Saint John is New Brunswick's largest city, situated on the Bay of Fundy along Canada's eastern seaboard. Home to about 130,000 residents, the city carries more than 400 years of French and British Maritime history in its Victorian-era brick streets and historic churches. Originally a major shipbuilding hub — its ice-free harbor made it one of the busiest ports on the Atlantic — Saint John was nearly destroyed by a catastrophic fire in 1877. The Victorian rebuilding that followed gave Uptown Saint John the distinctive character it retains today.
Uptown Saint John, where the cruise terminals are located, is the city's vibrant center — unique shops and boutiques, funky art galleries, cafes, and street musicians with a distinctly bohemian energy. Over 100 shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the terminal.
The real star of Saint John, however, is the Bay of Fundy — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the highest tides in the world. The waters can rise as much as a 4-story building during a single tidal cycle, producing the extraordinary Reversing Rapids phenomenon where the Saint John River reverses its flow twice daily.
Most visitors can witness both low and high tide during a single port day — the difference at the Bay of Fundy can reach 16 meters (53 feet), the greatest tidal range on earth. The Hopewell Rocks, 40 minutes from the city, are one of the most dramatic tidal environments in the world — at low tide you can walk the ocean floor among 15-meter sandstone sea stacks.
Photo credit: Dougtone / Foter
Know Before You Go
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Saint John, New Brunswick – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Saint John, New Brunswick
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Saint John has two cruise terminals located in the heart of Uptown Saint John — the city's vibrant commercial and historic center:
⚓ Marco Polo Terminal & Diamond Jubilee Terminal
Both terminals are centrally located in Uptown — over 100 shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk. When three ships are in port, a large tent terminal is set up at the nearby Long Wharf. A welcome kiosk at the terminal provides city maps, excursion group meeting points, and a ground transportation booth for taxis. Artisanal craft vendors set up outside the terminal doors on ship days.
Getting Around Saint John, New Brunswick
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
Saint John is a very walkable city — over 100 shops and restaurants are within a 10-minute walk of the Marco Polo terminal. The City Market, Market Square, Brunswick Square, and the New Brunswick Museum are all easily reachable on foot. Several pubs are directly across the street from the pier.
🚕 Taxis
A ground transportation kiosk at the cruise terminals arranges taxis directly. Fares are zone-based. Taxis are the most practical option for reaching the Reversing Rapids, Irving Nature Park, or Fundy Trail Parkway independently.
🚌 Saint John Transit
The city bus offers individual rides for approximately $2.50 per person. A dedicated 2-hour city tour for cruise passengers is available for approximately $20 per person — check current pricing at the terminal as fares are subject to change.
Things To Do in Saint John, New Brunswick
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Saint John's greatest attractions are rooted in the extraordinary natural power of the Bay of Fundy — plan your day around the tide schedule:
Reversing Rapids — One of the world's most dramatic tidal phenomena — where the Saint John River meets the surging high tides of the Bay of Fundy and the river literally reverses its flow twice daily. View it from the observation deck high above the gorge or experience it up close from a speedboat tour. The timing of the reversal changes daily — check the schedule at the terminal information kiosk. One of the most unique natural events in North America.
Hopewell Rocks — 40 minutes east — The Bay of Fundy's most iconic attraction. At low tide, walk the ocean floor among extraordinary 15-meter flower pot-shaped sandstone sea stacks — the world's largest "flowerpots." A few hours later these same formations are completely submerged by the highest tides on earth. The timing window for ocean floor walking is only 4–5 hours per day. Book in advance and check the tide schedule carefully.
St. Martins Sea Caves — 45 minutes east — A charming fishing village famous for sea caves, arches, and caverns carved by the Bay of Fundy's tidal power, accessible only at low tide. Walk the ocean floor out to the caves knowing the same space will be deep underwater when the tide returns. The iconic covered wooden bridges on the approach to the village are also classic New Brunswick scenery.
Irving Nature Park — 20 minutes south of Saint John — A spectacular Bay of Fundy park offering whale and seal watching, multiple hiking trails, and ocean views from a cliff-top observation deck. An excellent option for nature lovers who want to experience the Bay of Fundy without venturing far from the city. Free admission.
New Brunswick Museum — Located in Market Square steps from the cruise terminal — exhibits spread over three floors exploring the ecology, natural history, and people of New Brunswick, including the province's significant whaling industry heritage. One of Atlantic Canada's finest regional museums and an easy, rewarding stop on a rainy port day.
Uptown Saint John Walking Tour — The Victorian-era streets of Uptown Saint John are an architectural treasure — historic churches, brick pathways, galleries, boutiques, and the bohemian street musician scene make for one of the most enjoyable urban walks in Atlantic Canada. Walking tour maps are available at the terminal welcome kiosk. The combination of the City Market, Market Square, and historic streetscapes can easily fill a half-day.
