Welcome to Saint John
Saint John is the economic engine room of the province, a gritty port city with a dynamism that's missing from the demure capital. The setting is impressive – a ring of rocky bluffs, sheer cliffs, coves and peninsulas surrounding a deep natural harbor where the mighty Saint John and Kennebecasis Rivers empty into the Bay of Fundy. It can take a bit of imagination to appreciate this natural beauty, obscured as it is by the smokestacks of a pulp mill, oil refinery and garden-variety urban blight. But those who push their way through all this to the historic core are rewarded with beautifully preserved redbrick and sandstone 19th-century architecture and glimpses of the sea down steep, narrow side streets.
Top experiences in Saint John
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Saint John activities
Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Photography Small-Group Tour
Our tour begins with a visit to the seaside community of St. Martins. You'll step back in time and sense the serenity of this area with its wharf, fishing boats, and piled lobster traps. With the ocean as a backdrop, you'll capture memorable photos of many interesting features such as lighthouses and the twin covered bridges. Don't forget to visit the wave-carved sea caves in the sandstone cliff if the tide is low enough to allow access while you're there. Learn about this small community's wooden ship building industry and see some of the highest tides in the world ebb and flow during your visit. You'll also visit the famous Reversing Falls, where the huge tides from the Bay of Fundy force the mighty Saint John River. Before returning to the cruise ship, we'll stop and explore the unique Old City Market in the heart of Saint John and learn why the local folks have loved to buy fresh produce here since 1876.
Shore Excursion Saint John Walking Tour
Discover nearly 400 years of history in Canada’s oldest incorporated city and experience a unique blend of past and present in one of the friendliest cities that you’ll ever visit. You’ll be fascinated as your tour guide introduces you to personalities, places, and events that have made Saint John “the greatest little city in the east.” Learn the history of the buildings along Prince William Street. Discover why King Street is so interesting. Visit Barbour’s General Store, an authentic 18th century general store. Swing by the King’s Square Bandstand to listen to the local talent or just take in the beauty of the square. Head over to Loyalist Burial Ground, the resting place of several of Saint John’s first British settlers. Before heading back to the ship, take a tour of the majestic Imperial Theater and then stop to explore the sights and smells in the Old City Market. Chat with local folks as they buy fresh produce in an oldest continually operated market in Canada, built in 1876.None of these tour sites are more than a kilometer from the ship. Participants can drop out and walk back to the ship on their own at various points, or stay the whole two hours to learn all about the historical intrigue of Saint John.
Saint John to Hopewell Rocks Private Full-Day Tour
Start your drive through the beautiful Fundy National Park. Fundy National Park of Canada encompasses some of the last remaining wilderness in southern New Brunswick. Here, the conifer dominated Caledonia Highlands roll down to meet the fog-generating Bay of Fundy. The tidal fluctuation of the Bay of Fundy is the highest in the world. Watch fishing boats come and go to the rhythm of the bay. Inland, explore lush forests and deep stream valleys. Fundy National Park leads you right to The Hopewell Rocks. As the tides allow in the Bay of Fundy, you'll get the chance to explore awe-inspiring rock formations. As you walk along the beach, peer up at the giant “flowerpots” towering above, and run your fingers along the rough striations created by the highest tides on Earth. Climb the stairs back to the top and make your way to the interpretive centre to find out more about the Bay of Fundy tides. You'll breathe in the fresh sea and realize that earlier in the day you had been walking and touching the ocean floor itself.
Saint John New Brunswick Roots Tour with Old City Market
Set out on a wonderful day as you are driven through the picturesque countryside and smaller rural communities surrounding St. John. Get to know Saint John in a way that other travelers do not and see towns like Hampton, Norton, and the Kingston Peninsula. These quaint villages are picturesque and timeless. Many of the sites you'll see date back to the 18th century and haven't changed much since! Discover country villages such as Kingston, with its historical Trinity Church, designated as a National Historic site. We'll see the heart of farm country and learn about one of the mainstays of the New Brunswick economy. See spectacular fall scenery and covered bridges as we travel along the Saint John and Kennebecasis River. We'll even make a special stop at a country restaurant/store for unique handcrafts and lunch (at your own expense). We've saved the best for last. A classic New Brunswick winery that captures the essence of fall. Enjoy the panoramic views as you sip on premium wines made with organically grown grapes.Back in Saint John, you'll have the bonus of checking how the tides have changed at the Reversing Falls, plus other city highlights. The final stop on this tour will be the Old City Market. First opened in 1876, the Old City Market is the oldest continuing farmer's market in all of Canada.
