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Saint John
Explore in Canada’s oldest incorporated city
With its urban delights, historic streetscapes and magnificent waterfront, it’s no wonder Saint John is quickly becoming a top-rated destination. The only city situated on the Bay of Fundy, Saint John invites you to see the world’s highest tides and explore the oldest incorporated urban area in Canada. From whale watching and world-class museums to natural wonders and historic sites, Saint John promises endless possibilities, making it a worthy destination for your next vacation.
Take a Stroll Through Historic Downtown
Saint John can be easily explored by foot thanks to a compact downtown area and marked walking routes. Market Square is a great spot to start your explorations. Boasting charming port architecture, docked cruise ships, charming galleries and fine restaurants, Market Square provides a delightful backdrop for your stroll. Not far is the Saint John City Market, the oldest ongoing farmer’s market on the continent. Here, you can feast on everything from fish and chips to lobster, and shop for homemade arts and crafts. Don’t forget to look up while you’re here. As a tribute to the city’s shipping heritage, the market’s spectacular ceiling was designed to resemble the inverted hull of a boat.
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Close to the waterfront, you’ll stumble upon Barbour’s General Store. Housed in an original general store built in 1867, this museum features over 2,000 objects from the 1800s with a preserved barbershop and dental office in the back. Another popular historic site is the Loyalist House. The house was once home to British Loyalist, Thomas Merritt, and was one of the few to come out unscathed from a fire in 1877. Today, it is still adorned with its original 19th-century furnishings and is open year-round for the public to explore.
Serious history buffs won’t want to miss the New Brunswick Museum. Hear the stories about the province’s Indigenous peoples, industrial development and rich maritime past through an extensive collection of artifacts and interactive displays. The museum also includes art from local artists, exhibits on New Brunswick’s natural landscape, and the Hall of Great Whales, a gallery teeming with assembled whale skeletons.
Embark on Epic Outdoor Adventures
After exploring downtown Saint John, head west and prepare to be wowed by the Reversing Falls. This gorge offers incredible views that overlook rapids, whirlpools and waterfalls. But what’s amazing is the way these bodies of water flow. Watch them flow one way and then reserve course completely. This natural phenomenon is caused by powerful tides forcing the water to the mouth of the St. John River.
Irving Nature Park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Spanning 600 acres of forests, beaches and marshes, this park entices visitors with dazzling views of the Bay of Fundy and over seven miles of hiking trails. Almost 250 types of migratory and marine birds have been spotted here, as well as whales and seals.
For More Information
Discover Saint John
866-GO FUNDY
Tourism New Brunswick
800-561-0123