Top Things to do in Saint John
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What to do and see in Saint John, Canada: The Best Things to do
Saint John, New Brunswick, is the only city on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Canada’s oldest incorporated city, Saint John is a popular tourist destination known for its historic uptown streetscapes, cultural attractions and natural wonders. Popular sights include the Reversing Rapids, where the Bay collides with the St. John River, the City Market with local vendors and artisans, the New Brunswick Museum and the trails and beauty of Rockwood Park.
Restaurants in Saint John
1. Moosehead Breweries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Tour our historic brewery where we brew our beer today and learn how art, science, and passion come together to create award-winning beers. Dating back to 1867, learn about how the Oland family brewing business has survived for six generations and how Moosehead continues to be one of the most resilient and time-honored Canadian breweries.
Reviewed By 337kendrag
I’m a local, having worked at the brewery previously but never visited as a tourist so when my friends came to visit from Germany, we decided to do the tour! Greg was a great tour guide and had lots of knowledge to share and John in the Small Batch was lovely! Definitely recommend for anyone visiting.
2. Irving Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 742 reviews
Reviewed By Happiness55906
Beautiful, scenic place to get a nice walk in. Outer loop is about 7k if I remember correctly. Some pretty spots to see the ocean & lots of shade to beat the summer heat. A must!
3. New Brunswick Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) provides a remarkable introduction to New Brunswick's rich cultural history and diverse natural environment. At Canada's oldest continuing museum, visitors will discover stories of New Brunswick's past and present on three floors of creative exhibitions, and fun events.
Reviewed By askinstr - Virginia Beach, United States
Highly recommended to include into your itinerary...or make a special trip there! My wife and I, during our trip to Nova Scotia, intentionally stayed an extra day in Saint John to visit the New Brunswick (NB) Museum and take in a few other sights. We are so glad that we did. This museum is a treasure trove of wonderful NB history, the importance of logging and shipping, displays of the "Changing Earth", birds of NB, and very notably a spectacular displays of Great Whales and a mastodon. Not to be missed on Level 3 are notable Canadian contributions to space exploration and various artwork. A visitor could easily spend a half-day there touring through this great museum. Commendation is truly deserved to the curators and staff in their ability to collecting and displaying such interesting and compelling displays.
4. Rockwood Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By I4283IRdougm - Saint John, Canada
I took two preschool grandchildren here for a nature walk on a short trail and to play in the playground as well as see a horse outside the stables. Playground is well kept and popular with kids. There are trails for walking and mountain biking of various skill levels.
5. Bay Ferries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 487 reviews
Save time, fuel and hours behind the wheel on your next journey from Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia. Whether you’re travelling by foot, car, RV, tour bus, or by motorcycle, enjoy a convenient 2.5 hour sail along the world-famous Bay of Fundy aboard the MV Fundy Rose. Breathe in fresh salt air from the outdoor seating and viewing area. Keep an eye out for whales and other native marine life. Fuel up with a hot coffee and onboard offering of delicious bites. Spend less time driving and more time relaxing with Bay Ferries.
Reviewed By Stargait2000 - Medicine Hat, Canada
We took the ferry to cross the Bay of Fundy, as part of our round trip from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and back and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The trip was relatively quick, and very comfortable. Excellent views and great variety of food and drink on the trip.
6. Harbour Passage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China
The clay-colored walking path from Hilton Hotel to the Reversing Falls were purposely built pathway for walkers. It would take around 30 minutes for the smooth walk along the Harbour Passage while another 10 minutes slightly uphill to the Reversing Falls at the end. Remember that the total 40 minutes walk was one way only and you have to walk back. Or else you have to wait for taxi or shuttle return. Anyway the walk is highly recommended with relaxing atmosphere along.
7. Port Saint John
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Located in the southern part of the province of New Brunswick, Port Saint John is Canada’s third largest port by volume and has a diverse cargo base, handling over 28 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, including dry and liquid bulks, break bulk, and containers. Port Saint John is the fourth largest cruise port in Canada and a major port of call on the Canada New England itinerary. Follow the recreational trail Harbour Passage around the inner harbour to see the action of the working port.
Reviewed By PearlieMae_13 - Allentown, United States
Everything was very smooth to disembark and embark the ship. There is also a lengthy boardwalk and a farmers market right near the piers.
8. Saint John City Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 719 reviews
Open year-round, Monday to Saturday, the Saint John City Market offers a unique shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. Nowhere else in Saint John can you experience a traditional "farmers market" while shopping for such a wide selection of goods and services, ranging from dulse to hand-made local crafts, and enjoy a delicious meal from one of the numerous restaurants, featuring local and international foods. The market is alive with the sounds of busy clerks and shoppers, the aroma of fresh food, and colorful displays of produce, meats and seafood. Browse for Maritime crafts, imported items, and items hand-crafted by the City Market's own resident artists.
Reviewed By lmkerwin - Saint John, Canada
The Saint John City Market is one of the City's assets. It is the meeting place for all the locals on Saturday mornings. Grab a coffee from Java Moose, sit and chat with all your neighbours, who you only see on Saturdays, Roam around and pick up your fresh baked goods, cheese, produce fish, beef, eggs and sundry other items you may need for a hearty Sunday dinner. So many other artisans, selling hand made jewellery, paintings. candy, clothing celebrating our City. Oh by the way, hungry, well, let me tell you, there are vendors selling great fish & chips, sandwiches, dulse, salads, greek food, you won't go hungry. There is even a covered area where tables are set out for you to sit and enjoy your treats.One cannot come to our city without visiting this historic market where you never know what kind of treasures you may find. You may also run into a friend you have not seen for a long time. Enjoy
9. Reversing Falls Rapids
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,400 reviews
Reviewed By GordonW318 - Gloucester, United Kingdom
This is St John's most unusual natural attraction, Reversing Falls Rapids, at Fallsview Park. This phenomenon is caused by the Bay of Funday's tide which rises 28 feet in the course of a day. When the tide is low the river empties into the bay. As the tide rises the water begins to churn in a series of rapids and whirlpools until the river flows backwards. This made it very difficult in olden times for ships to navigate this river.
10. Market Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 218 reviews
New Brunswick's Festival Place welcomes you to enjoy a taste of Market Square's finest as you shop, eat, play, and explore! Open from first coffee 'til last call, seven days a week, year round, we are proud to act as the cornerstone of Uptown Saint John! It's the perfect place to shop, dine, relax or play. We've saved the best for last, though: one of our finest features, the Boardwalk! Head out to our waterfront patio for some delicious food from our world-class chefs and a refreshing pint of Moosehead, and any other favourites to whet your whistle!
Reviewed By DebF620 - Nanaimo, Canada
Nice old building that now has art, crafts and food items that are very unique to the area. Loved the lobster sandwich from the seafood market. Bought some great gifts for friends, and small things for myself. I would suggest you are in the area, go check it out.
