Saint John, New Brunswick is Canada’s oldest incorporated city — founded in 1785 by United Empire Loyalists who sailed north from the newly independent United States because they preferred to remain British. It sits at the mouth of the Saint John River where it empties into the Bay of Fundy, and the extraordinary tidal forces of the bay shape almost everything about the city: the Reversing Falls where the river literally flows backwards twice daily, the dramatic tidal flats, and the rich marine wildlife that the nutrient-rich waters support.
The Reversing Falls
The Reversing Falls is Saint John’s most distinctive natural phenomenon. The Saint John River flows into the Bay of Fundy through a narrow gorge — and when the Fundy tides rise, the tidal surge is powerful enough to reverse the river’s current, pushing it backwards upstream. The result is a set of rapids that runs in one direction, pauses, and then runs in the other. The Reversing Falls Visitor Centre has a viewing platform and a schedule of the day’s tidal events.
The Uptown Market District
Saint John’s historic Uptown district is a pleasantly walkable Victorian commercial area centered on King Street. The Saint John City Market — the oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada, operating since 1785 in a building from 1876 — is the centerpiece. Fresh dulse (Atlantic seaweed, an acquired taste that locals are evangelical about), maple products, local cheeses, and smoked salmon are the highlights.
Irving Nature Park
A 243-acre nature reserve on a peninsula in the Bay of Fundy, accessible from downtown Saint John. Coastal trails, dramatic tidal cliffs, shorebird habitat, and the specific wild beauty of the Bay of Fundy coastline. The humpback whales and harbour porpoises visible from the cliffs in late summer and fall make this one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences at any VV port.
What to Know About Saint John
Saint John has a reputation for fog and overcast weather, particularly in summer. The fall foliage season (September-October) tends to be clearer and spectacular. The city is compact and genuinely friendly — Maritimers are among the warmest people in Canada and the welcome at this port is authentic.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Time the Reversing Falls. The phenomenon is most dramatic at high tide. Get the tidal schedule at the visitor centre and plan your visit accordingly.
- The City Market is mandatory. Operating continuously since 1785 in the same building. This is not a tourist market — it’s where locals shop. The atmosphere is genuine.
- Try the dulse. Dried Atlantic dulse seaweed is the local snack food. It is an experience. Opinions vary. Joel’s opinion is that it is an acquired taste. Erin disagrees.
Ready to Sail to the Maritimes?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. The Canada and New England itinerary that includes Saint John is one of our favorite fall sailings in the entire VV network.
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