Chances are if you go on a Canadian Maritime cruise one of the ports you’ll be stopping at is Saint John, New Brunswick. Home to the Bay of Fundy, a contender for one of the “seven natural wonders of the world,” where the world’s highest tidal range cause reverse rapids.
A charming town with lots of history, scenic views and great eats, Saint John has something to offer every cruise passenger.
Here are five things we recommend when visiting Saint John:
Bay of Fundy up close. Depending on where you go in the Bay of Fundy, you can see tidal ranges higher than four stories, walk on the ocean floor and have a chance to see reverse rapids, yes – reverse rapids. This happens when the tidal range comes up over the Saint John River. Something you’ll have to experience for yourself. There are many tours that offer picturesque views of this phenomenon. www.discoversaintjohn.com
Zip line. If you thought ziplining through the Caribbean was fun, wait until you do it through five platforms that take you right over rapids. This is a ten minute ride from the pier and is under a $10 cab ride or available via the Hop-On Hop-Off bus at the cruise terminal. You can plan on an hour and a half for this activity and certain weight restrictions apply. View more about Saint John Adventure Zip Line Tours at: www.saintjohnadventures.ca
Jet Boat on Reverse Rapids. Imagine going right into the middle of the reverse rapids while the river struggles to overpower the St. John River. The high powered Jet Boat gives you 20-minutes in the rapids, jumping and riding them at ground zero. This is a thrill ride that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. They also offer general sightseeing tours for the weak stomachs. Tours at: www.getboatrides.com
Saint John City Market. Canada’s oldest continuing market is located just a couple blocks away from the cruise terminal and has a lot of good eats, crafts, local produce and artists. Open Monday-Saturday, this market that is shaped like an inverted ship’s hull will take you back.
Visit Carleton Martello Tower. Nestled high above Saint John, this cannonball-proof tower dates back to the War of 1812. It offers views of the Bay of Funday with great photo opportunities.
Of course if you want to just take it easy and stay by the pier, you can walk a few blocks to the Market Square where you can sit along with harbor enjoying a local Moosehead beer and eat a wide variety of seafood including clams, mussels, lobster, and the must lobster roll and chowder.
Keep in mind that a lot of excursions in Saint John are exclusive to the cruise line and will not sell to you when you get off the ship, do your research to be safe.
Subscribe to our Cruise News Updates.