Saint John: A Slice Of 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 in 1785. The city is known for its historic uptown streetscapes, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. The surrounding Saint John County is located in the southeastern part of the province, with the city of Saint John as its dominant feature. The county is home to various unincorporated communities and two municipalities: the village of St. Martins and the city of Saint John.

Saint John County's population and geographical features

Saint John County, located in southern New Brunswick, Canada, had a population of 76,558 as of the 2021 census. The county is dominated by the city of Saint John, which is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, established in 1785. The city's population was 69,895 as of the 2021 census, making it the second-largest city in the province of New Brunswick. The population density was 221.5 inhabitants per square kilometre, with the most densely populated area being Uptown Saint John.

The city of Saint John is situated in the south-central portion of the province, along the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, where the Saint John River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city is split by the south-flowing river, and the east side is bordered by the Kennebecasis River. The city land area covers 315.96 square kilometres, while the metropolitan area covers 3,509.62 square kilometres. The topography surrounding Saint John is hilly due to the influence of two coastal mountain ranges that run along the Bay of Fundy: the St. Croix Highlands and the Caledonia Highlands. The soil throughout the region is rocky with frequent granite outcrops, and the coastal plain hosts numerous freshwater lakes.

Saint John County features a variety of geographical features, including the Stonehammer UNESCO Geopark, which is centred around Saint John and recognised for its exceptional geological significance. The park contains rock formations dating back to the Precambrian era, with some rocks estimated to be a billion years old. The Saint John River flows into the Bay of Fundy through a narrow gorge, creating a unique phenomenon called the Reversing Falls, where the tides of the bay reverse the river's water flow for several kilometres. The area also boasts the Carleton Martello Tower, a War of 1812 masonry tower, and Fort La Tour, a pivotal battleground during the Acadian Civil War.

Saint John's history as a seaport city

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785. The city is located on the Bay of Fundy and has a long history as a seaport.

The area that became Saint John was inhabited by the Maliseet and Miꞌkmaq First Nations for thousands of years before the arrival of European colonists. The first European to visit the area was French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who landed at Saint John Harbour in 1604 and named the Saint John River after St. John the Baptist.

During the 17th century, a French settlement was established in Saint John, and the city served as the seat for the administration under Charles de Saint-Étienne de la Tour during the Acadian Civil War. However, the French abandoned their position in 1755, and British forces took over the area shortly afterward.

In 1783, two settlements, Carleton and Parrtown, were established by American "Loyalists" who supported the British during the American Revolutionary War. These loyalist-dominated communities were amalgamated by royal charter to become the City of Saint John in 1785, making it Canada's first incorporated city. The city's charter established a medical quarantine station at Partridge Island, located in the harbour, which was the first landing place for many immigrants arriving at the port.

During the 19th century, Saint John became a leading industrial centre, largely due to its robust shipbuilding trade. The city's population grew significantly with an influx of Irish migrants during the Great Famine in the 1840s, earning it the nickname "Canada's most Irish City." Saint John was the third-largest city in British North America by 1851, after Montreal and Quebec.

The Port of Saint John, with facilities on both sides of the river, is known for its extreme tidal range and river currents. The port developed rapidly due to the timber trade and shipbuilding, with much of the shipbuilding industry concentrated on Courtney Bay outside the main harbour area. One of the most famous ships built in Saint John was the Marco Polo, which became renowned for its speed.

In addition to its role as a seaport, Saint John has also been a centre for immigration. During the late 18th century, the city welcomed thousands of refugees from the newly founded United States who wished to remain British after the American Revolution, including a significant number of Black Loyalists. In the 19th century, the city saw a massive wave of Irish immigration during the Great Famine, with an estimated 30,000 immigrants arriving between 1845 and 1847, more people than were living in the city at the time.

Today, Saint John remains an important seaport and industrial centre. The port continues to handle significant cargo volumes, including oil, forest products, and potash. The city has also diversified its economy, with industries such as tourism, arts and culture, and brewing playing a significant role.

Tourist attractions in Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a historic city with plenty of attractions for tourists. Here is a list of some of the top places to visit:

Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids are a must-see natural phenomenon. Located just two miles from Uptown Saint John, the incoming and outgoing tides of the Bay of Fundy cause impressive rapids, small waterfalls, and gurgling whirlpools. The best views can be seen from the Reversing Falls Skywalk and Bridge, as well as Fallsview and Wolastoq Parks.

Irving Nature Park

The Irving Nature Park is a 600-acre green space that offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. It features a variety of habitats, including forests, salt marshes, beaches, and a bog. The park has eight hiking trails and a boardwalk, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. It's also a great place for families, with interactive activities and a children's playground.

Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market is Canada's oldest continuing farmer's market, dating back to the late 1700s. Located next to King's Square, the market offers a wide range of local produce, seafood, crafts, and international cuisine. The market's ceiling resembles the upturned hull of a ship, paying tribute to the city's shipping industry.

