An Outdoor Grown-Up Getaway in #SJTownsByTheBay

January 18, 2024


Planning a weekend getaway with your friends or partner, or wanting to head out on a solo adventure? Looking for the perfect outdoor activities to fill your time? Saint John and the Towns by the Bay have options for everyone. From low-key leisure to active adventure, there are endless ways to explore.

In need of inspiration? Follow this sample 2-day itinerary or build your own with our trip planner.

Day One

Morning

Explore the parks or trails in our region with In Step Adventures. Tailored to your difficulty level and interests, In Step Adventures will guide you along a snowshoe adventure or winter hike through Acadian forests, ocean beaches, or lookouts over the towering Bay of Fundy cliffs. Be sure to book your excursion in advance!

 

Lunch

After your morning adventures, enjoy lunch at one of the bars or restaurants in Saint John – Britt’s Pub, LebanOn The Go, Peppers Pub, Mimimi, Taste of Egypt, or VEGolution are all great options!

Afternoon

Next, head out to Rothesay to spend the afternoon trying something new at The Shacks.  The first of its kind in New Brunswick, The Shacks provides everything you need for an authentic ice fishing experience!

 

After your successful fishing trip, treat yourself to a cold one to cheers to a long day - Cask and Kettle Rothesay, Long Bay Brewery, or Foghorn Brewing are all nearby, offering unique local brews to try.

 

Enjoy dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants in Rothesay: Boaz, Thai Pho, Peddlers Creek, Barrel's Head or The Robertson all offer delicious meal options.

Day Two

Morning

Spend your morning discovering the history or art of uptown Saint John! Visit our Saint John City Market Welcome Centre to pick up a copy of our Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour or Self-Guided Art in Public Places Walking Tour and start exploring (or download your own copy online!). Learn about the history of our urban centre, discover hidden public art, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bay of Fundy.

 

Along the way, take some time to stop into the shops and stores of uptown. Find the freshest styles at Lordon, InPursuit, or Heartbreak Boutique; discover local products at the New Brunswick Museum Boutique; browse unique finds at Hats on the Square or Cricket Cove.

 

In need of a caffeine boost mid-morning? Stop in at Java Moose, The Art Warehouse, or Catapult Coffee for a warm drink to fuel your journeys.

 

Lunch

For lunch, head back to the Saint John City Market and enjoy your choice of meal from any of the vendors. Maybe you’ll try Katsu Balls from Katsubi Japanese Fusion, a Poke Bowl from The Wild Carrot Café, or your favourite type of sandwich from Jeremiah’s or Slocum and Ferris.

Afternoon

Keep a leisurely pace and treat yourself to an afternoon spa day at La Bella Cabane in Kingston. At La Belle Cabane, there are two private spa pods – The Beaver Pod and The Bigfoot Pod. Both pods are self-guided and completely private thermal spas. Start with the dry or steam sauna, soak in the hot tub, rest on the heated stone bed or by the fire, and complete your stay by spending time in the salt room. Be sure to book you visit in advance!

 

Dinner

Afterwards, head out for dinner. You can’t go wrong with your choice of place – Saint Joh Ale House, Uptown Pub Down Under, Sampan, Splash Thai Cuisine, Thandi or Italian By Night are great options to start with.

 

If you want to keep the adventure going after supper, enjoy a nightcap before calling it a day. Try a fancy cocktail or mocktail at Kakuteru; enjoy a fun musical atmosphere at the Five and Dime; sip on your favourite wine at Happinez Wine Bar; grab a pint at Picaroons or Wasted Day, or enjoy a café/bar mixed atmosphere at Haven Music Hall.

 

 

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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.