24 Hours in Saint John, New Brunswick

So, you’ve just booked your passage aboard MV Fundy Rose en route to Saint John, New Brunswick. Now, you’re searching for inspiration on how you can spend the next 24 hours in New Brunswick’s Port City. Well, you’ve come to the right spot! Saint John is filled with old-world nostalgia and modern excitement. From an exuberant, historic uptown core and a rich arts scene to eclectic shops and trendy restaurants. There are a plethora of experiences you can get into while visiting. Also, we would be remiss if we neglected to mention the astonishing beauty of Mother Nature. With 2,200 acres of open green spaces, you can explore the natural wonders Saint John has to offer — all within a hop, skip, and jump from the bustling streets of uptown.

Make it a day to remember with our 24-hour Saint John itinerary!

After 2 hours and 15 minutes of travelling across the Bay of Fundy, you’ll arrive in Saint John, New Brunswick — Canada’s Oldest Incorporated City. And if you ask us, the best way to get your bearings when you arrive in a new city is to take a stroll. So we suggest setting off through the streets of Saint John on a self-guided history walking tour. Make your way along the Loyalist Trail, the Victorian Stroll, or the Prince William Walk. Each tour is 1.5 hours and has a different story to tell. These walking tours are an excellent way to learn more about Saint John in a short amount of time, giving you more time to engage in other activities.

Are you an art lover? Rest assured, Saint John is brimming with many activities you can participate in to satisfy your appetite and love for all things artistic. First, we recommend following the International Sculpture Trail. Along this drive, you’ll be inspired by 30 works of granite contemporary art in scenic vistas scattered throughout Saint John. Another walking tour you can delve into during your visit is Art in Public Places. Come face to face with glorious works of art, whether housed in museums and galleries or distributed throughout the city as murals and sculptures. Whichever experience you choose, you’ll learn a thing or two while working up an appetite, which is good news because Saint John has plenty to satisfy your inner foodie.

One of the best things about being a port city is having access to a waterfront, and Saint John is home to one of the coolest waterfronts in the Maritimes, thanks to the AREA 506 Vendor Village. This vibrant and innovative space showcases the city’s creative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.

Foodies will love exploring the Container Village’s excellently eclectic mix of culinary options. There’s fresh local seafood and international cuisines, quick snacks and gourmet treats — and everything in between. Whether you’re craving a hearty lobster roll, delectable tacos, or artisanal ice cream, the Container Village has you covered. Beyond its foodie flavours, the Container Village is also home to many local artists and makers showcasing their talent. The boutiques and artisanal shops offer a curated selection of handmade crafts, artwork, clothing, and more. It’s the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs and support the local creative community.

Perhaps most importantly, the Container Village offers a vibrant atmosphere to anyone who visits. Live music performances and cultural events often take place here, creating an energetic atmosphere that is sure to enhance your experience. Truly, no visit to Saint John is complete without a stroll through the colourful containers of AREA 506.

Of course, the Container Village isn’t the only place to get an unforgettable bite to eat in Saint John. In fact, the Port City is well known for Its many restaurants offering up delicious seafood dishes! 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!

Aside from having a rich history and a diverse art scene, Saint John is bountiful in natural beauty, and we insist on getting out to spend time in Mother Nature. You can engage in myriad activities during your visit to Saint John. Before the sun sets, we suggest heading to the Irving Nature Park. Relish in the awe-inspiring Bay of Fundy views, enjoy getting close to nature on one of eight walking trails spanning six different ecosystems, and keep an eye out for wildlife on the boardwalk extending into the salt marsh or at the Seal Observation deck.  Or, if you are up for a bit more of an adventure, make your way to the world-famous Reversing Falls Rapids. 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.

After experiencing a full day of excitement, you might be in the mood for something a little more relaxing when you wake up the following day. How about taking a sweet scenic drive around Saint John before the MV 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. Or you can 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 morning 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.

What a day! Don’t you wish it was longer? Well, you’re in luck! That’s because the MV Fundy Rose runs daily. So why not stay for another 24 hours? Or maybe 48 — there’s always something fun to do here! The MV 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.