MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Saint John

Things to Do in Saint John

Saint John New Brunswick, Canada Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace St. John’s natural beauty with these active pursuits.

Hiking and Trekking

Rockwood Park Trails

Over 50 trails from easy paved paths around lakes to moderate wooded trails (e.g., Fisher Lakes Trail, Lily Lake Route for easy; Moose Pasture Trail, Lookout Path for moderate).

Irving Nature Park

Easy to moderate boardwalks and gravel routes through diverse coastal ecosystems (e.g., Salt Marsh Trail, Seal Observation Deck Trail).

Fundy Trail Parkway Day Trip

Offers world-class hiking, including parts of the iconic Fundy Footpath (multi-day challenging hike) and accessible paved or gravel trails with stunning Bay of Fundy views.

Water Sports and Activities

  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Available on lakes within Rockwood Park. Guided kayak tours of the harbour or Reversing Falls Rapids are available from local outfitters.
  • Paddleboarding: Increasingly popular on calm waters in various locations.
  • Swimming: Available at Lily Lake (Rockwood Park) or nearby shores such as New River Beach Provincial Park.
  • Rapids Tours: Jet boat tours or zodiac boat tours take visitors close to the Reversing Falls Rapids, offering a direct experience in the turbulence.

Adventure Sports

  • Zip-lining: The Reversing Falls Zip Line offers a thrilling ride over the Reversing Falls.
  • Rapids Boat Tours: Experience the powerful tides nearby.
  • Exciting options for thrill-seekers.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Whale Watching: Operators offer tours from Saint John or nearby St. Andrews/St. Martins.
  • Peak Season: Mid-June to mid-October for whale sightings.
  • Birdwatching: Irving Nature Park provides an excellent location for various bird species.

Cycling Routes

  • Multi-use Trails: Rockwood Park and Harbour Passage have areas suitable for cycling.
  • Mountain Biking: Designated trails exist within Rockwood Park; check local hiking maps.

Important Note: Tide Timing for Reversing Falls

The Reversing Falls Rapids look different in several stages of the tide (low, slack, high). Plan your visit by checking tide tables, available online or at visitor centers, for the most dramatic effect. Book a jet boat tour of the Reversing Falls for an up-close and exciting experience in the powerful tides.

Cultural Immersion

Connect with St. John’s heritage and arts through these experiences.

Workshops and Classes

  • Saint John Arts Centre: Occasionally offers workshops in various artisanal crafts.
  • Local Businesses: Check for one-off workshops, e.g., pottery, painting, or culinary, that might be seasonal.
  • Inquire about schedules: Availability might change throughout the year.
  • Hands-on experiences: Opportunities to learn a new skill or refine an existing one.

Cultural Performances

Imperial Theatre

Hosts a year-round schedule of concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and dance performances.

Local Pubs

Often feature live local music, especially on weekends, offering an authentic local experience.

Seasonal Festivals

Many cultural performances occur during summer celebrations, e.g., the Buskers Festival or Area 506.

Community-Based Initiatives

Support local businesses in the City Market and Uptown. Engage with local sellers and creators for a connection.

Language Learning

While Saint John is predominantly English-speaking, New Brunswick is officially bilingual. French immersion programs or informal language exchange groups might exist.

Cultural Festivals

Area 506 Festival (July/August), Busker Festival (July), Fundy Fringe Festival (August), Saint John Pride Week (Summer), Loyalist Days (July).

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Saint John.

Spa and Wellness Centers

  • Several spas and wellness centers offer massages, facials, and other treatments in Saint John.
  • The Spa at the Delta St. John is an option.
  • Explore independent local spas for a personalized experience.
  • Booking in advance is often suggested, especially on weekends.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Beaches

New River Beach Provincial Park, a short drive from Saint John, is a popular beach for swimming and relaxation. Mispec Beach is an area, rocky option for coastal walks.

Pools

Many hotels have indoor pools available for guests.

Outdoor Relaxation

Parks like Rockwood Park and Irving Nature Park offer quiet spots for relaxation amidst nature.

