Ruqayyah Snyder
Saint John, New Brunswick, is the only city on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides. It's a vibrant, up-and-coming hub, with a thriving food and drink scene, fabulous architecture, a fascinating maritime history, and an abundance of natural beauty.
Saint John has plenty of attractions, including Rockwood Park, one of the largest urban parks in Canada, and the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the Bay collides with the St. John River, creating a unique phenomenon. The city also boasts the oldest market in North America, the Saint John City Market, and the New Brunswick Museum, where you can discover the area's rich cultural heritage and natural history.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Irving Nature Park offers hiking trails, lookouts, and impressive views of the Bay of Fundy. The city's downtown core, Uptown, is filled with historic buildings, chic coffee shops, and microbreweries, making it a great place to spend a few days exploring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City | Saint John |
| Province | New Brunswick |
| Country | Canada |
| Location | Bay of Fundy |
| Attractions | Rockwood Park, Saint John City Market, Reversing Falls Skywalk, Saint John Zip Line, New Brunswick Museum, Carleton Martello Tower, Cape Spencer Lighthouse, Irving Nature Park, Boardwalk, Backstreet Records, Imperial Theatre, Grannan and Germain, Night Market, Uptowner, Skywalk Saint John, Aquatic Centre, Loyalist House, Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, Moosehead Brewery |
| Activities | Boating, swimming, fishing, skating, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, golfing, birdwatching, whale watching, skiing, snowboarding, walking tours, food tours, street art hunting, shopping, visiting museums and historic sites |
| Food & Drink | Local seafood, dulse, craft beer, cider, spirits, charcuterie, bagels, burgers, lemon sour cream pie, craft coffee |
What You'll Learn
Explore Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park is a city park in Saint John, New Brunswick, and is one of the largest urban parks in Canada. It offers 2,200 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, with ten lakes, 55 trails and footpaths, and six natural lakes. It is a Stonehammer Geopark site, where you can observe a billion years of history in the rock formations, caves, and waterfalls.
The park is open from dawn until dusk and has free parking. There are two entrances: Lake Drive at Lily Lake and Hawthorne Avenue Extension at Fisher Lakes. Paved pathways connect to amenities such as the Interpretation Centre, the Kiwanis Play Park, and the Bark Park.
Rockwood Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and geocaching. There is also a zoo, a spa, horse stables, and an 18-hole golf course. In the winter, you can go skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
The park has two restaurants open year-round, serving meals with views of the lush greenery or the sparkle of the lake, with patio dining available in the summer. There is also a campground with over 200 campsites.
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Visit the New Brunswick Museum
The New Brunswick Museum, located in Saint John, is Canada's oldest continuing museum. It was incorporated as the "Provincial Museum" in 1929 and received its current name in 1930, but its history goes back much further. The museum is a vital component of the cultural fabric of New Brunswick and provides a remarkable introduction to the province's rich cultural history and diverse natural environment.
The museum offers three floors of creative exhibitions and fun events, showcasing the province's shipbuilding and logging industry, early history, and geological history. Visitors can explore the industrial development of the city, with exhibits on logging and shipbuilding, as well as heavy machinery from the 19th century. There is also a display on ornamental china and a nod to the First Nation tribe, the Mikmaw.
The second floor features natural science exhibits, including fossils of large mammals that once lived in the region during the last ice age and a collection of birds typically found in the Bay of Fundy.
The New Brunswick Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural sciences. It is located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for visitors.
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Tour Moosehead Brewery
Moosehead Brewery is one of the most resilient and time-honoured Canadian breweries, dating back to 1867. The company has survived for six generations, overcoming challenges such as brewery fires, the Halifax Explosion, prohibition, and two World Wars.
On the tour, you will learn about the history of the Oland family, who began brewing beer in their backyard, and how Moosehead continues to brew its beer today. You will explore the art, science, and passion that goes into creating their award-winning beers. The tour includes the brewhouse and packaging operation, and you will have the opportunity to sample a variety of their decorated beers.
