Outdoor Family Fun in #SJTownsByTheBay

January 17, 2024


The weather may be cooler, but the fun doesn’t have to stop! Whether you’re looking for low-key leisure or active adventure, Saint John and the Towns by the Bay are sure to keep the whole family entertained this winter.

Looking for inspiration? Follow this sample 2-day itinerary or build your own with our trip planner.

Day One – Saint John

Morning

Bundle up and head to Rockwood Park to enjoy some winter fun! Rent a pair of snowshoes from Inside Out Nature Centre and hit the trails. Lace-up your skates and hit the ice (conditions permitting). Grab a sled or toboggan and take advantage of the great hills available. You’re sure to find an activity the whole family will enjoy, and your morning will go by in a flash.

 

Lunch

Warm up and fuel up after your adventure with lunch at Lily’s Lakeside Casual Dining – warm drinks and a kids’ menu are available!

Afternoon

Head uptown and stop in at the Saint John City Market to pick up a copy of the Little Explorer’s Guide from our Welcome Centre (or download and print off your own copy in advance here). Use the guide to explore uptown Saint John – can you complete the photo scavenger hunt or a line in Bay of Fundy Bingo?

 

While you’re wandering around, take some time to explore the shops and stores of uptown. Check out the toys and games at Paddington Station; grab a sweet treat at the Freak Lunchbox or Sugar Spider; let older kids find something unique at Heroes Beacon, Obscurity, or Pristine.

 

For a late afternoon snack and a break from exploring, stop for ice cream at Bella’s (yes, even on a cold day – we promise you won’t be disappointed), or a snack from Catapult Coffee.

 

Dinner

Finish the day off with dinner at any of the restaurants uptown – Cask & Kettle, Vito’s, or Pomodorri’s Pizza are great kid-approved options.

Day Two – Towns by the Bay

Morning

Take a short drive out to Rothesay and try something new at The Shacks! The first of its kind in New Brunswick, The Shacks provides everything you and your family need for an authentic ice fishing experience (weather dependent).

 

Lunch

After a successful morning of fishing, grab a bite to eat before continuing on your adventures. Mexi’s, Amici’s, or Big D’s Poutine are all great options, with menu items for even the pickiest of eaters.

Afternoon

After lunch, jump onto the Gondola Point Ferry to cross from Quispamsis over to the Kingston Peninsula. From there, it’s only a short drive to Elmhurst Outdoors. Take advantage of their ski or snowshoe rentals and spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful trail system of the Fundy Rural District. If interested, instructors are available for ski lessons by appointment. When you’re done exploring, head back to the Elmhurst lodge for a hot drink, cookies, or soup.

 

Dinner

A long afternoon exploring calls for a great dinner to finish off the day. On your way back to the city, stop into Hampton for dinner at Beer Daddy BBQ or Berc’s Cookhouse.

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This sample itinerary captures only a small selection of the family fun waiting for you down by the bay! Curious what else we have to offer?

 

Click HERE to view a list of retailers throughout our region.

Click HERE to see our restaurants.

Click HERE to find more outdoor adventures.

Click HERE for indoor recreation options.

Click HERE for a place to stay.

 

Want to time your visit with an upcoming event? Click HERE to head to our events calendar, and see what’s happening throughout our region.

Reconnaissance du territoire

La région de Saint John est située sur le territoire traditionnel des nations Wolastoqiyik, Mi'Kmaq et Peskotomuhkati. Ce territoire est couvert par des traités de paix et d'amitié conclus avec la Couronne britannique dans les années 1700. Ces traités reconnaissaient le rôle important et significatif des Wolastoqiyik, des Mi'Kmaq et des Peskotomuhkati dans cette province et dans le pays, et visaient à établir une relation de confiance et d'amitié.

Envision Saint John : L'organisme de croissance régionale respecte les anciens, passés et présents, et les descendants de ce territoire, et s'engage à poursuivre sur la voie de la vérité, de la collaboration et de la réconciliation.