An Indoor Grown-Up Getaway

January 17, 2026


The outdoors aren’t for everyone – especially in the winter! Sometimes you just need an escape that offers you warmth and comfort, and a chance to forget about the cold. Luckily, you can find all that and more right here down by the bay!

Follow this sample two-day itinerary for the perfect indoor grown-up bay-cation, or use our trip planner to create your own.

Day One

Morning

Start your day off browsing through the streets of uptown Saint John. Enjoy specialty boutiques like Urban Shoe Myth, the Feel Good Store, or Obscurity; browse records at Backstreet Records; peruse books at Scherezade Bookstore; shop ‘til you drop at Lordon or In Pursuit; and take in beautiful artwork at galleries like Mitote Gallery, Trinity Galleries, the Saint John Arts Centre, or Cobalt Art Gallery. With all of these shops within short walking distance, you’ll fill your whole morning browsing and taking in everything unique about our city.

Getting chilly as you shop? Stop in at Catapult Coffee or the Bubbly Cup for a coffee or tea, and a snack to keep you going.

Lunch

For lunch, head over to the Saint John City Market and enjoy your choice of meal from a variety of vendors. Grab sandwiches from Slocum & Ferris, BiBimBap from Kim’s Korean Food, or Katsu Bowls from Katsubi. Then, sit in the indoor atrium to enjoy your meal.

Afternoon

After lunch, head over to Woodchucks Axe Throwing for an afternoon adventure (depending on the day of your visit, check their hours ahead of time to be sure they are open!). Coaches will show you the ropes when you arrive and have you comfortable in no time! Bookings and walk-ins are available; just be sure to remember your closed-toe shoes.

Dinner

To cap off the afternoon, head out for supper at one of the bars or restaurants uptown. Treat yourselves to something fancy off the rotating menu at Port City Royal; enjoy brews and bites at Peppers Pub or Saint John Ale House; eat all the pasta you could image at Italian By Night; or enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at Thandi.

Evening

There are plenty of options to fill your evening down by the bay. Check out the list of upcoming shows at the Imperial Theatre and take in a live performance, or stop into any of the bars uptown, like the Five and Dime or O'Leary's, to see what live music they have for the evening.

Looking for some extra fun? Head to Eighty Three Bar Arcade for classic arcade games, or head to Crave Lounge to dance the night away.

Day Two

Morning

Treat yourself to some pampering at any one of our spas. Nakai Spa, Refresh Wellness Studio, or Element5 Spa are just a few places where you can sit back and relax. If you want to make it a full morning, enjoy some pampering at At the Lake Spa & Studio at Rockwood Park, then head to Lily’s Café for a mid-morning brunch.

Want a more active start to your day? Head to Top Shots Golf Simulator to golf on some of the best courses globally – all without ever stepping foot outside. Their fun and relaxing environment is perfect for the seasoned pro, a weekend warrior, or first-time golfer. Or, hit up the Bowlarama or Fairview Bowling Lanes and enjoy a game or two of bowling to fill your morning.

Lunch

Try something new at a local favourite for lunch – Mimimi, Sampan Restaurant, Taste of Egypt, or Turkish Big Bite are all great unique options.

Afternoon

Check out Breakout Escape Rooms for an afternoon of challenging puzzles and tests - will you escape before time runs out? After, fill the rest of your afternoon with games in the Heroes Beacon game room or painting at DIY Studios.

Evening

Head uptown and enjoy a pint (or two) at Picaroons, Wasted Day, or the Five and Dime, or sample whiskey or wine at Happinez Wine Bar or Hopscotch Whiskey Bar. Then, head out for supper. Gahan House, East Coast Bistro, Britt’s Pub, or Churchill’s Steakhouse, are all great options, and the perfect way to wrap up your bay-cation.

Ready to plan your visit?

Click HERE for a list of accommodations.

Click HERE to explore additional things to do, like indoor rock climbing, arcades, and family entertainment.

Click HERE for a full list of local restaurants.

Click HERE for even more outdoor adventure options.

Click HERE to see events happening during your visit.

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.