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Saint John at a glance

Cruise portMarco Polo Cruise Terminal, uptown
To uptownA short walk
Getting aroundOn foot, taxi or hop-on hop-off bus
CurrencyCanadian dollar (US dollars often accepted)
Best forWalking, tides and whale watching
Time you needA full port day
Amy Davoli, CTA, Travitude Travel Group travel consultant
Amy Davoli, CTATravel & Cruise Consultant

Questions about Saint John? Ask Amy!

Top Things to Do in Saint John

Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.

Walk around uptown Saint John

Amy’s pickEasy walk

Amy spent her time in Saint John just walking around, and it’s a very walkable town, with historic brick buildings, shops, cafés and the harbour right by the ship. Pop into the City Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in Canada, for local treats and souvenirs.

From the ship
A short walk
Cost
Free to explore
Find
Shops, cafés, City Market
Note
Some hills, so wear comfy shoes
Tip: Start at the harbour and work your way up to King’s Square and the City Market.

The Reversing Falls

Amy’s pickOnly in Saint John

Amy made sure to see the Reversing Falls, one of the most unusual sights in Canada! Here the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy, and the incredible tides make the rapids actually change direction. At high tide the water flows upriver, and at low tide it rushes back out to sea.

What it is
Rapids that reverse with the tide
Why
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world
Getting there
Walk, taxi or hop-on hop-off bus
Cost
Free to view
Tip: Check the tide times for your port day. The rapids look completely different at high and low tide.

Whale watching from St. Andrews

Amy’s pickHighly recommended

Amy did a whale watching tour out of St. Andrews by-the-Sea and would definitely recommend it! The Bay of Fundy is a feeding ground for humpback, finback and minke whales, plus seals, porpoises and seabirds. St. Andrews is about 70 minutes from Saint John, and cruise lines offer full-day excursions that include the boat tour and time to explore the town.

From the port
About 70 minutes to St. Andrews
Excursion length
About 7 hours
You might see
Humpback, finback and minke whales
Book
Through the cruise line or ask us
Tip: Book a cruise line excursion so the timing works with your all-aboard, and bring a warm layer, since it’s cool on the water.

More Things to Do in Saint John

Popular things to do that we book for clients.

Calm coastline at sunrise in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New BrunswickSpend time in St. Andrews

St. Andrews by-the-Sea is a historic seaside town about 70 minutes from Saint John, with galleries, shops and the 27-acre Kingsbrae Garden. Whale watching excursions usually include time to explore it.

The flowerpot rock formations at Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy, New BrunswickHopewell Rocks

Further afield, the famous flowerpot rocks show off the Bay of Fundy’s tides. At low tide you can walk on the ocean floor. It’s best on a tour.

Bay of Fundy coastline at St. Martins, New BrunswickSt. Martins sea caves

About 50 minutes from Saint John, this fishing village has sea caves you can walk to at low tide.

Free Things to Do in Saint John

Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.

FreeRushing water at the Reversing Falls in Saint John, New BrunswickSee the Reversing Falls

Viewing the falls is free. Watch the water change direction with the tide, the best show is around high tide.

FreeSaint John waterfront and harbour bridge across the river, New BrunswickWalk the Harbour Passage

This waterfront walking path starts near the cruise docks and follows the harbour, and you can walk it all the way to the Reversing Falls.

FreeTree-lined park path with a monument in uptown Saint John, New BrunswickRelax in uptown parks

Uptown has leafy squares and parks with monuments and benches, perfect for a break between shops and the City Market.

Know Before You Go in Saint John

  • Check the tides: Tide times change what you see at the Reversing Falls and on the shoreline.
  • Bring a layer: It can be cool and foggy on the Bay of Fundy, even in summer.
  • Comfy shoes: Uptown is walkable, but there are some hills.
  • Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).

Saint John FAQs

Quick answers for your day in port

What is there to do in Saint John on a cruise?

Walk around uptown and visit the City Market, see the Reversing Falls, or take a whale watching excursion from St. Andrews.

What are some free things to do in Saint John?

Some of our favourite free things to do in Saint John are see the Reversing Falls, walk the Harbour Passage and relax in uptown parks. Viewing the falls is free. Watch the water change direction with the tide, the best show is around high tide.

What are the Reversing Falls?

A set of rapids where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. The huge tides make the water flow upriver at high tide and back out to sea at low tide.

Can you go whale watching on a Saint John port day?

Yes. Cruise lines offer full-day whale watching excursions from St. Andrews by-the-Sea, about 70 minutes away, that include time to explore the town.

Do I need a passport for a cruise to Saint John?

Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?

No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with shore excursions.

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