Saint John Travel Guide
Explore the best of Saint John with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the top attractions, outdoor adventures, popular food and drink scene, where to stay, safety tips, and travel logistics.
- Introduction to Saint John
- List of Places to Visit in Saint John
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint John
- Best Things to Do in Saint John: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Saint John
- Food and Drink Scene of Saint John
- Where to Stay in Saint John: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Saint John: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Saint John
- Best Time to Visit Saint John
- Do’s and Don’ts of Saint John
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Saint John: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Saint John
- Where to Go Next from Saint John: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Saint John
Saint John is a charming city located in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada. It is the largest city in New Brunswick and the oldest incorporated city in Canada. Saint John has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s and boasts of numerous natural and man-made attractions. Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, history buff, or foodie, Saint John has something for everyone.
In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the top places to visit in Saint John, the best things to do, where to stay, safety and health tips, and various transportation options to help you plan your trip accordingly.
List of Places to Visit in Saint John
Saint John has numerous attractions that cater to various interests. Here are some places you should visit while in Saint John:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- New Brunswick Museum: The museum boasts of over one million artifacts and displays that give a glimpse into the history, art, and culture of New Brunswick.
- Loyalist House: A historic house that offers insight into the lives of the Loyalist families who settled in Saint John after the American Revolution.
- Carleton Martello Tower: A defensive structure that was built in the 1800s to protect Saint John during the conflicts between Canada and the United States.
Natural Attractions of Saint John: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Fundy National Park: A breathtakingly beautiful park known for its rugged coastline, diverse wildlife, and hiking trails.
- Reversing Falls: A natural phenomenon where the Bay of Fundy tides meet the Saint John River currents, creating a spectacular reversing waterfall.
- Irving Nature Park: A 600-acre park with coastal trails, salt marshes, and forests ideal for bird watching and hiking.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint John
Saint John is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, offering numerous trails and routes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking trails in Saint John:
- Rockwood Park: A 2200-acre park with over 55 kilometers of trails and paved roads, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
- Fundy Trail Parkway: A 16-kilometer coastal drive with scenic views and hiking trails that vary in difficulty.
- The Great Trail: The world’s longest recreational trail, spanning over 23,000 kilometers, with numerous access points in Saint John.
Best Things to Do in Saint John: Activities and Tours
Saint John offers endless activities that cater to various interests. Some of the best things to do in Saint John include:
- Whale Watching Tour: Take a guided tour to the Bay of Fundy to spot humpback and minke whales, seals, porpoises, and other marine life.
- Saint John City Market: The oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada, where you can find local produce, crafts, and delicious food.
- Kayaking Adventures: Explore the Saint John River or the Bay of Fundy in a kayak while enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Week-Long Itinerary for Saint John
Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Saint John:
| Day 1 | Arrival and check-in | Explore local pubs and bars |
|---|---|---|
| Day 2 | Visit the New Brunswick Museum | Take a hike in Rockwood Park |
| Day 3 | Whale watching tour | Explore the Saint John City Market |
| Day 4 | Tour the historic buildings in uptown Saint John | Visit Carleton Martello Tower |
| Day 5 | Kayaking adventure | Take a scenic drive along Fundy Trail Parkway |
| Day 6 | Visit Irving Nature Park | Take a dinner cruise in the Bay of Fundy |
| Day 7 | Departure | – |
Food and Drink Scene of Saint John
Saint John is known for its culinary offerings, from fresh seafood to local craft beer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Fried Clams: A popular dish that includes fresh clams coated in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection.
- Lobster Roll: Made with fresh Atlantic lobster meat, served in a buttered and toasted bun.
- Donair: A local specialty that includes spiced beef, sweet sauce, onions, and tomatoes served in a warm pita.
Local Beverages
- Craft Beer: Saint John has numerous local microbreweries, producing a variety of craft beer.
- Moosehead Beer: One of Canada’s oldest and most famous breweries, located in Saint John.
- Blueberry Wine: Made from locally grown blueberries, this wine is a popular choice amongst visitors.
Where to Stay in Saint John: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Saint John has several accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations for places to stay:
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John: A four-star hotel located on the waterfront, offering stunning views of the Saint John River.
- HI Saint John: A budget-friendly hostel located in uptown Saint John, close to many attractions.
- Château Saint John Hotel & Suites: A boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, offering luxury accommodations.
What to Buy in Saint John: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Here are some local souvenirs and products to buy in Saint John:
- Handcrafted items: Saint John has numerous local artisans producing handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
- Maple Syrup: Made from locally sourced maple trees, this sweet syrup is a popular Canadian specialty.
- Craft Beer: Take home some locally brewed craft beer as a souvenir.
Local Culture and Customs of Saint John
- The official language in Saint John is English.
- Saint John is located in the Atlantic Time Zone (UTC-4).
- Tipping around 15-20% is customary in restaurants and bars.
Best Time to Visit Saint John
The best time to visit Saint John is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and most attractions and outdoor activities are available.
Do’s and Don’ts of Saint John
Do:
- Explore the natural scenery and trails.
- Try the local seafood and craft beer.
- Learn about the city’s history and culture by visiting museums and historical places.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural environment.
- Ignore safety guidelines when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities.
- Disrespect the local culture and customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Saint John
Saint John is a safe city; however, it is always necessary to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips:
- Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas.
- Be aware of pickpockets and keep your belongings safe.
- Follow safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities.
Health in Saint John
Saint John has a good healthcare system, and medical assistance is readily available. However, it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and accidents.
Getting to Saint John: Transportation Options and Logistics
Saint John is easily accessible by different modes of transportation. Here are some options:
Airports Near Saint John
- Saint John Airport: Located 20 kilometers from the city center, with direct flights to various destinations.
Bus Stations Near Saint John
- Maritime Bus: Providing bus services to and from Saint John to various destinations in the region.
Other Options
- Rental Cars: You can rent a car at the airport or in the city to explore Saint John and the surrounding areas.
- Ferry: There are ferries connecting Saint John to Digby and other destinations.
How to Get Around in Saint John
Saint John is a walkable city, and most attractions are located in the city center. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, here are some options:
- Saint John Transit: The local bus service, with a network of routes that cover the city and surrounding areas.
- Taxi Cabs: readily available in the city center and at the airport.
- Car Rentals: You can rent a car in the city to explore at your leisure.
Where to Go Next from Saint John: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
There are several nearby destinations that you can visit from Saint John, including:
- Fredericton: The capital city of New Brunswick, located 120 kilometers northwest of Saint John.
- St. Andrews by-the-sea: A charming seaside town located 100 kilometers southwest of Saint John.
- Hopewell Rocks: A natural attraction located 74 kilometers northeast of Saint John, featuring unique rock formations caused by the Bay of Fundy tides.
Conclusion
Saint John is a beautiful city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. With numerous attractions and things to do, Saint John is an ideal destination for a unique and memorable vacation. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your trip to Saint John, and have an unforgettable experience in this charming Atlantic Canadian city.
