Discover Saint John's Port Attractions

Port Saint John is a seaport city in New Brunswick, Canada, located on the Bay of Fundy. It is the third-largest port in the country by tonnage, with a cargo base that includes dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, containers, and cruise ships. The port is known for its extreme tidal range and river currents, and plays a crucial role in the economy of New Brunswick, handling millions of tons of cargo annually. Port Saint John is also a popular cruise ship destination, with a new Marco Polo cruise terminal in the downtown area. The city itself offers a range of attractions, including historic sites such as the Carleton Martello Tower, scenic walking areas, and unique shopping and dining experiences.

Port Saint John's cruise terminal

Port Saint John is a cruise terminal located in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. It is known for its cleanliness and top-notch infrastructure and is Atlantic Canada's largest port by volume. The terminal is within walking distance of the downtown area, which offers various attractions, shops, and restaurants.

The Port Saint John cruise terminal has a few docking locations. The Marco Polo cruise terminal is located on the east side of the harbour in the downtown area. Additional cruise docking is available at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, which is next to Marco Polo, and at Long Wharf, further into the harbour. These cruise terminals provide easy access to the city's attractions.

The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village, which opened in June 2022, is a unique shopping and dining experience for cruise passengers. It consists of 60 shipping containers housing local vendors offering food, drinks, and retail options. The village also features a stage for live performances and a bar lounge.

Port Saint John has a long history and has played a significant role in the region's economy and trade. It has been a cruise ship destination since 1989 and continues to welcome thousands of cruise passengers each year. The cruising season typically runs from April to November.

The port offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and is known for its extreme tidal range. The nearby Reversing Falls is a natural attraction where, during high tide, the rapids of the Saint John River reverse direction. This unique phenomenon is a result of the diurnal tides in the bay.

Overall, Port Saint John cruise terminal provides a convenient gateway to explore the historic city of Saint John, with its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

The Bay of Fundy

The bay has a rich history, with the Miꞌkmaq fishing and living in communities around the bay for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The first European to visit the bay may have been the Portuguese explorer João Álvares Fagundes in about 1520, although there is also evidence of a possible earlier visit by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. The first European settlement was French, established on Saint Croix Island in Maine, followed by Port Royal in 1605.

The Reversing Falls

At low tide, the Saint John River pours water into the bay, resulting in a series of whirlpools and rapids. As the tide rises, it slows the river current, and when the tide is high, the flow of the river is reversed, with water flowing upstream. After this reversal, the water becomes still for a short period, known as the slack tide. This is the only time when vessels can sail.

The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village

The village opened in June 2022 and is home to nearly 40 vendors, including retail shops, food trucks, and public art installations. It is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, with standard hours of 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Admission to the village is free, and visitors can explore the various shops and grab a bite to eat from the food trucks. Pets are also welcome, as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved.

In addition to the permanent vendors, the village also hosts pop-up activities and events throughout the season. From live music and performances to special exhibitions and festivals, there is always something new and exciting to discover at the AREA506 Waterfront Container Village. The village has become a vibrant hub for the community, celebrating the rich cultural identity of Saint John as a proud Port City.

With its innovative use of shipping containers, the village has transformed the waterfront into a bustling destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the local community, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the best of Saint John, New Brunswick.

The city's industrial history

Saint John, a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, has a rich industrial history dating back to the 17th century. During the French colonial era, the Saint John area was a crucial trade and defence hub for Acadia, with Fort La Tour in the city's harbour playing a pivotal role during the Acadian Civil War. The city's strategic location at the mouth of the Saint John River made it a centre for shipbuilding and lumber trade, contributing to its growth and development.

In the late 18th century, following the American Revolution, thousands of refugees who wished to remain British settled at the mouth of the Saint John River, leading to the establishment of the "Loyalist City" in 1785. This period marked the beginning of Saint John's transformation into a leading industrial centre, particularly in shipbuilding. The city's harbour welcomed immigrants from across the globe, with the largest influx occurring during the Irish Famine in the 1840s, further diversifying its population and culture.

The shipbuilding industry in Saint John thrived, and the city became a shipyard of global stature. The sailing ship Marco Polo, built in Courtney Bay outside the main harbour area, became famous for its speed and was one of the best-known ships constructed in the city. The development of the automated foghorn by Robert Foulis further enhanced the port's reputation.

However, the Great Fire of 1877 dealt a significant blow to Saint John, destroying a large portion of the city and leaving thousands of residents homeless. Despite this setback, the city demonstrated its resilience and embarked on a rebuilding process, transitioning from wooden structures to brick and stone architecture.

In addition to shipbuilding, other industries that contributed to Saint John's economic growth included lumber, oil, and forest products. The city's port also served as a trans-shipment point for the British Empire during World War I. Today, Saint John continues to be a vital transportation hub and a popular cruise ship destination, benefiting from industries such as tourism and the arts and culture sector.

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