Saint John is one of the oldest chartered cities in Canada. It is a port city, mostly comprised of neighborhoods, situated in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. As a port city, the most popular livelihood activities in Saint John are fisheries and building ships. What makes this culturally diverse city more alive are the music, arts, pub, and restaurant scenes, especially in the uptown area. Saint John has historic popular attractions mostly frequented by the locals and tourists such as Saint John City Market, Imperial Theater, Prince William Street, New Brunswick Museum, and many more. In 2007, Saint John was named as the happiest city in Canada. If you want to experience priceless happiness, visit Saint John. Here are the best things to do in Saint John, Canada:
1. Wildlife spotting at Irving Nature Park
Posted by Irving Nature Park on Wednesday, 5 May 2010
One of the best experiences you’ll have while in Saint John is having some time to spend in Irving Nature Park. This park is easily accessible from downtown Saint John because the distance between them is just a few minutes away. Since everyone is welcome to visit this 600-acre (242.8 hectares) park, you can take your family and friends here and enjoy witnessing the wildlife scene. You can watch the calming ocean, feed the birds using your hands, and enjoy the views in this park. As the saying goes, the best things in life are free, therefore, a visit to Irving Nature Park will be one of the best things you’ll have in life because of the free admission. Aside from wildlife spotting, free picnic sites, barbecue sites, and educational programs are provided.
Irving Nature Park
Address: 1790 Sand Cove Rd, Saint John, NB E2M 4Z8, Canada
Website: Irving Nature Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Feeling inspired at the New Brunswick Museum
Explore the vintage New Brunswick Museum for collections of model ships, paintings, and other items. Here, you can feed your mind by learning more about the past and present New Brunswick. Aside from artistic stuff, you’ll also see cool relics and artifacts from New Brunswick’s natural history. The interactive learning experience is what sets this museum apart from other conventional museums in Canada.
New Brunswick Museum
Address: Market Square, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4Z6, Canada
Website: New Brunswick Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
3. Engaging in multiple activities at Rockwood Park
#MySaintJohn looks like Rockwood Park and million dollar views like this all year round. In @cityofsaintjohn, you have...
Posted by Rockwood Park on Thursday, 18 October 2018
If you’re into an active lifestyle, treat yourself in Rockwood Park. This 125-year-old park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada. Rockwood Park offers a plethora of recreational activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and golf courses to name a few. Indeed, Rockwood Park will give you lots of wonderful memories because you’ll never run out of activities to do here.
Rockwood Park
Address: 10 Fisher Lakes Dr, Saint John, New Brunswick E2K 5S6, Canada
Website: Rockwood Park
Opening hours: 8:30am - 7pm (daily)
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4. Enjoying a moment at the Carleton Martello Tower
If learning more about the history of places around the world is your cup of tea, explore the historic Carleton Martello Tower built during the Second World War. Here, you’ll learn more about the said historic war and you’ll enjoy the lovely views of the city. To get the stunning view of Saint John, you’ll need to get to the top of the hill. Most of the tourists who were here were impressed by what they’ve seen in this historic site. The tower staff here are friendly and they make sure that every visitor has a pleasant visit here.
Carleton Martello Tower
Address: 454 Whipple St, Saint John, New Brunswick E2M 2R3, Canada
Website: Carleton Martello Tower
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm; Sat: 24 hours
5. Embarking on a hike across the Reversing Rapids Skywalk
If you’re a certified thrill-seeker, visit the Reversing Falls Rapids Tourist Center. This interesting facility offers a rooftop attraction which is called the Skywalk Saint John. When you visit, you’ll be given an all-day pass to Skywalk in order for you to witness the three tidal stages (high, low, and slack). This tour is not for the faint-hearted because you’ll have to skywalk out and step onto a glass platform 28 feet (8.5 meters) over the waters. The rewarding part of the experience is getting to see literally breathtaking views of the Reversing Falls Rapids.
Reversing Falls Rapids Skywalk
Address: 200 Bridge Rd, Saint John, NB E2M 7Y9, Canada
Website: Reversing Falls Rapids Skywalk
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
6. Splurging at Saint John City Market
Posted by Saint John City Market on Thursday, 22 November 2018
Your amazing journey in Saint John will never be complete without shopping at the Saint John City Market. This shopping center is the oldest farmer’s market in Canada. It offers a wide array of goods, local handicrafts, services, and mouth-watering meals from the restaurants here. Your shopping experience in Saint John City Market will never be dull because you’ll stumble upon numerous establishments. From local to imported items, every penny you’ll spend here will surely be worth it. Visit the market and see for yourself!
Saint John City Market
Address: 47 Charlotte St, Saint John, NB E2L 2H8, Canada
Website: Saint John City Market
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 6pm; Sat: 7:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
7. Ziplining over Reversing Falls Rapids
As if the Skywalk experience mentioned in this list is not enough for the thrill-seeker. With this activity, you fly through the air with a wire suspended above the river to observe the Reversing Falls Rapids. One day won’t be enough for you to explore because while ziplining through the air, you’ll get to witness the different panoramic views. What makes the reversing rapids uniquely beautiful is the meeting of Saint John River and Bay of Fundy.
Saint John Adventures Inc
Address: 100 Fallsview Ave, Saint John, NB E2K 0G8, Canada
Website: Saint John Adventures Inc
8. Witnessing world-class entertainment at the Imperial Theater
Experience one of the most beautiful historic sites in Canada and see theatrical shows, movies, and church services at the Imperial Theatre. Imperial Theatre houses 900 comfortable seats and has been popular for holding live shows and films since 1923. Indeed, Imperial Theatre is not just a theatre but is already an iconic attraction in Saint John. Whether you love contemporary or classic shows and performances, you’ll surely have a great time at Imperial Theatre because every corner of it looks beyond impressing.
