2012 Guide - Places to See in Saint John New Brunswick for Cruise Ship visitors

If you are in Saint John New Brunswick for a day and are wondering where to go and what to do within 8-10hrs then keep reading. Here is a list of 10 places to see. You can google them for further info or check them out on Trip Advisor:

I) The Reversing Falls

The tides changes every 6hrs and 12min from low to high and vice versa. Make sure you time it right so that you are able to see the rapids flow from right to left during low tide and from left to right during high tide.

II) City Market

Sample some local Maple Syrup and blue berries at Canada's oldest farmers market. Located about 10 min walk from the cruise ship port, its worth stopping by.

III) Old No 2 Fire Station Museum

Just behind the Kings Square and the City Market, this gem is like no other fire station you have been before. See a year 1860 fire truck on display and tools and equipment used in the olden days.

IV) Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception

If you like old architecture, high ceiling stain glass, alter curved to perfection, wind organ like no other, then make a point to visit this cathedral. There is a mass everyday at 12pm noon so you can avoid this time. Otherwise, its open for all day and tourist often come in and out and snap some pictures.

V) Fort Howe

See the entire city from a birds eye view. Learn a few things about the fort and its time as a prison. Take some pictures behind a Block House or a WWII canon.

VI) Rockwood Park

Drive through one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and enjoy the lakes, mallard ducks, horse back riding, kids play ground, or just walk to trails.

VII) Irving Nature Park

One of the city's nature at its best. Drive through the 8km park and explore the area. Great place to wind down and feel the nature and fresh air while overlooking the ocean.

VIII) New Brunswick Museum

With over 60,000 sq feet of exhibition space around 3 floors, there is enough programs to entertain the entire family.

IX) St Martins

Drive through the scenic route some 50min to St Martins and see the Caves, Covered Bridges, Lighthouses etc. This is a must see!!

X) Fundy Trail

If time permits, the Fundy Trail is only about 9km away from the caves in St. Martins. Drive through the roughly 14km picturesque trail and stop at numerous lookout spots along the way.

5 ways on how to see the places while in Saint John

a) Rent a car

If you have done your homework ahead of time and are willing to explore the places by yourself, you can rent a car and drive around the above places. There is an Avis rent a car on the same street where the ship docks. Enterprise Rent a Car will pick you up if you book with them.

b) Excursion Buses

You can book one of the Bay of Fundy tour through your cruise ship. However, they may not be covering all the places listed above.

c) Hop on Hop Off (pink buses)

They will drop you off at most of the mentioned places in Saint John with the exclusion of Irving Nature Park, Cathedral, and does not go outside the city limits i.e. you will not be able to go to St Martins or Fundy Trail.

d) City Transit

The city transit will give you a basic 2hr tour of the city and may not cover all the mentioned areas above. They do not go to St. Martins or the Fundy Trail.

e) Taxi Tours

The taxi tours are a good option for small groups and better priced. However, not all taxi drivers are trained to give tours and may not be well versed with the areas. However, they will take you around any of the places mentioned above if asked. Fundy Tour (fundytour.com) is one of the taxi tours that have been recommended.

If you have any other info to add feel free. Any questions welcomed. Enjoy your cruise and the beautiful Saint John!!

Thank you. Some good information. Is there any good bicycling nearby, and places to rent bikes? That would be my preferred method of transportation. I love sightseeing by bike.

Fundy- For your first post, you certainly provided very helpful information. Many threads are active right now and planning what to do in this port.

We willl be there in October, and I know the weather could be cool. On our last visit, we actually bought warm gloves at from one of the craft vendors at the port.

Can you offer information on shopping for local products?

What about restaurants near the port area? We are sea food lovers, so information there would be great.

Thank you! :)

Here are some links to websites of restaurants within walking distance of the cruise terminal that specialize in seafood.

http://www.billysseafood.com/restaurant/about_us.html

http://www.steamerslobstercompany.com/index.php

http://www.operabistro.com/operabistro/home.jsp

All of these are within walking distance.

