Is Saint John Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

After spending a month travelling around New Brunswick, we finally reached the port city of Saint John. And maybe you’re wondering the same thing we did: is Saint John worth visiting?

In this post, we’ll share our experience exploring the city for the first time and why we believe Saint John deserves a spot on your New Brunswick itinerary. From history and culture to food, nature, and unique attractions, it turned out to be one of those places that really surprised us, in the best way.

Is Saint John Worth Visiting?

After spending a few days exploring this city, we can confidently say yes, Saint John is definitely worth visiting! On this trip through New Brunswick, every city has felt unique, but Saint John stood out for being the only city located directly on the Bay of Fundy.

It has its own character and culture, different from Fredericton, different from Bathurst, and certainly different from Miramichi. That’s why we recommend including Saint John, New Brunswick in your itinerary. It brings a whole new vibe to your East Coast adventure.

Where Is Saint John Located?

Saint John is a port city located where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy. This strategic location has shaped its history, culture, and economy, making it an important hub in New Brunswick.

According to Statistics Canada, as of July 1, 2024, the population of the City of Saint John was 78,165, the highest level since the early 1980s. The Saint John Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which includes 16 municipalities and parishes around the city, has a total population of about 126,200 people.

For us, Saint John came right after our stop in Fredericton, it was the natural next point on our RV route. (If you’re curious about that part of our journey, check out our posts: Is Fredericton Worth Visiting? and 27 Best Things to Do in Fredericton, New Brunswick).

What Is So Special About Saint John, NB?

There are many things that make Saint John special, but here are the highlights from our visit:

• The Reversing Falls Rapids: Where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy meet the Saint John River, creating the unique phenomenon of the river literally reversing its flow. It’s spectacular to witness and unlike anything else we saw in New Brunswick.
  
• Green spaces like Rockwood Park and Irving Nature Park: We loved biking and hiking here, surrounded by nature while still being so close to the city.
  
• Uptown Saint John: Full of historic charm, colorful old buildings, and a lively atmosphere with plenty of local shops and restaurants. If you enjoy exploring historical towns that have reinvented themselves, Uptown is a must.

Is the Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! One of the main attractions in Saint John is the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the force of the Bay of Fundy tides clashes with the Saint John River. This natural wonder makes the river appear to flow backwards, a dramatic reminder of how powerful the tides are here.

The phenomenon happens roughly every six hours, so it’s important to check the tide schedule before you go. If you miss it once, don’t worry, just wait for the next tide cycle. There are several viewpoints around the falls, including the Skywalk Saint John, where you can get a closer look at this incredible display of nature’s strength.

Is It Safe to Walk Around Saint John, New Brunswick?

We drove most of the time to get around Saint John, and we always felt safe. Compared with other cities we’ve visited in New Brunswick, it’s more common to see unhoused people here, often gathering in certain areas or setting up camps in public spaces.

That said, we never had any issues, even when walking near green areas or through different parts of the city. Like in any urban setting, it’s best to use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, but overall, we felt comfortable exploring.

According to Statistics Canada, Saint John’s crime rate is 4,366 incidents per 100,000 population, which is below the provincial average. Year over year, crime in the city has decreased by about 21%, showing steady improvement in safety.

Is Saint John, NB Rural or Urban?

Saint John is very much an urban city. It’s New Brunswick’s largest city by population, and when you include the Saint John Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which consists of 16 surrounding municipalities and parishes, the region forms a wider urban hub.

Despite its size, we found people in Saint John to be incredibly kind and welcoming. One fun example: Julieta went for a massage at a local spa, and the staff happened to be celebrating a baby shower that day. They invited us to join in, even as clients! It turned into such a heartwarming experience and a reminder of how friendly the community is.

Is Saint John, New Brunswick English-Speaking?

Yes, the vast majority of residents in Saint John speak English. According to the 2021 Census (Statistics Canada):

• 68,840 people reported English only as their mother tongue.
• About 2,380 people reported French only.
• Around 300 people reported both English and French.

