Saint John, New Brunswick, presents visitors with a unique blend of natural beauty, captivating history and lively cultural scenes, all within reach from the city's welcoming port.
One of the natural wonders of Saint John is the Reversing Rapids at the Bay of Fundy, where the bay's massive tidal shift collides with the Saint John River. This natural spectacle creates a series of rapids and whirlpools, with the direction of the water flow reversing with the tides. The best place to witness this phenomenon is from Fallsview or Wolastoq Parks, both offering stellar viewpoints. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the rapids up close by booking a jet boat ride, where the skilled captains navigate the swirling waters. Alternatively, for those preferring a land-based vantage point, the Skywalk Saint John offers a glass-bottomed observation area providing a thrilling perspective over the rapids.
Situated in the heart of uptown Saint John, the New Brunswick Museum beckons with a promise of a deep dive into the region's natural and cultural history. As the oldest continuing museum in Canada, it houses a vast collection of exhibits, ranging from the region's geological past encapsulated in its extensive collection of fossils and minerals, to the cultural history of the indigenous peoples and European settlers. One of the highlights is the Hall of Great Whales, which showcases the skeleton of a 40-foot North Atlantic right whale, providing insight into the marine life of the surrounding waters. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on various themes, interactive displays, and educational programs, making it an engaging experience for all ages.
A cruise to Saint John wouldn't be complete without experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Saint John City Market. Established in 1876, it's the oldest continuously operated farmers' market in Canada, with a roof structure resembling an inverted ship's hull, paying homage to the city's shipbuilding past. Inside the market, visitors can wander through rows of stalls featuring local produce, fresh seafood, artisanal goods and a variety of international cuisines. It's a perfect place to savour the local flavours, particularly the fresh-off-the-boat seafood and traditional Maritimes dishes like dulse (a locally harvested seaweed) and fiddleheads.
Which cruise lines sail to Saint John?
