Why Go to Saint John, New Brunswick
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Saint John doesn't try to impress you at first glance. Its waterfront is lined with shipping terminals and industry, and parts of the city wear their working history proudly. Look past that, though, and New Brunswick's second-largest city reveals a lively, historic downtown and some of the most remarkable natural scenery in Canada.
Start at the Saint John City Market, built in the late 1800s to bring the city's markets under one roof and still busy today. Stop into one of the many Irish pubs, a nod to the thousands of Irish immigrants who settled here in the mid-1800s. Then turn your attention to the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. In the city, watch the tide force the river backward at the Reversing Falls Rapids. To really experience the bay, head to Fundy National Park to hike and kayak, and keep an eye out for whales.
Saint John is a popular cruise port and a great base for exploring Atlantic Canada. I'll plan your Fundy excursions and time them with the tides, so you see the bay at its most dramatic.
BEST FOR
Cruise visitors, coastal travelers, history lovers and photographers
BEST MONTHS
June–September
EXPLORE
Uptown Saint John has historic architecture and the City Market; the waterfront is the cruise-arrival area; the Reversing Falls area is upstream of the harbor.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Saint John, New Brunswick
North America › Atlantic Canada › Canada › New Brunswick
Historic harbor streets and powerful Bay of Fundy tides
Urban & Culture
Tides
History
Nature
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Check the Fundy tide schedule before choosing a time to see the Reversing Falls Rapids.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
View from designated lookouts and use tide tables to plan.
Reversing Falls Rapids
Powerful Bay of Fundy tides change the direction and appearance of rapids at the Saint John River mouth.
Check vendor opening hours and browse before lunchtime.
Saint John City Market
Historic indoor market offers food stalls, local products and architectural details.
Combine with the waterfront for a compact walking outing.
Uptown Saint John
Walk heritage streets lined with brick architecture, shops and galleries.
Dress for coastal wind and check any pathway closures.
Harbour Passage
A waterfront walking route links public spaces and views of Saint John Harbour.
Verify the museum’s current location and visitor access before planning.
New Brunswick Museum
Regional collections interpret natural and cultural history; exhibit locations and public access may change.
A full-service hotel overlooking Saint John Harbour and connected to central uptown amenities.
Hilton Saint John
Uptown / waterfront
Hotel Tags
A centrally situated hotel convenient for the City Market and historic uptown streets.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John
Uptown Saint John
Hotel Tags
A comfortable hotel with convenient road access to central Saint John attractions.
Château Saint John, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Near uptown
Hotel Tags
A practical hotel near the harbor-side walking route and uptown destinations.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saint John Harbour Side
Harbour Passage area
Hotel Tags
A family-friendly hotel close to shopping and a short drive from the city center.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Saint John
East Saint John
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Saint John, New Brunswick
High 43°F · Low 29°F · Rain 5.3 in
Winter returns as the cruise season ends, and uptown grows quiet.
Late spring through early fall brings milder weather and a fuller visitor season; the coast can be foggy.
Best Times to Visit Saint John, New Brunswick
WHEN TO GO
06
Tides and Coastal Travel
Bay of Fundy conditions change dramatically with tides. Check viewpoint access and never approach dangerous water.
05
Taxis and Transfers
Prearrange return taxis for attractions away from downtown, especially when cruise ships are in port.
04
Rental Cars
A car helps visit Fundy Trail areas and coastal lookouts outside central Saint John.
03
Cruise Terminal Walking
Waterfront streets and the City Market are accessible in central walking clusters, though the city has steep hills.
02
City Transit
Saint John Transit operates local bus routes on scheduled service. Check the stop nearest the cruise terminal or hotel.
01
Regional Air Connections
Saint John Airport is a regional gateway, while other Maritime airports can require longer transfers.
Uptown is walkable from the cruise terminal, though hills are steep; taxis or organized tours help reach regional coastal sights.
Getting Around Saint John, New Brunswick