All of our communication during our visit was in English, and we even met several people who had lived in Ontario before moving to Saint John. While French is present, especially in other parts of New Brunswick, Saint John is primarily English-speaking, which makes it easy for English-speaking travellers to get around.

Is Saint John a Walkable City?

Saint John can be walkable, especially in the Uptown area, but it’s important to note that the city is built on a lot of hills. Walking around Uptown is very doable, with many attractions close together, but the hills can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

We also biked in the city, and there were moments when the steep climbs forced us to walk our bikes instead. So while Saint John is walkable in certain areas, be prepared for some effort, comfortable shoes are a must, and if hills aren’t for you, driving or taking transit might be a better option.

Where to Stay in Saint John, New Brunswick (Hotels and RV Options)

Saint John is accustomed to welcoming tourists and travellers, so you’ll find plenty of places to stay. Here are some options depending on your travel style:

Hotels in Saint John

If you’re flying in or just looking for a comfortable base, here are some popular hotel choices:

• Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View by IHG
• Days Inn by Wyndham Saint John
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saint John Harbour Side by IHG

Tip: If you’re travelling in summer, book in advance since hotels fill up quickly.

Campgrounds Near Saint John

We spent one night at Rockwood Park Campground. It was fine for what we needed, but honestly, nothing spectacular. We stayed mainly because they charge a high fee just to use the dumping station, so it made more sense to spend the night and use the facilities.

It ended up being the most expensive night of our entire Maritime trip (around $80 CAD). The facilities were okay, but the sites were small, close together, and didn’t offer much privacy. Next time, we’d probably just pay to use the dumping station and move on.

Free RV Overnight Spots (Boondocking)

We also tried a couple of free options around Saint John, all found through iOverlander and Harvest Hosts:

• Walmart: A classic RV staple! The parking lot here is a bit hilly, but manageable. The location was actually quite convenient, we could walk to the Reversing Falls from there. The only downside was the train crossing nearby, which could be noisy at times.
  
• Witness Wellness: We discovered this spot through Harvest Hosts, but they were full the night we asked. Even though we couldn’t stay, we did book massages there and had a wonderful experience. If you’re a Harvest Hosts member, it’s worth checking availability in advance.
  

Where to Eat Vegan in Saint John, New Brunswick

Traveling through the Maritimes as a vegan isn’t always easy, many local restaurants don’t have a wide selection. Still, during our stay in Saint John we managed to find a few spots with good vegan options, and each offered something a little different in terms of quality and variety.

• Tim Hortons
  A Canadian classic and always a reliable stop on the road. Most locations now offer oat, almond, or soy milk alternatives for your coffee or latte, which is perfect when you’re traveling. We also love that Tim Hortons offers free Wi-Fi, so it often doubles as a quick work stop for us.
  
• Harvest Café
  Located at 77 Catherwood St, Saint John. We stopped here while searching for vegan options and were pleasantly surprised. We ordered a matcha latte, a regular latte, banana bread, and a vegan muffin, and everything was delicious. It’s a small, cozy café, but we always appreciate supporting local businesses when we travel.
  
• LebanOn the go
  This was a gem we found right in the middle of Uptown Saint John. It’s a café with Mediterranean-inspired food and plenty of vegan choices. We enjoyed a hearty vegan Mujadara, a signature Middle Eastern dish of rice and lentils, garnished with caramelized onions, it was so good and felt like homemade comfort food.
  
  For dessert, we couldn’t resist a warm cinnamon roll that was absolutely to die for. It was so good we decided to stay longer, order iced coffees, and spend about three hours working from there. The staff were welcoming, and the place was laptop-friendly, making it not only a great spot for food but also for getting some work done. Highly recommended if you’re vegan and visiting Saint John!

