St. John U.S. Virgin IslandsCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
The Fundy Quay cruise terminal is highly walkable to downtown St. John. Many key attractions, including the City Market, historic streets, and numerous shops and restaurants, are within a 5-15 minute walk.
For attractions outside the immediate downtown area:
- Taxis: Available at the cruise terminal. A taxi to the Reversing Falls Rapids typically costs around $15-20 CAD one way and takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Public Transit (Saint John Transit): Buses serve various parts of the city. Routes and schedules can be found online or at the information booth near the terminal. A single fare is around $2.75 CAD. A bus ride to Reversing Falls would take approximately 20-30 minutes, including walking to the nearest bus stop.
- Car Rental: Several car rental agencies (e.g., Enterprise, Budget, Avis) have offices in St. John, usually a short taxi ride from the terminal. Renting a car is practical for exploring beyond the city, such as the Fundy Trail Parkway or St. Martins. Expect daily rates from $60-100+ CAD, plus fuel.
Attractions and Activities
- Reversing Falls Rapids: Witness the collision of the St. John River with the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. The phenomenon reverses the river's flow twice daily. There are several viewing platforms, including the Reversing Falls Skywalk.
- Distance from Port: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
- Travel Time: 10-15 minutes by taxi/car, 20-30 minutes by bus.
- Cost: Free to view from public parks. Skywalk attraction (optional) may have an entry fee (e.g., $10-15 CAD).
- St. John City Market: North America's oldest continuously operating farmers market, housed in a historic building with a unique timber-framed roof. Browse local produce, seafood, crafts, and grab a meal.
- Distance from Port: ~0.8 km (0.5 miles)
- Travel Time: 10-12 minutes walk.
- Cost: Free entry, pay for purchases.
- Fundy Trail Parkway & St. Martins: A scenic coastal drive offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, suspension bridges, and access to pristine beaches and sea caves at St. Martins. The Parkway itself is a paid attraction.
- Distance from Port: St. Martins is ~50 km (31 miles) east; Fundy Trail Parkway entrance is just beyond St. Martins.
- Travel Time: ~1 hour by car to St. Martins, plus time to explore the Parkway.
- Cost: Fundy Trail Parkway entry is approximately $12 CAD per adult. Sea cave access at St. Martins is free (tide-dependent). Requires car rental or an organized tour.
- New Brunswick Museum: Explore the province's natural and cultural heritage, including exhibits on marine life, forestry, and St. John's history.
- Distance from Port: ~0.5 km (0.3 miles)
- Travel Time: 5-7 minutes walk.
- Cost: Entry fee typically $10-12 CAD per adult.
Shopping
The St. John City Market offers local food items, crafts, and artisanal goods. Downtown streets feature boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Look for items made with local New Brunswick products like maple syrup, Dulse (seaweed), and unique maritime-themed crafts. There is no specific duty-free shop at the cruise terminal.
Weather
St. John experiences a maritime climate, characterized by cool to mild summers and crisp autumns. In the typical cruise season (late spring to early fall), temperatures range from 55-75°F (13-24°C). The best time to visit for pleasant weather is late summer through early autumn, which also offers the potential for vibrant fall foliage. Pack layers, as coastal weather can change quickly, and include a light jacket or rain-resistant outer layer and comfortable walking shoes.
Safety
St. John is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions apply, such as being aware of your surroundings and safeguarding valuables, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific areas to avoid or common tourist scams to be aware of.