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Saint John is New Brunswick's port city, set where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. Founded by Loyalists who arrived after the American Revolution, it was incorporated in 1785 and is often called Canada's oldest incorporated city. A great fire in 1877 destroyed much of the center, and the brick and stone buildings that replaced it give the uptown a handsome Victorian character.
The city's best-known sight is the Reversing Falls, where Fundy's powerful tide pushes against the river and causes rapids that change direction with the tide. Fort Howe and the Carleton Martello Tower offer history and wide views of the harbour. Harbour Passage, a waterfront walkway, links the uptown with the shore. Inside, the Saint John City Market is an old covered market full of local food, while King Square, the restored Imperial Theatre, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Loyalist House reward a stroll. The New Brunswick Museum covers natural and human history.
Saint John suits travelers interested in architecture, history and food, and it makes a practical base for the Fundy coast, including the Fundy Trail Parkway to the east. Cruise ships call regularly in season. Summer is pleasant and comparatively cool, with fog rolling in from the bay.
WiserMap travel guideSaint John New Brunswick Reversing Falls and City MarketPlan a trip to Saint John in New Brunswick: Reversing Falls, the historic City Market, Uptown heritage streets, Fort Howe, Rockwood Park and Fundy coast food.Read the guide
At the Reversing Falls the strong Bay of Fundy tides push against the Saint John River, so the rapids flow upstream at high tide and downstream at low tide. Lookouts and a glass Skywalk give views over the gorge, which is part of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark. Check tide times and visit at both high and low tide.
Irving Nature Park is a large coastal park on a peninsula west of the city, with boardwalks, beaches, salt marsh and forest trails. Harbour seals often rest on the rocks and many shorebirds stop here in late summer. A loop road links the trailheads; entry is free, and the park is closed to cars in winter.
Rockwood Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, with lakes, forest trails, climbing rocks, a golf course and the Cherry Brook Zoo. Lily Lake has a beach and a pavilion with a restaurant. It is a short drive from uptown; pick up a trail map at the entrance and allow half a day to explore.
King Square is the historic green square in the middle of uptown Saint John, with paths laid out in the shape of the Union Jack. A two level bandstand, monuments and old trees fill the square, and the Imperial Theatre and City Market are next door. It is a pleasant place to sit, and free concerts are held here in summer.
Fort Howe stands on a rocky hill above the harbour, where a British fort was built in 1777 to protect the settlement. Today a replica wooden blockhouse marks the site, with interpretive panels and one of the best views over uptown and the port. The road up is steep and narrow; go on a clear day for the view.
Carleton Martello Tower is a stone fort built during the War of 1812 on a hill on the west side of the city, now a National Historic Site. Inside are restored barracks, and the upper level, used as a command post in the Second World War, has wide views of the city and harbour. It is open in summer; check hours.
Loyalist House is an elegant Georgian home built in the early 1800s for the Merritt family, Loyalists who came after the American Revolution. It survived the great fire of 1877 and is furnished with period pieces. Guided tours run in summer and take under an hour; it is a short walk from King Square.
The New Brunswick Museum is the oldest continuing museum in Canada, with galleries on natural history, the province's art and its shipbuilding past. The hall of whales with a full right whale skeleton is a highlight. Its main exhibition building is at Market Square on the waterfront; allow two hours and check opening days.
Saint John City Market, opened in 1876, is one of the oldest farmers markets in Canada still running in its original building. Under its roof, shaped like an upturned ship's hull, stalls sell seafood, dulse, cheese, baked goods and crafts. It is closed on Sundays; go at lunchtime to eat a lobster roll or seafood chowder.
The Imperial Theatre on King Square opened in 1913 and was restored to its original grand style, with ornate plasterwork and balconies. It hosts concerts, plays, touring shows and the symphony through the year. Check the program and book tickets ahead, or join a backstage tour to see the building when no show is on.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a large 19th century Gothic Revival church in uptown Saint John, whose tall spire is a landmark of the skyline. Inside are stained glass windows and a long nave. It is still an active parish, so visit outside service times, dress respectfully and keep noise low.
Harbour Passage is a paved waterfront walkway that runs from Market Square around the harbour toward the Reversing Falls, with benches, lookouts and interpretive panels about the port. It is good for walking, running and cycling. Start at Market Square and walk as far as you like; watch for wind and cool fog off the bay.
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