St. John: Canada's Maritime Gem

Saint John, New Brunswick is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785 during the reign of George III. The city is situated at the mouth of the St. John River, which meets the Bay of Fundy. Saint John has a rich history, dating back to the French colonial era, and was an important centre for trade and defence. It boasts a vibrant culture, stunning natural attractions, and a diverse range of architectural styles.

Saint John is Canada's oldest incorporated city

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest incorporated city. It was established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of King George III. The city was formed by uniting the two communities of Parr Town and Carleton, which sat on either side of the harbour. This union was prompted by the arrival of thousands of refugees from the newly founded United States who wished to remain British following the American Revolution.

Saint John's status as Canada's oldest incorporated city is not without caveats, however. While it may be the oldest incorporated city, it is not the oldest permanent settlement. For example, Cupids in Newfoundland was settled in 1610, and the Spanish settled St. Augustine in Florida in 1565.

Saint John is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy, where the St. John River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The site was visited by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604 and was originally inhabited by the Wolastoqiyik (also known as the Maliseet) and other indigenous tribes, including the Mi'kmaq and the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy). The Wolastoqiyik called the river "Wolastoq", but Champlain renamed it after himself. The first permanent colonial settlement was established in 1631 when Charles de la Tour constructed Fort La Tour.

The city's early economy was based on the timber trade and shipbuilding, with the latter becoming one of the world's great shipbuilding centres by the mid-19th century. However, Saint John's economic fortunes declined due to technological advancements and international economic depression in the late 19th century. A disastrous fire in 1877 left much of the city in ashes and further diminished its economic prospects.

Today, Saint John is the second-largest city in New Brunswick, with a population of 69,895 as of the 2021 census. The city has a diverse economy, with industries such as tourism, oil refining, pulp and paper milling, and construction. It is also a major Canadian port and the only city on the Bay of Fundy.

It is the only city on the Bay of Fundy

Saint John, New Brunswick, is the only city on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785 during the reign of George III. The city is located at the mouth of the Saint John River, which meets the Bay of Fundy at Saint John Harbour. The harbour is a deep-water port that remains ice-free all year round, making it accessible at any time.

The Bay of Fundy's dramatic tidal range has a funnelling effect, resulting in an approximate 8-metre height difference between low and high tide in Saint John. This tidal phenomenon is evident at the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the incoming and outgoing tides cause the water to flow in opposite directions. The Reversing Falls, located just outside the city centre, is a popular tourist destination, offering rooftop viewing areas and zip-lining excursions.

The Bay of Fundy's shores also provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Irving Nature Park, located just outside the city, is home to a variety of habitats and over 250 species of birds, with maritime mammals like whales often spotted offshore. Fundy National Park, a short drive from Saint John, is another popular destination for nature lovers, offering spectacular water vistas and wildlife viewing.

The Bay of Fundy's unique characteristics have played a significant role in shaping Saint John's economy and cultural attractions. The year-round ice-free harbour has fostered shipping, shipbuilding, and fishing industries, contributing to the city's prosperity. The city is also known for its pub and restaurant scene, with Statistics Canada ranking it third in Canada for pubs per capita.

Saint John is the second-largest city in New Brunswick

Saint John is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of King George III. The city was the most populous in New Brunswick until the 2016 census, when it was overtaken by Moncton. It is currently the second-largest city in the province, with a population of 69,895 over an area of 315.59 km2 (121.85 sq mi).

The city is situated on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy at the mouth of the Saint John River. The river meets the bay at Saint John Harbour, a deep-water port that remains ice-free year-round. The harbour has been a crucial aspect of the city's prosperity, enabling shipping, shipbuilding, and fishing industries to thrive. The city's location has also made it a centre for immigration, with waves of immigrants from Europe and the former Thirteen Colonies arriving in the late 1700s and during the Great Famine in the mid-1800s.

Saint John has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century when French explorer Samuel de Champlain landed at Saint John Harbour in 1604. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples, who called the river "Wolastoq". The British occupied the site in 1758 and established Fort Frederick. After the American Revolution, thousands of refugees arrived, wishing to remain British, and the two communities of Parr Town and Carleton were established around the harbour. These communities amalgamated in 1785 to become the City of Saint John, named after the river.

Saint John has faced challenges such as ownership disputes between the French and English, the deportation of the Acadians, and the burning of Fort Frederick by American privateers. The city has also experienced significant events like the formation of Canada's first trade union in 1849 and the Great Fire of 1877, which destroyed a large portion of the city but led to a swift rebuilding effort.

Today, Saint John is known for its architectural styles, ranging from Victorian to Romanesque Revival. It is home to notable landmarks, including the Imperial Theatre, King's Square, and Rockwood Park. The city's economy has diversified beyond its traditional industries, with a growing arts and culture sector, tourism, and the presence of major companies like Irving. Saint John is a significant Canadian port and plays a vital role in the region's economic activities.

The city is divided into neighbourhoods with distinct personalities

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785. The city is divided into 33 neighbourhoods, which are categorised into four groups: North, East, South, and West.

The North neighbourhoods include the North End (formerly the city of Portland), Pokiok, Douglas Avenue, Churchill Boulevard, Cedar Point, Millidgeville, Mount Pleasant, Kennebecasis Bay, and Brookville. Cedar Point is home to the city's only completely French school and community centre, Centre Scolaire Communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain, and the area also includes Rockwood Park, one of Canada's largest urban parks.

The East neighbourhoods include East Saint John, McAllister, Champlain Heights, Eastwood, Red Head, Forest Hills, Lakewood, Glen Falls, Latimer Lake, and Loch Lomond.

The South neighbourhoods, also referred to as the South Central Peninsula, include Uptown, Germain Street, Broad Street (commonly known as the South End), Orange Street, and Waterloo. This area includes the central business district and the Trinity Royal Heritage Conservation Area, which together are referred to as Uptown.

The West neighbourhoods include Saint John West (which includes Carleton), Lower West Side, Sand Cove, Fairville, Island View, Lorneville, Ocean Westway, Milford-Randolph, and South Bay. Collectively, these neighbourhoods are referred to as the West Side, but Lancaster was a notable former municipality within this group.

Each of these neighbourhoods has its own unique character and history, contributing to the diverse and vibrant culture of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Saint John is a cultural hub, designated as a Cultural Capital of Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established in 1785 during the reign of George III. The city is a cultural hub, designated as a Cultural Capital of Canada, and is known for its vibrant arts scene.

Saint John has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when French explorer Samuel de Champlain landed at Saint John Harbour in 1604. The city played a crucial role in trade and defence for Acadia during the French colonial era, and its strategic location on the Bay of Fundy has contributed to its economic growth over the years.

The arts and culture sector plays a significant role in Saint John's economy. The city is home to the Imperial Theatre, which hosts plays, concerts, and other stage productions throughout the year. It is also the home of the highly acclaimed Saint John Theatre Company and the Symphony New Brunswick.

Uptown Saint John, known for its majestic architecture, is a hub for art galleries, artists, and musicians. The city's diverse population, including immigrants from all over the world, has contributed to its vibrant culture and creativity. Saint John's historical architecture, eclectic shops, and restaurants also add to its cultural appeal.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Saint John has a strong industrial presence, including Canada's largest oil refinery and the country's largest dry dock. The city has a long history of shipbuilding and is known for constructing well-known ships such as the Marco Polo.

With its combination of cultural attractions, historical sites, and industrial infrastructure, Saint John, New Brunswick, is a cultural hub that has been designated as a Cultural Capital of Canada.

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