For over 20 years, Pamela Lanier's Saint John, New Brunswick Travel Guide has been your connection to Saint John's tourism community with invaluable details on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, museums, history, outdoor recreation and more.
Things To Do In Saint John
Saint John is bursting with festivals, from the traditional Maritime Kitchen Party to Canada Day celebrations the city loves to entertain visitors with music, fireworks, beach parties, and more. For a great day at the beach, head to the annual New River Beach Sand Sculpture Contest to enjoy games, face painting, vendors, and of course incredible sand sculptures. The annual Fundy Fog Festival showcases local bands all weekend long, and the Greek Fest celebrates everything Greek from food and music to dance and culture.
A visit to Saint John isn’t complete without a stop at the Reversing Falls. This natural phenomenon is caused by the rise and fall of the tides of the Bay of Fundy, the highest in the world. The natural southward-facing opening of the bay greets the rushing ocean tides exactly like a tunnel. The low tide running out of the bay crashes into the incoming high tide, combining forces to make a higher tide coming in. As the bay tides begin to rise, they slow the course of the river and eventually stop the river’s flow completely. It’s said that visitors should see the Reversing Falls at least twice in one day, at high and low tide, to truly appreciate such a natural wonder. To really see the falls up close in all its majesty, a jet boat tour will get you right on the water.
Experience “the heart of nature in the heart of the city” at Rockwood Park where fun and adventure last year-round. Swim, golf, and camp in the summertime; hike the breathtaking trails alive with the colors of fall; settle into a sleigh ride during winter or pop-on your skis for a cross-country outing; and walk among the buds and blossoms as you welcome spring. There’s something for everyone all year long at Rockwood Park.
Familiarize yourself with more than 200 years of Loyalist history as you discover the Georgian-style Loyalist House museum, tour the historic Burial Ground, and visit the authentic reproduction of a 19th century country store. As Canada’s oldest incorporated city, Saint John boasts a wealth of historic attractions for visitors to appreciate.
