Saint John, New Brunswick: A Must-See Destination

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a vibrant hub with a thriving food and drink scene, fabulous architecture, a fascinating maritime history, and an abundance of natural beauty. It is the only true city on the Bay of Fundy and is distinguished from St. John's, Newfoundland, by its full name, Saint John. Here are some must-see attractions in Saint John:

- Reversing Falls Rapids: A natural anomaly where the river flows in opposite directions with the tides, featuring impressive rapids, gurgling whirlpools, and small waterfalls.

- Irving Nature Park: A 600-acre green space with breathtaking Bay of Fundy views and diverse habitats, including a forest, salt marsh, beaches, and a bog. It's home to over 250 bird species and offers excellent wildlife viewing.

- Rockwood Park: One of Canada's largest urban parks, featuring lakes, caves, waterfalls, and year-round activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and winter sports.

- Saint John City Market: The oldest continuing farmer's market in Canada, with a unique ship-inspired ceiling design, offering fresh produce, seafood, crafts, and a variety of cuisines.

- Carleton Martello Tower: A National Historic Site and one of nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada, offering stunning panoramas of the city, harbour, and Bay of Fundy.

- New Brunswick Museum: Showcasing the region's history, maritime heritage, local artwork, and natural landscape, including the popular Hall of Great Whales exhibit.

- King's Square: A park with a historic bandstand, offering free outdoor concerts and a great spot for people-watching, picnicking, and enjoying the surrounding architecture.

Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids are a series of rapids on the Saint John River in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Twice a day, the river reverses its flow as the Bay of Fundy's high tides force the water to flow upstream, against the prevailing current. This creates a series of rapids and whirlpools, which can be viewed from the Reversing Falls Rapids Lookout Point near the bridge in Falls View Park, or from Wolastoq Park.

The Reversing Falls are not only a natural wonder but also an important industrial site. The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885, and it is currently used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. The river is also a navigation hazard, and vessels must wait for slack tide before entering or exiting.

There are several ways to experience the Reversing Falls Rapids. One option is to visit Fallsview Park, where you can observe the intense rush of water and learn about the tides and geology of the cliffs at Stonehammer Geopark. You can also take a boat ride into the gorge or ride a zipline over the rushing waters. For a more relaxed experience, there is a restaurant with views of the Reversing Falls.

Reviews of the Reversing Falls Rapids are mixed. Some visitors find them interesting but not spectacular, especially if they are not viewed at high or low tide. Others describe them as a "must-see" attraction, worth visiting at least three times (high tide, slack tide, and low tide) to fully appreciate the phenomenon.

Rockwood Park

Overview:

Activities:

Nature and Wildlife:

The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the Inside Out Nature Centre, which offers outdoor equipment rentals and guided nature hikes. The park is also part of the Stonehammer Geopark, where unique rock formations, caves, and waterfalls showcase the area's geological history.

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Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market is a must-see for anyone visiting Saint John, New Brunswick. It is the oldest continuously operated farmer's market in Canada, with a history dating back to 1785. The market is located at 47 Charlotte Street, in the heart of the city, and is open year-round from Monday to Saturday.

The market offers a unique shopping experience with a wide variety of local and international goods. Visitors can find everything from fresh produce, meats, and seafood to handmade crafts, imported items, and delicious food from local restaurants. The market is alive with the bustling sounds of clerks and shoppers, the aroma of fresh food, and colourful displays.

The building itself is also quite remarkable. Designed in the Second Empire style by architects J.T.C. McKean and G.E. Fairweather, it features a unique interior roof structure that resembles an inverted ship's keel. The floor of the market even slopes with the natural grade of the land! The market is connected to the city's indoor pedway system and is easily accessible.

Some of the businesses in the market have been operating continuously for over 100 years, and it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1986. The Saint John City Market is a true gem, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and providing a vibrant, cultural experience for all who visit.

New Brunswick Museum

The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) in Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest continuing museum. It offers a remarkable introduction to the province's rich cultural history and diverse natural environment. The museum has three floors of creative exhibitions and fun events, with something for all ages.

The museum's lineage can be traced back to 1842 and the work of Dr Abraham Gesner, who opened the Museum of Natural History in one room of the Mechanics' Institute on Carleton Street. The collection was later donated to the Saint John Mechanics' Institute, and the museum was renamed the Mechanics' Institute Museum in 1846. Over time, the museum's collections expanded, and in 1934, a new provincial museum facility on Douglas Avenue was officially opened.

Today, the New Brunswick Museum continues to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit the province's natural and cultural heritage. It has a remarkable natural sciences collection and features exhibits on the province's shipbuilding and logging industries, early history, and geology. There are also displays of local art, early tools, and heavy industrial machinery. The museum is currently located in a modern facility on the waterfront, with plans for a new centralised museum facility to be built in uptown Saint John in the future.

Carleton Martello Tower

One of the nine surviving Martello Towers in Canada, the Carleton Martello Tower is a must-see when visiting Saint John, New Brunswick. Here are some details about this historic site:

History and Significance

The tower played a significant role in conflicts until World War II, serving as a detention centre during World War I and as a Fire Command Post in the early years of World War II. It was the heart of Saint John's defences until 1944.

Restoration and Exhibits

The tower has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada since 1930 and has been open to the public since 1963. Restoration work is currently being undertaken, and while visitors cannot enter the tower, they can explore the grounds and visit the Visitor Centre, which features interactive exhibit galleries. The site also includes a restored powder magazine and a restored barracks room.

Views and Surroundings

Due to its height and hilltop setting, the tower offers panoramic views of the city of Saint John, its harbour, and the Bay of Fundy. The surrounding area includes a mix of run-down housing, and it is located near the ferry terminal.

Tours and Accessibility

The tower is typically accessible when a staff member is present to provide tours and answer questions. Visitors should be cautious of the low headroom when entering the main door. The tower is open seasonally, with varying hours, and there is a daily visitor fee, although admission is free for youth.

Frequently asked questions