Saint John: Bay Of Fundy's Gateway

Saint John, New Brunswick is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It is the only city on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, which is known for having the world's highest tides. Saint John is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter in 1785. The city has a rich history, dating back to 1604 when it was discovered by Samuel de Champlain, and was an important hub for trade and defence during the French colonial era. Today, Saint John is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic uptown streetscapes, cultural attractions, and natural wonders such as the Reversing Rapids and Rockwood Park.

Reversing Falls

The Reversing Falls, formerly known as the Reversing Falls Rapids, are a series of rapids, whirlpools, waves and white water rapids on the Saint John River in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The river runs through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy.

The Bay of Fundy has the most dramatic and highest tidal changes in the world, with a difference of 29 feet between high and low tides. Twice a day, the tides of the bay force the flow of water to reverse against the prevailing current when the tide is high. At low tide, the river empties into the bay, causing a series of rapids and whirlpools. As the tide rises, it slows the river current for a brief period, known as the slack tide, where the water levels of the river and bay are equal. This is the only time during the tide cycle that boats can safely navigate the Reversing Falls. As the tide continues to rise, it gradually reverses the flow of the river, and the rapids form again, peaking at high tide.

The Reversing Falls have also been an important industrial site for over a century. In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge, which was replaced in 1922 and is currently used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. The location of the falls 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.

In recent years, the Reversing Falls have become a tourist attraction, with visitors able to view the phenomenon from an observation deck or at water level. There have also been boat tours and jet boat rides offering a thrill-seeking experience of the rapids, although these tours have mostly ceased operation.

Historic buildings

Saint John, New Brunswick, is Canada's oldest incorporated city, with a rich history and several historic buildings. Here are some notable historic buildings in Saint John:

Loyalist House

Built in 1810, Loyalist House is a Georgian-style house and the oldest building in the City of Saint John. It was constructed by David Daniel Merrit, a wealthy Loyalist from New York, and six generations of the Merrit family called this Union Street dwelling home. The house features eight fireplaces, authentic Georgian antique furnishings, and a graceful curving staircase. It is open to the public from June through September and admission is charged.

Barbour's General Store

Barbour's General Store is a museum that dates back to the 19th century. Originally located in Sheffield, New Brunswick, it was moved to Saint John in 1967 to mark the centennial of Canada. The store is set up as an authentic 19th-century country store, boasting over 2000 artifacts, including china, cooking utensils, farm tools, and a pharmacy. It is located in Uptown Saint John and is staffed by costumed interpreters during the summer months.

Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market is the oldest continuing market in Canada, first opening its doors in 1876. The market runs the length of a city block and is renowned for its resemblance to an inverted ship's hull when viewed from inside. Here, you can find local produce, fresh seafood, old-fashioned butchers, delightful bakeries, and unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans.

New Brunswick Museum

The New Brunswick Museum, located in Market Square, is the oldest continuing museum in Canada. It offers visitors a range of exhibits and galleries showcasing the province's cultural heritage and natural history. Notable exhibits include the Hall of Great Whales, where you can see the skeleton of a Right whale that washed up on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, the Shipbuilding Gallery, which explores the city's first major industry, and the Discovery Gallery, featuring hands-on exhibits.

Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre is a historic performing arts facility in Saint John. It has been a venue for theatrical shows, movies, and church services over the years and now hosts a varied schedule of performances, including concerts, plays, films, and dance productions. The theatre was extensively reconstructed in 1994 and offers guided tours for those interested in its history and architecture.

Carleton Martello Tower

The Carleton Martello Tower, dating back to the War of 1812, played a crucial role in protecting the Loyalist City until WWII. Located near Bayshore Beach, the tower has been restored and features army barracks, a jail, and gunpowder magazines. It offers stunning views of the surrounding city and harbour.

Fort Howe National Historic Site

Fort Howe, constructed in 1778, was built to protect the St. John River from American privateers and native unrest. It consisted of eight cannons, barracks for a hundred soldiers, and two blockhouses. In 1785, the fort's soldiers formed the city's first police force, and the blockhouse became a prison. Today, Fort Howe provides visitors with incredible panoramic views of the Saint John Harbour.

The Loyalist Trail

Saint John is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of King George III. The city was settled by Loyalists—British subjects who fled north during the American Revolution to escape persecution. In 1783, around 14,000 Loyalists settled in Saint John, then a coastal settlement.

