Things To Do
in Saint John
Saint John, New Brunswick, is a historic port city on the Bay of Fundy known for its dramatic tides and working harbour. Uptown Saint John features Victorian brick buildings, a lively arts scene, and the century-old City Market at its heart. The coastline and nearby parks offer rugged headlands, sea cliffs and easy access to Fundy tidal phenomena like the Reversing Falls.
Friendly, compact and rich in maritime culture, Saint John blends outdoor adventure with small‑city charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in the heart of Saint John, enjoying fresh pastries and aromatic coffee. After breakfast, wander through the historic streets, admiring the Georgian and Victorian architecture that defines the city. Don't miss the King's Square, where you can take in the beautiful gardens and monuments that reflect the city's rich heritage.
Spend your afternoon visiting the New Brunswick Museum, where you can explore exhibits on local history, culture, and natural science. Following the museum, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soaking in views of the Bay of Fundy and the bustling harbor. Stop for lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants, where you can savor fresh catches from the Atlantic.
As the sun sets, head to Market Square for some shopping and local artisan crafts. Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can indulge in classic Maritime dishes while watching the tide roll in. Conclude your evening with a walk along the harbor, taking in the beautiful nighttime skyline of Saint John.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides in the world. Join a guided tour to explore the unique geological features, including the famous Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide. Be sure to take plenty of photos as you witness the dramatic landscape and tidal changes.
After exploring the rocks, enjoy a picnic lunch at a nearby park, surrounded by stunning views of the bay. In the afternoon, consider taking a whale-watching cruise to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance to spot humpback and minke whales. The experience is enhanced by the breathtaking coastal scenery and the thrill of marine life spotting.
Return to Saint John in the evening and unwind at a cozy pub where you can sample local craft beers. Enjoy a casual dinner featuring traditional Maritime cuisine, perhaps trying a lobster roll or clam chowder. As you reflect on the day's adventures, listen to live music that often fills the air in the local pubs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (and per km) | $3-4 start, $1.50-2/km |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (single) | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to spectacular Bay of Fundy tides and coastal scenery
- Compact, walkable Uptown with historic architecture and a lively market
- Friendly locals and strong regional seafood cuisine
- Close to several notable parks and scenic drives
- Weather can be unpredictable and windy on the coast
- Limited late‑night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Some attractions require a car or longer drives (e.g., Hopewell Rocks)
- Public transit is limited outside core areas
Places to Visit in Saint John
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic tidal rapids where the Bay of Fundy meets the Saint John River produce unique currents and whirlpools — excellent for action and wide-angle shots, especially at high flow.
Historic covered market with atmospheric stalls, colourful produce and a classic wooden interior — great for candid food and architectural photos.
Waterfront walkway with sunset views of the harbour, working boats and reflections — ideal for golden-hour and long-exposure shots.
Coastal cliffs, spruce-lined trails and panoramic sea views that are excellent for landscape photography, birdlife and tide-dependent scenes.
A large urban park with rugged trails, lakes and viewpoints offering moody woodland and lake reflections throughout the year.
Food in Saint John
Saint John Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh lobster served hot or chilled in a roll or as a full boil; available at waterfront shacks, fishmongers and many restaurants during summer and lobster season.
Must-Try!
Creamy chowder loaded with local fish, scallops and clams — a comforting staple at cafés and pubs across the city.
Atlantic Canada’s wild blueberries appear in pies, grunts and preserves; try them at bakeries and market stalls in late summer.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Canada’s oldest continuous farmers’ market offering seafood vendors, produce, baked goods, prepared food and artisan products — a great place to sample local flavours and pick up picnic supplies.
Seasonal food trucks and market stalls cluster near the waterfront and park areas; look for lobster rolls, fried seafood and regional snacks in summer.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly and polite; a casual greeting and thank you are appreciated. Small talk about weather, local sports or maritime life is common.
Be respectful of Indigenous communities (Wolastoqiyik/Maliseet) and local history; ask before photographing people or cultural sites.
Respect posted warnings at the shoreline — the tides are powerful and can change quickly, so don’t trespass on marked or private shorelines.
Safety
Tipping in Saint John
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of 15–20% in restaurants is customary for table service; tip bartenders $1–3 per drink or 10–15% for bar tabs. Taxi drivers, hotel porters and hairdressers typically receive modest tips.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash for small vendors at markets, though many accept card.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest season (June–August) — peak tourist season, ideal for boat tours, tidepooling and outdoor festivals. Expect busy weekends and book accommodations in advance.
September–October brings crisp air and vibrant foliage; cooler mornings are excellent for hiking and photography without summer crowds.
November–March can be cold, windy and snowy; channels and headlands are dramatic but dress warmly and be cautious on icy trails and coastal viewpoints.
April–May is the thaw and mud season: fewer tourists, early bird migration and emerging greenery, but some seasonal attractions and trails can be wet or partially closed.
Saint John at Night
Hiking in Saint John
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of coastal trails on headlands and beaches with short to moderate loops, great sea views and easy access from the city.
Large urban park offering forested trails, rock faces, lakes and lookout points suitable for families and more serious hikers.
A scenic coastal drive and trail system a short drive from Saint John offering cliffside walking paths, dramatic sea views and interpretive stops.
Coastal trails near St. Martins with access to sea caves, beaches and lookout points; explore at low tide and follow local safety guidance.
Iconic Fundy coastline with boardwalks and trails around the famous flowerpot rock formations — best visited at low tide and about 1.5–2 hours from Saint John by car.
Airports
How to reach Saint John by plane.
Local airport with regional flights to major Atlantic Canadian hubs and limited direct services; taxi and shuttle options connect to the city centre (about 20–30 minutes).
Approximately 1.5–2 hours northeast by car; offers more frequent flights and some national connections.
About 1–1.5 hours northwest by car; serves regional and some national flights and is an alternative for accessing central New Brunswick.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are English speakers with deep maritime and Loyalist heritage.
A substantial French-speaking (Acadian) population exists across New Brunswick; some services and signage may be bilingual in the province.
The area is part of the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people; Indigenous communities have cultural and historic ties to the region.
Like many Atlantic Canadian cities, Saint John hosts growing newcomer populations contributing to cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is the dominant sport culturally — local rinks, junior teams and youth leagues are central to community life.
Curling is popular throughout the winter months and a common recreational and competitive activity.
Given the harbour location, rowing clubs, sailing and other small‑boat activities are popular during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saint John.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at cafés and many restaurants, though heavier seafood fare is dominant; seek out salads, vegetarian bowls, and specials made with local produce. Mention dietary needs when ordering and ask for substitutions.
Vegan dishes are less ubiquitous but increasingly available in Uptown cafés and some bistros; plan ahead by checking menus online or calling ahead for options.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten‑free requests (gluten‑free bread and pasta are commonly stocked), but always confirm cross‑contamination practices if you have celiac disease.