Imperial Theatre
Address: 12 King Square South, Saint John, New Brunswick
Website: Imperial Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
9. Viewing the pristine charm of Fundy Trail Parkway
Posted by Fundy Trail on Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Fall in love and get inspired by the scenic St. Martins - Fundy Trail Parkway with viewpoints, hiking trails, and beaches along the way. This parkway is best known to tourists because of the phenomenal and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy and the highest tides in the world. For cardio workout enthusiasts, this 30-kilometer (10.6 miles) parkway is a perfect site for biking and walking. Moreover, you should include Fundy Trail Parkway in your travel bucket list because of the many meaningful experiences and relaxing activities you’ll have here.
Fundy Trail Parkway
Address: 3 Fundy Trail Parkway, St. Martins, New Brunswick E5R 0A2, Canada
Website: Fundy Trail Parkway
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
10. Tickling your palate at Saint John Ale House
Happy WEEKEND !!! This weather is brutal, luckily we have underground parking so come out and enjoy what the Boardwalk has to offer without getting rained on. #cheers #weekend #drinks. #dinnertable
Posted by Saint John Ale House on Friday, 24 May 2019
If you’re interested in savoring local delicacies of Saint John or New Brunswick, Saint John Ale House is the perfect place for you. This restaurant is popular in the area because it changes its menus every day. Saint John Ale House takes pride in reinventing local dishes with seasonal ingredients such as local lambs or lobsters. As for the place itself, you will love the overall rustic feels and the views overlooking the harbor while enjoying your meals.
Saint John Ale House
Address: 1 Market Sq, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4Z6, Canada
Website: Saint John Ale House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 12am
11. Sipping onto locally crafted beers at the Big Tide Brewing
Good times are perfectly celebrated over some bottles of beer. For when you need to have some happy hour sessions while in Saint John, go to Big Tide Brewing. Whether you’re solo or with your friends, you’ll definitely have a great time and awesome experience here. Top off your great experience by tasting Big Tide’s highly recommended refreshing locally crafted beers. Aside from that, you’ll surely give this restaurant a five-star rating because of its excellent customer service, meals at a reasonable price, and guaranteed relaxing atmosphere.
Big Tide Brewing
Address: 47 Princess Street, Saint John, New Brunswick
Website: Big Tide Brewing
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 12am; Mon: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
12. Visiting the scenic heritage village Quidi Vidi
If you need to unwind after a day or two of touring around Saint John proper, pay a visit to the heritage village of Quidi Vidi. You’ll surely come back for more once you get to see the picturesque views of the entire community or taste some crafted beers from the village’s local brewery. Whether it’s foggy or sunny, the beauty of Quidi Vidi never falters. You’ll also be welcomed by accommodating and friendly locals in the area. Words are not enough to describe how beautiful every corner of Quidi Vidi is.
Quidi Vidi Village
Address: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Enjoying poetry reading sessions at the Ship Pub
If you’re into good food, good music, and a lively atmosphere combined in one place, then Ship Pub is the place to be! Imagine having some large meals while unwinding to some jazz music and listening to inspiring poetry pieces, you’ll surely have them all at this unique and well-loved restaurant-bar in downtown Saint John. Ship Pub serves delicious breakfast to dinner and provides world-class customer service. You’ll definitely wish that Ship Pub should have branches everywhere to satisfy your hungry tummy and hungry soul.
The Ship Pub & Kitchen
Address:265 Duckworth Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Website: The Ship Pub & Kitchen
Opening hours: Mon: 3pm - 1am; Tue: 3pm - 2am; Wed: 12pm - 1am; Thu: 12pm - 2am; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 3am
14. Strolling across the trails in the harbour and downtown area
Downtown Saint John is one of the top-rated attractions in the city. You’ll surely treasure every moment you’ll have here as you visit the local shops, artisan restaurants, entertainment, and attractive harbor in the area. Downtown Saint John is also one of the most popular spots for nightlife activities, especially in George Street where you can find lively pubs and bars. You’ll never run out of things to do in the downtown area.
Downtown Saint John
Address: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Website: Downtown Saint John
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Witnessing the port area in Fort Howe National Historic Site
Visit the Fort Howe National Historic Site for a panoramic view of the shipyards, harbor, river, and town. When you reach the uphill, you’ll see breathtaking views of Saint John. If you don’t want to skip your daily fitness routine while exploring Saint John, you can enjoy brisk walking here while witnessing the scenic views of the harbor and the uptown area. On the other hand, aside from amazing views, the highlight of visiting Fort Howe is seeing the blockhouse, so make sure to take pictures of it!
Fort Howe National Historic Site
Address: Magazine Street, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Website: Fort Howe National Historic Site
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Five-hour kayaking that's perfect for eco-lovers (from USD 136.0)
Go kayaking along this rugged coastline of the Bay of Fundy. In this kayaking trip, you’ll have a wonderful time interacting with marine life creatures such as seals, porpoises, or bald eagles. While paddling, you’ll also get the chance to see waterfalls and saltwater marsh, witness the fishing and lobster industries, and discover the extraordinary ecological areas nearby. Inclusions in this outdoor tour are delicious Bay of Fundy lobster roll for lunch, refreshments, professional local guide, hotel pick-up, and roundtrip shared transfer.
Kayaking Eco Tour on the Bay of Fundy
Touring is more fun if you have many activities to enjoy
Your time spent on travel becomes a time well-spent if there are numerous things you can enjoy in just a matter of days. Plan ahead if you’re heading to a destination with an overwhelming number of things to do. If you’re in New Brunswick, there are many things to do in Saint John, Canada, that will satisfy your travel goals and meet your travel needs. Go ahead and visit Saint John and get your regular dose of pleasant life experiences.
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