25 Greatest Issues to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John New Brunswick simply could be probably the most underrated metropolis in Canada. And through 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 shortly changed into considered one of Canada’s coolest cities to go to.

Issues to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John, NB is considered one of Canada’s oldest cities courting again to 1604. Found by Samuel de Champlain, it turned a serious hub resulting from its inviting harbour. Town has been having a renaissance this previous decade with Millenials opening companies and artists organising store. In case you are planning an East Coast street journey, make sure to put Saint John, New Brunswick in your listing. Fundy Nationwide Park, positioned in southern New Brunswick, is well accessible from Saint John and provides wilderness areas, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. These are the highest points of interest in Saint John and the very best day journeys from the town.

Whereas the rugged coast of New Brunswick is a serious draw street tripper, there are many issues to do in Saint John positioned within the coronary heart of the town. We recommend spending no less than two nights to soak up the power of the city and to discover the nightlife.

1. Reversing Falls

As one native stated to us, “The Reversing Falls of Saint John might be probably the most overrated attraction within the metropolis, however the science behind it’s fascinating.” 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 completely different viewpoints. I extremely advocate going to the Reversing Falls Skywalk and Bridge to see it from above.

Saint John itself s positioned on the Bay of Fundy creating a singular phenomenon because the Bay of Fundy’s excessive tide collides with the Saint John River. Because the tides rise, it overpowers the river reversing the circulate. It’s a cool factor to see the river flowing a technique after which smashing towards the tide creating rapids and whirlpools.

2. Market Sq.

This cool avenue has saved its historic really feel with eateries and bars inside constructing facades courting again to the 1800s. It has that previous world allure with a hip trendy 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 purchasing. At night time, issues actually kick off with folks bar hopping and outside leisure happening on the waterfront.

Cool truth: The New Brunswick Museum can also be positioned at Market Sq.. It’s Canada’s oldest continuous-running museum!

3. Saint John Metropolis Market

Metropolis Market is an indoor market in downtown Saint John and it’s good to walk by to purchase some snacks in your street journey or for a picnic within the park. Seize some bread and cheese on the pretty market and have a picnic in King’s Sq., a vibrant park with a singular design that resembles the British flag and is near native points of interest just like the Saint John Metropolis Market. This can be a excellent place to finish your stroll after shopping the Saint John Galleries.

4. Kings Sq.

Established in 1734, King’s Sq. was named after King George III. There are statues and monuments devoted to nice Canadians and warfare heroes. And it’s located in a stunning setting with park benches and greenery surrounding the principle pavilion, making it the right spot for a day picnic.

5. Barbour’s Basic Retailer

Barbour’s Basic Retailer is a really cool museum and store that dates again to the 1800s. This can be a excellent place to begin your tour of Saint John. It was initially in-built Northern New Brunswick and dropped at Saint John in 29167.

The Saint John customer’s centre is positioned inside the place you may e book excursions and decide up info on the world. 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 positioned on the Bay of Fundy. It’s crammed with historical past from the early settlers and a captivating maritime previous.

It’s price taking considered one of its historic walks to study extra a few metropolis that dates again to 1604 when Samuel de Champlain proclaimed the title St. John. It was one other 25 years earlier than a buying and selling publish was constructed right here.

The realm noticed many historic occasions together with the American Revolution the place 14,000 Loyalists settled alongside the St. John River. Right now you may hint that historical past alongside the Loyalist Path, Victorian Stroll, and Prince William Stroll.

Every self-guided strolling tour takes about 1.5 hours and is an fascinating solution to discover the structure and streets of Saint John.

7. Loyalist Path

Stroll the Loyalist Path all through the downtown core to observe within the footsteps of early settlers. There are indicators all through the town that includes plaques and buildings showcasing the historical past of the Individuals who settled the world after the American Revolution. Right here you’ll see the loyalist cemetery and picturesque gardens.

Stops on the Loyalist Path Embrace:

• County Court docket, King’s Sq.
• Metropolis Market
• The Previous Burial Floor at Sydney Road
• Stone Church on Carlton Road
• Loyalist Home on Union Road
• Barbour’s Basic Retailer.

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 title of Walter Golding.

Golding opened the vaudeville theatre attracting the likes of Ethel Barrymore and Harry Houdini. It has lately been renovated and the historic decor will knock you off your toes. You possibly can take a tour of the theatre, or see a present!

9. Grannan and Germain

That is the good nook in Saint John. Right here you’ll discover quirky outlets, artist galleries, and loads of decisions for meals, bars, and pubs. Seize dinner at Italian by Evening that serves scrumptious genuine Italian meals after which end off on the comfortable sofas of Port Metropolis Royal for cocktails.

