Saint John Port: Explore Historic Sites

Saint John, New Brunswick is a popular cruise port and the third-largest cargo port in Canada. It is also the country's fourth-busiest cruise port, with around 1.5 million visitors annually. The city itself has a lot to offer, including historic buildings, chic coffee shops, microbreweries, art galleries, and nature.

For those interested in history, the city offers historic walks where you can learn about the early settlers and the city's maritime past. You can also visit the Carleton Martello Tower, a national historic site dating back to the War of 1812, and the Imperial Theatre, a gorgeous vaudeville theatre with connections to Hollywood.

Nature lovers can enjoy the Bay of Fundy, where you can witness the world's highest tides and the unique phenomenon of the river flow reversing twice a day. There are also plenty of hiking trails at Irving Nature Park, with lookout points offering impressive views of the Bay of Fundy.

Saint John also has a vibrant nightlife, with North Market Wharf hosting festivals and music events. The city's friendly atmosphere and welcoming people will make your visit memorable.

Explore the AREA506 Waterfront Container Village

The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village is a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience located on the Saint John waterfront. It is made up of over 60 shipping containers that house local food and drink vendors, retailers, a performance space, a Waterfront Container Lounge, food trucks, and public art installations. The village is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, with extended hours when a cruise ship is in port. There is no entry fee, and visitors can explore the village with their furry friends as long as they are on a leash.

The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village offers a diverse collection of retail shops, including local products, national retail brands, and services. Visitors can find unique gifts, art, and souvenirs at shops like Harbourview Emporium, Maritimer Clothing Co., and Mediterranean Living.

When it comes to dining, the village has a variety of food trucks and vendors offering a range of cuisines. El Patron Taco Truck, Bruce County Nut & Fudge, and Catapult Coffee & Studio are some of the options available. The Docks Container Lounge is a great spot to relax and enjoy a beverage while taking in the stunning views from the top level of the viewing deck.

In addition to shopping and dining, the AREA506 Waterfront Container Village also features pop-up activities and a performance space that hosts special events and live performances. The village is easily accessible and provides a memorable experience for both locals and tourists, showcasing the vibrant and diverse culture of Saint John, New Brunswick.

Visit the Reversing Falls

The Reversing Falls is a natural attraction in Saint John, New Brunswick, where the river runs through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy, causing the flow of water to reverse against the prevailing current. This unique phenomenon is the result of the powerful Bay of Fundy tides, which are the highest in the world, colliding with the Saint John River twice a day. The best way to experience the Reversing Falls is to view it at both high and low tide to fully appreciate the change in direction of the rapids and whirlpools.

There are several ways to experience the Reversing Falls. The Reversing Falls Skywalk and Bridge offer a bird's-eye view of this natural wonder. Additionally, there is a viewing platform and a nearby parking lot for those who prefer to observe from the ground. For a more adventurous experience, there are jet boat rides that operate in the vicinity of the falls, providing a thrilling and unique perspective. However, it is important to note that these boats do not venture into the roughest areas with significant drops in water levels.

The Reversing Falls is also a site of industrial significance. The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885, and it is currently used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. The area has also been home to a foundry and other light industrial operations, as well as a large pulp mill operated by J.D. Irving since the late 1940s.

While some visitors find the Reversing Falls underwhelming, particularly if they do not time their visit with the tides, others are mesmerised by the power of nature on display. It is recommended to check the tide charts before visiting to ensure you witness the full effect of the reversing tides.

Take a stroll along the Harbour Passage Trail

The Harbour Passage Trail is a great way to experience Saint John and learn about its history and beauty. The trail is a series of interconnected walking and biking trails, lookouts, and heritage sites that connect the north and west sides of the city to uptown. It provides beautiful views of Saint John Harbour and its active port, as well as the Saint John River.