St. Andrews by-the-Sea Day Tour from St. John
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Passamaquoddy BayAlong the shores of the Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews by the Sea is a charming historic community that's just a short hour drive from Saint John. It's filled with quaint shops and turn of the century architecture. Your guide will first lead you on an exploration of this town to hear the reasons why this is an important tourism destination for travelers looking to escape the cities. Then you can take advantage of some free time to Enjoy local cuisine, shopping and exploring this Quaint Seaside town.Time permitting there are a few other hidden gems that can be experienced on this tour. The route to or from St.Andrews is a beautiful scenic route.Stop At: Kingsbrae Garden, Saint Andrews, New BrunswickWhile visiting this charming resort community, enjoy a private guided tour and lunch at the award winning Kingsbrae Garden, a magnificent 27 acre public horticultural garden, recently named in the Top Five North America Gardens Worth Travelling For at the 2011 International Garden Tourism Conference.Built on the grounds of several grand old estates, Kingbrae Garden has superb collection of over 50,000 perennials in many themed gardensDuration: 1 hourPass By: The Algonquin Golf Club, St. Andrews By The Sea, Saint Andrews, New BrunswickOther tour highlights include the famous Algonquin Hotel, Atlantic Canada’s premier seaside resortPass By: Pendlebury LighthouseLast but definitely not least, we’ve saved some time for shopping along Water Street where you’ll find many treasures, such as woolens, pottery, pewter, and glass in friendly and waterfront shops. St. Andrews was an important seaport in the early days of the Colony of New Brunswick, and, built in 1833, Pendlebury Lighthouse has lit the way for hundreds of vessels throughout history. Now, it’s the oldest remaining mainland lighthouse in New Brunswick. It gets its moniker from the name of the family that tended the light for almost 100 years.Stop At: Freedom Tours, Saint John, New BrunswickThe unbeatable combination of seaside quaintness, natural beauty and Old World Charm make this a tour not to be missed.Duration: 6 hours
Best of Saint John Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Saint John City Market, Saint John, New BrunswickYour tour begins with a stop at Canada’s oldest continuously operated farmer’s market - Saint John City Market. Here you will be able to grab a tasty treat or coffee from a local café, find unique souvenirs for friends and family, or just walk around taking in the sights of this historical building. Want a truly unique historical experience? Ask your tour guide for the names of vendors and businesses in the City Market who have been in business for over 100 yearsDuration: 30 minutesStop At: SKYWALK Saint John, Saint John, New BrunswickNo stop at Saint John would be complete without a trip to the Reversing Falls which is where you are headed next on your tour. Step out onto the SKYWALK observation deck which gives you a from-the-sky look at the world-famous Reversing Falls Rapids and allows you to catch amazing views of uptown Saint John.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Carleton Martello Tower, Saint John, New BrunswickStraight from the observation deck, we head over to Carleton Martello Tower. Originally built to help defend the city during the War of 1812, this historical landmark is now used by tourists to catch spectacular uninterrupted views of the city’s harbor and city skyline. Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Reversing FallsFrom the Carleton Martello Tower, we hop aboard the Reversing Falls Shuttle Boat. While cruising down the river you will not only be able to relax and really see the city’s sights, but you will get to be up-close-and-personal with the Reversing Falls you saw earlier in the tour. Duration: 1 hour 15 minutesPass By: Fort Howe National Historic Site of Canada, Saint John, New BrunswickBefore completing your tour and heading back to your hotel or chosen drop-off location, we will quickly take you to see the Saint John Sign and Fort Howe Historical Site. Make sure to have your camera ready because you will certainly want to capture some of the sights on film!