Top Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John, New Brunswick is a city on the Bay of Fundy known for its famous Reversing Rapids, beautiful hiking trails, food and craft stalls, and of course friendly east-coast locals. The city is also known as the Port City due to its important role in the shipbuilding trade as well as “Canada’s most Irish City” due to welcoming thousands of Irish immigrants during the devastating famine situation in Ireland. With so much to do and so much to learn about this great city let us recommend the best places to visit and things to do!

Reversing Falls Rapids

You simply can not visit Saint John without witnessing the thrilling Reversing Falls Rapids in downtown Saint John! This unique phenomenon is created by the collision of the Bay of Fundy and the St John River creating a series of rapids and whirlpools also known as ‘nature's tug of war’.

The tides of the bay rise gradually reversing the flow of the river before peaking at high tide - an 8.5-meter (28-foot) tide cycle of roughly 12.5 hours. Experience the Reversing Falls Rapids with us on our 1 hour, small group Sightseeing Jet Boat Tour of Reversing Falls Rapids! 

With us, you will experience the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy. This is the only boat tour in the area that will take you right into the heart of Saint John’s Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John River

Explore Saint John by Foot

Take our Best of Saint John Tour!

Experience the best of Port City - on this 3-hour small-group tour offering the perfect way to view the city’s natural wonders and historical and cultural attractions in just a few hours!

The tour features historic stops at Carleton Martello Tower and Saint John City Market, the Saint John City Market and enjoys a narrated drive passing multiple points of interest such as; Rockwood Park, Saint John Port, Uptown saint john, King Square, Reversing Falls Rapids, Irving House, Red Rose Tea House, City Gardens, and Fort Howe.

Irving Nature Park

The Irving Nature Park is a free park in Saint John only minutes away from the uptown area developed as an environmental retreat with the intention to protect the environment. This 600-acre park along the Fundy coastline offers visitors the opportunity to experience the various ecosystems of the Southern New Brunswick coastline.

Here families can enjoy the rugged Bay of Fundy coastline, six different ecosystems with a diversity of flora and fauna, walking trails, a boardwalk, a seal observation deck, a children’s forest with a playground and mazes, picnic sites and barbecues among other fun things to do!

Fundy National Park

The Fundy National Park is a national park of Canada located on the Bay of Fundy, showcasing the Reversing Falls Rapids - the highest tides in the world and also features more than 25 waterfalls. Guests can marvel at the natural beauty of the area while on a walk on the fundy trail, explore the tides, hike or bike, or kayak as well.

Enjoy some shopping!

Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market opened in 1876 and is the oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada, built as a year-round home to several local open-air markets. This block-long building is filled with local vendors offering farm-fresh produce, the day’s catch, bread, fudge, maple syrup, and handcrafts, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and pick up some unique souvenirs. Take in the beauty and history of Saint John New Brunswick illuminated at night on our 2-hour small group Scenic Saint John Night Tour.

The tour features the best city attractions; Carleton Martello Tower and Fort La Tour as well as a narrated drive passing multiple iconic points of interest including; Saint John Port, Uptown, King Square, Fort Howe, Reversing Falls Rapids, and of course the city market.

Market Square

The Market Square is a mixture of shops, museums, and artwork displays located on the Saint John waterfront. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, relaxing, and playing along the boardwalk.

The square’s public spaces offer an intriguing blend of historic and modern architecture and style bringing together the old brick facades of the warehouses that used to stand along the Market slip centuries ago.

With so much to do in this beautiful city, you are sure to keep busy and have a great time!