With a favorable exchange rate for Americans and pleasant summer weather, a trip to the Canadian Maritimes offers lots of unique places to explore, like the Bay of Fundy. One of the largest cities in the Canadian Maritimes, Saint John is a gateway to New Brunswick and a popular cruise port of call. Along the Bay of Fundy, Saint John experiences extreme tidal fluctuations. Here are the top things to do in Saint John New Brunswick.
7 Top Things to Do in Saint John New Brunswick
Reversing Falls of the Saint John River
Saint John City Market
Explore the Bay of Fundy
The Loyalist House
Imperial Theatre
Trinity Church
Kings Square
Reversing Falls of the Saint John River
The Reversing Falls of the Saint John River is a must for any trip to Saint John. Caused by the tidal shifts of the Bay of Fundy, the river actually flows upstream at certain times of the day.
During high tide, the Bay of Fundy’s water goes heads upstream on the Saint John River. During low tide, the Saint John River rushes into the Bay of Fundy, making some intense rapids.
The best to watch this phenomenon is at Fallsview Park in Saint John.
Loated at 100 Fallsview Ave. Admission is free from the observation deck.
Note for Cruisers: If you didn’t drive, you need a cab or ride share to get to the Reversing Falls.
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Saint John City Market
Walk through Canada’s oldest continuing farmers market with the kids. Sample some local maple syrup and buy some Canadian candy.
Located at 47 Charlotte St. Open year-round and free to enter.
Canadian Foods to Sample
I recommend sampling some local products while in Canada.
Maple Syrup–Every visitor needs to buy some maple syrup.
Chickenbones—Pink-colored cinnamon candy with a chocolaty filling
Pal-o-Mine–Candybar made with fudge, peanuts and fondant
Dulse–Locally harvested seaweed samples available at the City Market
Maple Butter–Maple syrup blended into a rich butter-like spread.
Maple Candy–Try some maple candy in assorted forms, like hard candy in the shape of leaves.
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Bay of Fundy
With the greatest tidal fluctuations in the world, the water levels at the water level at the Bay of Fundy can fluctuate up to 40 feet in a single day. With parks dedicated to this unique phenomenon, visitors can walk on the ocean floor and then return in a few hours and kayak.
Located about an hour east of Saint John. Travelers will find lots to do, including a Parks Canada National Park, along with many ways to get outdoors.
Loyalist House
Built in 1817, it was occupied by the same family until 1958. The Merrit Family immigrated from Connecticut during the American Revolution and settled in Saint John. As early merchants, they built this home and it was used for five generations.
After purchasing the house in 1961, the New Brunswick Historical Society opened it for tours. It was never altered structurally.
Located at 120 Union St., it is Open seasonally from mid-June until November, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, cash only.
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Imperial Theatre
Grab some tickets for the New Brunswick Symphony or a traveling act at the Imperial Theatre when in town. The majestic building was built in 1912 and offers seating for over 800 in classic style.
Located at 12 King Square South.
Trinity Church
Constructed between 1879 and 1880, this stone church is in the Gothic Revival Style. It features a copper steeple along with stained glass windows.
Located at 115 Charlotte St.
Kings Square
Walk through Kings Square, conveniently located next to the Imperial Theatre and Saint John’s City Market. See the 1908 Bandstand and six monuments that dot the square. It’s a great place to let the kids unwind.
Located between King Square North and South, Charlotte and Sydney Streets.
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