Set along the coast of New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy, this oldest of Canada's cities has been welcoming people from Europe, England, and Ireland for centuries, each leaving their indelible imprint on Saint John's culture, architecture, and language. They are what make Saint John great, making you feel right at home with a jubilant love for their city! There are so many ways to enjoy this place that you just need to point yourself in any direction and go. Saint John is surrounded on three sides by beaches, and also has many lakes. Just about the whole year is festival season, so dust off your ... More
Year-round historic, seaside luxury resort on the famous Bay of Fundy – A historic maritime town overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay is the setting for this classically styled hotel with turrets and a red-tile roof. It's an all-season resort showcasing Old World charm and modern luxury. The founders of St. Andrews were largely British loyalists fleeing from the United States following the Revolutionary War.
Luxury accommodations in uptown district, attracts families, business travelers – Set in the historic center of Canada's oldest incorporated city, this hotel is part of a 10-story building that includes the Brunswick Square Shopping Mall. An indoor walkway leads guests to local attractions including the Saint John City Market, a national historic site.
Set along the coast of New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy, this oldest of Canada's cities has been welcoming people from Europe, England, and Ireland for centuries, each leaving their indelible imprint on Saint John's culture, architecture, and language. They are what make Saint John great, making you feel right at home with a jubilant love for their city! There are so many ways to enjoy this place that you just need to point yourself in any direction and go. Saint John is surrounded on three sides by beaches, and also has many lakes. Just about the whole year is festival season, so dust off your dancing shoes and tap your toes to the Acadian tunes that fill the air. With one hundred billion tons of seawater roaring in and out of the bay twice daily, you just know you're in for a seafood feast that's simply out of this world. Catch your own lobster, dig for clams for a clambake on the beach, and try some dulse, the world-famous purple seaweed dried to a crunchy snack!
If buildings could talk, Saint John's would fill volumes. Over 200 years old, the streets are steeped in the history of this Maritime town and the best way to get a sense of this past is to tour uptown on foot. Then, without even leaving the city, you can segue from architecture to nature by visiting Rockwood Park and enjoying the wildlife at Irving Nature Park by the sea. The views will have you snapping your camera every minute!
New York City 3 hrs
Miami 5.25 hrs
Philadelphia 3.5 hrs
Boston 2.75 hrs
Los Angeles 6.5 hrs
Chicago 3.5 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 5 hrs
San Francisco 6.75 hrs
Bay of Fundy: The tides ebb and flow as much as 60 feet each day, making them one of the world's natural wonders. The highest tides on earth are full of life, including an exciting variety of whales, with over 15 different species feeding in these nutrient rich waters. Even the nearly extinct right whales migrate here. In mid-summer, crustaceans in the inter-tidal mudflats lure hundreds of thousand of migrating shorebirds looking for a good meal, which is one reasons why rafting the Bay's tidal bore is so popular in summer. Furthermore, the region's abundant sedimentary deposits hold one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in the world, accessible due to millions of years of cliff-side erosion that exposes thousands of the tiny bones as well as semi-precious gemstones.
New Brunswick shares its western border with Maine and has 1,400 miles of coast on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Bay of Fundy. Its northern reaches are dominated by mountains that are part of the Appalachian Range, and the interior is mostly rolling plateau covered by forests and criss-crossed with rivers. New Brunswick's main topographical feature is the Saint John River Valley, where "The Rhine of North America" splits the province from north to south.
The climate is temperate and greatly affected by the Bay of Fundy. The Bay is a cool body of water that never freezes and acts as a natural air conditioner in the summer, then usually diverts major snow storms in the winter. Spring and autumn are briskly cool.
Spring average 60°
Summer average 71°
Fall average 63°
Winter average 25°
The best season to visit is summer from June to September, when more hotels, restaurants, and attractions are open than any other time of year. Fall is another great time to visit due to the brilliant foliage. Lobster fans like to visit from May to June for the seafood season. Whale/wildlife cruises, as well as sea-kayaking tours, are in full swing during the summer months. Most golf courses are open from June through September, some into October.
Great Natural Attractions: Saint John enjoys a splendid location on the gorgeous Bay of Fundy and within the Saint John Geological Eco-Zone, making it the perfect place to enjoy the area's natural grandeur as well as its turbulent geological past. Exciting natural wonders such as the world-famous Reversing Falls, extraordinarily high tides of the Bay of Fundy, and the "seeing-is-believing" Magnetic Hill make Saint John one of the most unusual and most fascinating of Canadian destinations.
Historic New Brunswick: Canada's oldest incorporated city provides an unmatched glimpse into the colorful past of this region, with an engaging mix of history and modernity, beautifully preserved period architecture and streetscapes, forts, brick-lined avenues, antique and craft shops, excellent shopping and dining, first-class museums, and more.