Here is a complete list of eateries in uptown Saint John.

http://directory.uptownsj.com/group/dine/forum/topics/list-of-uptown-restaurants?page=1&commentId=4103863%3AComment%3A2267&x=1#4103863Comment2267

Thank you. Some good information. Is there any good bicycling nearby, and places to rent bikes? That would be my preferred method of transportation. I love sightseeing by bike.

Yes there is a place where you can rent that I am aware of. Its by the Jet Boat ride at the Reversing Falls. The cost is $30/ 4hr or $35/ full day. Address is 55 Fallsview Saint John, and their phone is (506) 634-8987. You can take a taxi from the port to their shop and it will cost you $7 to get there.

Fundy- For your first post, you certainly provided very helpful information. Many threads are active right now and planning what to do in this port.

We willl be there in October, and I know the weather could be cool. On our last visit, we actually bought warm gloves at from one of the craft vendors at the port.

Can you offer information on shopping for local products?

What about restaurants near the port area? We are sea food lovers, so information there would be great.

Thank you! :)

A 5 min walk from the port will land you to The Market Sq.; a mini mall (for your shopping) with the New Brunswick Museum entrance at the main floor. There is a food court there and Grannans Restaurant that serves good seafood at a better price than Billy SeaFood :). If you happen to take a tour that goes to St. Martins, then you better save your appetite for The Caves Restaurant. They have the freshest fish and lobster (from a tank) served at your request and have the best seafood chowder in the province.

If you are in Saint John New Brunswick for a day and are wondering where to go and what to do within 8-10hrs then keep reading. Here is a list of 10 places to see. You can google them for further info or check them out on Trip Advisor:

 

I) The Reversing Falls

 

The tides changes every 6hrs and 12min from low to high and vice versa. Make sure you time it right so that you are able to see the rapids flow from right to left during low tide and from left to right during high tide.

 

II) City Market

 

Sample some local Maple Syrup and blue berries at Canada's oldest farmers market. Located about 10 min walk from the cruise ship port, its worth stopping by.

 

III) Old No 2 Fire Station Museum

 

Just behind the Kings Square and the City Market, this gem is like no other fire station you have been before. See a year 1860 fire truck on display and tools and equipment used in the olden days.

 

IV) Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception

 

If you like old architecture, high ceiling stain glass, alter curved to perfection, wind organ like no other, then make a point to visit this cathedral. There is a mass everyday at 12pm noon so you can avoid this time. Otherwise, its open for all day and tourist often come in and out and snap some pictures.

 

V) Fort Howe

 

See the entire city from a birds eye view. Learn a few things about the fort and its time as a prison. Take some pictures behind a Block House or a WWII canon.

 

VI) Rockwood Park

 

Drive through one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and enjoy the lakes, mallard ducks, horse back riding, kids play ground, or just walk to trails.

 

VII) Irving Nature Park

 

One of the city's nature at its best. Drive through the 8km park and explore the area. Great place to wind down and feel the nature and fresh air while overlooking the ocean.

 

VIII) New Brunswick Museum

 

With over 60,000 sq feet of exhibition space around 3 floors, there is enough programs to entertain the entire family.

 

IX) St Martins

 

Drive through the scenic route some 50min to St Martins and see the Caves, Covered Bridges, Lighthouses etc. This is a must see!!

 

X) Fundy Trail

 

If time permits, the Fundy Trail is only about 9km away from the caves in St. Martins. Drive through the roughly 14km picturesque trail and stop at numerous lookout spots along the way.

 

5 ways on how to see the places while in Saint John

 

a) Rent a car

If you have done your homework ahead of time and are willing to explore the places by yourself, you can rent a car and drive around the above places. There is an Avis rent a car on the same street where the ship docks. Enterprise Rent a Car will pick you up if you book with them.

 

b) Excursion Buses

You can book one of the Bay of Fundy tour through your cruise ship. However, they may not be covering all the places listed above.

 

c) Hop on Hop Off (pink buses)

They will drop you off at most of the mentioned places in Saint John with the exclusion of Irving Nature Park, Cathedral, and does not go outside the city limits i.e. you will not be able to go to St Martins or Fundy Trail.