The tour lasts approximately one hour and is available at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm from Monday to Friday. It is important to note that guests will be required to climb stairs and will experience varying temperature changes during the tour.
Moosehead Brewery is located at 89 Main Street West in Saint John, New Brunswick. There are two Moosehead parking lots available across the street from the brewery, and parking is free if spots are available. Alternatively, there is also parking in front of the Taproom and on-street city parking.
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Take a walk through the City Market
The Saint John City Market is the perfect place to stroll through and buy some snacks or enjoy a meal. It is the oldest continuously operated farmer's market in Canada, with a charter dating from 1785. The market is located at 47 Charlotte Street, and is open year-round from Monday to Saturday.
The market has a wide variety of local and international food items and unique products. You can find butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, bakers, great coffee, bagels, and local crafts. There are also several restaurants serving local and international cuisines, such as Billy's Seafood Company, Sister's Fine Italian Foods, and Jeremiah's Deli.
The City Market is also known for its unique interior roof structure, which resembles an inverted ship's keel. The wooden trusses that form this structure were built by unemployed ship carpenters. The market is a National Historic Site and was designated as such in 1986.
In addition to the market's architectural significance, it is also a great place to interact with local vendors and learn about the city's culture and history. It is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Saint John, offering a truly original experience with something for everyone.
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See the Reversing Falls Rapids
The Reversing Falls Rapids are a series of rapids on the Saint John River, where the river runs through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy. Twice a day, the river reverses direction, as the high tides of the Bay of Fundy—the highest in the world—collide with the Saint John River, causing a series of rapids and whirlpools. This phenomenon is the result of the unique geology of the area and the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, which force the river to flow upstream. The Reversing Falls Rapids are best viewed at low tide, slack tide, and high tide, when the river's direction changes can be fully appreciated.
The Reversing Falls Rapids are accessible via an observation deck at 200 Bridge Road, which offers a bird's-eye view of the waves and whirlpools that result from the collision of the river and the bay. Alternatively, visitors can opt for an up-close view by taking a jet boat tour, a zip line tour, or a kayak trip. The surrounding parks and paths also allow for leisurely strolls and nature appreciation.
The Reversing Falls Rapids have a long history, dating back to Mi'kmaq legends and the discovery of the area by French explorer Samuel de Champlain. In addition to their natural significance, the rapids have also played an important industrial role, with the Canadian Pacific Railway constructing the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885. Despite some criticism of the nearby pulp mill, the Reversing Falls Rapids remain a popular attraction, offering a unique and captivating experience for visitors to Saint John, New Brunswick.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Saint John, including:
- Hiking at Irving Nature Park, which has over 600 acres of nature and 6 different ecosystems to explore.
- Visiting Rockwood Park, one of the largest urban parks in Canada, where you can go boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, rock climbing, and more.
- Seeing the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the Bay of Fundy's powerful tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River twice a day.
- Exploring the Harbour Passage, a series of interconnected walkways, lookouts, and heritage sites linking the Reversing Falls Rapids to Uptown Saint John.
Saint John has a variety of popular attractions, such as:
- The New Brunswick Museum, Canada's oldest continuing museum, where you can learn about the area's cultural history and exceptional geology.
- The Saint John City Market, the oldest market in North America, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food options.
- The Carleton Martello Tower, a national historic site dating back to the War of 1812, featuring army barracks, a jail, and gunpowder rooms.
- The Imperial Theatre, a beautifully restored historic theatre with connections to Hollywood.
- The Cape Spencer Lighthouse, located just outside the city, offering phenomenal views of the Bay of Fundy from its steep cliff-top perch.
Saint John has a thriving food scene, with options such as:
- Slocum & Ferris in the Saint John City Market, one of the oldest businesses in Canada, offering delicious breakfast bagels and more.
- Saint John Ale House, where you can enjoy a giant lobster roll.
- Urban Deli, serving scrumptious treats like lemon sour cream pie.
- Lemongrass, for authentic Thai cuisine.
- East Coast Bistro, an upscale restaurant perfect for a romantic night out.