How to Get to Saint John, New Brunswick (Road Trip & Flight Options)

There are several ways to reach Saint John, depending on your travel style. Whether you’re on a New Brunswick road trip by car, traveling in an RV, or arriving by plane, the city is easy to access.

From Fredericton

This was the route we used during our trip. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, mostly along Route 7, which is in excellent condition and very RV-friendly.

Along the way you’ll pass through Oromocto, home to CFB Gagetown, one of the largest military bases in Canada. This section of highway is fenced and tree-lined, so there aren’t many places to stop, but it makes for a smooth and straightforward drive.

From Moncton

If you’re traveling from Moncton, we highly recommend making this a day trip with scenic stops. On the way, you can visit:

• Hopewell Rocks: Famous for its dramatic tides and flowerpot rock formations.
• Fundy Trail Parkway: A stunning coastal drive with lookouts, beaches, and hiking trails.

These detours will add time to your trip but are absolutely worth it for the views of the Bay of Fundy. Once you finish the Fundy Trail, continue west toward Saint John.

From Miramichi

Coming from Miramichi, the drive is about 2 hours and 45 minutes (via Route 8 and Route 2). It’s a quieter, more rural route compared to the Fredericton and Moncton drives. This can be a nice way to experience more of New Brunswick’s forest landscapes.

Flying into Saint John Airport (YSJ)

You can also fly directly into Saint John Airport (YSJ), located about 15 km (20 minutes) from downtown. It’s a small but convenient airport with direct connections to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

Once you arrive, you can rent a car at the airport (best option if you want to explore beyond the city) or take a taxi/rideshare service to downtown Saint John.

How to Get Around Saint John

Saint John is a hilly city, so getting around can be a bit of a workout depending on your chosen mode of transport. Here are some of the main options, based on what we used and what we saw locals relying on:

Public Transportation in Saint John

Public transit in the city is run by Saint John Transit, which operates bus routes connecting Uptown with surrounding neighborhoods. At the time of writing, the adult fare is around $2.75 CAD per ride, with day passes available.

We didn’t personally use the buses, but if you’re traveling without a car and want to move around like a local, it’s a practical and affordable option.

Car Rental in Saint John

If you’re flying into the city or prefer driving something smaller while your RV is parked, you’ll find rental agencies like Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Hertz both at Saint John Airport (YSJ) and in the city itself.

Parking in Uptown can be tricky, we found it very challenging with our 24-ft RV, but for a regular car it’s much easier and far less stressful.

Biking in Saint John

We biked up to Fort Howe National Historic Site, and it was definitely a challenge, the hills forced us to walk alongside our bikes in a few spots. Still, the views from the top made it worth the effort.

Fortunately, Google Maps biking routes often suggested less hilly paths, which made some parts of the ride easier. If you enjoy biking, Saint John has its moments, but be prepared for steep climbs.

Walking in Saint John

Uptown Saint John is the most walkable part of the city. We parked our RV in a paid lot and wandered around for hours without needing to move it.

Some of our favorite walking spots included:

• Saint John City Market: A must-visit indoor market.
• King’s Square: A leafy public square with historic monuments.
• Historic churches scattered through Uptown.
• Restaurants and cafés in Uptown.
• Rockwood Park and Irving Nature Park: If you don’t mind venturing a little further.

Comfortable shoes are a must, and keep in mind that the hills can make walking tougher for those with mobility issues.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Saint John?

We visited in the summer, and for us it was the perfect time. The weather was warm, the days were long, and we loved having plenty of daylight to stroll along the waterfront boardwalk or enjoy outdoor activities in the parks.

From what locals told us, winters in Saint John don’t usually bring heavy snow, but the city gets a lot of rain. The combination of rain and freezing temperatures sometimes leads to black ice on the streets, which, combined with the city’s many hills, can make driving a challenge.

Spring and fall are also good times to visit, especially if you prefer fewer crowds. Fall brings beautiful foliage in Rockwood Park and along the Bay of Fundy, while summer is when you’ll find festivals, markets, and outdoor events in full swing.

