drawings, prints, and sculptures created by Canadian and worldwide artists. The gathering holdings emphasize artwork of the Atlantic area and Inuit sculpture.

Trinity Galleries options two ranges of lovely gallery area that show works by artists from the Maritimes, New York Metropolis, and Rome. Topics embrace landscapes, cityscapes, coastlines, wildlife, and summary and surrealism.

16. Go to Dominion Park Seashore

Positioned on Saint John’s west facet, Dominion Park offers locals and guests with handy entry to the river. You may swim, discover the climbing trails, go mountaineering, and join a zipper line tour with Timbertop, an aerial journey park positioned in Dominion.

Dominion Park is a year-round vacation spot, and a well-liked spot for ice fishing in the course of the winter months. Whereas guests have entry to the water all year long, lifeguards are solely on responsibility in the course of the summer time months.

Greatest Eating places In Saint John

There are not any shortages of scrumptious eating choices in Saint John. Whether or not you merely need a fast chew to eat or a extra upscale eating expertise, listed below are some top-rated eating places within the metropolis.

Slocum And Ferris

Slocum and Ferris is a fast-casual eatery positioned within the Saint John Metropolis Market. Based in 1895, it is without doubt one of the oldest institutions out there and has grow to be a well-liked vacation spot for breakfast, lunch, and brunch.

The menu is eclectic, taking inspiration from road distributors and meals vehicles around the globe. Along with quite a lot of made-from-scratch baked items, the menu options breakfast objects, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

The Saturday morning brunch menu is very well-liked, with dishes corresponding to combined berry French toast and conventional breakfast objects. Slocum and Ferris is a handy cease for market-goers on the lookout for a fast meal or snack.

Backyard Grove Cafe

Backyard Grove Café is a neighborhood favorite for a lot of causes. They satisfaction themselves on utilizing solely the freshest, domestically sourced substances in all of their dishes. However what actually units them aside is their dedication to the group they serve.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a scrumptious meal or only a pleasant face, you’ll at all times discover it at Backyard Grove Café.

Backyard Grove Cafe. Photograph Credit: Tourism New Brunswick/Matt Hewitson
Backyard Grove Cafe. Photograph Credit: Tourism New Brunswick/Matt Hewitson

Italian By Evening

This city Italian restaurant presents a novel eating expertise within the coronary heart of Saint John’s uptown. Italian by Evening menu options traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist and an intensive wine checklist.

Their out of doors patio is a well-liked spot within the hotter months, and their cozy ambiance makes it the proper vacation spot for date nights or particular events.

Italian by night time. Photograph Credit: Tourism New Brunswick/Cashmere and Cocktails

Thandi Restaurant

Look no additional than Thandi’s for those who’re on the lookout for a scrumptious, flavourful meal that may tantalize your style buds. This family-owned restaurant presents a fusion of East and West flavours that’s certain to please even probably the most discerning palate.

The menu includes a mouth-watering choice of steaks, seafood, hen, and genuine Indian curries, all of that are ready with the utmost care and a spotlight to element.

And since the house owners have intensive expertise in Indian cooking, they’re capable of supply “made-to-order” dishes that enable prospects to decide on precisely how they need their curry ready.

VEGolution

VEGolution is a enjoyable combination of culinary and luxury meals accomplished vegetarian fashion. A wide range of contemporary, to-go objects is offered of their TOGO fridge for individuals who can not dine in or are on the lookout for a fast and wholesome meal or snack.

Whether or not you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply seeking to incorporate extra greens into your weight-reduction plan, VEGolution is the proper spot for you.

The place To Keep In Saint John

Saint John has quite a lot of lodging choices, from cozy mattress and breakfasts to luxurious motels. Listed below are some top-rated locations to remain.

Delta Saint John By Mariott

Throughout our go to to Saint John, we stayed on the Delta Saint John by Marriott. Positioned on the waterfront, this lodge presents beautiful views and comfy rooms with trendy facilities. Its location within the coronary heart of uptown presents handy strolling entry to buying, eating, and sights. The lodge additionally options an indoor pool, health centre, and on-site eating at The Sushi Bar.

We liked the lodge’s handy location within the coronary heart of town and appreciated Marriott’s steady dedication to sustainable initiatives throughout their properties.

Delta lodge view, Saint John
Our room on the Delta Lodge Downtown Saint John

Different Beneficial Inns In Saint John

Château Saint John Lodge & Suites

Château Saint John – Lodge & Suites is the proper selection for vacationers who’re on the lookout for an opulent and handy keep in Saint John, New Brunswick. The lodge is positioned downtown, throughout from Harbour Station enviornment, and near well-liked sights just like the Metropolis Market.

They provide elegant lodging that mix the most effective of yesterday and in the present day with distinctive décor that pays tribute to Saint John’s lengthy and storied historical past because the oldest integrated metropolis in Canada.

The visitors can get pleasure from trendy facilities like free WiFi and a health heart, in addition to top-notch service from the pleasant and useful employees. Whether or not you’re on the town for enterprise or pleasure, they’re assured that you’ll have an satisfying and memorable keep at ChâteauSaint John.

Mahogany Manor

In search of a comfortable and intimate mattress and breakfast expertise? Look no additional than Mahogany Manor. This Victorian residence, in-built 1882, presents a soothing ambiance with its stunning gardens and stylish décor.

Every room is exclusive and options vintage furnishings, non-public loos, air con, and free WiFi entry.

A scrumptious selfmade breakfast is served each morning, with choices to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request. The pleasant and educated hosts are comfortable to supply suggestions for issues to do and see within the metropolis as nicely.

Earle of Leinster B&B

Domestically owned and operated, this 11-room B&B is conveniently positioned inside a brief strolling distance from King Sq. and a number of other different sights in downtown Saint John. The Leinster B&B is housed in a historic residence – one of many first constructed after the good fireplace of 1877.

Company can select Victorian fashion, nation fashion, or up to date lodging, every with non-public loos. Residence-style lodging are additionally out there, that includes fully-equipped kitchens.

Scorching breakfasts are served every day in a comfortable eating area and could be made gluten-free and vegan.