Things to Do in Saint John, New Brunswick: Top Attractions and Local Picks

Posted by

Last Modified on

June 25, 2026

We moved to Canada in 2019 and have been on a mission to explore every corner of this incredible country. Saint John was one of our favourite east coast discoveries, and we are excited to share what made it so memorable.
Welcome to Saint John, New Brunswick, a charming city on Canada’s east coast known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, foodie, history buff, or simply seeking relaxation, Saint John offers a plethora of activities to suit every interest.
Whether you are planning your first visit or a return trip, the things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick span everything from coastal sea caves to vibrant saint john new brunswick attractions and lively waterfront experiences that reflect the heart of the city.

Check Availability at Ocean El Faro Resort →

Plan your visit with ease. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and take the guesswork out of your trip.

Explore the Sea Caves

Saint John’s sea caves, sculpted by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, are a must-see for visitors. During low tide, these sandstone formations emerge, revealing intricate caverns and small streams. It’s an ideal spot for rockhounds, birdwatchers, and anyone captivated by coastal landscapes.

We timed our visit to low tide and were completely amazed by how the cave entrances open up to reveal these glowing sandstone chambers. Bring rubber boots as the rocks can be slippery near the waterline.

Address: Saint Martins, New Brunswick, Canada

Hours: Accessible at low tide only. Check the Bay of Fundy tide schedule before visiting.

Admission: Free

Parking: Free roadside parking available near the beach

Confirm current tide times before visiting.

For more coastal adventures nearby, read our guide to exploring Moncton, New Brunswick.

Visit Saint Martins

Stroll along Saint Martins’ charming Main Street, lined with quaint shops and local merchants offering unique souvenirs. This picturesque coastal village is perfect for a leisurely afternoon exploring local culture and coastal charm.

We loved stopping at the covered bridges just outside the village. They are a short walk from the main strip and give you a real sense of the historic character of this part of New Brunswick.

Address: Saint Martins, New Brunswick, Canada

Hours: Village is accessible any time. Individual shops vary.

Admission: Free to explore

Parking: Free parking available along Main Street

Confirm shop hours before visiting.

Saint Martins is also a gateway to the Fundy Trail, one of the most spectacular coastal walks in eastern Canada.

Indulge in East Coast Cuisine

No visit to Saint John is complete without savoring its culinary delights. Try a traditional lobster roll at Coastal Tides Restaurant for a casual dining experience. For fine dining, head to Periwinkles Restaurant in Saint Martins or Thandi in Saint John, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local flavors.

We ordered the lobster roll at Coastal Tides and it was the freshest we had tasted in New Brunswick. Thandi surprised us with its Indian-influenced menu fused with east coast ingredients, which felt right at home for us.

Coastal Tides Restaurant: Saint Martins, NB

Periwinkles Restaurant: Saint Martins, NB

Thandi: 60 Germain Street, Saint John, NB E2L 2E7

Confirm hours and reservations directly with each restaurant before visiting.

Quaco Head Lighthouse

Experience breathtaking views from Quaco Head Lighthouse, overlooking St. Martins’ beach and the rugged Fundy Trail coastline. It’s a scenic spot perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

We reached the lighthouse just before golden hour and the light over the Bay of Fundy was absolutely stunning. It is a short walk from the road and completely worth the detour.

Address: Quaco Head, Saint Martins, New Brunswick, Canada

Hours: Accessible during daylight hours

Admission: Free

Parking: Small gravel lot at the trailhead

Confirm trail access before visiting.

Stay at Hilton Saint John

Enjoy a comfortable stay at Hilton Saint John, conveniently located in the heart of the city with stunning views of the harbor. It’s the perfect base for exploring all that Saint John has to offer.
We found the Hilton’s location ideal. Walking distance to uptown, the city market, and the waterfront meant we could cover a lot of ground without needing the car every time.
Address: 1 Market Square, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4Z6
Confirm current rates and availability directly with the hotel before booking.

🌴 Exploring More of Punta Cana?

Compare top-rated hotels and all-inclusive resorts across Punta Cana and lock in the best rate for your Caribbean getaway — all through Expedia.

Search Punta Cana Hotels on Expedia →

AREA 506

Discover AREA 506, a vibrant waterfront experience featuring retail shops, a performance space, a waterfront container bar, food trucks, public art, and pop-up activities. This innovative space celebrates the essence of New Brunswick in over 60 shipping containers.

AREA 506 was one of the highlights of our trip. The container bar had great local craft beers and the live music on the waterfront made for a perfect evening after a day of exploring.

