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November 10, 2025
In my last blog, I talked about the history of Saint John, Canada's first incorporated city, and the rich history that's woven into every corner of it. One piece of that rich history is the Saint John City Market - the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in Canada. It's the heart of uptown, and a favourite spot for residents and visitors alike. Such a special place has to have a special history of its own, right? And that's exactly what I set out to discover.
In the 1850s, the Saint John City Market was scattered across six disorganized sites, creating chaos for anyone looking to visit. The solution? A unified brick market in 1876 that brought order and a sense of community. Thanks to its construction and dedicated citizens, the market survived the 1877 Great Fire, and later earned National Historic Site status in 1986. Through every challenge, the market has proven to be the resilient heart of the city.
But what about the City Market today? Oh man, if you're strolling up Charlotte Street like I did last weekend - coffee in hand, fog rolling off the harbour like a moody movie scene - you can't miss the incredible market entrance. See those four heavy pivot hinges? They're the only part left of the magnificent ates that stood there in 1880. Those gates were decorated with symbols of the city's main industries - fishing, forestry, shipping, and commerce. Even though these hinges are all that's left of the original, the modern market entrance is still captivating and sure to stand out.
Entering from Charlotte Street, you step into a vast space defined by its iconic curved ceiling - a design inspired by the inverted hull of a ship. This was the vision of architects John Munroe McKean and Thomas Fairweather, who in 1874 were tasked with building the modern centralized market for Saint John.
The ship-keel roof of the City Market stands as both a tribute to the city's shipbuilding heritage and a marvel of functional design. Its soaring arches create exceptional ventilation that naturally circulates air throughout the market, while the innovative structure provides a column-free interior, maximizing space for vendors and visitors. The curve shape even aids in water drainage, a practical feature for the city's coastal climate. Beyond its utility, the roof serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, much like a ship built to withstand the most challenging sea conditions.
As soon as you enter the market from Charlotte Street, look to your right above the Deputy Market Clerk's office. There, you'll see the City Market Bell, installed during the market's 1876 renovation. This historic bell is still in use today and is rung early each morning to start the vendors' day and again at closing to mark its end. This bell has rung in this manner for over a century, echoing through the stalls and connecting the past to the present.
Today, the Saint John City Market offers a diverse array of vendors, selling everything from international foods and local flavours to one-of-a-kind crafts and handmade goods. New vendors are being added to the space all the time, bringing even more diversity and offerings to the space.
Find amazing grab-and-go food options at:
And curated gifts at:
Together, these vendors create a vibrant and authentic market experience that is unique every time you walk through the entrance gates.
After exploring the market vendors, picking up some souvenirs, and grabbing a bite to eat, head toward the Germain Street exit. Before reaching the end of the market, look to your right for the Saint John Region Welcome Centre. Here, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who can help you plan the rest of your visit in the Saint John Region, answer any questions you have, or connect you with the answers you're looking for. Grab a map to help with exploring, find out details on upcoming events, and learn a little more about the city you're visiting.
As you exit onto Germain Street, your exploration continues. Visit the shops at Market Square; explore the new gathering space - Ihtoli-maqahamok - and take in a live performance while you dine at one of the all-season patios; explore the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village to discover even more craft vendors and food options; wander the historic uptown streets and stop into the creative boutiques and shops; or make your way to the Reversing Falls Rapids and witness the phenomenon the powerful Bay of Fundy tides create. The end of your market visit is just the beginning of your next great experience in Saint John!
Laura He is a student in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at NBCC Saint John.
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.
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