With the majestic Bay of Fundy to its south and eastern Canada’s longest river to the north, the historic city of Saint John is full of natural splendour as well as a fascinating sense of heritage.
The port soared during the ‘Golden Age of Sail’ and this legacy can be enjoyed by visitors to this day, whether you’re embracing the past at the New Brunswick museum, soaking up culture while walking through the cobbled streets and picturesque harbour, or venturing to iconic sites and coastal parks in the wider landscape.
Spend time exploring the city and the province of New Brunswick, from the phenomenal Reversing Falls to the trendy downtown neighbourhood, where restaurants and bars flood the streets, with our guide to the best things to do in Saint John.
Here are just some of the highlights you won’t want to miss.
New Brunswick Museum
Drawing upon its fascinating seafaring heritage, discover the history of Saint John with a visit to the New Brunswick Museum – which has been in existence for almost 200 years. Heading west from downtown Saint John, you can leave your car in the nearby underground parking lot in Market Square.
Marvel over the fascinating artifacts on display, from traditional mahogany furniture to magnificent local art. Be in awe when you step into the Hall of Great Whales, with its life-size replicas portraying the extraordinary biodiversity of the Bay of Fundy.
Discover the industrial revolution of the region through a variety of interactive exhibits, based on the woodworking factories and shipyards of the 19th and 20th centuries. Plus, follow the geological journey of the earth and discover an exhibition on 116 species of birds.
This museum covers a wide breadth of topics, from history and natural sciences to conservation and art. There’s plenty to see and explore here, with many touring exhibits joining the excellent line-up.
Reversing Falls
It wouldn’t be a trip to Saint John without seeing the spectacle of the Reversing Falls rapids on the St. John River.
The intriguing magic behind the way the water moves is due to the motion of the sea. When the tide rises, it forces the St. John River to surge, increasing the water levels until the tide shrinks back, leading to the famous ‘reversed’ flow. Visit the Reversing Falls Bridge for fantastic views over the narrow gorge, or see the churning rapids at their best near Falls View Avenue.
If you’re feeling adventurous, step out onto the Skywalk at the Reversing Falls Restaurant. Here, you can walk on a glass floor suspended high above the rapids. To make the experience even more spectacular, visit during sunset or sunrise to witness the bright orange hues shimmering on the river.
Carleton Martello Tower
Discover a striking reminder of the area’s heritage at the Carleton Martello Tower. This historical site is one of the nine remaining Martello defence towers in Canada – first built by the British to help protect and preserve the surrounding land from invasions in the 19th century.
Boasting an iconic round structure and a flat roof, which provided a high vantage-point for artillery defence, you can visit the remodelled barrack quarters and the modest museum inside, and take in its grandeur on the mound.
The site is located on Fundy Drive, in the west of Saint John. 
Rockwood Park Golf Course
With its pristine greens, elegant clubhouse and challenging hazards along the way, this 18-hole golf course can entertain both the expert and golfing novice. Set in a 2,200-acre natural park, enjoy forest scenes as you play, with idyllic ponds and sand dunes breaking up the evergreen trees.
There’s a driving range here too and plenty of places nearby to get a bite to eat after a hearty game.
Rockwood Park is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, with deer, ducks and groundhogs frequently seen across the park. You’ll find the golf course north of the city centre, around 10 minutes by car along Samuel Davis Drive.
Irving Nature Park
With around two and a half square kilometres of interchanging landscapes, this splendid park is the perfect location to head to if you’re visiting Saint John with the family, or simply want to escape to nature. Drive your car along the Saint John Throughway, southwest of the city centre, and park up in the designated lot. There are six different ecosystems at play inside the park, resulting in a vibrant mix of flora and fauna.
Explore the unique setting of the salt marshland and the dense forestry, choose between eight hiking trails varying in length and challenge, and take in the views of the Bay of Fundy along its 11km stretch of rugged coastline. While you’re here, make sure to walk over the boardwalk across the clay marine and see if you can spot the 13,000-year-old clam shells among the captivating landscape.
There are around 250 species of animals and birds that call this estuary home, including seals and whales. The best place to catch sight of these animals is at the Seal Observation Deck and the Lookout Tower.
Saint John Market
Experience life as a local at one of the oldest farmers markets in Canada, by paying a visit to the Saint John City Market. Inside this historic landmark, you'll find rows of stands selling everything from fresh produce to handmade trinkets and symbolic New Brunswick souvenirs.
It’s easy to get caught up in the vibrant atmosphere of visitors and vendors, where the ring of the City Market Bell indicates the end to a busy day after hours of browsing and buying. The building itself was first built in 1876 and is in the shape of a ship, with steel beams supporting the roof.
You can visit the city market six days a week (it’s closed on Sundays and certain Holidays) by heading to Saint John’s historic centre, with plenty of parking on Charlotte Street.
With so much natural beauty and rich history to explore in Saint John, there’s plenty to experience, no matter what time of year you visit. The best way to see it all is to rent a car.
If you’re flying into Saint John Airport you’ll be able to start exploring the exciting province of New Brunswick as soon as you land, while further exciting road trips throughout Canada are also at your fingertips.