This post originally appeared on the Tourism New Brunswick website.
In the port city of Saint John -- the only city on the shores of the Bay of Fundy -- history, culinary delights, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant arts and culture scene meet on its historic uptown streets. Lined with preserved redbrick and sandstone 19th-century architecture, Saint John has a distinct character with plenty of urban experiences.
Max out your summer fun at these Saint John must-sees and must-dos.
Outdoor adventure
- Head to Irving Nature Park where prime beachcombing, bird-watching, trails, and look-outs await.
- With hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, pedal boating, hydro-biking, and rock climbing, there's something for everyone at Rockwood Park and the Inside Out Nature Centre.
- Take to the sky at the newly opened Timbertop Adventures, a treetop aerial and adventure park in Dominion Park just minutes from uptown.
- Hike, bike, or drive the Fundy Trail Parkway and check out the stunning views, beaches, lookouts, and suspension bridge.
- Explore the Fundy Tidal Beach at New River Beach Provincial Park. The park is the perfect spot to camp, admire coastal islands, and kayak the Bay of Fundy.
Rest and relaxation
Nestled within Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark you'll find Pangea Wellness Spa, located in Rockwood Park.
Find your Wellness in a bubble of calm at the USVA Nordik Spa
Entertainment
- A shipping container village on the waterfront is where the Area 506 Festival, a celebration of all things New Brunswick music, culture, and goods, takes place. There you'll find free access and family-oriented entertainment during the day and 19+ ticketed shows in the evening.
- Buskers on the Bay brings thousands to the Market Square Boardwalk for free entertainment from international buskers.
- See what this year's Third Shift pop-up contemporary art event will be. Held for one night in uptown Saint John.
- Enjoy free entertainment offered seven days a week on the Market Square Boardwalk including concerts and a variety of activities including a lumberjack show.
Delicious treats
- In the most Instagrammable alley in the city, you'll find Rogue Coffee as well as many pop-up events like Moonlight Bazaar and Third Shift.
- Owned by celebrity chef Jesse Vergen, the Saint John Ale House pairs great eats and brews with a prime waterfront location on the Market Square Boardwalk.
- Opened in 2017 in a historic building on Germain Street, Italian by Night is the place to go for authentic Italian.
- Voted the 2nd best new restaurant by Enroute Magazine in recent years, Port City Royal is now also a caf? by day called Marjorie's.
- No visit to the port city is complete without a visit to the Saint John City Market. The oldest continuously operated farmers' market in North America, here you can find seafood, meats, cheeses, bread, a variety of yummy international fare, and much, much more.
Quirky attractions
- In 2017, street-artist Sean Yoro battled the powerful Bay of Fundy tides to paint an amazing mural in uptown Saint John from his paddleboard.
- The world-famous Reversing Falls Rapids are in #SaintAwesome - where the powerful Bay of Fundy tides collide with the mighty Saint John River.
- You won't be going downtown because we call that "uptown" in Saint John.
- Music, classic arcade games, beer, and cocktails are all waiting for you at Eighty Three Bar Arcade.
Instagrammable sights
- Home of Rogue Coffee and YukYuks, Grannan Street is one spot that's always ready for its closeup.
- With public art and water views, Harbour Passage will get the hearts (and likes) flying.
- For a taste of the city's history and architecture, take a walk down to the water on Princess Street.
Places to stay
Whatever your vacation style, there's a place to stay to match. Enjoy the charm of the Shadow Lawn Inn, a full-service hotel like the Hilton Saint John, or stay in the great outdoors at Rockwood Park Campground. Find your perfect accommodation here.
Get inspired