Traditional Healing Practices

Availability

No specific traditional healing practices are widely offered as tourist experiences in Saint John.

Alternative Wellness

Focus instead on present-day spa services and natural relaxation in parks and coastal areas.

Local Research

For specific interests, local inquiry may yield information on smaller community groups.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Saint John offers various options for things to do in theevening.

Live Music Venues

  • Imperial Theatre: For larger shows and touring acts.
  • Saint John Ale House: Features live local music, especially on weekends.
  • Picaroons General Store: This brewery often hosts live performances and events.
  • Several smaller pubs and bars can be found in Uptown having live bands.

Theater and Performance Spaces

Imperial Theatre

The main venue for professional theatre and live performance.

BMO Studio Theatre

Hosts smaller, more intimate theatrical productions, offering diverse talent from the area.

Performance Calendar

Check local listings for current shows and events happening while you're there.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Dedicated nightlife venues are limited. Some pubs and bars may have dance floors or DJ nights on weekends.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Uptown Saint John, notably around Market Slip and Prince William Street, has the highest concentration of pubs and bars, making it fine for a pub crawl.

Late-Night Options

Some bars and pubs remain open until 2:00 AM. Fast food options are limited late at night in Uptown.

Safety Reminder: Late-Night Areas

While Uptown Saint John is generally safe, especially in dense areas, exercise standard caution when walking alone late at night. Keep to populated-lit plus lively streets.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and shopping therapy in St. John.

Traditional Markets and Bazaars

  • Saint John City Market: The quintessential market experience.
  • Offers fresh produce, local foods, crafts, and souvenirs.
  • Many vendors have baked goods and prepared foods.
  • Open Monday-Saturday.

Artisan Workshops and Crafts

Independent Shops

Numerous independent artisan shops and galleries are scattered throughout Uptown Saint John, especially along Prince William Road and Germain Street.

Handmade Items

Look for handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, and fabrics by local artists.

NBCCD Gallery

The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD) Gallery showcases work by students and alumni; check exhibition schedules.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Local Crafts: Hand-knitted items, pottery, wooden carvings.
  • Maple Products: Maple syrup, maple candy, maple butter.
  • Blueberry Products: Jams, chocolates, teas.
  • Seafood-items with a theme: Decorative pieces, local cookbooks, lobster-themed souvenirs.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

  • Brunswick Square: Indoor shopping complex in Uptown, with national retailers and some boutiques.
  • Uptown Boutiques: Independent fashion, home decor, and specialty shops throughout old streets.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support local artisans and businesses directly, especially at the City Market or independent shops.
  • Look for "Made in New Brunswick" or "Made in Canada" labels.
  • These purchases directly boost the local economy.

Shipping and Customs Information

Large Items
  • If purchasing large items, inquire about shipping choices directly with the vendor.
  • Some shops may offer international shipping services.
  • Keep receipts for all significant purchases.
Customs Regulations
  • Know your home country's's customs regulations and duty-free allowances for products brought back.
  • Announce all purchased articles as required by your country's customs agency.
  • Research rules about certain goods, especially food items or agricultural products.

Shopping Insights: Local Market

Visit the St. John Central Market in the a.m. for the freshest produce and ideal selection of local goods.

Activity Planning Summary

Recommended Daily Activities

  • Morning: Explore Uptown historic sites and the Urban area Market.
  • Lunch: Freshly caught seafood at a area cafe or market vendor.
  • Afternoon: Visit Reversing Falls Rapids (check tide times) or one of the city's natural parks.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner, followed by live music or a show at the Imperial Theatre.

Factors to Consider

  • Season: Weather influences outdoor activities. Summer offers the most options.
  • Transportation: Many Uptown attractions are walkable, but a car is useful for exploring areas outside the core.
  • Travel Style: Tailor activities to your interests, be it adventure, history, food, or relaxation.
  • Budget: Options for all budgets exist, from free public gardens to premium tours and fine dining.