The Hopewell Rocks: This is where the world's highest tides, the Fundy Tides, have gouged four-story sculptures from the cliffs that stand like monumental, natural "flower pots" at low tide and little tree-top islands at high tide. Paddle among the arches in a sea kayak at high tide, or walk along the ocean floor when it becomes exposed at low tide -- utterly mind boggling!
Reversing Falls: Logic is totally defied by this natural phenomenon. When the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy meet at high tide, the bay's powerful tides force the river to churn and reverse direction upstream through a rocky gorge. It boggles the mind!
Fundy National Park: Rugged shoreline, inland forests, unique ecosystems, rare birds -- you'll encounter all these and more along the extensive trail system at this park that sits on one of the marine wonders of the world, the mind boggling Bay of Fundy.
New Brunswick Museum: Nestled in Market Square, this collection presents arresting displays that seem to bring to life the mind boggling natural history of the area. With its Hall of Great Whales, a geologic trail, and fine/decorative art galleries, this museum ranks among Canada's best.
Old City Market: Sample the very best from land and sea at this landmark market. Ever since its charter in 1785, locals have depended on the friendly merchants for their favorite staples like lobster, dulse, meat, cheese, and fresh produce.
King's Landing Historical Settlement: This winner of Canada's Top Attraction award re-creates life in 19th-century rural New Brunswick. The living museum encourages you to churn butter, pitch hay, forge a nail, watch a barn show, and feast on a traditional old-time meal.
River Valley Scenic Drive: Cross the world's longest covered bridge into a region of unbelievable contrast. Descend into the dramatic Grand Falls Gorge, stroll around a capital city with 19th-century charm, then revel in autumn celebration at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival just when the leaves turn crimson and gold.
Fundy Coast Scenic Drive: A rare find, this spectacular marine ecosystem reveals a whole new world of wonders. See more kinds of whales more often than anywhere else. Rappel sea cliffs, kayak past hidden caves, walk on the ocean floor, and more. Watch the ebb of the highest tides in the world in mind boggling Fundy!
Magnetic Hill: Magnet magic lures people to this entertaining freak of nature that is sure to boggle the mind. Drive your car to the foot of the hill, put it in neutral, and sit tight as you begin to coast uphill!
Discovery Beaches: Caviar-colored sea cliffs and windswept landscapes are the hallmarks of these seascapes along the rugged coastline. Lighthouses, beachcombing, rappelling, and one of the world's few surviving white sand dunes are highlights. In Saint John you can visit the Bayshore, Duck Cove, McLarence, Mispec, and Saints Rest Discovery Beaches.
Wilderness Beaches: The road less traveled leads here, to secluded seascapes barely trodden by human feet. Share uncommonly beautiful stretches of shoreline with rare species of plants, flocks of shorebirds, and marine creatures from seals to trout to baby turtles. Many of these beaches are designated as wilderness preserves. At nearby St. Martins, you can visit the Little, Long, and Seeley Wilderness Beaches.
Cooking in Saint John is a delicious yet pretty straightforward affair. They follow family recipes handed down over many generations, use only produce from backyard gardens, just-fished-fresh seafood like Bay of Fundy lobster or wild Atlantic salmon, then pour a fine local vintage to smooth it down and cleanse the palate. Voilà! This is New Brunswick dining at its best. Chefs all around the province put this formula to work in the kitchens of their bistros and elegant restaurants, then slip in a culinary trick or two for a gourmet triumph. From master German bakers using old-fashioned clay ovens to nouvelle cuisine artists whipping up bouillabaisse on the bay, you'll thrill to every bite. Bon appétit!