The trail starts as a wide boardwalk that travels along the front of the Hilton hotel and some apartment buildings. There are several interpretive signs along the way that provide information about Partridge Island, the Great Fire of 1877, and the different defences that were built up over time around the harbour. The trail then drops down to an orange, rubberised paved path that travels around the inner harbour. It passes several more lookouts, historic sites, and statues. Under the Harbour Bridge, there is an area with interactive exhibits for kids, including a life-sized porpoise and seal statue.

The trail then crosses a small street (Navy Way) before climbing the hill between Chelsey Drive and the inner harbour. This section offers even more lookouts and interpretive signs, providing information about the Harbour Bridge and the inner harbour. The trail ends halfway up Chelsey Drive. From here, you can continue along this busy street for less than a kilometre to reach the lookout at Reversing Falls. Cross the Reversing Falls Bridge to find the visitor centre, which offers additional lookouts.

The best place to park to access the Harbour Passage Trail is at the parking garage at Market Square. To get there, cross the Harbour Bridge from the Fredericton/St. Andrews direction on Route 1 and take exit 122. At the lights at Union Street, turn right, then turn left onto Smythe Street at the bottom of the hill. You will find the parking garage at the end of the street on the left. Take the escalators up to Market Square and exit through the doors to Market Wharf, where the Harbour Passage Trail starts on the right.

The Harbour Passage Trail is ideal for walkers, runners, bikers, and wheelchair users of all ages. It offers a unique perspective on the city's vibrant shipbuilding and waterfront history, with interpretive structures and panels bringing this history to life.

Check out the Carleton Martello Tower

The Carleton Martello Tower is one of the nine surviving Martello Towers in Canada and is one of Saint John's oldest structures, dating back to the War of 1812. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1930 and has been open to the public since 1963. The tower is located near Bayshore Beach, so after your visit, you can head down to the beach and enjoy some beach time.

The tower was built by the British on a rocky cliff to defend against an invasion from the United States. It was the third link in the defences of Saint John, along with Fort Howe and Fort Dufferin. The tower is a circular masonry structure, 30 feet high and 50 feet in diameter. It features a restored powder magazine, a restored barracks room, and exhibits in the tower and visitor centre.

The Carleton Martello Tower played a significant role in conflicts until the Second World War and was the heart of Saint John's defences until 1944. During World War I, it served as a detention centre for deserters, and in the early years of World War II, it functioned as a Fire Command Post.

The tower offers a view of the city of Saint John and its harbour from the roof. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibit galleries located at the Visitor Reception Centre and learn about the tower's history.

The tower is currently undergoing restoration work, so visitors cannot enter, but they are encouraged to explore the grounds and the Visitor Centre. The tower is typically open daily from June to September and on weekends in October, with free admission for youth.

Visit the New Brunswick Museum

Visiting the New Brunswick Museum is a great way to learn about the history and culture of New Brunswick. It is Canada's oldest continuing museum, with a lineage that can be traced back to 1842 and the work of Dr Abraham Gesner.

The museum has three floors of creative exhibitions and fun events, showcasing the province's shipbuilding and logging industries, early history, and geological history. There are also exhibits on natural sciences, decorative arts, and Canadiana. With displays on everything from early tools and machinery to fossils and art, the New Brunswick Museum offers a well-rounded and engaging look at the region's rich cultural heritage.

The museum is located in uptown Saint John, at Market Square, and can easily be accessed on foot from the cruise port. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with varying hours on different days.

Reviews of the museum are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the detailed and informative exhibits, enthusiastic staff, and reasonable admission prices.

• Take advantage of guided tours offered by the museum staff to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
• Check for special exhibitions like the Passionate About Moths display, which featured scanned images of moths printed on large-format paper, showcasing every hair on the moths and their vibrant colours.
• If you are a member of AAA or CAA, be sure to ask about potential discounts on admission.
• Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby food court or public library, which are just a short walk away.
• If you are travelling with children, the tidal tower exhibit is a fun and educational attraction that is sure to captivate young minds.

So, whether you are a history buff, art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and informative way to spend a few hours, a visit to the New Brunswick Museum is definitely worth considering during your time in Saint John, New Brunswick.

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