Attractions & Sightseeing: Saint John

Iconic Landmarks

These are the essential stops for any Saint John visitor, each with an unique story.

The city's heritage and natural phenomena create memorable sightseeing opportunities.

Top Landmarks to Visit

Reversing Falls Rapids: A unique geological phenomenon where powerful tides clash with the Saint John River, reversing its flow. Check tide tables for the most dramatic effect. Boat tours are an option.
Saint John City Market: Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers' market, open since 1876. Features local vendors, food, and crafts.
Carleton Martello Tower: A National Historic Site built during the War of 1812. Panoramic views of the city and harbour. Open seasonally, admission fee applies.
King Square: A historic public square in Uptown Saint John, a good spot to relax and appreciate surrounding historic architecture.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Major Museums

New Brunswick Museum: The oldest continuously operating museum in Canada.
Highlights: Fundy geological exhibits, marine life displays, New Brunswick at Work gallery.
Located in Uptown Saint John. Admission fee applies. Check website for hours and special exhibits.
Loyalist House: The oldest intact Loyalist building in Saint John, built in 1817.
Glimpse into early 19th-century life of a wealthy Loyalist family.
Open seasonally. Admission fee applies. Guided tours are available.

Art Galleries and Exhibition Spaces

Imperial Theatre: A beautifully restored 1913 vaudeville theatre. Hosts live performances (music, theatre, comedy). Worth seeing even without a show; check for tours.
Saint John Arts Centre: Features local and regional art exhibitions, classes, and workshops. Admission is free.
Numerous smaller private galleries exist throughout Uptown.
Explore for unique local art.

Discover the artistic and historical heart of the city.

Historical Sites

Uptown Saint John: A National Historic Site of Canada due to its exceptional concentration of Victorian-era commercial and residential architecture.
Trinity Royal Preservation Area: A district within Uptown known for its preserved 19th-century brick and stone buildings.
Stone Church (Trinity Anglican Church): Built in 1880, known for stunning stained glass and Gothic Revival architecture.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: A grand Roman Catholic cathedral, completed in 1853, with impressive interior details.

Industrial Heritage and Architectural Significance

Port Connection
Saint John's history is deeply tied to its port and industrial past. The city's architecture and waterfront areas reflect this history.
Working Port
The Port of Saint John itself is a working port, contributing to the city's ongoing story.
Great Fire of 1877
Much of Uptown's distinctive Victorian architecture was built after this fire, showing resilience and rebuilding efforts.
Prince William Street
Walk along this street to appreciate the preserved buildings and historic facades.
Germain Street
Another street with significant architectural examples and charming streetscapes.

Natural Attractions

Saint John offers access to beautiful parks and coastal landscapes.

Parks and Scenic Viewpoints

Rockwood Park
One of Canada's largest urban parks, a designated Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark site. Features hiking trails, lakes (for swimming and boating), a zoo, and a campground. Entry is free.
Irving Nature Park
On the city's west side, this coastal park offers walking trails, boardwalks through salt marshes, beaches, and observation towers for wildlife viewing. Entry is free.
Reversing Falls Rapids
A prime natural wonder. Best viewed from Fallsview Park or the Reversing Falls Bridge. Check tide tables for dramatic effects.

Harbour Passage
A scenic waterfront trail system along the Saint John Harbour, offering views of the port, city skyline, and cruise ships. Accessible from Uptown.
Wolastoq Park
Located on the west side, it offers views of the Saint John River and reversing falls.
Whale Watching Tours
From Saint John or nearby St. Martins/St. Andrews, observe fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and sometimes North Atlantic Right Whales.

Marine Wildlife

Seals are visible from the boardwalks at Irving Nature Park. Whale watching tours offer opportunities for larger marine encounters.

Small Mammals

Small mammals are often seen within the natural parks, especially at Irving Nature Park.

General Natural Features

Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark: Rockwood Park is part of this larger geological site, demonstrating unique rock formations.
Bay of Fundy Tides: The highest tides in the world create dramatic coastal landscapes and the famous Reversing Falls.
Coastal Access: Numerous beaches and coastal trails are available for exploration and relaxation.

Hidden Gems

Discover Saint John’s less-known but equally compelling attractions.

These spots offer unique experiences away from the main tourist paths.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Explore these unique local spots for a different perspective.

Places to Discover

Cherry Brook Zoo (within Rockwood Park): A smaller, engaging zoo focused on conservation and education, home to a variety of animals.
Courtenay Bay Causeway: A lesser-known spot for walking, offering views of the industrial port and sunsets.
Area 506 Container Village: A unique seasonal (summer) shopping and entertainment village made from shipping containers, located on the waterfront. Features local vendors, food trucks, and live music.

Local Favorites Rarely Visited by Tourists

Dive into Saint John's local culture and lesser-known history.

Hidden Cultural Gems

Saint John Jewish Historical Museum: A small, insightful museum detailing the history of the Jewish community in Saint John.
Stonehammer Geopark Sites: While Rockwood Park is well-known, explore other lesser-known geological sites within the wider Stonehammer Geopark for unique rock formations and coastal features.
Photography Opportunities: These hidden spots often offer unique photo opportunities away from crowds.

Additional Art & Craft Venues

Discover the local art scene beyond the main galleries.