Gourmet
Mediterranean Restaurant: It may come as no surprise that this restaurant's menu contains a range of Mediterranean style dishes. Since 1971 the Mediterranean Restaurant has been serving flavorful, hearty, and healthy food. Entrees include sirloin tips cooked to perfection and sautéed in an onion and gravy sauce, fresh Bay of Fundy scallops deep fried in a light breaded batter, and vegetarian spaghetti with cacciatore sauce. This really is good food! 419 Rothesay Avenue
D'Amico: What was once an old printing office is now the dramatic setting for a gorgeous Italian restaurant. The spectacular locale is matched by a tantalizing menu, including the ever popular "build your own" pasta by picking shape and sauce, along with add-ins and toppings. A grand selection of wood-fired pizzas are also served, as well as salmon, chicken, and veal entrees. 33 Canterbury Street
Highly Recommended
Beatty & the Beastro is the most highly rated restaurant in New Brunswick and is ranked among the "Top Ten in Canada" by Where to Eat in Canada magazine. The smart, professional staff welcomes you to this cozy and informal restaurant draped with eclectic art. Absolutely everything is made from scratch! 60 Charlotte Street
Taco Pica: Owned and run by a group of Guatemalans, this bright and festive restaurant has developed a local following since it opened in 1994. This loyal clientele are devoted to the authentic Latin American fare that is a notch above the usually dreary Canadian adaptations of Mexican and Latin American food. Popular dishes include spicy beef stew with chayote, garlic shrimp, and shrimp taco with peppers and cheese. There are vegetarian choices on the menu, and an excellent selection of fresh juices and cocktails. 96 Germain Street
Local Flair
At Steamers Lobster Company, fun takes precedence over linen and silverware, in keeping with its rustic and nautical ambiance. Diners wield wooden mallets on the cooked crustaceans and the centerpieces are much-needed rolls of paper towels. Give the cashier your order and head outside, where your lobster is netted and dropped into a kettle. Enjoy the ocean spray and cooking aromas until it's time to dig in! 110 Water Street
Billy's Seafood Co: The best seafood in Saint John is reputedly found at this revered dining venue. All the seafood is caught fresh, and is also sold to customers of the City Market during the day. Dinner specialties include cedar-planked salmon and house bouillabaisse. More exotic choices like Thai curried mussels and seafood crepes also make an appearance. There are also beef, veal, and pasta items on the menu for those who prefer something not from the sea. 49-51 Charlotte Street
Romantic
Top of the Town is Saint John's only rooftop restaurant and has the best view in town, looking out over the harbor and the historic east side. Sunsets and soothing live music are the backdrop to scrumptious meals prepared by one of Saint John's finest chefs, who presents you with focaccia bread and sorbet between courses. The staff is sharp and attentive, and greets diners with daily treats like blueberry in brie cheese. 10 Portland Street
Incredibles: Diners have the choice of four cozy dining rooms, with high tin ceilings and mix-and-match seating. The atmospheric setting and eclectic menu of healthy options of both eastern and western origin make this a favorite among the younger clientele. Omelets, pizza, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, and more ensure everyone finds something they like. 42 Princess Street
Music is very much a part of daily life in New Brunswick, so it follows that many bars and clubs throughout the province feature bands most nights, especially in Saint John and Fredericton. Much of the music scene is heavily influenced by French, Scottish, and Irish heritage, but the region has recently acquired a distinction for jazz and blues as well.
Churchill's Bar & Pub: Charm and hospitality are the main draw at this downtown basement pub. Traditional English pub fare, 10 quality drafts on tap, and specialty martinis are served in a calm, engaging ambiance of good cheer.
Imperial Theatre: This beautifully restored Edwardian theater is home to Symphony New Brunswick and stages Theatre New Brunswick productions. Its exquisite beauty and state-of-the-art sound and lighting make it a popular stop for major touring shows.
Jake's Pub & Steakhouse: Regulars call it a true neighborhood pub, and indeed it is. The crowd of mainly local friends and families spends the evening playing pool and foosball and requesting favorite tunes from the house DJ.
Shuckers Bar & Restaurant: The expert staff declares, "the only thing we overlook is uptown Saint John," and it's an honest claim. In addition to great service and one of the best views in town, they have scrumptious specialty food like Salmon Salad and Red Curry Coconut Shrimp. After you've munched, try one of the many drafts and try your skill at darts or pool.
3 Mile Tavern: This rollicking bar stages all sorts of live shows and dances, but country & western is what put them on the map.
Nesbitt Burns Jazz & Blues Festival: High-energy, top-line performers of slick jazz, gritty blues, and spicy Cajun gather for this party on the Saint John Harbour. July
Highland Games & Scottish Festival: Don your tartan and show your true colors during this weekend celebration of Scottish culture. Fun is the main game here and everyone takes part with bagpipe bands, highland dancing and entertainment, Celtic sporting events, clan displays, Gaelic language lessons, crafts, food, and much more! July
Festival By The Sea: Performing arts festivals rarely get better, which is why it is consistently ranked amid the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Tours Association. Canadian performers celebrate the nation's unique heritage through song, dance, and more, night and day, indoors and out! Saint John, August
Atlantic Balloon Fiesta: Over 30 vibrantly colored hot air balloons launchingtwice each day always brings cheer to even the crankiest of souls. Add in parachute demonstrations, helicopter rides, a craft show, antique and classic car show, non-stop entertainment, and you've got a high-flying fiesta! Sussex, September
Tidy casual clothes are the norm for tourists in New Brunswick. In summer, shorts and t-shirts are common, though nights can get a bit cool, calling for light- to medium-weight clothing. Heavy layered clothing with boots and gloves are essential in winter. In Spring and autumn, bring a light or medium jacket and long pants. It's always a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.
English is the main language spoken, though the province of New Brunswick is officially bilingual with 33% of the population speaking French.
The current is the same as in the US, so you will not need an adapter.
Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.
Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country - including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5; phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.
US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.
Saint John Visitor and Convention Bureau: 11th Floor, City Hall, PO Box 1971, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada E2L 4L1; phone 506-658-2990
Tourism New Brunswick: PO Box 12345, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 5C3; phone 506-453-2444, or toll-free 800-561-0123, fax 506-453-5370