Ruqayyah Snyder
Saint John, New Brunswick, is a walkable city with a grid system layout, making it easy to find your way around. The cruise port is conveniently located next to the uptown area, with the Saint John cruise port home to two terminals: Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee. From Port Saint John, it's a short walk to the city centre along Lower Water Street.
The city offers extensive indoor walkways, which are especially useful in winter, and an indoor tunnel system (Inside Connection Pedway) that connects various attractions, including City Market, Brunswick Square Mall, Market Square, and the Canada Games Aquatic Centre.
The Reversing Falls, where the St John River meets the Bay of Fundy, is a popular natural attraction within walking distance or accessible by bus, taxi, or trolley. The Bay of Fundy itself features the highest tides in the world, and the extreme tidal range makes it possible to walk on the ocean floor during low tide.
The historic downtown area features Victorian streets, squares, and markets, with antique, arts, and crafts shopping. Notable landmarks include the Loyalist House, one of the few structures that survived the Great Fire of 1877, and the nearby Loyalist Burial Ground. The Saint John City Market, the oldest continuing farmer's market in Canada, is also worth a visit.
For those interested in history, the Carleton Martello Tower, a national historic site, offers insights into military life in the 18th century. The Imperial Theatre, originally opened in 1913, is another architectural gem with a rich history.
With its walkable downtown area, extensive indoor walkways, and nearby natural wonders, Saint John, New Brunswick, offers a range of experiences for visitors to explore on foot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cruise port location | Two main cruise terminals (Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee) in the centre of town; another terminal (Long Wharf) is used when three or more cruise ships are in town |
| Walkability | The city is within walking distance, although there are some steep hills; there is an extensive system of indoor walkways |
| Transportation | Taxis at the docks use fare zones, not meters; there is also a hop-on-hop-off bus with three routes |
| Attractions | Reversing Rapids/Falls, Loyalist Plaza, Loyalist House, Uptown, Saint John City Market, Trinity Church, Imperial Theatre |
What You'll Learn
Reversing Falls Rapids
The Reversing Falls Rapids are a series of rapids on the Saint John River in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The river runs through a narrow gorge before colliding with the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides on the planet. This collision creates whirlpools and white water rapids that flow in both directions. At low tide, the river empties into the bay, causing a series of rapids and whirlpools. As the tide rises, it slows the river current, and when the tide is high enough, it reverses the flow of the river, creating huge waves. This unique phenomenon can be viewed from the Reversing Falls Rapids Lookout Point near the bridge in Fallsview Park, or from Wolastoq Park.
The Reversing Falls have also been an important industrial site for over a century. The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885, which was replaced in 1922 and is currently used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. There was also a foundry and other light industrial operations on the east side of the gorge, while a large pulp mill lies on the west side. The location has been criticised as being one of Saint John's prime tourism sites. During the 1990s, a tourist business offered jet boat rides on the river, but this closed at the end of the 2013 season. More recently, the Reversing Falls has become a popular whitewater kayaking location.
To truly appreciate the Reversing Rapids, it is recommended to view them at low tide, high tide, and slack tide. Slack tide is the period between low and high tide when the water levels of the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River are equal, creating calm waters in the gorge. This is the only time during the tide cycle that boats can safely navigate the rapids. It is also possible to get an up-close view of the rapids by taking a harbour boat tour or a jet boat thrill ride, or by kayaking for more experienced paddlers. For a different perspective, you can take a zip line adventure over the rapids or walk along the Harbour Passage walkway from the City Centre to the Reversing Rapids, which is approximately 4km.
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Saint John's extensive system of indoor walkways
Saint John, New Brunswick, has an extensive system of indoor walkways, known as the Inside Connection, which is especially useful during the winter when icy sea breezes blow in from the Bay of Fundy. The Inside Connection allows visitors to navigate downtown without setting foot outside.
The Inside Connection links several attractions in the city, including the City Market, Brunswick Square Mall, Market Square, the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, and Harbour Station. The walkways are climate-controlled and easy to follow, making it simple to get around the city, even in winter.
