While our family was in New Brunswick, and after taking in Moncton, we made our way to Saint John, the most populous city in the province.
This southern New Brunswick city lies right at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy and is relatively close to the Maine USA border. This makes Saint John a prime city for visitors to visit when in this maritime province. As well, it’s also a port stop for cruise ships coming from the US and Europe.
Whether you come by land, air or ship – Saint John is a lovely city that offers much for everyone. When driving into the city, I couldn’t help but compare the sights to those of San Francisco. The quaint vertical structures nestled on the hills surrounding the shore – it’s a very picturesque city with plenty to see at every turn.
While there we stayed at the Saint John Saint John Hilton, located right on the harbour and offering magnificent views. I loved this hotel location, as the majority of the Saint John sights we took in as a family – we all within walking distance from the hotel.
Right across the street from the Saint John Hilton is Market Square; a mall for shopping, restaurants and city activities.
Market Square is where you’ll find the New Brunswick Museum, a three story source of information and fun right there in the mall. Actually, I think this placement is brilliant, as I’m sure more people would inspect a museum in a mall. The enticing frontage of the museum from the court has a way to draw attention and the masses.
The New Brunswick Museum has artifacts and displays like other museums, yet the entire area is so interactive and fun. From the guides to the sections of the museum themselves, this is a great location for families to go, to not only learn about New Brunswick but the world around it. In a totally fun way!
Our tour of the New Brunswick Museum was setup like the party packages offered by the museum, a guide took us families through a fun scavenger hunt through the museum. It’s a great way to get the kids involved and incorporate learning in an engaging way.
From the Great Hall of Whales to the vintage furniture I lusted after – there’s so much to see at the New Brunswick Museum. It was a fun morning spent for all.
While at Market Square, one must take some time to spend at the indoor Saint John City Market. Talk about everything under one roof!
This is where you can do some great shopping and support local artisans, and have one wicked meal. I recommend the lobster rolls because, lobster.
Don’t forget to make a stop at Reversing Rapids while in the city of Saint John. This location is famous for the tidal phenomenon that forces the St. John River to flow backwards as the Bay of Fundy reaches high tide. It’s caused by a gorge formed by the collision of continents millions of years ago. There’s a lookout at a prime location to view the pulling and tugging of the water, and the whirlpools formed from the water not knowing which way to flow. It’s quite the sight!
Watch for regularly scheduled activities and events outside Market Square – a great location for city functions and live entertainment. Set on the backdrop of the bay – it’s a wonderful location while in Saint John!
Have you ever been to Saint John New Brunswick?
My family and I were hosted by Tourism New Brunswick and SJ Consulting for this #LetsGONB retreat. All opinions are my own.
Never been, but it looks beautiful! I would love to go someday. 🙂
I’ve been itching to take a trip up North. I keep telling my husband that we need a break from this Florida heat and humidity and Saint John New Brunswick sounds amazing. I bet our son would love the museum!
Saint John is absolutely gorgeous. I love the bridge. I love the terrain. I love the light house. I just love it period!
I have been wanting to go up there for a while. It looks so charming.
I have never been, it looks like a beautiful place to visit! I would love to go there one day!
I have a 5 year old so this would be such a perfect trip for us. I like how you had fun both adults and kids.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it here! It’s great to see an outsiders perspective on home. Makes me appreciate what I normally take for granted. Uptown is one of my favorite parts of town, I miss working in the area! There is huge controversy over the Reversing Rapids because up until a few months ago, it was always called the Reversing Falls. People here are really protesting the change haha!
I’ve got to get to Canada! There are so many beautiful places there.
Looks like a very beautiful place to vacation. I’ve never been but would love to.
I have never been, but it looks amazing!! That market looks so cool!
You truly find the most amazing places to visit! I have never been to Saint John New Brunswick, but after your photos I definitely want to visit. It looks absolutely amazing! And such a fun family destination!
What a fabulous place to visit! I love all the colorful art hanging from the market. My kids would really enjoy the museum!
I love the light house, its so Peaceful looking. Looks like there are lots of things i would enjoy do there.Thank you for sharing.
I would love to visit Saint John. The Hall of Whales was very cool.
No, I have never been there. But it looks so amazing. I love that museum and that market! How cool!
What gorgeous photos! It looks like there is so much to do!
I have never been to News Brunswick before!! Looks like there is some amazing things to do there!
Looks like a wonderful place to visit! I know my family would love to go!
The indoor market looks like a cool place to go. I have never been to St. John New Brunswick, but it looks like a nice place to travel.
I’ve never been! Looks like you had a great time!
I’ve never been! Lobster rolls…drool!
Oooh, I love the look of that market with all the fresh fruits and veggies. I definitely want to go there now. It looks like such a fun place!
My home town, great review. ( and love the shots of Pete’s Frootique in the Market, family connection) and it will always be reversing Falls LOL
What a fantastic, fun place to visit! I especially love the market! Great pics
I have not been to New Brunswick since i was a little girl. My family used to go there to visit relatives. I would love to check out the New Brunswick Museum.
I love NB but have not been there in over 20 years,so I am sure when I go again there will be so many new things ot see
Yes, I’ve been to Saint John, New Brunswick whilst visiting a friend who lives nearby. I really enjoyed my visit, saw the Reversing Rapids and found the Saint John City Market reminded me a lot of the inside markets in England.
What a beautiful location and so many family-friendly things to do! That market – oh my gosh – worth a trip just for that!
Glad you enjoyed it, I have lived here all my life and never get tired of it, needs a bit of a facelift here and there but its still home.
🙂
I can’t believe I only live a couple hours from St John yet have never been to the City Market. Looks like a neat spot to check out.
That market looks nice. I have been to New Brunswick but never to St Johns. I hope to go back one day.
I like about and hours and a half from Saint John and I’m sad to say I’ve never been there. The market sounds especially nice.
*Live an hour and a half. Seriously, spell check needed here. 😛
Thanks for the feature of New Brunswick! We haven’t been, but we’ll definitely put it in our list now. 🙂
We’re heading to Saint John on Friday for our annual trip! We love the Saint John City Market and it is a great place to pick up fresh produce and snacks for the camp! Our absolute favourite is the shwarma!