Saint John, New Brunswick: A Sightseeing Guide

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest city, dating back to 1604. 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. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

- Rockwood Park: One of the largest urban parks in Canada, Rockwood Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, and winter skating. It's also part of the Stonehammer UNESCO Geopark, where you can explore rock formations dating back a billion years.

- Saint John City Market: The oldest market in North America, featuring butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers, bakers, and craft stalls. It's been the heart of the community since the late 1700s.

- Reversing Falls Rapids: A unique natural phenomenon where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy cause the Saint John River to flow backwards twice a day, creating impressive rapids and whirlpools.

- Irving Nature Park: A 600-acre park protecting six fragile ecosystems, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy, and providing educational opportunities for visitors.

- New Brunswick Museum: Discover the cultural heritage and natural history of the region, including exhibits on maritime history and local marine life.

- Carleton Martello Tower: One of nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada, built during the War of 1812 as a defensive structure.

- Fundy National Park: A vast wilderness area with breathtaking views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and colourful crimson beaches exposed during low tide.

- Bay of Fundy: Well-known for having the highest tides in the world, it's a great location for whale watching and exploring the rare geology of the area.

Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids are a must-see destination in Saint John, New Brunswick. This natural anomaly is located just 2 miles southwest of uptown Saint John. Here, you can witness the powerful Bay of Fundy collide with the Saint John River, resulting in a unique phenomenon. The incoming tide flows one way, creating gurgling whirlpools, impressive rapids, and small waterfalls. As the tide rises, it gradually slows down the river current, briefly calming the waters in a period known as slack tide. Then, as the Bay's tides continue to rise, the river flow is reversed, and rapids form once again, peaking at high tide. This entire cycle repeats approximately every 12.5 hours with an 8.5-metre tide.

To fully experience this natural wonder, it is recommended to visit during both high and low tides to observe the full transformation. There are several viewing areas and platforms where you can witness the spectacle. Fallsview Park and Wolastoq Park offer rooftop viewing areas to get a bird's-eye view of the waves and whirlpools. Additionally, there is a viewing platform near the Reversing Falls Bridge, as well as the Skywalk, which has a glass platform that extends out over the gorge. For an adrenaline-filled experience, you can try zip lining with Saint John Adventures, offering exciting views of the rapids below.

The Reversing Falls Rapids are not just a natural wonder but also hold historical significance. The gorge through which the river flows was formed by the collision of continents millions of years ago. This site is also situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi'Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Nations, and it acknowledges their presence and ongoing relationship with the land.

Explore Rockwood Park

Rockwood Park is a great place to visit in Saint John, New Brunswick, especially if you're a nature lover. The park offers 2,200 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, with ten lakes, 55 trails and footpaths, and unique rock formations, caves and waterfalls. It's a Stonehammer Geopark site, with a billion years of history to explore.

Rockwood Park is located in the heart of the city of Saint John, less than 2 miles from the city centre, and is a year-round haven for all kinds of activities. In the warmer months, visitors can fish, swim, kayak and trek over 30 miles of hiking trails. The park also has a golf course, horse stables, and a zoo. When it's colder, you can go ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and take sleigh rides. There's also an 18-hole golf course and a spa.

Rockwood Park is also a great place for families. There's a large playground, and the Children's Forest, which has a playground and mazes. There are also free interactive activities like building bee houses and stargazing tea parties. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

The park has two restaurants that are open all year round, serving up a choice of settings: the lush greenery of the golf course or the sparkle of the lake, both with patio dining in the summer.

Rockwood Park is a great place to camp, with a choice of settings from open RV sites to semi-wooded tenting sites.

Tour the New Brunswick Museum

The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) in Saint John is Canada's oldest continuing museum. It is located in Market Square in the heart of uptown Saint John and offers a remarkable introduction to New Brunswick's rich cultural history and diverse natural environment.

The museum houses a variety of artefacts that showcase the province's fascinating history. Visitors can learn about Saint John's industrial development, as well as New Brunswick's maritime history. The museum also features local artwork and exhibits on the province's natural landscape, including the ever-popular Hall of Great Whales.

