16 Best Things to Do in Saint John, New Brunswick

Wondering what are the best things to do in Saint John, NB to make your trip unforgettable? You’re in the right place.

We spent a week in Saint John during our RV trip through New Brunswick and found so many places to explore.

In this post, we’ll share our favourite things to do in Saint John, what we enjoyed the most, and a few extra places that are worth your time.

Best Things to Do in Saint John, New Brunswick

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Saint John, based on our personal experience and a few places we’re saving for next time. They’re not in any specific order, just our favourites.

1.Visit Irving Nature Park

One of the main Saint John attractions we loved was Irving Nature Park. We liked it so much that we went there twice during our stay.

There’s a long beach perfect for walking, and several trails where you can spend a few hours hiking. One day, we explored the boardwalk area, and another day we did a two-hour hike that was amazing.

We followed a combination of the Eel Trail, Squirrel Trail and Heron Trail, reaching beautiful lookouts like Seely Point Lookout, the Sea Facing Lookout, and the Irving Nature Park BBQ area.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m., and parking is free but limited, so it’s best to arrive early if you can. Bring water and snacks, as there aren’t many facilities once you’re inside. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy nature without leaving the city.

2. Explore Area 506 Container Village

This was the first thing we saw when we arrived in Saint John. There happened to be a country music festival that weekend, which isn’t really our thing, but the space itself looked great.

Located right on the waterfront, Area 506 Container Village is a colourful and creative spot built from shipping containers. Inside, you’ll find local shops, food stalls, and vendors selling handmade crafts and regional products. It’s also a fun place to walk around, take photos, and grab a snack by the water.

During summer, there are often live events, markets, and festivals happening here, so it’s worth checking their schedule before your visit.

3. Visit King’s square

We walked around King’s Square, a small park in the Uptown area surrounded by historic buildings. You’ll likely notice a few unhoused people in the area, but overall, it felt calm and safe to explore during the day.

The park is a nice place to rest under the shade, and locals told us the nearby Old Burial Ground (also known as the Loyalist Burial Ground) is worth a quick visit for its historical value. It dates back to the 1700s and has several old tombstones that reflect the city’s Loyalist past.

4. Stroll Through the Harbour Passage Boardwalk

This was a really nice and educational walk, even though part of it was under construction when we visited.

Along the Waterfront Boardwalk, you’ll find several panels explaining the history of the port and how the tides have shaped Saint John over time. There’s also an interpretation center where you can learn more about how the coastline has changed through the years.

5.  Bike or Hike to Fort Howe National Historic Site

We went to Fort Howe by bike, and it was such a cool experience. From the top, you get one of the best views of the harbour and the city. We even saw a deer super close, which made the stop even more special.

You’ll also find a few cannons on display and a flag marking the historic site. It’s a short visit, but totally worth it, especially if you want a panoramic view of Saint John. If there’s a cruise ship in the bay, the view from here is even better.

6. Take a Photo at the Saint John Sign

At the most Hollywood style, Saint John has its own big sign on a hill, and yes, you can go and take a photo with it. Of course, we couldn’t resist jumping in our pictures!

While we were there, a deer came by and stayed really close to us.

The sign is located near Fort Howe, so you can easily visit both spots in the same outing.

It was one of our highlights and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Saint John for a quick photo stop and a great memory.

7. Rockwood Park

This was one of the first places we found while looking for somewhere to park in the city. There’s plenty of parking available for day use, and the area is perfect for walking and relaxing in nature.

Another day, we stayed one night at the campground inside the park, but to be honest, we enjoyed it more for walking than camping.

As we mentioned in our post Is Saint John Worth Visiting?, we don’t really recommend staying at the campground, but visiting the park itself is absolutely worth it.

8. Saint John City Market

We arrived close to closing time, so we couldn’t see everything, but the Saint John City Market is a must if you enjoy local food and handmade products.

It’s Canada’s oldest continuing farmer’s market, open since the late 1700s, and you can find everything from local art and souvenirs to fresh produce and baked goods.

While walking around Uptown Saint John, you’ll easily find it, it’s one of the most traditional places in the city and a good stop to add to your list of things to do in Saint John, especially on a rainy day.

9. The Reversing Falls Rapids

Saint John sits where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. When the tide rises, the ocean’s force pushes against the river’s current, creating a powerful and unique phenomenon called the Reversing Falls Rapids.

For a short time during each tide cycle, the river actually flows in the opposite direction. It’s a natural wonder that’s both fascinating to watch and amazing to understand.

