Get a Sense of the Saint John Region

Day 1 – Historic Uptown & the Power of the Bay of Fundy

Wander heritage streets, discover local galleries and landmarks, and watch the Bay of Fundy’s famous tides surge through the Reversing Falls Rapids.

Morning – Arts, Culture & Local Favourites

Start your day in uptown Saint John, the city’s historic core known for its heritage buildings, walkable streets, and vibrant food and shopping scene. Grab a coffee at Catapult Coffee, The Bubbly Cup, or Java Moose, then head to the Saint John City Market — Canada’s oldest continuing farmers’ market — for breakfast. Browse local makers, snap a photo of the market’s iconic roofline, and pick up a breakfast sandwich from Jeremiah’s Deli to fuel the day.

Spend the morning gallery hopping through uptown. Mitote Art Gallery, Handworks Gallery, and Trinity Galleries showcase works by local, national, and international artists. Stop into Glass Roots to catch a live glassblowing demonstration. Pro tip: check their website before your visit — you may be able to join one of their hands-on workshops!

Want to see more? Take a self-guided Art in Public Places walking tour, which highlights public art and galleries throughout uptown, or follow one of three Historic Walking Tours to discover more than 100 years of architectural styles and stories that shaped the city. If you're travelling with children, be sure to grab our Saint John Region Kids' Guide for some great ways to keep them entertained while you explore.

Lunch – Saint John Comfort Food

Lunch is where Uptown really shines. Think fresh seafood, Maritime pub classics, seasonal menus, and sunny patios.

Try the soup of the day at East Coast Bistro, grab a pizza from Beer Bread, or go for burgers at Union House by Trailway. If you’re craving a waterfront view, head to the boardwalk where Saint John Ale House, Lemongrass Thai Fare, Peppers Pub, and The Country Club offer great lunch options, while checking out the stage, and tidal steps at Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space.

Afternoon – Bay of Fundy Views

No visit to Saint John is complete without seeing the Reversing Falls Rapids, one of the Bay of Fundy’s most fascinating natural phenomena.

From uptown, follow the Harbour Passage Trail toward the falls and enjoy the waterfront views along the way. Watch the powerful tidal action from the trail lookout or Fallsview Park, or head up to the Skywalk for a bird’s-eye view of the rapids.

Pro Tip: For the most dramatic experience, plan your visit around high or low tide, when the tidal forces create rapids, whirlpools, and whitewater in the gorge. Check the local tide tables before your visit to time it just right.

Evening – Dinner & Drinks

After an afternoon of exploring along the waterfront, we recommend stopping by the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village to browse their eclectic collection of local vendors and a relaxing pre-dinner drink at The Docks. Pro tip: check their website to make sure you're not missing out on their Waterfront Concert Series, AREA 506 Festival, or any number of weekly events during your stay!

Then settle in for dinner at one of Uptown’s standout restaurants. Port City Royal, Italian by Night, and Thandi are local favourites and perfect spots to unwind.

If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, stop by Hopscotch Whisky Bar, Happinez Too Wine Bar, Five and Dime, or Kakuteru before calling it a night.

Day 2 – Nature in the City

Spend the morning exploring the forests and lakes of Rockwood Park, then return Uptown for shopping, dining, and local flavour.

Morning – Breakfast & Rockwood Park

Start the day with brunch before heading into nature. Try Cask and Kettle, Britt’s Pub (the Coconut French Toast is a local favourite), or LebanOn The Go. If you need a caffeine boost, stop by The Write Cup Bookstore Café or Second Cup along the way.

Next, head to Rockwood Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Designed by a landscape architect who also helped shape New York City’s Central Park, Rockwood spans more than 2,200 acres of forests, lakes, and scenic trails. With ten lakes and over 55 trails and footpaths, it’s the perfect place to spend a morning outdoors.

To make the most of your visit, stop by the Inside Out Nature Centre, which offers equipment rentals and guided experiences throughout the park. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Grab the park’s trail map and set out on foot, or enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lily Lake.

Looking for something more relaxing? At the Lake Spa & Studio, located within Rockwood Park, offers the perfect opportunity to unwind with a treatment overlooking the water.

Lunch – Lakeside Dining

After a morning in the park, stop for lunch at Lily’s Lakeside Casual Dining, located in the Lily Lake Pavilion near the park entrance. This local favourite serves casual comfort food with beautiful lakeside views.

