November 11, 2020

24 Hours in Saint John, New Brunswick

Make your way to New Brunswick’s Port City, Saint John, for an unforgettable day full of fun, food, and culture!

If you’re planning a visit to New Brunswick aboard Fundy Rose, a day spent in Saint John is essential. This remarkable destination is the oldest incorporated city in Canada and the only city on the Bay of Fundy. Offering a mix of old-world nostalgia and modern excitement, Saint John is the perfect place to visit on your trip through the Maritimes. It’s home to a striking historic downtown core where streets are lined with vibrant boutiques and stores. The culinary scene is flavourful and fantastic, with trendy restaurants old favourites alike serving up unforgettable meals. And beyond the city center, you can explore award-winning wineries and the astonishing beauty of Mother Nature — only minutes from art hot spots and natural wonders. If you have 24 hours to spend in Saint John, we have the perfect suggestions on how to make the most of them!

Nature for Breakfast

Start your day off by strolling through the natural beauty of the Irving Nature Park. Just 9 km outside of Saint John, the Nature Park is home to hundreds of unique species of birds, as well as rugged coastlines you’ll love to discover. While you’re walking the shores, keep your eyes peeled for herds of seal gathering just offshore on nearby rocks.

Axe Marks the Spot

Take an early afternoon trip to Woodchucks Axe Throwing for a fun round of axe throwing! The trained professionals here will teach you everything you need to know to safely and accurately throw an axe. Best of all, they’ll also stick around to offer tips and tricks, so you’ll be feeling like a real woodsman (or woman) in no time! Whether you’re keeping score or playing for fun, a trip to Woodchucks is a surefire way for friends and families to spend the day.

Live Like a Local, Shop Local

Did you work up an appetite throwing axes? Check out the Saint John City Market — a city staple since 1785. This market is one of our favourites in the Maritimes and is home to the city’s finest butchers, chefs, farmers, crafters, and more. This is a perfect place to spend your late afternoon and experience life like a local here in Saint John. With such a wide variety of vendors, you’ll love strolling the aisles to find the perfect items for you and your travel companions. It’s open Monday to Saturday all year round, and offers a really cool self-guided tour — giving you a chance to discover its rich history. Visiting a Farmer’s Market is the perfect afternoon delight in Saint John.

Cat(ch) the Cobalt

Save time to visit the Cobalt Art Gallery before it closes for the evening. The Cobalt places its focus on local and Atlantic artists, featuring incredible Inuit sculptures and Persian rugs. The gallery boasts a beautiful collection of still-life paintings, landscapes, antiques, portraits, and other artworks spanning from the 18th century to the present. In addition to the permanent collection, the Cobalt is also home to a permanent resident — Lucky the Gallery Cat. The super friendly cat has an international fan club and welcomes any other pets to the gallery that love art as much as her.

Uncover History in one of Canada’s Oldest Museums

The New Brunswick Museum is the perfect spot to uncover the history of our interesting region. Learn about our diverse marine wildlife, and even catch a glimpse of a life-sized whale specimen. Art lovers will enjoy beautiful collection of paintings from national and international artists, while those whose hearts belong to the sea will adore the carefully curated collection of antique model sailing ships.

Run to the Rapids

Before the sun sets, make your way to the world-famous Reversing Rapids of Saint John. This unique phenomenon is created by the amalgamation of waters from the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River. At low tide, the river empties into the Bay creating a stunning series of whirlpools. As the Bay of Fundy rises, it reverses the river’s flow in an impressive display of Mother Nature’s power! It’s the perfect way to end a day bursting with activity before heading out for a night on the town.

Wine and Dine

Saint John is home to all kinds of restaurants, so be sure to pack your appetite! You’ll find an unforgettable meal here for every budget and taste. If you’re an aficionado of Italian food, make your way to Italian by Night, where you’ll find a little bit of the old country right here in Saint John. Fresh pasta and stone-baked pizzas are on the menu here, along with lamb, fish and more — all complemented by beautiful views.

Of course, it’s truly not a trip to the port city without a little seafood! For a delightful bite fresh from the sea, visit Billy’s Seafood Company. Or, if you’d prefer an authentic East Coast experience, head over to the Saint John Ale House. In fact, you’ll find flavours from all over the world here in Saint John. There’s Indian food at Thandi, French delicacies at East Coast Bistro, and a bit of everything at Port City Royal. It’s like a world tour for your tastebuds!

Get one last heartful of Saint John

After a night of excitement, you might be in the mood for something a little more relaxing when you wake up the next morning. How about taking a sweet scenic drive around Saint John before Fundy Rose whisks you back home? Visit the beautiful bends of the Saint John River along the River Valley Scenic Drive. You’ll be left in awe of the beauty around every turn.

What a day! Don’t you wish it was longer? Well, you’re in luck! That’s because Fundy Rose runs daily. So why not stay for another 24 hours? Or maybe 48 — there’s always something fun to do here! Fundy Rose makes it easy to get here and return home with memories and stories to last a lifetime. Enjoy travelling to New Brunswick with effortless style and make this the season of Saint John! Book your trip today.