Local Art and Design

Smaller Independent Art Galleries: Found throughout Uptown Saint John. Offer unique local art.
New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD) Gallery: Showcases work by students and alumni; check exhibition schedules.
Artisan Shops: Look for handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles by local artists.

Local Street Exploration

Wander through historic streets to discover architectural marvels and hidden corners.

Exploring Uptown on Foot

Prince William Street: Known for its Victorian architecture and historic facades.
Charlotte Street and Germain Street: Also feature stunning examples of 19th-century buildings.
Self-Guided Walking Tours: Brochures for self-guided historical walks are often available at visitor information centers.

Unique Perspectives

From the Water

Harbour Boat Tours: Offer different views of the city skyline, Reversing Falls, and local marine life.
Cruise Ship Terminal: The area around the terminal provides views of visiting cruise ships and the port activity.
Kayaking in the Harbour: For experienced kayakers, an unique way to see the waterfront.

From Above

Carleton Martello Tower: Climb to the top for expansive panoramic views.
Lookout Points in Rockwood Park: Various points offer elevated views of the city and surrounding natural areas.
Fallsview Park: The main viewing area for the Reversing Falls, offering a good vantage point.

Further Exploration

Make the most of your sightseeing with these insights.

Plan Your Visits

Check operating hours and seasonal availability for attractions, especially museums and historical sites. Some sites are seasonal (May-October).

Transportation

Uptown attractions are easily walkable. For sites outside Uptown (like Irving Nature Park), a car or public transit will be helpful.

Photography Tips

The Reversing Falls are dynamic; capture them at different tide stages. Uptown architecture offers great street photography opportunities.

Guided Tours and Experiences

City Walking Tours

Join a guided walking tour of Uptown Saint John to uncover its rich history and architectural gems with local experts.

Find city tours on GetYourGuide

Reversing Falls Boat Tours

Experience the Reversing Falls Rapids up close with a thrilling boat tour, providing an unique perspective on this natural wonder.

Book boat tours on GetYourGuide

Whale Watching Excursions

Embark on a whale watching tour from Saint John or nearby towns to observe majestic marine life in the Bay of Fundy.

Discover whale watching on GetYourGuide

Museum Experiences

Explore New Brunswick's history and culture at the New Brunswick Museum, with exhibits covering natural history and local heritage.

Explore museum tickets on GetYourGuide

Historic Site Visits

Visit Carleton Martello Tower to learn about its military past and enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Find historic site tickets on GetYourGuide

Family-Friendly Attractions

Activities suitable for all ages, with fun and educational elements.

Family Adventures

Rockwood Park: Offers trails, lakes for swimming/boating, and Cherry Brook Zoo, a good spot for families.
Jet Boat Tours of Reversing Falls: A thrilling ride for older children and adults.
Saint John City Market: A lively place to explore with children, offering various food and craft vendors.

Outdoor Exploration Tips

Maximize your outdoor enjoyment with these practical pointers.

Nature Immersion

Wear appropriate footwear for hiking trails, as some can be uneven or wet.
Prepare for varying weather conditions; coastal areas can experience rapid changes.
Bring water and snacks, especially for longer walks or hikes in the parks.
Consider insect repellent during warmer months in wooded areas.

General Information

Saint John offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, ensuring diverse sightseeing experiences.

From historic streets to dynamic tidal phenomena, there are sights for every interest.

Accessibility Considerations

Information about accessibility at Saint John's attractions.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Many attractions in Saint John have wheelchair access, though variations exist.

Accessible Locations

Saint John City Market: Generally accessible with ramps and wide aisles.
New Brunswick Museum: Has accessible entrances and elevators.
Harbour Passage: Most of the waterfront trail is paved and flat, making it accessible.

Visual & Hearing Impairment

Resources and considerations for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

Supportive Measures

Some museums may offer tactile exhibits or audio descriptions; check in advance.
Consider bringing a personal interpreter for detailed tours, as ASL services may not be readily available at all sites.
Headsets or visual aids may be available at performance venues; inquire when booking.

Mobility Challenges

Navigating Saint John with mobility considerations.

Street and Sidewalks

Uptown streets have some inclines and older sidewalks, which may be uneven.
Designated accessible routes are available in some areas.
Consider ride-sharing or accessible taxi services for longer distances.

Many public buildings comply with modern accessibility standards.

Service Animals

General information regarding service animals in public spaces.

Regulations

Service animals are generally welcome in public places, including attractions and restaurants.
It may be helpful to notify establishments in advance, especially for tours or reservations.

Provincial legislation supports the presence of service animals.

Public Transportation

Accessibility on Saint John's public transit system.

Bus Services

Saint John Transit operates accessible buses, including low-floor options and wheelchair ramps.
Check transit schedules and routes for specific accessible options.
The main transit hub is at Market Square in Uptown.

Accessible taxi services are also available in the city.

Planning Resources

Visitor Information Centers

Often have brochures and staff who can assist with specific accessibility questions for local attractions.

Attraction Websites

Most individual attraction websites have detailed accessibility information or contact details for inquiries.

Local Organizations

Disability advocacy groups or tourism associations may have additional resources on accessible travel in Saint John.

Accessibility Note

Always confirm specific accessibility details directly with attractions or service providers before your visit for the most current information.

Attractions & Sightseeing