The Old Burial Ground

Located on Sydney Street, this area was set aside as a public ground in the original town plan drawn up by Paul Bedell in 1783. The oldest surviving headstone in the burial ground dates to 1784 and is located on the southern side of the graveyard near the southwest corner. In 1848, the burial ground was closed to further burials by an Act of the Provincial Legislature. Today, it is a memorable garden with tree-lined pathways and beautiful flower beds.

Loyalist House

Loyalist House, located on Union Street, is a Georgian-style house built in 1810 by Loyalist David Daniel Merritt. It is the oldest building in the City of Saint John and was home to six generations of the Merritt family for nearly 130 years. The house contains impressive features such as eight fireplaces, authentic Georgian antique furnishings, and a graceful curving staircase. It is open to the public from June to September and admission is charged.

King's Square

A lush and verdant public square, King's Square is home to a two-storey bandstand with hanging flowered plants. It is one of the city's original four squares and is located adjacent to the Old Burial Ground.

Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market, located on Charlotte Street, is the oldest continuing market in Canada, having first opened in 1876. The market is housed in a building with a roof that resembles an inverted ship's hull. Inside, visitors will find local produce, fresh seafood, old-fashioned butchers, delightful bakeries, and interesting souvenirs.

County Court

The courthouse, located in King's Square, was built in 1825 to plans by Saint John architect John Cunningham. The building features fluted pilasters and a pediment on the upper floors, evoking the imagery of a Greek Temple. Of particular interest is the stone staircase, which spirals up three storeys without a central support.

Saint John Arts Centre

The Saint John Arts Centre, located on Peel Plaza, opened in 1904 as one of the many public library buildings that Andrew Carnegie gave to communities across North America. The building features a stained glass ceiling in the almost three-story-high rotunda and is an example of period architecture.

Chipman Hill

Chipman Hill is a historic site where visitors can imagine the arrival of the Loyalists in 1783. Sarah Frost, a young mother who arrived in Saint John that year, wrote in her diary about climbing to the top of Chipman Hill and feeling overwhelmed by the wilderness surrounding her. Today, Chipman Hill is occupied by classical homes with hand-carved front doors.

The Bay's high tide

Saint John is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of George III. The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, with a tidal range of up to 16 metres (52.5 ft). This natural phenomenon occurs twice a day and can be witnessed at various locations along the bay.

One of the best places to experience the high tides in Saint John is at the Reversing Rapids. Here, the powerful tides collide with the Saint John River, creating a series of whirlpools and rapids. The force of the tide is so strong that it temporarily reverses the flow of the river, providing a unique and fascinating sight.

Another popular spot to witness the high tides is at the Saint John Harbour, where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. This deep-water port remains ice-free year-round due to the bay's dramatic tidal range, making it accessible for cruise ships and cargo vessels.

The Stonehammer UNESCO Geopark, centred around Saint John, also offers insights into the geological significance of the area. The park contains rock formations dating back to the Precambrian era, showcasing the ancient history of the region.

Additionally, the Irving Nature Park on the west side of Saint John provides a tranquil setting to observe the natural beauty of the bay. With over 20 kilometres of nature trails, birdwatching, sandy beaches, and a glimpse into the Bay of Fundy ecosystem are all within reach.

The high tides in the Bay of Fundy are a result of the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, as well as the perpetual spinning rotation of the Earth. The unique shape and size of the bay create a resonance effect, amplifying the tidal range as the water rushes into the narrow funnel-shaped bay.

The power of these tides has shaped the environment, economy, and culture of the region. It has carved dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and exposed vast nutrient-rich mudflats, providing an abundant food source for the diverse wildlife that calls the bay home.

The Bay of Fundy's high tides offer a captivating display of nature's wonders, and Saint John serves as an ideal gateway to experience this remarkable phenomenon. Whether it's witnessing the Reversing Rapids, exploring the Stonehammer Geopark, or simply strolling along the Irving Nature Park trails, visitors can marvel at the mighty force of the tides that shape this unique coastline.

Rockwood Park

During the summer, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and biking. There are also two restaurants serving delicious meals with a choice of settings: a lush, green golf course or the sparkling lake, both offering patio dining in the summer months. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spots for picnics, as well as a playground and a swimming area near Lily Lake.

As autumn arrives and the leaves turn spectacular shades of red and orange, Rockwood Park provides the perfect backdrop for scenic walks and nature photography. The park also offers an 18-hole, 70-par public golf course, suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

When winter comes, the park transforms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, and skating. Snowshoeing is also a popular activity, with many trails to explore. Rockwood Park truly is a four-season adventure zone!

The park is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of nature and city life. It is located just minutes from the centre of Saint John, making it a convenient spot for locals and tourists alike to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

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