Saint John is a hilly coastal city situated on the Bay of Fundy at the southernmost tip of New Brunswick. As the only city located on the bay, Saint John has earned itself the nickname ‘Fundy City’. Once a major fishing port and Canadian shipbuilding hub, the city has evolved into a cultural centre in recent years. This, combined with its small town maritime feel, gives Saint John a truly unique flavour. With dozens of art galleries, museums and performing arts groups, the town has more than its fair share of activities, back-dropped by the geographical diversity of the Fundy Bay and the striking Canadian landscape beyond.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Saint John
Uptown — Located on the central peninsula of Saint John, Uptown is the city’s primary entertainment district. Brimful with great shops and restaurants, Uptown is also home to dozens of galleries and museums including Saint John Arts Centre and the New Brunswick Museum.
East Side — East Side boasts a great selection of independent and commercial shopping. Splash a little cash with a trip to McAllister Place, Saint John’s largest shopping mall. With over 100 stores and eateries you can shop until you drop.
<Rockwood Park — Rockwood Park has around 60 hiking and cycling trails meandering around its lakes, through forestland and past striking rock formations. Sports popular here include boating and kayaking on Lily Lake, golf and rock climbing. The park also has an excellent bistro serving only the finest fare.
p>Irving Nature Park — Smaller but quieter than Rockwood Park, Irving Nature Park is a must see for any nature lover. Situated on a remote peninsula southwest of the centre and extending into the Fundy Bay, head up the Lookout Tower or to the Seal Observation Deck for a bit of bird and wildlife spotting, as well as impressive panoramic views.Things to See in Saint John
Pay a visit to Carleton Martello Tower, one of the few of its kind remaining in Canada. Dating to around 1812, the tower makes a dramatic dent in the skyline and is open to the public. For photo opportunities you could only hope for at home, travel to the stunning Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration Site or Kennebecasis Island, just north of Saint John. Offering exquisite views across the Kennebecasis river, a ferry runs between the island and mainland in summer months, although in winter the only way to access the island is by trekking across the ice, if you dare!
Things to Do in Saint John
With an effervescent atmosphere and a range of fresh produce, Saint John City Market is Canada’s oldest farmers’ market. Dating to 1785, you’ll find it hard to resist the building’s quirky charm. Sports fans should head to Harbour Station, home to Saint John’s basketball team. It is also a renowned music venue that has hosted sell-out concerts for Aerosmith and Elton John. Prefer musical theatre or classical music? Head to the Imperial Theatre, an impressive venue built in the early 20th century in the Italian Renaissance style. It now hosts regular classical concerts and theatre performances.