 

d) City Transit

The city transit will give you a basic 2hr tour of the city and may not cover all the mentioned areas above. They do not go to St. Martins or the Fundy Trail.

 

e) Taxi Tours

The taxi tours are a good option for small groups and better priced. However, not all taxi drivers are trained to give tours and may not be well versed with the areas. However, they will take you around any of the places mentioned above if asked. Fundy Tour (fundytour.com) is one of the taxi tours that have been recommended.

 

If you have any other info to add feel free. Any questions welcomed. Enjoy your cruise and the beautiful Saint John!!

Is it possible to get tickets to the Pink Buses other than through the ships excursions?

Great info Fundy!

I had hoped to do a day trip to St. Martins that included a drive along the Fundy Trail Parkway, but their website indicates that the parkway is closed to vehicle traffic after (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend (we arrive St. John on 10/17). I'm still thinking that a morning drive to St. Martins (lunch there as well?) would still make for a nice day and also allow time for some exploring in St. John before re-boarding the ship (the ship departs St. John 5:00pm).

Is their only one route to/from St. Martins? Any must-see sites along the way or once we arrive in St. Martins? I've read good things about the Caves Restaurant....any others you'd recommend?

Thanks,

Andy

Is it possible to get tickets to the Pink Buses other than through the ships excursions?

You can only get them through cruise line. Regrettably I personally do not see the value in this excursion as aside from Reversing Falls and Rockwood Park, the destinations are all easily accessible on foot in vicinity of ship. Rockwood Park is nice, but more geared for activities such as kayaking, swimming and hiking as opposed to being dropped off for a bit and just taking a look around.

Alternatively the local transit commission offers a 2.5 hour guided tour for $20 on a regular transit bus. Leaves from Loyalist Plaza near ship.

You can only get them through cruise line. Regrettably I personally do not see the value in this excursion as aside from Reversing Falls and Rockwood Park, the destinations are all easily accessible on foot in vicinity of ship. Rockwood Park is nice, but more geared for activities such as kayaking, swimming and hiking as opposed to being dropped off for a bit and just taking a look around.

 

Alternatively the local transit commission offers a 2.5 hour guided tour for $20 on a regular transit bus. Leaves from Loyalist Plaza near ship.

Thank you...that sounds like a good and certainly much less expensive alternative.

Carol

Great information. Thank you for starting this thread.

Keith

Thank you...that sounds like a good and certainly much less expensive alternative.

 

Carol

I can vouch for the city tour, very easy and nice tour for the right price. Here is the web site for it.

http://www.saintjohn.ca/en/home/cityservices/transportation/transit/services/citytours.aspx

Great info Fundy!

 

I had hoped to do a day trip to St. Martins that included a drive along the Fundy Trail Parkway, but their website indicates that the parkway is closed to vehicle traffic after (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend (we arrive St. John on 10/17). I'm still thinking that a morning drive to St. Martins (lunch there as well?) would still make for a nice day and also allow time for some exploring in St. John before re-boarding the ship (the ship departs St. John 5:00pm).

 

Is their only one route to/from St. Martins? Any must-see sites along the way or once we arrive in St. Martins? I've read good things about the Caves Restaurant....any others you'd recommend?

 

Thanks,

 

Andy

There is a scenic route that you can take that will go through Garnett Settlement and get to see the Bay of Fundy coastline. A very picturesque route and you'll get to see the ragged cliffs and rocks along the way before connecting back to the main route.

As soon as you see the Welcome to St. Martins sign, you take the next right exit to West Quaco st, and after a mile you turn left to Lighthouse St. Follow the street to the end and you will see a lighthouse there. Go down the red gate and below the lighthouse for a gorgeous view of the ragged cliffs.

In St. Martins, the Caves Restaurant is the better of the two out there. Their chowder is the best I have ever tried. They have other fresh fish served such as haddock, lobster, shrimps etc.

Thanks

You can only get them through cruise line. quote]

 

I talked to the HOHO people (Ambassador Tours) and they said that they only run when a cruise ship is in town, but anybody can just walk up to their booth which is at the harbor and purchase a ticket. The cost was $5 less than the Carnival price.

