There are many reasons to explore Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada. Saint John is a port city you can experience as a day trip during a cruise or as a road trip destination.
I’m sharing more about the top things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada for your next visit.
Thanks again to New Brunswick Tourism for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, founded in 1785, and it’s currently the second biggest city in New Brunswick.
It’s also the only city on the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides.
Saint John is one of the few cities in the world that’s fully inside a Geopark. Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark in Saint John was the first Geopark in North America.
The Geopark encompasses 965 square miles including the entire city of Saint John and several surrounding communities.
What to Call the Waterfront Area
Most people call the area near the waterfront “downtown” but the locals call it “uptown.”
Downtown is called uptown because the downtown is on a hill.
Admire the Interesting Architecture
In 1877, a massive fire devasted Saint John, destroying 200 acres, 2/3 of the central city.
There are a variety of architectural styles for the buildings in Saint John because they brought in architects and builders from around the world to rebuild the city out of bricks as quickly as possible after the fire.
Venture Beyond the Cruise Port at Saint John
The cruise ship port at Saint John brings in approximately 70-80 cruise ships annually.
There are 80 local independent bars and restaurants within a span of 10 blocks downtown near the cruise ship terminal in Saint John.
You’ll find a lot of diversity in the cuisine representing countries worldwide. Thandi and Italian by Night are both great options for a fantastic meal.
Explore the Saint John City Market
47 Charlotte St, Saint John, NB E2L 2H8, Canada
Fun fact: Saint John City Market is Canada’s oldest continuously running market.
The Saint John City Market was built between 1874 and 1876.
The ceiling of the market looks like the inverted hull of a ship.
Be on the lookout for many Canada-made products including maple syrup.
Did you know that New Brunswick is the third-largest producer of maple syrup in the world?
Why Saint John is Nicknamed the “City of Firsts”
There are many firsts in the city of Saint John.
- 1785- The first incorporated city in Canada
- 1820 – The first chartered bank in Canada, The Bank of New Brunswick
- 1854 – The first steam fog whistle was invented by Robert Foulis.
- 1903 – The first river cable ferry was invented by William Pitt
- 1903- The first Boys and Girls Club founded in Canada
- 1919- The first police union in the world was founded
- 1927 – The first variable-pitch airplane propeller was invented by Wallace Turnball
- 1981 – The first National Historic Streetscape in Canada – Prince William Street
- 2010 – The first Geopark in North America – Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark
Explore the Area 506 Waterfront Container Village
85 Water St, Saint John, NB E2L 0B1, Canada
(Open Seasonally)
The Area 506 Waterfront Container Village is a mixed-use space with food trucks, retail shops, a beer garden, public art, and entertainment.
It’s conveniently located next to the cruise ship terminal for passengers entering or exiting their ship.
Tourists and locals are attracted to the fun and relaxed environment at Area 506.
The three-level patio has great views of the city and the stage below.
Check the calendar for special events and live performances at the Area 506 Waterfront Container Village that align with the cruise ship schedule from late spring to late fall.
The Area 506 Waterfront Container Village features 60-plus shipping containers converted into retail space that showcases New Brunswick goods that make great souvenirs.
Be on the lookout for works by local and international artists in the graffiti alley.
View A Natural Phenomenon – The Reversing Falls
200 Bridge Rd., Saint John, NB
The Revering Falls are one of the 12 Geosites in the region available for public viewing and one of the most popular attractions in Saint John.
The Reserving Falls are a result of the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River colliding.
The phenomenon is caused by the changes in the tide.
Rapids and whirlpools are formed when the river empties into the bay during low tide causing the river current to slow down briefly.
The reversing flow of the river happens gradually as the tides rise in the bay and at peak high tide the rapids form again.
It takes around 12.5 hours for the 28-foot tide cycle. You can check today’s tide times in Saint John here.
Locations to View the Reversing Falls
There are three areas where you can view the Reversing Falls.
- Fallsview Park -100 Fallsview Ave, Saint John, NB E2K 0G8, Canada
- Wolastoq Park – 211 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2K8, Canada
- Reversing Falls Lookout Point – Saint John, NB E2K 5L6, Canada
If you don’t have a vehicle, the Reversing Falls Lookout Point is about a 45-minute walk from downtown.
Reversing Falls Lookout Point is only about 15 minutes from downtown with public transit.
Another option is to book this tour From Saint John: Bay of Fundy Bus Trip for Cruise Passengers.
I’d recommend walking across the Reversing Falls Bridge to enjoy the perspectives from both sides of the river.
A Unique Way to Experience the Reversing Falls
You can experience the Reversing Falls from another perspective during a Reversing Falls Rapids Thrilling Jetboat Tour.
Irving Nature Park
1790 Sand Cove Rd, Saint John, NB E2M 4Z8, Canada
Irving Nature Park is a 600-acre scenic park on the west side of the Bay of Fundy.
It’s a great place to go hiking, view wildlife, and enjoy scenic views at each turn of your drive.
There is a large sandy beach for visitors to enjoy.
The park has several areas where you can pull over and stop that are perfect for picnics or watching wildlife.
Irving Nature Park has eight walking trails that vary in length and you can find a breakdown of all the trails here.
After dark Stargazers are drawn to the Irving Nature Park, an Urban Star Park within city limits designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Stay at the Delta Saint John
39 King Street
This hotel is in a fantastic location in downtown Saint John. It’s within a 15-minute walking distance of the cruise ship terminal, restaurant and bar district, shopping area, and entire uptown.
Our room had a spacious and contemporary feel.
The parking garage is located at 61 Union Street and it’s toward the back of the hotel. You’ll want to park on the sixth floor of the parking garage and then walk through the doors.
When you enter the building, pass by the first elevator and go to the second elevator just after the swimming pool, then go to the hotel lobby.
There are signs along the way pointing you toward the hotel lobby. Bring the parking garage ticket and get it validated at the hotel’s front desk so that you have free parking.
Book the Delta Saint John Hotel Here
Several natural attractions in the area are road trip-worthy. If you don’t have a vehicle, there are several tours you can book.
Fundy National Park
Alba, NB
Funday National Park is only an hour and 10 minutes from downtown Saint John.
St. Martin Sea Caves
St. Martins, NB E5R 1J7, Canada
These sea caves are formed by tides from the Bay of Fundy.
Saint John: Top 10 Highlights and Bay of Fundy Bus Tour
Fundy Trail Parkway
The Fundy Trail Parkway is 19 miles along the Bay of Fundy Coast.
Bay of Fundy Tour by Bus
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
131 Discovery Rd, Hopewell Cape, NB E4H 4Z5, Canada
Hopewell Rocks AdmissionSee incredible sea stack formations and walk on the ocean floor, tide pending.
I loved exploring this park. If we had more time we would’ve taken a guided kayak tour.
Saint John: Bay of Fundy Guided Kayaking Tour with Snack
