Fresh Perspectives in the Saint John Region

September 24, 1902


No two people experience our region the same way, and we wouldn't want them to! We know there are unlimited ways to make your Bay-cation uniquely yours, and we love learning all of the different ways people do so - and then sharing them!

When the opportunity came to host two NBCC Hospitality and Tourism Management students for their field placements, with two very different backgrounds, we couldn't resist the opportunity to have them share their takes on the amazing things both visitors and locals can see, do, and learn here.

Follow along over the coming weeks for some fresh perspectives on things you thought you already knew as well as amazing new takes on ways to experience the Saint John Region.

But first, let's meet our students!

Meet Laura!

Hello everyone, I'm Laura, from Macao. I came to Saint John just over a year ago, as a student in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at NBCC Saint John. 

As a newcomer, theres one question I often get asked: “Why did you choose Saint John?” Initially, my answer was, “For the worlds highest tides!” But after being asked again and again, I started thinking about it more. What is it about Saint John that truly draws me in? Is it the lower cost of living compared to big cities like Toronto or Vancouver? The affordable tuition at NBCC next to other colleges? Well… yes — but also, no.

The truth is, until I actually arrived here, everything I knew about Saint John had been what I learned online. Its Canadas first incorporated city — a historic port on the North Atlantic, a gateway to the U.S. and the world, filled with some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. But once I arrived here, I realized I didn’t just want to learn about Saint John anymore, I needed to truly experience it, especially as a hospitality and tourism management student, as I’m stepping into the field — literally!

Over the course of my blog series, I’m going to share stories about uncovering the beauty of the region. From the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy to the vibrant stories etched in its historic streets. I’m going to share what I’ve learned while exploring here, revealing the magic of Saint John through my eyes.

Meet Lily!

Hello, my name is Lily, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a second-year student at NBCC Saint John in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program and have grown up in the Saint John Region. The program Laura and I are taking is brand new and has featured several different courses learning about modes of transportation, cultures, bartending, rooms division, human resources, marketing, and more. We have also attended conferences, job fairs, and even taken trips, like our tour of the Enchanted Princess Cruise Ship last fall. I love what I do very much and am very fortunate to be part of such an important program in our growing industry.

Growing up in Rothesay, I have to admit there is so much to fall in love with here (not to mention our beautiful fall foliage)! I have gotten to dive into music, theatre, and the arts; attended events, farmers markets, and met so many amazing and kind people throughout my life. This past summer I have been working at the Rockwood Park Campground, which has inspired most of the blogs I’ve written, thanks to the different perspectives and inquiries from tourists that were staying with us. I received a wide range of questions, from where to get tattoos to commemorate a trip, to information about the Reversing Falls Rapids and the world’s highest tides. My blogs will highlight their niche areas of interest and places both tourists and locals can discover and enjoy throughout the region.

I hope you enjoy exploring the Saint John Region with me through these blogs. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes from them too!

Keep an eye on our High Tide Blog over the coming weeks, for all kinds of Bay-cation suggestions!

Reconnaissance du territoire

La région de Saint John est située sur le territoire traditionnel des nations Wolastoqiyik, Mi'Kmaq et Peskotomuhkati. Ce territoire est couvert par des traités de paix et d'amitié conclus avec la Couronne britannique dans les années 1700. Ces traités reconnaissaient le rôle important et significatif des Wolastoqiyik, des Mi'Kmaq et des Peskotomuhkati dans cette province et dans le pays, et visaient à établir une relation de confiance et d'amitié.

Envision Saint John : L'organisme de croissance régionale respecte les anciens, passés et présents, et les descendants de ce territoire, et s'engage à poursuivre sur la voie de la vérité, de la collaboration et de la réconciliation.