A bonus: Lily’s is operated by a registered charity, with all profits supporting community programs in Saint John — making it a meal that gives back.

Afternoon – Uptown Shopping

Spend the afternoon wandering uptown’s independent shops and artisan boutiques. Local favourites like In Pursuit, Obscurity, The Feel Good Store, Emporia, and Lordon offer everything from fashion and home goods to locally made products. Take your time browsing — chances are you’ll discover something unique to bring home.

Evening – Dinner & Drinks

Wrap up the day with dinner at one of uptown’s standout restaurants. Gahan House, Suwanna, and Umami Kid each offer something a little different, from elevated pub fare to vibrant Asian flavours — the perfect way to end another day exploring the Saint John Region.

Day 3 – Coastal Adventures Along the Bay of Fundy

Explore sea caves in Fundy-St. Martins and discover dramatic coastal views, waterfalls, and beaches along the Fundy Trail Provincial Park.

Morning – Fundy-St. Martins & the Sea Caves

Start the day with breakfast at Shipyard Café before exploring the rest of the charming fishing village of Fundy-St. Martins, located about 40 minutes from Saint John.

Here, the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides have carved dramatic sea caves into the red sandstone cliffs. At low tide, visitors can walk the ocean floor and explore the caves up close; at high tide, the same area fills with water, transforming the landscape entirely. Pro tip: check out Bay of Fundy Adventures for amazing ways to experience the caves!

After exploring the shoreline, wander through the village to browse local shops and enjoy the relaxed pace of this coastal community.

Lunch – Coastal Comfort Food

Stop for lunch at Spinney’s Seafood Restaurant, known for classic Maritime dishes and fresh seafood, or enjoy a meal with a view of the sea caves at The Caves Restaurant.

Afternoon – Fundy Trail Provincial Park

Spend the afternoon exploring Fundy Trail Provincial Park, one of the most scenic coastal drives in Atlantic Canada. The park hugs the Bay of Fundy coastline, offering spectacular views, waterfalls, beaches, and hiking trails.

Highlights include:

• Walton Glen Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of New Brunswick”
• Fullerton Falls
• Long Beach, where visitors can walk the ocean floor at low tide

The park also offers seasonal interpretive programs and guided experiences that help visitors learn more about the region’s natural history.

Evening – Dinner by the Coast

After a full day along the coast, enjoy dinner at Fresh at Fundy Cookhouse or Beach Street Inn, both offering welcoming atmospheres and delicious local fare before heading back toward Saint John.

Day 4 – River Valley Charm & Local Flavours

Relax into your final day with riverside views, outdoor adventures, and a choose-your-own evening of food, fun, and local craft drinks.

Morning – Breakfast & Outdoor Adventure

Start your final day with breakfast at Berc’s Cookhouse, Station 33 Café, Garden Grove Café, or Commons Crêperie.

Then head to Elmhurst Outdoors, where visitors can rent equipment, explore trails, or relax at the lodge while taking in views of the Saint John River. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or simply enjoying the scenery, it’s a great way to experience another side of the region.

Lunch – Riverside Stops

For lunch, explore some of the region’s scenic riverside spots. Options include Reed’s Point Pub & Grill, Yip Cider for local craft cider and casual fare, or Evandale Resort, where you can dine overlooking the river. Pro tip: Regardless of the time of day, a Yip Cider slushy (both adult and kid-friendly versions available) needs to be on your list of things to do.

Afternoon – Choose Your Own Adventure

Spend the afternoon discovering even more of the region. Adventure seekers can book an outdoor experience with In Step Adventures, while those looking for something more relaxed can visit La Belle Cabane for a one-of-a-kind nature spa experience or explore the grounds and relax by the pool at Evandale Resort.

Evening – Food, Fun & Nightlife

End your trip with a final evening out. Choose from restaurants like Cask and Kettle (with three locations throughout the region), Eastbound Burgers, Wok’s Taste, Mexi’s, Vito’s, Drifter Brew Co., Boaz, Sushi Blossom, or Kim’s Fry Time.

Looking for entertainment? Try an escape room at Breakout, race simulators at KMR Raceroom, virtual adventures at Another World, bouncing fun at Oasis Trampoline Park, or a creative class at DIY Studio.

Finish the night with a drink at The Robertson, Long Bay Brewery, Foghorn Brewing, Picaroons, or Wasted Day Brewing — the perfect toast to a memorable Bay of Fundy getaway.