Address: 1 Market Square Wharf, Saint John, New Brunswick

Hours: Seasonal. Typically open late spring through early fall. Confirm current season hours before visiting.

Admission: Free to enter. Individual vendors charge separately.

Parking: Paid parking available at Market Square Parkade nearby.

Historic Uptown Saint John

Immerse yourself in the rich history of uptown Saint John. Explore boutiques, studios, and restaurants nestled among historic architecture. Don’t miss the Saint John City Market, Canada’s oldest continuously operating farmer’s market and a National Historic Site.

We spent a slow Saturday morning wandering the City Market and picking up local jams, pastries, and handmade crafts. The vaulted ceiling of the market hall is beautiful and the vendors are wonderfully welcoming.

Saint John City Market Address: 47 Charlotte Street, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 2H7

Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Closed Sunday

Admission: Free to browse

Parking: Pay parking on Charlotte Street and surrounding blocks

Confirm market hours before visiting.

Rockwood Park

Escape to Rockwood Park and enjoy a peaceful canoe paddle on Lily Lake or Fisher Lakes. Whether exploring by land or water, Rockwood Park offers countless adventures and equipment rentals from Inside Out Nature Centre.

We rented a canoe for a couple of hours and paddled around Lily Lake as the sun started to dip. It was completely peaceful and felt miles away from the city even though we were just a few minutes from downtown.

Address: 180 Lake Drive South, Saint John, New Brunswick E2J 1N5

Hours: Park is open daily during daylight hours. Inside Out Nature Centre hours vary seasonally.

Admission: Park entry is free. Canoe and equipment rentals are charged separately.

Parking: Free parking available at the main park entrance.

Confirm rental availability before visiting.

If you enjoy outdoor parks and nature reserves, our guide to things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick covers some excellent options along the Saint John River.

First Nations Storytellers

Delve into the Indigenous history and stories of Fort La Tour with First Nations Storytellers. Gain insight into the cultural significance of this special place through engaging narratives and educational experiences.

This was one of the most meaningful experiences of our entire New Brunswick trip. The storytellers bring the history of this land to life in a way that no museum exhibit can replicate. We left with a much deeper understanding of the region.

Address: Fort La Tour, Saint John, New Brunswick

Hours: Seasonal. Confirm current tour times and availability before visiting.

Admission: Confirm pricing directly with the organiser before your visit.

Our Saint John Reel

We captured some of our favourite moments from Saint John on our Instagram, from the dramatic sea caves at low tide to the lively atmosphere at AREA 506. The Bay of Fundy tides are unlike anything we have seen elsewhere in Canada and the footage barely does them justice.

Saint John is a city that rewards slow exploration. Every corner of uptown reveals another piece of history, and the food scene is genuinely underrated. We would go back in a heartbeat, particularly in the fall when the foliage along the Fundy coast is at its peak.

Enjoy your weekend adventure in beautiful New Brunswick!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Siddharth Khanna and Srijana Sawhney (@waddupcanada)

Best Time to Visit Saint John, New Brunswick

Spring (April to May) is a quieter time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The sea caves are accessible during this period and the wildflowers along the coastal trails make for beautiful walks. We found accommodation prices easier on the budget in the shoulder season.
Summer (June to August) is peak season and for good reason. AREA 506 is in full swing, the farmer’s market is buzzing with seasonal produce, and the harbour comes alive with events and festivals. The Bay of Fundy tides are at their most dramatic and most tour operators run at full capacity.
Fall (September to October) is our personal favourite time. The foliage along the Fundy Trail and Rockwood Park turns spectacular shades of orange and red, the summer crowds have thinned, and the city has a lovely settled feeling. Restaurants are still open and the food scene is at its best with fresh local harvests.
Winter (November to March) is cold and some outdoor attractions close or have reduced hours. That said, the City Market is a warm and welcoming refuge and the uptown area has a cozy character in the colder months. This is the time for slower, indoor-focused exploring.

Things to Do in Saint John, New Brunswick by Area

Uptown Saint John: The historic core of the city is where you will find the Saint John City Market, boutiques, galleries, and some of the best restaurants. It is compact and very walkable, making it easy to spend a full day without a car.