In addition to the Inside Connection, Saint John also has an outdoor pedestrian walkway called the Harbour Passage, which runs along the inner harbour. This walkway offers recreational trails for cycling or strolling and provides beautiful views of the port and surrounding area.
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City Market
Saint John City Market, located at 47 Charlotte Street, is the oldest continuously operated farmer's market in Canada, with a charter dating from 1785. The market is housed in a building designed in the Second Empire style and completed in 1876. Its unique interior roof structure resembles an inverted ship's keel, paying tribute to the city's shipping industry.
The market offers a wide variety of local and international delicacies, including fresh produce, crafts, syrups, jams, and other grocery items. It is open Monday through Saturday and its opening hours are marked by the ringing of a bell.
The market is connected to the city's indoor pedway system, allowing visitors to access it from various locations, including the cruise ship terminal and nearby malls. It is within walking distance of the cruise ship docks and other attractions such as Kings Square, a small park with a central fountain.
The market is also known for its local artists and vendors, who offer a range of unique items such as shell jewellery, wood carvings, pottery, and quilting. It is a great place to purchase souvenirs and support local businesses.
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Kings Square
The square is a great place to relax, with benches and a two-storey bandstand in the centre, donated in 1909 by the City Coronet Band as a tribute to King Edward VII. The bandstand was restored in 2013 and still hosts concerts during the summer months.
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Saint John's antique, arts and crafts shopping
Saint John, New Brunswick is a great place to shop for antiques, arts and crafts.
Antiques
The city has a variety of antique shops, including the Cobalt Art Gallery, which is located in a historic building and features a unique collection of art and antiques. Ask Darren to show you the vaults and tell you about the building's history. Other antique shops in the city include Old Ridge Antiques, Macklem House Antiques & Collectibles, and Bored Whale At Antiques Plus.
If you're looking for a specific vintage piece, My City Life, located in the Brunswick Square Shopping Centre, might be worth a visit. They have a wide variety of items, including wooden furniture, glassware, and elegant lamps. They also have a special display room for their Uranium glass collection, which is illuminated by blacklights and creates a remarkable fluorescent effect.
Arts
Saint John is home to many art galleries and studios, showcasing both established and emerging artists. The Handworks Gallery, established in 1992, is a premiere local artisan showcase and storefront, representing over 100 Atlantic Canadian artists practicing a wide variety of disciplines. The gallery features artwork in different mediums, making it a great place to find memorable gifts or additions to your home.
Other notable art galleries in the city include the Trinity Galleries, known for their beautiful and fascinating paintings, and the Spicer Merrifield Gallery, located in the heart of Uptown Saint John. The Fundy Gallery of Art and the New Artisan Studio are also worth a visit.
Crafts
For craft supplies and stores, Michaels Arts & Crafts is a good option, located on McAllister Drive. There are also several speciality shops in the city, including The Urban Shoe Myth, known for its designer shoes, and The Butcher's Daughter Gift Shoppe, located inside the Saint John City Market.
The Queen Square Farmers Market is another great place to explore, offering fresh produce, excellent fish, delicious food, and great coffee. It's also dog-friendly and provides a nice walk around the square.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the city of Saint John is within walking distance from the cruise ship terminals. The terminals are located in the centre of town, with the main ones being the Marco Polo terminal and the Diamond Jubilee Terminal, just two blocks apart. There is also the Long Wharf terminal further into the harbour.
The Reversing Rapids (or Falls) is a famous natural attraction in Saint John, about a 2-mile walk from the cruise terminals. The Saint John River flows into the Bay of Fundy here, and the resulting tides are the biggest in the world, sometimes causing the river to flow upstream. The Skywalk Experience offers a view of the waters from 110 feet above in a glass-floored observation tower. The Loyalist Plaza, with its museum, sculptures, market stalls and outdoor restaurants, is also a short stroll from the terminals.
Saint John has lots of historic buildings and museums, as well as open-air and indoor markets. It is famed for its antiques, arts and crafts shopping. The Loyalist House, a historic home built in 1810, is worth a visit, as is the Uptown area with its late Victorian buildings, including the Saint John City Market.