Carleton Martello Tower

The Carleton Martello Tower is one of nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada. This defensive fort was built during the War of 1812 and served as a British defensive structure until World War II. While the tower's interior is currently closed for renovations, visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits and stunning panoramic views from the top of the hill.

Rockwood Park

Rockwood Park is a vast outdoor space covering 2,200 acres, featuring freshwater lakes, caves, waterfalls, and over 30 miles of hiking trails. It offers a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and camping. The park also has a zoo, a spa, horse stables, and an 18-hole golf course.

New Brunswick Museum

The New Brunswick Museum, located in Market Square, provides a wealth of information on the province's history, culture, art, and natural landscape. It features interactive displays, local artwork, and exhibits such as the Hall of Great Whales.

Other Attractions

In addition to the places mentioned above, Saint John has a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries, theatres, and historic sites. The Imperial Theatre, built in 1912, is a grand venue for performances and films. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining at Reversing Falls and exploring the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark. For a unique shopping and dining experience, visitors can explore Market Square, which features boutiques, restaurants, and pubs in former warehouses.

The city's industrial decline and recovery

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785. The city's economy was historically centred around shipbuilding, timber, and trade, with merchants controlling much of the trade from its well-protected, ice-free harbour.

However, Saint John's industrial prowess suffered a setback in 1877, when a great fire ravaged the city, destroying two-fifths of its buildings and leaving 13,000 people homeless. The fire caused over $10 million in damages (approximately $256 million in today's money) and prompted many residents to leave the city.

Despite this setback, Saint John embarked on a vigorous rebuilding programme, with the downtown area being redeveloped and the city's urban residential and commercial structure being altered. One of the most noteworthy changes was the switch from building with wood to using brick and stone. This resulted in one of the best, contiguous collections of Victorian architecture in Canada. The city also introduced an electric streetcar system, which promoted the expansion of suburbs in the western fringe of the city.

Saint John's economy was further boosted by both World Wars, with the shipbuilding industry being rejuvenated and many local companies contributing to the war effort. Following World War II, a variety of large-scale industrial enterprises emerged, including pulp mills, a sugar refinery, an oil refinery, and shipbuilding facilities. The city also underwent significant urban changes, with housing developments in the north end and an extensive post-war urban renewal programme altering the face of several neighbourhoods.

In the second half of the 20th century, the harbour and former railway lands of Saint John were redeveloped as part of larger urban renewal projects. The city also saw major urban development between the 1950s and the 1970s, with several parts of the city being demolished and attention turning towards preserving its heritage.

Today, Saint John's economy benefits from industries such as tourism, arts and culture, and the Port of Saint John, which is the largest port by volume in Eastern Canada. The city has also maintained its industrial infrastructure, including Canada's largest oil refinery and the country's largest dry dock.

The natural wonders of Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a city with a wealth of natural wonders. Located on the Bay of Fundy, the city boasts incredible natural sites shaped by the world's highest tides. Here are some of the natural wonders you can find in and around Saint John:

Reversing Falls Rapids

Located just two miles southwest of uptown Saint John, the Reversing Falls Rapids are a must-see destination. The incoming and outgoing tides create a unique phenomenon where the water flows in opposite directions, forming gurgling whirlpools, impressive rapids, and small waterfalls. Visitors can observe the churning water from rooftop viewing areas in Fallsview and Wolastoq parks or opt for an adrenaline-filled zip-lining excursion with Saint John Adventures.

Irving Nature Park

Irving Nature Park, just five miles southwest of uptown Saint John, offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. This 600-acre green space occupies a narrow peninsula, featuring a variety of habitats, including a forest, a salt marsh estuary, beaches, and a bog. It is home to over 250 species of birds, and maritime mammals like whales can often be spotted offshore. The park has an observation deck for wildlife viewing and offers interactive activities such as building bee houses and stargazing tea parties.

Rockwood Park

Rockwood Park, located less than two miles northeast of the city centre, is an outdoor oasis offering a variety of natural wonders and recreational activities. It features freshwater lakes, caves, and waterfalls, along with a zoo, a spa, horse stables, and a golf course. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, and over 30 miles of hiking trails during warmer months, while winter activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sleigh rides.

Fundy National Park

About 70 miles northeast of Saint John lies Fundy National Park, one of the last remaining wilderness areas in southern New Brunswick. Spanning 50,900 acres along the Bay of Fundy's shore, the park is home to wildlife such as black bears, moose, and beavers. It offers spectacular water vistas, colourful crimson beaches, and wooden platform trails leading through verdant forests and past waterfalls.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy itself is a natural wonder, boasting the highest tides in the world. The dramatic tidal range can reach nearly 30 feet, and its funnelling effect creates a significant height difference between low and high tides in Saint John, reaching approximately 8 metres (28 feet). The Reversing Falls in Saint John is a powerful illustration of these tides, where the river flow reverses for several hours during each high tide.

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