The New Brunswick Museum has three floors of creative exhibitions and fun events. The first floor has exhibits on the early activities of New Brunswickers, such as forestry, farming and shipbuilding. The second floor features natural science exhibits, including fossils of large mammals that used to live in the region during the last ice age and a collection of birds typically found in the Bay of Fundy. The third floor showcases paintings and other miscellaneous items.

The museum is currently undergoing revitalisation, with plans to incorporate a new design with the nearly century-old facility, which will be upgraded and preserved.

Shop at the Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and food. Located at 47 Charlotte Street, it is Canada's oldest continuously operated farmer's market, with a charter dating from 1785. The market is open year-round, from Monday to Saturday, and offers a unique shopping experience for both locals and visitors.

Nowhere else in Saint John can you experience a traditional "farmers market" with such a wide range of goods and services. You can find anything from dulse to handmade local crafts, fresh produce, meats and seafood, as well as Maritime crafts and imported items. The market is alive with the sounds of busy clerks and shoppers, the aroma of fresh food, and colourful displays.

The market has a unique interior roof structure that resembles an inverted ship's keel, built by unemployed ship carpenters of the day. The floor also slopes with the natural grade of the land.

Some of the businesses in the market have been operating continuously for over 100 years. It is connected to the city's indoor pedway system and is located next to King's Square, where you can sit and enjoy your purchases.

The market is a great place to start your day and grab some snacks for a picnic in the park, or to buy ingredients for a meal to cook back at your accommodation. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the market's restaurants, which offer local and international cuisine.

The Saint John City Market is a must-visit destination when in Saint John, New Brunswick, offering a delightful shopping experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and history.

Discover the Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder that you won't want to miss when visiting Saint John, New Brunswick. Here's everything you need to do and see in this stunning region.

Explore the Bay of Fundy Tides

The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides in the world, with a tidal range of about 16 metres (52 feet). Twice a day, witness the powerful tides as they collide with the Saint John River, creating rapids and whirlpools. Don't miss the Reversing Falls Rapids, just 2 miles from uptown Saint John, where you can observe this natural anomaly from various viewing areas and platforms. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, try zip lining with Saint John Adventures.

Discover Wildlife and Nature

The Bay of Fundy is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Hop on a ferry to cruise across the bay and keep your eyes peeled for whales, porpoises, and other marine mammals. The Bay of Fundy is home to a diverse range of species, including fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

For a closer look at the bay's ecosystem, visit the Irving Nature Park, located just 5 miles from uptown Saint John. This 600-acre green space offers breathtaking views of the bay and a variety of habitats, such as forests, salt marshes, beaches, and bogs. It's also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 250 bird species calling the park home.

Walk the Ocean Floor

One of the most unique experiences the Bay of Fundy offers is the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor during low tide. Head to the iconic Hopewell Rocks, massive rock formations that emerge from the receding tides. You'll have hours to explore these impressive rock structures and the surrounding bay. Time your visit around sunset for a more intimate experience as the crowds disperse.

Fundy National Park

For a true wilderness experience, venture about 70 miles northeast of Saint John to Fundy National Park. This vast park spans over 50,900 acres along the Bay of Fundy's shore and is home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and beavers. During low tide, witness the colourful display of massive red boulders and crimson beaches. The park also boasts excellent trails that wind through verdant forests, waterfalls, and waterfront cliffs.

Saint John Attractions

Back in the city of Saint John, you'll find plenty of attractions that showcase the beauty and history of the Bay of Fundy:

• Saint John City Market: Located in uptown Saint John, this market has been operating since the late 1700s and is the oldest continuing farmers market in Canada. Admire the unique architecture and indulge in the fresh seafood, local crafts, and international cuisine.
• Carleton Martello Tower: One of nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada, this defensive fort was constructed during the War of 1812. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the hill and explore the interactive exhibits in the museum.
• New Brunswick Museum: Housed in Market Square, this museum provides a wealth of information about Saint John and the region's history, maritime heritage, and natural landscape.
• Bay of Fundy Tours: Join a bus tour or a kayaking adventure to explore the Bay of Fundy and its surrounding coastline, getting up close to the powerful tides and wildlife.

The Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder that offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Whether you're exploring the mighty tides, discovering hidden gems along the coast, or immersing yourself in the history of Saint John, you're sure to create unforgettable memories.

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