Leslie Massey
Port Saint John, located on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, is a popular cruise destination. It is known for its high tides, natural wonders, and historic sites. The port has a long shipbuilding history and is the country's third-largest cargo port. The city itself offers a charming downtown area, with attractions such as the Carleton Martello Tower and the Bay of Fundy within walking distance of the cruise terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Port Name | Port Saint John |
| Docking Location | Marco Polo Cruise Terminal |
| Docking Location | Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal |
| Docking Location | Long Wharf |
| Time Zone | AST (Atlantic Standard Time) |
| Language | English and French |
| Currency | Canadian Dollar (CAD) |
| Best Way to Get Around | Walk, organised shore excursion, taxi, or bus |
| Area Attractions | Reversing Falls, Carleton Martello Tower, City Market |
What You'll Learn
The Marco Polo cruise terminal
The terminal is part of the Port Saint John cruise port, which is Canada's fourth busiest and third largest by cargo tonnage. The port is also a popular destination for cruise ships, with over 184,000 passengers and 70,000 crew members visiting in 2022. The cruising season typically runs from April to November, and the port's business contributes around $50 million annually to the local economy.
In addition to the Marco Polo terminal, there is also the Diamond Jubilee Cruise terminal and the Long Wharf Terminal, which is further into the harbour. The port has undergone recent development, including the AREA506 Waterfront Container Village, which consists of 60 shipping containers housing local food and drink vendors, retailers, and entertainment for cruise passengers.
The city of Saint John offers a variety of attractions and excursions for visitors, including the Reversing Falls, a unique natural phenomenon where the rapids of the Saint John River reverse direction during high tide, and the Carleton Martello Tower, a national historic site that offers scenic views of the harbour and the Bay of Fundy. The downtown area also features shopping centres, boutiques, and eateries serving New Brunswick specialties.
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The Diamond Jubilee Cruise terminal
The downtown area is walkable, although there are some hills. The area offers a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience, with over 147,000 passengers from 68 cruise ships visiting in 2022. The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village, which opened in June 2022, is a new waterfront facility consisting of 60 shipping containers rented to local businesses, retail chain shops, hospitality companies, and vendors. It also features a stage for live performances, a bar lounge, and a plaza.
The official currency of Saint John is the Canadian dollar, and while many shops and restaurants near the terminal accept US dollars, they will give change in Canadian dollars. There is an ATM at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal that dispenses Canadian currency.
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Long Wharf
The Saint John Port Authority has sought to develop the site, issuing a request for proposals that would include space for ongoing cruise ship operations. This development is aimed at increasing commercial opportunities, such as restaurants, shops, and tourism-related businesses.
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The AREA506 Waterfront Container Village
The village offers a wide variety of retail shops, ranging from local boutiques to national brands, providing a unique shopping experience for all tastes and interests. Visitors can also enjoy a range of culinary delights, with food trucks and a waterfront container bar serving up tasty treats and refreshing beverages. The village also boasts a performance space, where live events and entertainment take place, as well as public art installations and pop-up activities that add to the dynamic atmosphere.
One of the unique features of the village is The Docks Container Lounge, which offers stunning views of the waterfront from its top-level viewing deck. Visitors can relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of the village. The village is also pet-friendly, welcoming furry friends to explore the vendor village on leash and showcasing their commitment to inclusivity.
The village is typically open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM, with extended hours when a cruise ship is in port. With nearly 40 vendors, the village creates memorable experiences and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, contributing to the vibrant local community and economy.
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The Reversing Falls
In recent decades, there has been some criticism of the pulp mill's presence at what is considered one of Saint John's prime tourism locations. This criticism was particularly pronounced during the 1980s and 1990s when the city government created Fallsview Park on the former industrial foundry lands on the east side of the gorge. Despite this, the Reversing Falls continue to be a popular attraction, offering a unique and dynamic natural wonder for visitors to Saint John, New Brunswick.
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Frequently asked questions
Cruise ships dock at Port Saint John, located on the Bay of Fundy, which is known for having the highest tides in the world. The port has two cruise terminals: the Marco Polo cruise terminal and the Diamond Jubilee Cruise terminal, both located in the downtown area.
Saint John is a walkable city with a lot of historical sights. Some attractions include the Reversing Falls, where the rapids of the Saint John River change direction with the tide, and the Carleton Martello Tower. The Bay of Fundy, located north of the city, is also a popular tourist destination.
Saint John is a walkable city, and many attractions are within walking distance of the cruise terminals. However, taxis and buses are also available.