There are several viewpoints to see the rapids, including the Reversing Falls Bridge and the Skywalk. Watching the river change direction is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Saint John, and we recommend checking the tide schedule so you don’t miss it.

10. Eat at the LebanOn The Go Restaurant

We found LebanOn The Go Restaurant, and it was amazing. The place is quiet, cozy, and perfect to open your laptop and get some work done while enjoying great food.

This Lebanese café combines incredible vegan dishes with a comfortable, work-friendly environment.

We tried the Mujadara, a signature Middle Eastern dish of rice and lentils, garnished with caramelized onions. This naturally vegan dish will surprise your taste buds in the best way possible!

We also had a soft cinnamon roll, a sweet French vanilla coffee, and the Lebanese stuffed grape leaves. Everything was absolutely delicious.

If you’re vegan and travelling in your RV, this spot is one of the best things to do in Saint John for a tasty and relaxing break. Plus, it’s a great place for digital nomads looking for a calm spot with good Wi-Fi and a welcoming vibe.

11. Visit the Harvest Cafe

If you’re driving through Saint John and want a cozy place to stop, check out Harvest Cafe. They have fresh-baked banana bread, delicious cranberry muffins, and our two perfect drinks: matcha latte and chai tea latte.

The place is clean, friendly, and peaceful. The staff was welcoming, and we were able to sit with our laptops without any pressure. The Wi-Fi worked great, the space was small and cozy.

It’s also a great choice for digital nomads looking for a quiet spot to work for a bit while enjoying something freshly baked.

12. Delight Yourself by Walking Uptown

We loved walking around Uptown Saint John. The area is full of history, with old brick buildings, colorful houses, and beautiful churches. It’s one of those places where you can enjoy the mix of old and new.

If you’re visiting for just one day, maybe on a cruise stop, we highly recommend taking time to explore Uptown. You can start from Port Saint John, walk past the Brunswick Square Shopping Centre, visit the Saint John City Market, stop by the Stone Church, relax at King’s Square, and loop back.

It’s an relatively easy walk and one of the best things to do in Saint John if you want to get a feel for the city’s local life.

13. Visit Wolastoq Park

Wolastoq Park is a small, peaceful park located on the west side of the city, close to the Irving Paper industrial area. It has sculptures on the hill and some really nice views of the river.

We passed by at night while heading to see the Reversing Falls, and even then, it felt safe. During the day, it’s a nice stop for a quiet walk or to enjoy the views of the Wolastoq (Saint John River).

It’s not one of the most famous attractions, but still a lovely addition to your list of things to do in Saint John if you like off-the-beaten-path spots.

14. Take a Massage at Witness Wellness

During our stay, I was looking for a massage and found this great place called Witness Wellness. I really enjoyed my session and highly recommend it if you want to relax after exploring the city. Imoden, the massage therapist, is a wonderful professional who made the experience both calming and restorative.

If you’ve been travelling for a while or spending long days hiking and walking around, adding a wellness stop like this is one of the most relaxing things to do in Saint John.

15. Bike Mountain Bike Skills Park

If you’re into biking or want to try something a bit different, visit the Mountain Bike Skills Park inside Rockwood Park. It’s a dedicated space where riders of all levels can practice balance, turns, and small jumps in a safe area.

Unfortunately, when we visited, the Skills Park area was under restoration, so Aldo couldn’t use it. Still, Rockwood Park offers plenty of places to explore, especially by bike, so give it a try.

Even if you’re not a pro, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon outdoors. You can bring your own bike or just watch others practice while enjoying the park. It’s a great activity for families or anyone who loves being active, and another fun thing to do in Saint John if you want a bit of adventure.

16. Walk around Lily Lake

Lily Lake is located inside Rockwood Park and is one of the easiest walks you can take in Saint John. You don’t need to stay at the campground to enjoy it, just park outside and go for a walk around the lake.

The path is flat and easy, perfect for a relaxing stroll. You’ll see ducks, locals jogging or walking their dogs, and reflections of the trees on the water. There’s also a café nearby where you can grab a drink after your walk.

It’s a simple but beautiful way to end your day and one of the loveliest things to do in Saint John if you enjoy nature.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering what are the best things to do in Saint John, we hope this post gave you plenty of ideas to plan your visit. From coastal walks and parks to delicious cafés, markets, and natural wonders like the Reversing Falls, Saint John offers a mix of nature, history, and local charm that makes it a great stop on your New Brunswick trip.

Looking for more travel ideas in the region? Check out these posts:

• 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