How Many Days Do You Need in Saint John?

If you’re short on time, 2–3 days in Saint John is enough to get a good feel for the city. In that time you can explore Uptown, walk the trails and beaches, and visit a few highlights like the Reversing Falls Rapids, the Saint John City Market, and Irving Nature Park.

But if you’re travelling full-time like us, I’d suggest staying longer. We spent almost a full week in Saint John and still didn’t manage to see everything. Staying longer also gives you time for day trips to places like the Fundy Trail Parkway and the St. Martins Sea Caves, which are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Easy Day Trips from Saint John

One of the best parts about staying in Saint John is how close it is to some incredible day trip destinations. You can easily visit these spots in a day and return to the city in the evening, or, like us, continue your road trip and make them your next stops.

Visit St. Martins Sea Caves

St. Martins is a charming fishing village located about 40 km (30 minutes) from Saint John, driving along the scenic coastal Route 111.

The highlight here is the St. Martins Sea Caves, formed by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. At low tide, you can walk right into the caves and explore them up close, while at high tide, the water fills the caves completely, creating a dramatic view from the shore.

We arrived late in the day and could only admire the caves from a distance, but if you plan ahead, make sure to check the tide schedule so you can experience walking inside. The village itself is also worth a wander, it has two covered bridges, a picturesque harbour, and a few cozy seafood restaurants.

The Fundy Trail Parkway

We’ll probably dedicate an entire post just to this place because it truly deserves it, but here’s what you need to know: the Fundy Trail Parkway is a 30 km coastal drive offering some of the most stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.

There’s a small entrance fee (around $12,5 CAD per adult), and the park is typically open from 9 am to 8 pm during the season (May–October). Once inside, you can drive, cycle, or hike along the parkway, stopping at countless lookouts, waterfalls, beaches, and trails.

We spent a full day here, literally the entire time the park was open, and still felt like there was more to see. The highlights for us were the cliffside views, the hiking trails, the suspension footbridge at Big Salmon River (it was closed when we went), and the peaceful beaches.

If you’re wondering is Saint John worth visiting, the answer is yes, and adding the Fundy Trail Parkway as a day trip makes the experience even more unforgettable.

Conclusion: Is Saint John Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! If you’ve been wondering is Saint John worth visiting, we hope this post gave you plenty of reasons to say yes. For us, Saint John turned out to be a city full of character, between the Bay of Fundy views, historic Uptown, and beautiful green spaces, it’s a place we’d love to return to and keep exploring.

Next time, we’ll definitely plan to do more hikes and dive deeper into the local culture.

We highly recommend adding Saint John to your East Coast Canada itinerary. It was one of the highlights of our New Brunswick road trip, and we’re so glad we made the stop.

We hope this post gives you plenty of reasons to say yes, Saint John is absolutely worth visiting!

If you’re exploring more of the province, don’t miss our other New Brunswick guides too:

• Is St. John Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
• 32 Things To Do In The Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
• Is The Acadian Historical Village Worth Visiting? A First-Timer’s Guide
• Where to Stay in New Brunswick, Canada: Best Hotels by area
• Is New Brunswick Worth Visiting? 5 Weeks Exploring The Province
• 50 Best Things to do in New Brunswick (Complete Travel Guide)
• Is Mount Carleton Provincial Park Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know.
• Is Bathurst, New Brunswick Worth Visiting? Things To Do In 48 Hours
• 18 Best Things To Do In Miramichi In Summer
• What to Do in Edmundston, New Brunswick
• Fundy Trail Parkway Guide to Exploring New Brunswick’s Coast
• How to Spend a Full Day on the Fundy Trail Parkway: A Complete Guide
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park Guide (2026): All You Need to Know Before You Go
• Hopewell Rocks Itinerary: Low + High Tide Guide (How to Plan Your Day)
• Is Prince Edward Island Worth Visiting? A Complete Travel Guide
  

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