25 Best Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John New Brunswick simply may be essentially the most underrated metropolis in Canada. And through our two visits, we discovered loads of issues to do in Saint John, that may utterly shock you. With historic buildings transformed to stylish espresso retailers and micro brewpubs, native artists establishing store downtown, and nature at your fingertips, Saint John has rapidly 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 relationship again to 1604. Found by Samuel de Champlain, it turned a serious hub attributable to its inviting harbour. Town has been having a renaissance this previous decade with Millenials opening companies and artists establishing store. If you’re planning an East Coast road trip, remember to put Saint John, New Brunswick in your listing. Fundy Nationwide Park, situated 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 town.

Whereas the rugged coast of New Brunswick is a serious draw highway tripper, there are many issues to do in Saint John situated within the coronary heart of town. We advise spending no less than two nights to absorb the vitality 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 essentially the most overrated attraction within the metropolis, however the science behind it’s attention-grabbing.” And when you perceive that the Bay of Fundy is so highly effective that it reverses the circulation of the Saint John River twice a day, it’s fairly cool.

We checked it out from two completely different viewpoints. I extremely suggest 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 novel 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 circulation. It’s a cool factor to see the river flowing a method after which smashing towards the tide creating rapids and whirlpools.

2. Market Sq.

This cool avenue has stored its historic really feel with eateries and bars inside constructing facades relationship again to the 1800s. It has that outdated world allure 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 purchasing. At evening, issues actually kick off with folks bar hopping and outside leisure going down on the waterfront.

Cool truth: The New Brunswick Museum can also be situated 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 excellent to walk by to purchase some snacks in your highway 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 novel design that resembles the British flag and is near native points of interest just like the Saint John Metropolis Market. It is a excellent spot 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 beautiful setting with park benches and greenery surrounding the primary pavilion, making it the proper 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. It is a excellent spot to begin your tour of Saint John. It was initially inbuilt Northern New Brunswick and dropped at Saint John in 29167.

The Saint John customer’s centre is situated inside the place you possibly can e book excursions and choose 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 situated on the Bay of Fundy. It’s crammed with historical past from the early settlers and an enchanting maritime previous.

It’s price taking considered one of its historic walks to be taught 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 submit 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. Immediately you possibly can 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 attention-grabbing technique to discover the structure and streets of Saint John.

7. Loyalist Path

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

Stops on the Loyalist Path Embody:

• County Courtroom, 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 a neighborhood businessman by the title 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 ft. You’ll be able to take a tour of the theatre, or see a present!

9. Grannan and Germain

That is the best nook in Saint John. Right here you’ll discover quirky retailers, artist galleries, and loads of decisions for meals, bars, and pubs. Seize dinner at Italian by Night time 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 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 concerning the artists and artwork of show.

If you happen to 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 artworks.

11. Cape Spencer Lighthouse

Only a brief drive out of 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 ft above the bay.

It’s situated close to Bayshore Seaside, when you find yourself there, head right down to the water for a bit of little bit of seaside time.

12. Climbing Trails Irving Nature Park

If you’re searching for issues to do in Saint John outdoor, there are many issues to do close to 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 attention-grabbing hike. We stumbled upon an extended sandy seaside that we walked hand in hand in solitude and it’s a excellent spot for fowl watching and watching the Bay of Fundy.

13. Sundown at Fort Howe

The perfect 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 warfare of 1812. It is only one of 9 remaining Martello Towers in Canada that have been essential forts for protecting watch over the port. It’s a nationwide historic website and value a go to. The construction has been restored with military barracks, jail, and gun powder rooms relationship 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 a perfect spot for a day trip. Wildlife fans can preserve a watch out for deer, numerous fowl 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 improbable vacation spot for nature pictures and birdwatching.

One of many park’s highlights is the 1.5 km Rockwood Park Path, excellent for a leisurely stroll to soak within the pure great thing about Saint John. Whether or not you’re trying to calm down 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 anyplace in Canada, we suggest having your individual automobile. We booked a automobile rental for our highway journey giving us a number of flexibility. And with low cost parking throughout the road, we set out each day to discover the sights in and across the metropolis. Most points of interest are anyplace from 10 minutes to 2-hours away.