Saint Martins and the Sea Caves: About 40 minutes east of the city, this coastal village is the base for the sea caves and the Fundy Trail Parkway. We recommend building a half-day or full-day trip around this area, timed to coincide with low tide.
Waterfront and AREA 506: The Market Square wharf area is the social hub of Saint John in summer. AREA 506, the ferry terminal, and the boardwalk are all within easy walking distance of the uptown hotels.
Rockwood Park: Located just north of uptown, Rockwood Park is a large urban wilderness with lakes, trails, and a golf course. It is perfect for a morning of low-key outdoor activity before exploring the city in the afternoon.

Fort La Tour and South End: The south end of the city is home to Fort La Tour and several parks along the harbour. It is a quieter area with a neighbourhood feel and a strong sense of Indigenous and colonial history.

Free and No-Reservation Things to Do in Saint John

Several of the best saint john new brunswick attractions cost nothing at all. The sea caves at Saint Martins are completely free to visit as long as you time your arrival to low tide. The same goes for Quaco Head Lighthouse, which is a short walk from a free parking area and requires no booking or fee.
Rockwood Park is free to enter for walking and trail use. You only pay if you rent equipment from the Inside Out Nature Centre. Similarly, Fort La Tour and the grounds around the harbour are accessible without charge, giving you a great afternoon of history and views at no cost.
AREA 506 has free entry to the grounds. You pay only for food, drinks, or items you purchase from the vendors inside. The City Market is also free to browse and is one of our favourite no-reservation stops in the city. Simply show up during opening hours and enjoy the atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting Saint John with Kids or Toddlers

Saint John is a very family-friendly destination. Rockwood Park is probably the best starting point for families with young children. The lakes are calm and the trails are manageable for little legs. We noticed several families with strollers using the paved paths around Lily Lake without any trouble.
The sea caves are exciting for older children who can handle uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. Toddlers should be carried or kept very close, and rubber boots are a good idea for everyone. Always check the tide schedule and give yourself plenty of time to arrive before the tide starts coming back in.
The City Market has a lively and welcoming atmosphere that kids tend to enjoy. It is covered, so it works well on a rainy day. The food stalls offer plenty of variety and there is enough visual interest to keep young ones engaged. For families planning an overnight stay, the waterfront hotels put you in easy reach of all the main attractions.

Your All-Inclusive Dream Awaits at Ocean El Faro

Don’t let the perfect resort stay slip away. Book the Ocean El Faro Resort All-Inclusive through Expedia and secure your place in paradise before it’s gone.

🔍 Book Ocean El Faro Resort Now

If you are exploring more of the province with your family, our Moncton, New Brunswick travel guide covers several family-friendly options including Magnetic Hill and Crystal Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saint John, New Brunswick worth visiting?

Absolutely. Saint John is one of the most underrated cities on Canada’s east coast. It combines dramatic natural scenery, including the Bay of Fundy tides and the sea caves, with a lively uptown, a historic market, and a genuinely welcoming local community. We think it deserves far more attention than it typically gets.

How do you spend a day in Saint John, New Brunswick?

We recommend starting with a morning visit to the Saint John City Market, followed by a walk through the uptown area to take in the Victorian architecture. In the afternoon, head out to Saint Martins to catch low tide at the sea caves, then return to the waterfront for dinner and drinks at AREA 506.

What is Saint John, NB famous for?

Saint John is famous for being the only city in Canada located on the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. It is also known for the Saint John City Market, the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in Canada, the Reversing Falls rapids, and the historic uptown streetscape.

What not to miss in Saint John?

Do not leave without visiting the sea caves at Saint Martins at low tide, browsing the City Market on a weekday morning, and spending an evening at AREA 506. If you are travelling in summer, catching one of the live music events at the waterfront is also highly recommended.

Are there free things to do in Saint John, NB?

Yes, several of the best activities cost nothing. The sea caves, Quaco Head Lighthouse, Rockwood Park trails, Fort La Tour grounds, and the City Market browsing area are all free to access. AREA 506 also has free entry, with payment only for food and vendor purchases.

What is the hidden gem in New Brunswick?

Saint Martins itself is something of a hidden gem. Most visitors focus on Moncton or Fredericton, but this small coastal village outside Saint John combines the sea caves, covered bridges, a lighthouse, and the gateway to the Fundy Trail Parkway all in one compact area. We think it is the best-kept secret on the east coast.

Ready to Explore Saint John?

Ready to explore Saint John? Start planning your itinerary today and discover the wonders of this historic city. Don’t forget to share your favorite experiences and tag us in your adventures!

Enjoy your weekend adventure in beautiful New Brunswick!

With so much to see along the coast and in the city centre, exploring the things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick is an experience we would happily repeat every year.

We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.