If you are in Saint John New Brunswick for a day and are wondering where to go and what to do within 8-10hrs then keep reading. Here is a list of 10 places to see. You can google them for further info or check them out on Trip Advisor:

 

I) The Reversing Falls

 

The tides changes every 6hrs and 12min from low to high and vice versa. Make sure you time it right so that you are able to see the rapids flow from right to left during low tide and from left to right during high tide.

 

II) City Market

 

Sample some local Maple Syrup and blue berries at Canada's oldest farmers market. Located about 10 min walk from the cruise ship port, its worth stopping by.

 

III) Old No 2 Fire Station Museum

 

Just behind the Kings Square and the City Market, this gem is like no other fire station you have been before. See a year 1860 fire truck on display and tools and equipment used in the olden days.

 

IV) Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception

 

If you like old architecture, high ceiling stain glass, alter curved to perfection, wind organ like no other, then make a point to visit this cathedral. There is a mass everyday at 12pm noon so you can avoid this time. Otherwise, its open for all day and tourist often come in and out and snap some pictures.

 

V) Fort Howe

 

See the entire city from a birds eye view. Learn a few things about the fort and its time as a prison. Take some pictures behind a Block House or a WWII canon.

 

VI) Rockwood Park

 

Drive through one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and enjoy the lakes, mallard ducks, horse back riding, kids play ground, or just walk to trails.

 

VII) Irving Nature Park

 

One of the city's nature at its best. Drive through the 8km park and explore the area. Great place to wind down and feel the nature and fresh air while overlooking the ocean.

 

VIII) New Brunswick Museum

 

With over 60,000 sq feet of exhibition space around 3 floors, there is enough programs to entertain the entire family.

 

IX) St Martins

 

Drive through the scenic route some 50min to St Martins and see the Caves, Covered Bridges, Lighthouses etc. This is a must see!!

 

X) Fundy Trail

 

If time permits, the Fundy Trail is only about 9km away from the caves in St. Martins. Drive through the roughly 14km picturesque trail and stop at numerous lookout spots along the way.

 

5 ways on how to see the places while in Saint John

 

a) Rent a car

If you have done your homework ahead of time and are willing to explore the places by yourself, you can rent a car and drive around the above places. There is an Avis rent a car on the same street where the ship docks. Enterprise Rent a Car will pick you up if you book with them.

 

b) Excursion Buses

You can book one of the Bay of Fundy tour through your cruise ship. However, they may not be covering all the places listed above.

 

c) Hop on Hop Off (pink buses)

They will drop you off at most of the mentioned places in Saint John with the exclusion of Irving Nature Park, Cathedral, and does not go outside the city limits i.e. you will not be able to go to St Martins or Fundy Trail.

 

d) City Transit

The city transit will give you a basic 2hr tour of the city and may not cover all the mentioned areas above. They do not go to St. Martins or the Fundy Trail.

 

e) Taxi Tours

The taxi tours are a good option for small groups and better priced. However, not all taxi drivers are trained to give tours and may not be well versed with the areas. However, they will take you around any of the places mentioned above if asked. Fundy Tour (http://fundytour.com) is one of the taxi tours that have been recommended.

 

If you have any other info to add feel free. Any questions welcomed. Enjoy your cruise and the beautiful Saint John!!

Another place to visit while in Saint John is Grand Manan island;

Visitors go for Whale Watching where the rare North Atlantic right whales nurse there young ones. You also get to see White sided dolphins and seals while at it.

Grand Manan is about 1hr drive south of Saint John towards St. Andrews/Stephen.

If you are in Saint John New Brunswick for a day and are wondering where to go and what to do within 8-10hrs then keep reading. Here is a list of 10 places to see. You can google them for further info or check them out on Trip Advisor:

 

I) The Reversing Falls

 

The tides changes every 6hrs and 12min from low to high and vice versa. Make sure you time it right so that you are able to see the rapids flow from right to left during low tide and from left to right during high tide.

 

II) City Market

 

Sample some local Maple Syrup and blue berries at Canada's oldest farmers market. Located about 10 min walk from the cruise ship port, its worth stopping by.

