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.
kristen says
08/04/2015 at 8:52 amNever been, but it looks beautiful! I would love to go someday. 🙂
Ruth V. says
08/04/2015 at 8:59 amI’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!
Jennifer says
08/04/2015 at 9:18 amSaint John is absolutely gorgeous. I love the bridge. I love the terrain. I love the light house. I just love it period!
Robin says
08/04/2015 at 10:49 amI have been wanting to go up there for a while. It looks so charming.
Kelsey says
08/04/2015 at 11:38 amI have never been, it looks like a beautiful place to visit! I would love to go there one day!
Daisy says
08/04/2015 at 3:07 pmI 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.
Kim says
08/04/2015 at 3:34 pmI’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!
Dawn says
08/04/2015 at 4:46 pmI’ve got to get to Canada! There are so many beautiful places there.
Stephanie LaPlante says
08/04/2015 at 4:48 pmLooks like a very beautiful place to vacation. I’ve never been but would love to.
Aimee Smith says
08/04/2015 at 5:07 pmI have never been, but it looks amazing!! That market looks so cool!
Amber says
08/04/2015 at 5:25 pmYou 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!
Mama to 5 says
08/04/2015 at 5:52 pmWhat a fabulous place to visit! I love all the colorful art hanging from the market. My kids would really enjoy the museum!
Kristin says
08/04/2015 at 6:42 pmI love the light house, its so Peaceful looking. Looks like there are lots of things i would enjoy do there.Thank you for sharing.
Kelly says
08/04/2015 at 7:11 pmI would love to visit Saint John. The Hall of Whales was very cool.
Mistee Dawn says
08/04/2015 at 7:49 pmNo, I have never been there. But it looks so amazing. I love that museum and that market! How cool!
Melissa says
08/04/2015 at 8:21 pmWhat gorgeous photos! It looks like there is so much to do!
Vera Sweeney says
08/04/2015 at 8:53 pmI have never been to News Brunswick before!! Looks like there is some amazing things to do there!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
08/04/2015 at 9:16 pmLooks like a wonderful place to visit! I know my family would love to go!
Nicole B says
08/04/2015 at 9:23 pmThe 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.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
08/05/2015 at 12:12 amI’ve never been! Looks like you had a great time!
Christine says
08/05/2015 at 12:15 amI’ve never been! Lobster rolls…drool!
Stacie says
08/05/2015 at 7:56 amOooh, 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!
Linda A Cassidy says
08/05/2015 at 8:03 amMy 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
Brenda Roy says
08/05/2015 at 9:37 amWhat a fantastic, fun place to visit! I especially love the market! Great pics
Ann Bacciaglia says
08/05/2015 at 9:48 amI 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.
kathy downey says
08/05/2015 at 10:27 amI 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
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
08/05/2015 at 3:33 pmYes, 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.
Lisa says
08/05/2015 at 3:53 pmWhat a beautiful location and so many family-friendly things to do! That market – oh my gosh – worth a trip just for that!
Linda Peters says
08/07/2015 at 8:33 pmGlad 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.
Tammi says
08/08/2015 at 12:28 pm🙂
Becky says
08/08/2015 at 4:41 pmI 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.
Judy Cowan says
08/15/2015 at 9:26 pmThat market looks nice. I have been to New Brunswick but never to St Johns. I hope to go back one day.
nicolthepickle says
08/29/2015 at 9:20 amI 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.
nicolthepickle says
08/29/2015 at 9:21 am*Live an hour and a half. Seriously, spell check needed here. 😛
Klynne says
09/18/2015 at 11:47 amThanks for the feature of New Brunswick! We haven’t been, but we’ll definitely put it in our list now. 🙂
Amy Stackhouse says
08/08/2016 at 10:30 amWe’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!