Explore our Saint John Travel Guide for essential tips on experiencing the best of this historic Canadian city. Discover Saint John's top attractions, culinary delights, and hidden gems, and plan your perfect visit to this Bay of Fundy gateway with our expert recommendations.
Saint John Travel Guide
Saint John, New Brunswick, is a historic Canadian city known for its vibrant cultural life, stunning Bay of Fundy views, and a rich blend of architectural styles, from Victorian to contemporary.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Saint John, New Brunswick, is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, historical sites, and enjoying various festivals and events that take place during this season.
Getting to Saint John and Getting Around
Getting to Saint John, New Brunswick, and navigating the city can be quite straightforward. Here are the best ways to get there and get around:
Getting to Saint John
By Air: The Saint John Airport (YSJ) is the main gateway for air travelers, with connections to major cities in Canada.
By Car: Saint John is well-connected by highways and is easily accessible by car. It's about a 4-hour drive from Halifax and about a 1-hour drive from the U.S. border at Calais, Maine.
By Bus: Maritime Bus provides service to Saint John from various locations in the Maritimes.
By Train: While Saint John doesn’t have direct train service, the nearest VIA Rail station is in Moncton, from where you can drive or take a bus to Saint John.
Getting Around Saint John
Public Transit: Saint John Transit provides bus services throughout the city, making it a convenient option for getting around.
Car Rentals: Renting a car is a good choice for more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas or the Bay of Fundy.
Taxis and Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available for easy travel within the city.
Walking: The city center is quite walkable, especially the areas around Uptown and the waterfront.
Top Attractions and Activities in Saint John
Saint John, New Brunswick, offers a rich array of attractions and activities that cater to history buffs, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Here are some top attractions and activities in Saint John:
Reversing Falls Rapids: Witness the phenomenal natural occurrence where the Bay of Fundy's high tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River.
Saint John City Market: North America's oldest continuing farmers' market offers a plethora of local products, crafts, and food, perfect for experiencing local culture and cuisine.
Irving Nature Park: A 600-acre park offering walking trails, sandy beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy.
Rockwood Park: One of Canada's largest urban parks, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, and golf, along with beautiful lakes and forested areas.
New Brunswick Museum: Explore the province's history, nature, and art, including exhibits on the Bay of Fundy's marine life and local cultural history.
Uptown Saint John: Wander through the historic streets of Uptown, enjoying its vibrant mix of Victorian architecture, charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Fundy Trail Parkway: A scenic coastal drive that offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy, with access to hiking trails, beaches, and lookouts.
King's Square: A central, historic square surrounded by architectural landmarks, and a great spot to relax and enjoy the urban scenery.
Harbour Passage: A waterfront trail that provides a scenic walk along the harbor with interpretive panels depicting the area's history and ecology.
Saint John Ale House: Sample local craft beers and regional cuisine at this popular gastropub in the heart of the city.
Loyalist House: One of the oldest buildings in Saint John, offering a glimpse into the life of early Canadian settlers.
Saint John Adventures Zipline: For the thrill-seekers, experience a zipline over the Reversing Falls Rapids.
Bay of Fundy Cruises: Take a cruise to explore the majestic Bay of Fundy and potentially spot some marine wildlife.
Ghost Walks: For something different, join a guided evening ghost walk and hear tales of the city's eerie past.
Nearby Attractions
Saint John, New Brunswick, is not only a captivating destination in its own right but also serves as a gateway to numerous nearby attractions that highlight the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Here are some noteworthy nearby attractions:
Fundy National Park: About an hour and a half drive from Saint John, this park offers spectacular coastal landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and camping sites, showcasing the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy.
Hopewell Rocks: Located in the Bay of Fundy, these flowerpot-shaped rock formations are a must-see. You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak around the rocks at high tide.
St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway: A picturesque village about 40 minutes from Saint John, St. Martins is the gateway to the Fundy Trail Parkway, a scenic coastal drive with stunning views, beaches, and hiking trails.
Kings Landing: This living history museum, about an hour's drive north of Saint John, recreates life in a 19th-century New Brunswick village with costumed interpreters and historic buildings.
Sussex: Known for its murals and as a gateway to outdoor adventures, Sussex is less than an hour's drive from Saint John and offers charming rural landscapes, especially beautiful during the annual Balloon Fiesta in September.
Grand Bay-Westfield: Just a short drive from Saint John, this area offers peaceful river views and outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
Alma: Situated near Fundy National Park, Alma is a quaint fishing village where you can enjoy fresh seafood and explore local shops.
Hampton: Located north of Saint John, Hampton offers a small-town atmosphere with historic sites, nature trails, and the Osprey Adventures for outdoor activities.
Irving Nature Park: Close to Saint John, this park offers walking and hiking trails, beaches, and bird watching, with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy.
Deer Island: Accessible by ferry, Deer Island offers a quaint maritime experience with opportunities for kayaking, whale watching, and exploring tidal pools.
New River Beach Provincial Park: A beautiful sandy beach ideal for picnics, beachcombing, and exploring the coastal nature trails.
McAdam Railway Station: A historic railway station about an hour and a half from Saint John, offering a unique glimpse into the region's railway history.
Where to Stay
When visiting Saint John, New Brunswick, choosing the right area to stay can greatly enhance your experience. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
Uptown Saint John: This is the heart of the city, where you'll find a variety of hotels, historic bed and breakfasts, and boutique accommodations. Staying uptown offers easy access to restaurants, shops, art galleries, and the city's nightlife. It's also close to major attractions like the Saint John City Market and the Imperial Theatre.
Harbourfront: For those who enjoy scenic views and want to be close to the water, the harbourfront area is ideal. You can find accommodations with beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy, and it's still within walking distance of Uptown's amenities.
East Saint John: This area is near the Saint John Airport and is convenient for travelers who prefer to stay close to the airport. It offers a range of hotel options, from budget-friendly to more upscale.
Rothesay and Quispamsis: These suburban areas are a short drive from the city center and offer a quieter, more residential setting. They are great for visitors looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, with easy access to the city's attractions.
Near Rockwood Park: For outdoor enthusiasts, staying near Rockwood Park can be a great choice. This area offers easy access to outdoor activities within the park, including hiking, golfing, and kayaking.
Travel Tips
Weather Preparation: Pack for varying weather conditions. Saint John can be quite cool, even in summer, and layers are always a good idea.
Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or festivals.
Rent a Car: To explore nearby attractions like the Fundy National Park or Hopewell Rocks, having a car is convenient.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on the local seafood. Lobster and other shellfish are regional specialties.
Coastal Drives: Consider scenic drives along the coast, especially the Fundy Trail Parkway.
Currency: The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the local currency.