 

III) Old No 2 Fire Station Museum

 

Just behind the Kings Square and the City Market, this gem is like no other fire station you have been before. See a year 1860 fire truck on display and tools and equipment used in the olden days.

 

IV) Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception

 

If you like old architecture, high ceiling stain glass, alter curved to perfection, wind organ like no other, then make a point to visit this cathedral. There is a mass everyday at 12pm noon so you can avoid this time. Otherwise, its open for all day and tourist often come in and out and snap some pictures.

 

V) Fort Howe

 

See the entire city from a birds eye view. Learn a few things about the fort and its time as a prison. Take some pictures behind a Block House or a WWII canon.

 

VI) Rockwood Park

 

Drive through one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and enjoy the lakes, mallard ducks, horse back riding, kids play ground, or just walk to trails.

 

VII) Irving Nature Park

 

One of the city's nature at its best. Drive through the 8km park and explore the area. Great place to wind down and feel the nature and fresh air while overlooking the ocean.

 

VIII) New Brunswick Museum

 

With over 60,000 sq feet of exhibition space around 3 floors, there is enough programs to entertain the entire family.

 

IX) St Martins

 

Drive through the scenic route some 50min to St Martins and see the Caves, Covered Bridges, Lighthouses etc. This is a must see!!

 

X) Fundy Trail

 

If time permits, the Fundy Trail is only about 9km away from the caves in St. Martins. Drive through the roughly 14km picturesque trail and stop at numerous lookout spots along the way.

 

5 ways on how to see the places while in Saint John

 

a) Rent a car

If you have done your homework ahead of time and are willing to explore the places by yourself, you can rent a car and drive around the above places. There is an Avis rent a car on the same street where the ship docks. Enterprise Rent a Car will pick you up if you book with them.

 

b) Excursion Buses

You can book one of the Bay of Fundy tour through your cruise ship. However, they may not be covering all the places listed above.

 

c) Hop on Hop Off (pink buses)

They will drop you off at most of the mentioned places in Saint John with the exclusion of Irving Nature Park, Cathedral, and does not go outside the city limits i.e. you will not be able to go to St Martins or Fundy Trail.

 

d) City Transit

The city transit will give you a basic 2hr tour of the city and may not cover all the mentioned areas above. They do not go to St. Martins or the Fundy Trail.

 

e) Taxi Tours

The taxi tours are a good option for small groups and better priced. However, not all taxi drivers are trained to give tours and may not be well versed with the areas. However, they will take you around any of the places mentioned above if asked. Fundy Tour (fundytour.com) is one of the taxi tours that have been recommended.

 

If you have any other info to add feel free. Any questions welcomed. Enjoy your cruise and the beautiful Saint John!!

Just a quick note to mention that we now refer to Reversing Falls as RAPIDS, as people are expecting waterfalls.. Below is an explanation of the Reversing Rapids...

The Reversing Rapids, formerly referred to as the Reversing Falls, are a series of whirlpools, waves and white water rapids that are created as the high tides of the Bay of Fundy - the highest int he world – collide with the Saint John River in a rocky gorge in Saint John, New Brunswick. This is an incredible phenomenon that, to be truly appreciated, must be viewed three times – at low tide, high tide and slack tide.

At low tide, Fundy’s tides are below the level of the Saint John River. The river flows through the gorge and empties into Saint John’s harbour and the Bay of Fundy. As the water travels the gorge, the submarine terrain forces the water to become turbulent with lots of white water rapids and whirlpools that turn in both clock- and counterclockwise directions.

At high tide, however, the Bay of Fundy rises above the Saint John River and the power of the tides actually reverses the flow of the river, creating huge waves.

There are two low tides and two high tides each day – it takes approximately 12 hours and 13 minutes to move from one end of the tide cycle to the other. In between low and high tide, however, is a period called “slack” tide. At slack tide the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River water levels are equal, thus creating calm waters in the gorge. Lasting for roughly 20 minutes, slack is the only time during the tide cycle that boats can safely navigate the Reversing Rapids. To calculate low slack, add 3 hours and 50 minutes to low tide. Similarly, to determine high slack, add 2 hours and 25 minutes to high tide.

