This town on the Bay of Fundy is an incredible destination for nature, history and architecture. Saint John is most known for its reversing rapids, the only place in the world where the tide affects the river flow to reverse. The city centre is an outdoor museum displaying some of the most incredible 19th century architecture. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my days off here numerous times and love sharing my experiences. So, read on to learn about Saint John Canada travel highlights and top 20 things to do.
About Saint John
The natural surroundings of Saint John, New Brunswick are unique. It lies where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. Therefore, near the town is unique ecosystems and biodiversity, such as, beaches, forests, estuaries, salt marshes and bogs. Saint John is most known for its reversing rapids. The tides from the Bay of Fundy cause the Saint John River to reverse and flow upstream at high tide. This is the only place in the world that this phenomenon exists.
Walking the streets of the city centre is like stepping back to the 19th century. After the Great Fire of 1877, the wealthy merchants and ship owners of Saint John commissioned the best architects and imported the finest materials to rebuild spectacular homes and buildings. The architectural design for buildings still in use is stunning, such as, Georgian, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italian Renaissance, and Queen Anne Revival and Federalist.
Saint John Canada Travel
Top 20 Things to Do
In Saint John there are inexhaustible choices to make among outdoor activities, natural biodiversity, historic walking tours and shopping. There is a Hop on Hop off Bus, however, it’s busy when cruise ships are in town. Taxis are plentiful and reliable and there is no Uber. The town centre is very compact with hills and perfect for a walking tour.
In this article, I organize the top things to do according to 3 categories: Reversing Falls Rapids, City Centre and Parks outside the city.
Seeing Reversing Falls Rapids & Bay of Fundy
In Saint John is a natural phenomenon that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. The rapids change direction of flow depending on the tide. With the Bay of Fundy having the highest tide in the world, its high tide overflows into the Saint John River. This causes the rapids to reverse and flow upstream instead of downstream during low tide.
Furthermore, you can observe different scenarios at low, slack and high tides. At low tide the full flow of the Saint John River flows through the gorge between Fallsview Park and Irving pulp and paper mill. During low tide the water has whirlpools and rapids. Slack tide only lasts for 20 minutes. This happens when the Bay of Fundy begins to rise and slow the river’s flow. At this time the water is calm. It’s the only time boats sail between the Bay of Fundy and Saint John River. In contrast, at high tide the Bay of Fundy gradually reverses the flow of the river. Therefore, the river flows upstream with standing waves.
4 Ways to See the Reversing Falls: Fallsview Park, Skywalk and Bridge, Wolastoq Park & Ziplining
Fallsview Park
This park is just 1.6 miles southwest of town center. It’s the best location for close views of the rapids reversing in the Saint John River.
Reversing Falls Skywalk and Bridge
Here, you get a great view from above, where the bay and river meet. On one side of the bridge is the Bay of Fundy and the other side is the Saint John River. The skywalk offers a short movie to explain this phenomenon. It also offers see-through floors to observe the waters. Plus, the Reversing Falls The Plank Restaurant offers dining or take-out.
Wolastoq Park
Perched on a hill, this park overlooks the Skywalk and Bridge. Wolastoq means “the beautiful river” by the Maliseet people. Throughout the park, there are statues of historical figures of Saint John and awesome views of the river and bay.
Saint John Adventures Zip Line
This is another way to experience the reversing waters up close with an adrenaline rush.
Saint John City Center – Saint John Canada Travel
Market Square
Near the city center this historic area has restored warehouses filled with things to see and do along the waterfront. There is outdoor seating for restaurants and pubs along a boardwalk. The 3-story atrium includes the New Brunswick Museum, a library and spa.
New Brunswick Museum
In the Market Square, this museum is a great way to learn about the history and development of New Brunswick. There are interactive exhibits, local artworks and the popular Hall of Great Whales.
City Market
Opened since 1876, this bustling indoor market is open Monday – Saturday and offers a wide variety of produce, seafood, local crafts, imports and restaurants. Surviving the Great Fire of 1877, its roof still stands as the shape of an inverted keel of a ship. Every day the market opens and closes with the ritual ringing of the Market Bell.
King’s Square
Located in the uptown at the end of King Street, this has been a gathering place for more than a century. It commemorates the Loyalist Founders with pathways in the shape of the British Union Flag. It has many statues honoring the town’s heritage with shady trees. In the heart of the square is a large bandstand built to honor King Edward VII.