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

If you happen to go to Saint John, New Brunswick, listed below are the primary points of interest you can not miss.

16. Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks are most likely essentially the most well-known attraction on all of New Brunswick and with good motive. Situated 2 hours from Saint John, they make for a superb day journey from town.

These flower pot rocks grace the covers of magazines and journey guides at any time when one searches for Canadian East Coast Points of interest. Daily 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. Control tidal occasions to plan your go to. You’ll be able to stroll across the rocks 3 hours earlier than and three hours after low tide.

We suggest 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 aspect 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 town. Spend no less than a day exploring the gorgeous surroundings and climbing trails of the park. Trails vary from brief 100 metre walks to eight km treks. Learn extra at: The Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada

18. Waterfalls

It’s a phenomenal drive, however please do get out of the automobile to absorb the stunning waterfalls, bogs, beaver ponds and boardwalks. If you happen to determine to in a single day within the park, there are a number of choices from tenting to cabin leases, yurts and oTENTiks.

You may as well e book guided walks on the park headquarters to discover the Medicinal forests, seaside explorations and indigenous experiences.

19. Cape Enrage

Cape Enrage isn’t solely a beautiful scenic cease on the coast, however it is usually a phenomenal drive. Driving by the winding roads, we stopped usually to absorb the views earlier than popping out at a rocky seaside crammed with Inukshuks.

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

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

20. St. Martins Lined Bridges

St. Martins is a phenomenal historic city that isn’t removed from Saint John. Whereas we suggest staying an evening right here, it may possibly simply be achieved 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 could find them scattered all through the province. However there are two situated very near Saint John within the city of St. Martins.

If you happen to time it proper, you possibly can 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 return in. The ocean ground was uncovered and we walked alongside the rocky seaside spying eagles perched on the pier searching for their prey. You should definitely 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 virtually disappear at excessive tide, however when the water goes out, you possibly can stroll all the way in which out to discover inside. These caves are huge and spectacular.

The pink cliffs entice photographers from world wide to seize these iconic Instagram shots. Don’t neglect 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 may as well 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 right this moment anybody can discover the coast by automobile with the choice to get out and hike just a few km to see seashores, gorges and waterfalls.

Hikes vary from 300 (984 ft) metres lengthy to 4.4 km. (2.73 miles) It is among the most scenic drives in Canada with unbelievable views of huge sea cliffs. What we love about this drive is that the pace restrict is barely 40 km (24mph) and there are a number of pull-offs to absorb the view.

23. Break up Rock at Duck Pond Seaside

We by no means would have identified of this spot have been it not for Ingrid at Bunkhaus Hostel. We have been trying to find a spot to spend dawn and she or he recommended Duck Pond Highway, simply 40 minutes outdoors 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 pink cliffs stretching out to the ocean. The cliffs are situated on a seaside the place you possibly can unfold out a blanket to absorb the view.

24. Alma

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

There are gift shops and bookstores reminding me a little bit of the small cities situated alongside Route 66. Within the summertime, this place is buzzing. It’s right here which you can seize one other a type of iconic pictures of fishing boats tied to the pier sitting on dry land ready for the tide to return 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 the earth. This gorgeous bay is a haven for outside fans, providing actions like kayaking, whale watching, and climbing. The bay’s wealthy biodiversity consists of whales, dolphins, and quite a lot of seabirds, making it a main spot for wildlife commentary.

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 in search of 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 possibly can 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 Road to the inviting diner the place we ate wine and cheese whereas ready for our important course. I’ll undoubtedly be consuming there once more.

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

Italian by Night time – 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 Metropolis Royal – Port Metropolis Royal has an inviting environment 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 possibly can 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 possibly can by no means go fallacious with a Hilton. Try charges and Availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Delta Resorts 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. Purchasing Advanced, Metropolis Corridor, the Canada Video games Aquatic Centre, Harbour Station. View it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

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

If you happen to add it to your itinerary, you gained’t be dissatisfied.

If you happen to 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 pleased to lend a serving to hand, supply recommendation and simply say hiya within the morning when you are out in your espresso. If you happen to journey to Saint John New Brunswick, you’ll make recollections to final a lifetime.