10. Downtown Artwork Galleries

There are many artists which have arrange store in Saint John and you’ll 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.

For those who proceed strolling to Princess Road 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

Only a quick drive out of the town is the Cape Spencer Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself isn’t spectacular, however the view is phenomenal. Excessive cliffs overlook the Bay of Fundy with the lighthouse standing proud on a steep hill reaching 200 toes above the bay.

It’s positioned close to Bayshore Seashore, if you end up there, head right down to the water for a bit little bit of seashore time.

12. Mountaineering Trails Irving Nature Park

In case you are searching for issues to do in Saint John outdoor, there are many issues to do close to the town. Irving Nature Park has loads of climbing trails with lookouts to spectacular views of The Bay of Fundy. With 6 completely different ecosystems, it’s an fascinating hike. We stumbled upon an extended sandy seashore that we walked hand in hand in solitude and it’s a excellent place for chicken watching and watching the Bay of Fundy.

13. Sundown at Fort Howe

The very best place in Saint John for sundown is Fort Howe. Climb to the highest of the hill and watch the solar go down over the town with the Trinity Church Steeple entrance and centre.

14. Carlton Martello Tower

Martello Tower dates again to the warfare of 1812. It is only one of 9 remaining Martello Towers in Canada that had been vital forts for conserving watch over the port. It’s 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 provides a various array of landscapes, from dense forests and serene lakes to lush wetlands. Whether or not you’re an avid hiker, a biking fanatic, or somebody who likes to paddle, Rockwood Park has one thing for everybody.

Households will discover loads of picnic areas and playgrounds, making it an excellent 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 provides guided excursions and academic packages that cater to guests of all ages, making it a unbelievable vacation spot for nature images and birdwatching.

One of many park’s highlights is the 1.5 km Rockwood Park Path, good for a leisurely stroll to soak within the pure fantastic thing about Saint John. Whether or not you’re trying to loosen up or embark on an outside journey, Rockwood Park is a must-visit vacation spot in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Saint John Day Journeys

When travelling wherever in Canada, we advocate having your personal automobile. We booked a automobile rental for our street journey giving us loads 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 points of interest are wherever from 10 minutes to 2-hours away.

Fundy Nationwide Park, positioned in southern New Brunswick, provides beautiful wilderness areas, various wildlife, and scenic landscapes, making it a must-visit vacation spot.

For those who go to Saint John, New Brunswick, listed here are the principle points of interest you can not miss.

16. Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks are in all probability probably the most well-known attraction on all of New Brunswick and with good purpose. Situated 2 hours from Saint John, they make for a wonderful day journey from the town.

These flower pot rocks grace the covers of magazines and journey guides each time one searches for Canadian East Coast Sights. Each day 100 million tons of water drain from the Bay of Fundy revealing the ocean ground. That is your probability to witness the world’s highest tides. 

Guests can stroll for hours alongside the Bay of Fundy taking within the huge rock formation uncovered by the tides. Keep watch over tidal occasions to plan your go to. You possibly can stroll across the rocks 3 hours earlier than and three hours after low tide.

We advocate visiting round sundown. As soon as the solar goes down, most individuals depart 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 really useful. We kayaked the Three Sisters on the opposite facet of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia and it was a spotlight of our journey!

17. Fundy Nationwide Park

Fundy Nationwide Park is considered one of Canada’s Premier Nationwide Parks Situated between Hopewell Rocks and Saint John, it’s only a 1-hour drive from the town. Spend no less than a day exploring the attractive surroundings and climbing trails of the park. Trails vary from quick 100 metre walks to eight km treks. Learn extra at: The Most Lovely Nationwide Parks in Canada

18. Waterfalls

It’s a stupendous drive, however please do get out of the automobile to soak up the beautiful waterfalls, bogs, beaver ponds and boardwalks. For those who resolve to in a single day within the park, there are a number of choices from tenting to cabin leases, yurts and oTENTiks.

You can even e book guided walks on the park headquarters to discover the Medicinal forests, seashore explorations and indigenous experiences.

19. Cape Enrage

Cape Enrage shouldn’t be solely a beautiful scenic cease on the coast, however additionally it is a stupendous drive. Driving by the winding roads, we stopped commonly to soak up the views earlier than popping out at a rocky seashore crammed with Inukshuks.

When the tide is out, the rock led to an enormous sandbar the place you may stroll out 200 metres alongside the ocean ground.

Just a bit farther alongside is the Cape Enrage lighthouse sitting atop a towering cliff. Convey 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 mountain climbing wall, or we’d have positively equipped for a climb.