Imperial Theatre
Across the street from King’s Square, this historical theatre is built in Italian Renaissance style and opened in 1913. It was a venue for vaudeville acts, silent films and the original “talkies.” It’s a beautiful building and continues to be a venue for musicals and concerts.
Loyalist House
This museum was the home of the wealthy Merritt Family, British Loyalists that emigrated from the United States during the Revolutionary War. Taken over by the New Brunswick Historical Society in 1961, this house was in the family for more than 40 years. Built in a Federalist style, this was one of the few surviving structures from the Great Fire of 1877.
Moosehead Breweries Ltd. or Taproom
As Canada’s oldest independent brewery, Moosehead is a privately owned 6th generation establishment. Their flagship Moosehead Lager is often considered Canada’s best lager. The main brewery is on 89 Main St. and Taproom is on 470 Prospect St. W.
Jewish Historical Museum
Just 2 blocks from King’s Square, this museum preserves the Jewish history and heritage in Saint John. It provides numerous exhibits, a library and archives viewed by appointment. Don’t overlook the rare Tiffany lamp in the front window.
Waterfront Container Village
Just opened in June 2022, this container village is a colorful collection of 54 shipping containers. It is located on Water Street on the waterfront and near the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. Overall, the containers sustainably provide customized business for local vendors, food, art and crafts.
Harbour Passage & Place Fort La Tour
Place Fort La Tour is located on the Harbour Passage on the Bay of Fundy. It’s an archeological site including a 17th century fortified fur-trading post. Furthermore, it was one of the earliest locations for the French fur traders with the First Nations people.
3 Self-Guided Historic Walks in Town Centre
These 3 historic walking tours take you to the heart and soul of the 19th century architecture styles in the town centre. Maps and historic landmarks are explained at DiscoverSaintJohn.com/three-historic-walking-tours
Loyalist Trail (approx. 1.5 hours)
This recounts the history of the founders of Saint John. During the American Revolution, about 14,000 British Loyalists fled to Saint John. This walk includes Old Burial Ground, County Court, Loyalist House, City Market and more.
Victorian Stroll (approx. 1.5 hours)
After the Great Fire of 1877, the wealthy merchants and ship owners of Saint John commissioned the best architects and imported the finest materials to rebuild spectacular Victorian homes and buildings. This tour includes landmark locations, such as, King’s Square, gorgeous homes along King Street, Leinster Street, Wentworth Street, Orange Street and Germain Street.
Prince William Walk (approx. 1.5 hours)
After the Great Fire of 1877, Prince William and Germain Streets became a venue for the grand architecture from the 19th century. The tour includes iconic landmarks, such as, Market Square and New Brunswick Museum, Barbour’s General Store (Saint Andrews Bicentennial Green),
Nature Parks Outside City Centre – Saint John Canada Travel
Rockwood Park
Just 2.2 miles from the city center, this spectacular park is an outdoor haven with 30+ miles of trails, freshwater lakes, caves, waterfalls, a zoo, spa, horse stables, golf course and campground. It was designed by the same person that designed New York’s Central Park. The Lily Lake Pavilion Being so close to the city, it’s a wonderful place to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Just 5 miles from the city centre, this park is a closer option for views of the bay than Fundy National Park. I took a $25 taxi ride each way to get here. There is no bus route that takes you here. On a peninsula, it provides a variety of ecosystems, such as, beaches, estuaries, bog and salt marsh. There are 8 hiking trails and a boardwalk. I spent a half day at this park walking the Seal and Heron Trail. The highlight was exploring the Gorge Rocks at the southeast end of the peninsula. Also, I enjoyed the boardwalk on the marsh.
This park is a wonderful place for birdwatching with more than 250 species and seeing whales and other marine wildlife. The Observation Deck is a great place to watch seals.
This park is about 70 miles northeast of Saint John, sprawling along the Bay of Fundy’s shore. It’s filled with wild animals, such as, beavers, moose and black bears. During low tide the massive red boulders and muddy beaches are exposed. Also, during high tide, the wooden platforms trails lead through waterfalls, sea cliffs and lush forests.
Enjoy Saint John!
There is so much to see and do in historic Saint John. Even if you only have a short time, the Old Town is a concentrated area to experience tons of culture and natural beauty.
Leave comments below if your travels take you to Saint John. Let us know any tips or ideas on how best to experience this amazing city!
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