Everything Tour
1. Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (historic Roman Catholic) constructed in 1859 with a spire reaching 230 feet. It serves as the seat of the Bishop of Saint John and is known for its Gothic architecture, stained glass, and a grand Casavant pipe organ.
2. Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park is one of Canada’s largest urban parks covering 890 hectares of forested hills, caves, and freshwater lakes on the top of the rocks. It was designed by Calvert Vaux, one of the designers of New York City’s Central Park.
It has over 55 trails, a golf course, camping sites, stables, wellness spa and freshwater lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, and skating.
3. Fort Howe
Fort Howe is a National Historic Site of Canada and had been strategically located at the top of an exposed limestone knoll overlooking the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River. The site has remained isolated from much of the urban development that encircles the park. Official recognition refers to the footprint of the fort.
4. Reversing Falls
Reversing Falls Rapids can be viewed in Fallsview Park, where Bay of Fundy tides create whirlpools and reverse river flow caused by low tide or high tide. Viewing platforms here are free, while the nearby Reversing Falls Restaurant Skywalk and zip-lining with Saint John Adventures offer paid experiences.
5. Wolastoq Park
Built in 2004, Wolastoq Park overlooks the Reversing Falls Rapids where Bay of Fundy meets the Saint John river. Wolastoq means ‘the beautiful river’ in Maliseet people’s language who once lived on these shores. A collection of statues of historical Saint John figures can be seen in this park.
6. Carlton Martello Tower
Overlooking Saint John, the British-built Carleton Martello Tower dates from the War of 1812 and played a pivotal role in conflicts leading up to World War II. The tower was the heart of Saint John defenses until 1944.
(The Tower is currently undergoing vital restoration work. Although visitors are not able to enter the tower during this time, we encourage them to explore and enjoy the grounds and the Visitor Centre)
7. Irving Nature Park
This is a 600 acre (243 hectare) wooded park located on the City’s west side, . It offers beautiful views of the Fundy coastline and is a popular destination among locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, with groomed trails and a gravel road for walking, hiking, and biking. It features accessible washrooms, lookouts, barbecues, and—just outside the main entrance—a children’s forest, playground, and life-size mazes.
8. Cape Spencer
The Cape Spencer Lighthouse is an active lighthouse along the Bay of Fundy in Mispec, located southeast of Saint John.
There have been several towers at this site: the first was a wooden house built in 1873, which was succeeded by a concrete tower in 1918. The present fiberglass tower was erected in 1983 to replace a skeletal tower first lit in 1971.
9. Saint Martins
Saint Martin’s NB is a very beautiful small fishermen town on the Bay of Fundy and is approximately 50 Kms. (31 Miles) from Saint John NB. The Saint Martin’s sea caves are part of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark. People can walk into these caves during the low tides to find their ‘lucky stone’. Just before the sea caves, you can find the best seafood in ‘Caves Restaurant’ including serving ‘ World Famous Chowder’.
10. City Market
Saint John City Market was built between 1874 and 1876. It narrowly escaped the great Saint John fire that swept through the City in 1877. It was designated a ‘National Historic Site of Canada’ on June 16, 1986. The Market building contains several shops on the ground level featuring all locally owned businesses.