Beaches & Outdoors in Saint John, New Brunswick
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
Hopewell Rocks — 40 minutes east
The defining Bay of Fundy experience — at low tide, walk the ocean floor among 15-meter flower pot-shaped sandstone sea stacks. At high tide, these same formations are completely submerged by the world's highest tides. Check the tide schedule carefully and aim to arrive within 2 hours of low tide for the best ocean floor walking. One of the most extraordinary tidal environments on earth.
St. Martins — 45 minutes east
A picturesque fishing village with dramatic sea caves, arches, and caverns accessible only at low tide. Walk the ocean floor out to the caves — a few hours later the same area is submerged by the rising tide. The tidal timing makes this a thrilling and memorable experience. The covered wooden bridges on the approach to the village are also iconic New Brunswick scenery.
Fundy Trail Parkway — 45 minutes east
Over 100 km of wilderness hiking and cycling trails along the spectacular Bay of Fundy cliffs — dramatic coastal scenery with views of the bay, waterfalls dropping directly into the sea, and excellent whale and seal watching from the cliff-top observation points. Not a beach in the traditional sense but one of the finest coastal trail systems in eastern Canada.
Shopping in Saint John, New Brunswick
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Uptown Saint John has an excellent range of shopping all within walking distance of the terminals — and all three main destinations are connected by an indoor pedestrian walkway, making rainy-day browsing completely dry:
Photo credit: Brian U / Foter / CC BY
Saint John City Market
A National Historic Site and the oldest continuing farmer's market in Canada — a few blocks from the cruise terminals. Fresh local produce, artisan goods, exceptional fish and chips, and excellent coffee. One of the finest covered market experiences in Atlantic Canada. A mandatory first stop in Saint John.
Market Square
Unique waterfront shopping and dining a short walk from the port — a lively gathering spot frequently animated by talented street buskers. A good mix of independent boutiques and dining options overlooking the harbor.
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village
85 Water Street — over 60 repurposed shipping containers housing a curated mix of local vendors, food and drink, a performance space, and public art. Open seasonally May through November, Wednesday through Sunday. The focus is on local, independent business owners — a genuinely distinctive shopping experience on the Saint John waterfront.
Brunswick Square
A three-level shopping mall in Uptown with national and local stores — connected to the City Market and Market Square by the indoor pedestrian walkway. The most comprehensive retail option in the city and the best bet on a rainy port day.
Dining in Saint John, New Brunswick
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Saint John is known for fresh Atlantic seafood — lobster, scallops, salmon, and fish and chips are the essential Maritime food experiences. The City Market is the best place for quick, authentic, and affordable seafood. Here are the standout restaurant options close to the cruise terminals:
Photo credit: chris toe pher / Foter / CC BY-ND
Steamer's Lobster Co.
Across the street from the pier · Seafood · $$
The most convenient quality restaurant to the terminals — casual seafood platters, sandwiches, and chowder alongside a few options for non-seafood eaters. Evening dinner theater makes it a lively evening option for passengers on overnight calls.
Britt's Pub & Eatery
Princess Street · 3 min walk · Pub Food · $
A lively pub-style eatery with a good bar and energetic atmosphere — an easy first stop for a drink and a bite right off the ship. Classic pub food done well.
East Coast Bistro
5 min walk from port · Seasonal, Local · $$$
Everything made in-house using locally sourced, seasonal Maritime ingredients — one of Saint John's most consistently praised restaurants and a genuine expression of Atlantic Canadian cuisine. Book in advance if possible.
Saint John City Market
A few blocks from terminals · Market · $
The best casual dining value in the city — fresh seafood, excellent fish and chips, local cheeses, and Maritime baked goods in Canada's oldest continuously operating farmer's market. A National Historic Site and an essential Saint John experience.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Fundy Coast to Shore Tour
⏱ 5 hours · Easy activity
Experience the beauty of the Bay of Fundy with a bus tour taking you to the seaside village of St. Martins where you can...
Book This Tour →Saint John Jewish Museum
⏱ 3 hours (guided tour is 45 minutes) · Moderate activity
The Jewish history in Saint John dates to back to 1858 when the first wave of immigrants arrived, but it wasn’t until th...
Book This Tour →Saint John, New Brunswick – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Saint John New Brunswick known for?
Saint John is known for the Bay of Fundy — home to the world's highest tides, which rise and fall up to 16 meters (53 feet) twice daily. It's also known as Canada's oldest incorporated city, with a rich industrial and maritime heritage.
What are the Bay of Fundy tides?
The Bay of Fundy has the highest tidal range in the world — up to 16 meters (53 feet) difference between high and low tide. This happens twice every 24 hours. At low tide you can walk on the ocean floor; six hours later the same spot is under 50 feet of water.
What is the Reversing Falls in Saint John?
The Reversing Falls is a natural phenomenon where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy tides. At low tide, the river flows out over rapids. At high tide, the tidal force is so strong it reverses the river's flow. It's one of Saint John's top attractions.
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