20. St. Martins Lined Bridges

St. Martins is a stupendous historic city that isn’t removed from Saint John. Whereas we advocate staying an evening right here, it will possibly simply be performed as a day journey to see it’s wonderful surroundings together with its 2 lined bridges. New Brunswick is thought for its historic lined bridges. Yow will discover them scattered all through the province. However there are two positioned very near Saint John within the city of St. Martins.

For those who time it proper, you may expertise the very best 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 searching for their prey. Make sure you 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 way in which out to discover inside. These caves are huge and spectacular.

The purple cliffs entice photographers from world wide to seize these iconic Instagram photographs. Don’t overlook to go across the nook to discover much more caves and cliffs.

And ensure 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 just walked on hours earlier. You can even e book kayaking journeys in St. Martins to exit and discover the Bay of Fundy.

22. Fundy Path Parkway

St. Martins is the gateway to the Fundy Path. The Fundy Path Parkway is a 30km (19mile) drive alongside the coast of New Brunswick. At one time, guests might solely see this scenic stretch of shoreline by climbing the Fundy Footpath (68 km lengthy). However at present anybody can discover the coast by automobile with the choice to get out and hike a couple 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 without doubt one of the most scenic drives in Canada with unimaginable views of huge sea cliffs. What we love about this drive is that the pace restrict is simply 40 km (24mph) and there are a number of pull-offs to soak up the view.

23. Break up Rock at Duck Pond Seashore

We by no means would have recognized of this spot had been it not for Ingrid at Bunkhaus Hostel. We had been looking for a spot to spend dawn and she or he prompt Duck Pond Street, simply 40 minutes exterior the town.

Whereas crowds gathered on the cliffs of St. Martins, we had the view of the Cliffs of Simonds all to ourselves. They’re simply as spectacular as St. Martins with purple cliffs stretching out to the ocean. The cliffs are positioned on a seashore the place you may unfold out a blanket to soak up the view.

24. Alma

Alma is a city positioned on the entrance to Fundy Nationwide Park and is an enthralling fishing village that’s price spending a while in. It has loads of completely different choices for eating and some locations for lodging.

There are reward outlets and bookstores reminding me a little bit of the small cities positioned alongside Route 66. Within the summertime, this place is buzzing. It’s right here you can seize one other a kind of iconic photographs 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 surprise that boasts among the highest tides on the earth. This beautiful bay is a haven for outside fanatics, providing actions like kayaking, whale watching, and climbing. The bay’s wealthy biodiversity consists of whales, dolphins, and a wide range of seabirds, making it a main spot for wildlife statement.

Acknowledged as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Bay of Fundy is well known for its distinctive pure and cultural heritage. Guests can discover the bay by 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 or not you’re searching for journey or tranquility, the Bay of Fundy provides an unforgettable expertise in New Brunswick.

The place to Eat in Saint John

Lemongrass & Peppers Pub – Lemongrass had genuine Thai Delicacies that was very satisfying. Situated at Market Sq. you may eat on the patio or inside.

East Coast Bistro – East Coast Bistro is an upscale restaurant that’s good for a romantic night time out. We strolled alongside Prince William Road to the inviting diner the place we ate wine and cheese whereas ready for our predominant course. I’ll positively be consuming there once more.

Saint John Ale Home – Situated close to Lemongrass at Market Sq., Saint John Ale Home is one other excellent place to eat. Its upscale pub fare provides loads of alternative with a rotating menu. Like Lemongrass, it has a patio the place you may take within the motion on the boardwalk.

Italian by Evening – This was our favorite meal in Saint John. The genuine Italian cuisines made us really feel as if we had stepped into a bit nook of Italy.

Port Metropolis Royal – Port Metropolis Royal has an inviting ambiance with uncovered brick and a comfortable leather-based sofa that invitations patrons to combine and mingle. Nice for a cocktail after your meal, or you may order meals right here too.

The place to Keep 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 points of interest. Plus, you may by no means go improper with a Hilton. Take a look at charges and Availability on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
• Delta Lodges by Marriott is one other nice location downtown. Simply 25 minutes from Saint John Airport within the coronary heart of downtown. The indoor pedway system connects it to  Saint John Metropolis Market, Brunswick Sq. Buying Advanced, Metropolis Corridor, the Canada Video games Aquatic Centre, Harbour Station. View it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

Saint John, New Brunswick will certainly shock you. Many individuals overlook journey to New Brunswick when visiting the East Coast, however there are lots of issues to do in Saint John and the encircling space.

For those who add it to your itinerary, you gained’t be disenchanted.

For those who 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 blissful to lend a serving to hand, provide recommendation and simply say whats up within the morning while you’re out in your espresso. For those who journey to Saint John New Brunswick, you’ll make reminiscences to final a lifetime.