Saint John
Saint John is a major cruise port located in New Brunswick, Canada, with ships docking directly in the downtown area. The Marco Polo cruise terminal and the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal are situated on the east side of the harbor, while Long Wharf is a bit further into the harbor, all offering easy access to the city center. Downtown Saint John is generally walkable, though some areas include hills. A notable recent addition is the AREA506 Waterfront Container Village, which opened in June 2022. This unique complex features 60 shipping containers housing local food and drink vendors and retailers, providing a lively shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. It typically operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM, with extended hours on cruise ship days. For navigating the uptown area, particularly during colder weather, an "Inside Connection" of underground and pedway links connects many key attractions like the City Market and Brunswick Square Mall, allowing travel without venturing outdoors.
Getting Around from the Port
Downtown Saint John is very walkable from the cruise terminals, with attractions like the City Market, Market Square, and the AREA506 Waterfront Container Village all within easy reach. The climate-controlled Pedway system, known as the "Inside Connection," offers a comfortable way to explore various uptown buildings, including shopping centers, without having to go outside.
For destinations further afield, several options are available:
- Taxis: Taxis in Saint John operate on a zoned fare system and are not metered. It is essential to confirm the fare with your driver before starting your journey. Be aware that drivers are permitted to pick up and drop off other passengers during your ride.
- Hop-on/off Buses: The "Big Pink Buses" offer a convenient way to see the city. They follow three continuous routes: "All about Town," "Reversing Falls," and "Top of the Market." A ticket, which costs $40 for adults and $30 for children, is valid for all three routes and a portion of the fare supports breast cancer research.
- Public Transit: To reach the Reversing Falls, you can take Bus #1 from City Hall. For your return journey, you will need to catch Bus #2. The Reversing Falls can also be reached by walking along the Harbor Passage from the cruise docking locations.
- Car Rental: An Avis car rental office is conveniently located close to the dock, offering flexibility for exploring at your own pace.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Saint John offers a mix of in-city exploration and nearby day trips:
Within Saint John (Walkable/Short Trip):
- Reversing Falls: A unique natural phenomenon where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy (the highest in the world) cause the Saint John River rapids to reverse direction. You can walk to the falls via the Harbor Passage or take Public Bus #1 from City Hall (return via Bus #2).
- Saint John City Market: Experience a traditional "farmers market" offering a wide array of goods and services, local produce, and food vendors. It's a great spot for local flavor and unique finds.
- AREA506 Waterfront Container Village: Explore this vibrant village of 60 shipping containers featuring local food, drink, and retail vendors. It's located right on the waterfront, often near the cruise terminals, and offers a unique shopping and dining experience.
- "Inside Connection" Pedway System: Utilize the climate-controlled pedestrian walkways to explore uptown attractions like Brunswick Square Mall, Market Square, and the Canada Games Aquatic Center without needing to go outdoors, particularly useful on cooler days.
- Horse-Drawn Trolley Tours: Enjoy a charming tour of the historic areas of Saint John, a popular way to see the city's heritage architecture.
Nearby Day Trips (Requires Transport):
- St. Martin's: Approximately a 50-minute drive from Saint John. This picturesque fishing village is famous for experiencing some of the world's highest tides. If timed correctly with low tide, you can "walk the ocean floor" and explore sea caves.
- St. Andrew's by the Sea: Around a 70-minute drive from Saint John. This historic summer resort town offers charming gift shops, museums, art galleries, and the magnificent 27-acre Kingsbrae Garden.
- Hopewell Rocks National Park: While a longer drive (time not specified but a significant trip), this park allows visitors to walk on the ocean floor among unique "flowerpot" rock formations at low tide, showcasing the extreme tidal range of the Bay of Fundy. Check tide schedules if planning a visit.
Dining & Shopping
For dining and shopping, Saint John offers several excellent options close to the cruise terminals:
- AREA506 Waterfront Container Village: Located directly on the waterfront, this village is a prime spot for both. It hosts numerous local food and drink vendors, providing a diverse range of culinary experiences, alongside retailers offering unique goods and souvenirs.
- Saint John City Market: This historic market provides a traditional "farmers market" atmosphere where you can find local foods, fresh produce, and a variety of goods and services. It's an excellent place to pick up local specialties or enjoy a casual meal.
- Brunswick Square: A three-level shopping complex offering a wide selection of stores, from major retailers to smaller boutiques. It's connected to the "Inside Connection" pedway system, making it easily accessible from other uptown locations.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted throughout Saint John, including by local transit services. ATMs are readily available in most grocery stores, malls, and other public areas, and are linked to major international networks like Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Maestro. While you can get cash advances using a major credit card, this method typically incurs higher fees and immediate interest charges.
The official languages in Canada are English and French. In Saint John and New Brunswick, English is predominantly spoken, although New Brunswick is one of the more bilingual provinces. Free WiFi is available at the Marco Polo cruise terminal. Additionally, free internet access is offered at the Saint John Regional Library in Market Square, but computer terminals are limited and can be busy on cruise ship days.