Hope this helps ..

You can only get them through cruise line. Regrettably I personally do not see the value in this excursion as aside from Reversing Falls and Rockwood Park, the destinations are all easily accessible on foot in vicinity of ship. Rockwood Park is nice, but more geared for activities such as kayaking, swimming and hiking as opposed to being dropped off for a bit and just taking a look around.

 

Alternatively the local transit commission offers a 2.5 hour guided tour for $20 on a regular transit bus. Leaves from Loyalist Plaza near ship.

The Big Pink Bus Hop On Hop Off is of value because it is "at your leisure" it also takes people into Rockwood Park and stops at Lily Lake Pavillion where you can stop for lunch or rent a canoe / paddle boat / bicycle so you can really enjoy the lake http://www.daytrippingnb.com/rentals.html

And on top of that, $ 1.00 from every ticket sold goes to breast cancer research ! Great deal !

There is a scenic route that you can take that will go through Garnett Settlement and get to see the Bay of Fundy coastline. A very picturesque route and you'll get to see the ragged cliffs and rocks along the way before connecting back to the main route.

 

As soon as you see the Welcome to St. Martins sign, you take the next right exit to West Quaco st, and after a mile you turn left to Lighthouse St. Follow the street to the end and you will see a lighthouse there. Go down the red gate and below the lighthouse for a gorgeous view of the ragged cliffs.

 

In St. Martins, the Caves Restaurant is the better of the two out there. Their chowder is the best I have ever tried. They have other fresh fish served such as haddock, lobster, shrimps etc.

 

Thanks

Fundy is right, we call the Garnett Settlement / Black River / Tynemouth Creek route the "back way" to St. Martins .. it is one of our best kept secrets :-)

Another place to visit while in Saint John is Grand Manan island;

Visitors go for Whale Watching where the rare North Atlantic right whales nurse there young ones. You also get to see White sided dolphins and seals while at it.

 

Grand Manan is about 1hr drive south of Saint John towards St. Andrews/Stephen.

Sorry, but you have to take a ferry to Grand Manan - it is 30 minutes to get to the ferry and a 1 1/2 hour ferry ride (each way) this is NOT something I would recommend for cruise ship passengers. Would be taking too much of a risk of your cruise ship leaving without you (and they will).

I LOVE Grand Manan - going there this weekend (for the WEEKEND ) !

If you are interested in whale watching , a tour is offered out of St. Andrews (many lines are offering this tour now ) .

Hope this helps ..

Is it true that you can walk on the beach and see the St Martins sea caves only within the two hours before and after low tide? Looks like high tide will occur about 11:00 am & low tide about 5:30 pm when we are there on September 14. Our ship is only in Saint John from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. Should I assume that we'll miss the chance to walk on the beach and see the caves?

Thanks for any insight or info.

How many blocks is the walk to wear you catch this bus from the pier?

Thanks

How many blocks is the walk to wear you catch this bus from the pier?

Thanks

2 blocks

The Big Pink Bus Hop On Hop Off is of value because it is "at your leisure" it also takes people into Rockwood Park and stops at Lily Lake Pavillion where you can stop for lunch or rent a canoe / paddle boat / bicycle so you can really enjoy the lake http://www.daytrippingnb.com/rentals.html

 

And on top of that, $ 1.00 from every ticket sold goes to breast cancer research ! Great deal !

We'll have to disagree on this. For a family of four, they would pay $140 USD for this hop on hop off tour. ($40 per adult and $30 per child). Alternatively that same family could hire a private tour guide for 3 hours, or for only $50 the family of four could take the local tour by the transit commission. This tour stops at all the same stops for an amount of time you would reasonably want to spend there. With the taxi and transit local tour, the money stays in the community and benefits locals. The hop on hop off is Ambassatours out of Halifax that sends the busses over just for the cruise season, although they do employ local drivers. I was pleasantly surprised by comments by American tourists wanting to know if their dollars stay local. It made me think differently when I go cruising on the excursions I take.

2 blocks

Thanks

Just what was wanted to allow us to decide what we can do when visiting St.Johns