How to Spend One Day in Saint John, New Brunswick
Located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, Saint John is a hip, historic city with a vibrant culture and many beautiful landscapes to explore. Whether planning a road trip or looking for ideas for a day trip, there are plenty of fun things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick. From shopping in Market Square to checking out the Reversing Falls, here’s some of the best ways to spend one day in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Explore the Bay of Fundy
No visit to Saint John is complete without experiencing the Bay of Fundy for yourself. Home to the most powerful tidal forces in the world and gorgeous beaches, the Bay of Fundy is noted as one of the seven wonders of North America and for good reason. There are a number of great spots to check out on the Saint John waterfront, but the best may be Irving Nature Park, just south of the city. One of the best spots for day trips from Saint John, New Brunswick, Irving Nature Park spans 600 acres and offers some great lookout points, as well as a boardwalk, picnic areas and sandy beaches.
See the Reversing Falls
One of the most unique sights in New Brunswick, the Reversing Falls are a curious natural landmark where the river current changes throughout the day due to the strong tides of the Bay of Fundy. Located over a stunning gorge where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy, the Reversing Falls are a truly stunning sight with many unique activities to enjoy.
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Not only can you soar over the gorge on a zipline, but you can get up close and personal with the Reversing Falls on one of a number of boat tours. Alternatively, you can simply walk along the river and enjoy the roar of the rapids on one of the many nature trails in the area.
Saint John Market Square
A bustling outdoor market and shopping centre located right by the waterfront, the Saint John Market Square is a historic dock district where red-bricked warehouses have been converted into modern restaurants, craft breweries, and shops. Go shopping for fresh local produce and groceries at the Saint John City Market, an eclectic public marketplace that has been in operation since 1876. Afterwards, enjoy cool drinks or a meal at one of the restaurants and cafes lining the Market Square Boardwalk, or just walk around enjoying performances by colourful local buskers.
Sample the Best Saint John Restaurants
For an upscale farm-to-table dining experience, The Saint John Ale House’s diverse menu features quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers in New Brunswick, as well as beers and wines from some of Canada’s top breweries and vintners. East Coast Bistro features a refined, seasonal menu of Acadian cuisine with a classically French twist. With a cool, lounge ambiance, Port City Royal is a modern-day speakeasy with international eats and a wide selection of cocktails for dessert.
Dive into the Craft Brew Scene
Craft beer connoisseurs can find plenty to love in Saint John, NB. The city has a vibrant craft brewing scene featuring plenty of up-and-coming brewhouses. For instance, Loyalist City Brew Co. offers a wide selection of pilsners and IPAs, which can be sampled at their brew pub. For a truly unique souvenir, pick up a bar of their patented beer soap. Get a taste of the Bay of Fundy at Big Tide Brewing Company, specializing in refreshing lagers and ales as well as delicious eats at their restaurant. You can also enjoy a little taste of everything with beer tours from Uncorked New Brunswick.
Things to do in Saint John at Night
There are many fun things to do in Saint John at Night, especially for couples. The Market Square area features a number of upscale bars and clubs, such as Happinez Wine Barn and Hopscotch Whisky Bar. For a more lively evening, Eighty Three Bar Arcade combines the fun of pinball and arcade games with a kitschy atmosphere and selection of craft brews. You can also catch a play at the Imperial Theatre or laugh it up at Punch Lines Comedy Club.
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