Bay-cation Bucket List - 24 Things To Do This Fall

IHTOLI-MAQAHAMOK (THE GATHERING SPACE)

The foot of King Street has historically been a natural gathering space, and with recent upgrades, the space continues to be welcoming for all. Take in a show as live music wafts from the 360-degree stage. Tidal steps to the Bay of Fundy provide the perfect backdrop for selfies. The sheltered patios offer food and drink options to suit every interest, and the Harbour Passage trail extension offers bay views that can’t be beat. https://www.facebook.com/theboardwalksj/ 

UPTOWN DINING

Enjoy a vibrant dining scene featuring over 80 bars and restaurants in a 10-block radius to satisfy any craving. From our world-famous seafood to unique local dishes, uptown Saint John has a dining spot that is sure to satisfy. https://uptownsj.com/map-of-uptown-sj/ 

REVERSING FALLS JETBOAT

Be ready to get wet! Experience the highest tides in the world up close on a thrilling jetboat ride through the Reversing Falls Rapids! Great for families or individual thrill-seekers, this 30-minute tour leaves from the heart of uptown, and takes passengers into the whirlpools and rapids created by this natural wonder, unique to the Bay of Fundy. https://jetboatrides.ca/attractions/reversing-falls-jetboat-rapids/ 

VISIT FUNDY-ST. MARTINS

Experience coastal charm at its finest in Fundy- St. Martins. Walk along the ocean floor as you explore the Sea Caves at low tide, then paddle the Bay at high tide. Grab a bite to eat at a bay-side restaurant, then rent an e-bike to explore the village. Hike, bike, or drive along the Fundy Trail Provincial Park for views that can’t be beat. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/explore-beautiful-fundy-st-martins 

PUBLIC ART AND GALLERIES

Explore our region’s thriving art scene! With a dozen galleries within walking distance uptown, others sprinkled throughout the surrounding communities, and numerous public art installations, there is no shortage of art to be discovered. An Art in Public Places Self-Guided Walking Tour is a great way to spend an afternoon.  

FARMERS MARKETS

Few places provide authentic community experiences better than a farmers market. These weekly gatherings feature amazing vendors selling everything from A to Z, while seasonal pop-up markets provide everything to make your fall extra warm and cozy or the perfect opportunity to get a jumpstart on your holiday preparations. Whether you’re looking for fresh local produce, unique crafts and artwork, or simply a welcoming atmosphere, the farmers markets of the Saint John Region have you covered. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/discover-our-farmers-markets 

AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village

Featuring a diverse collection of retail shops, a performance space, a waterfront container bar, food trucks, public art, and pop-up activities, the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village celebrates everything cool about our province. Open until November, there’s no shortage of good vibes to be found! https://www.area506.ca/ 

HISTORIC TOURS

Take a walk or drive through history on one of several self-guided historic tours throughout our region. Learn about the history and landmarks associated with our earliest settlers, our storied architecture, businesses and industries birthed in the region, and the individuals who created them. Visit one of our Saint John Regional Welcome Centres for a physical copy, or check out the electronic copies here.

STONEHAMMER UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

As North America’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Stonehammer Geopark is about geology, but it’s also about people, society, and culture. Here you can hike, kayak, rock climb, eat, and more! Take a guided walking tour and learn more about the billion years of stories our geological history tells. https://stonehammergeopark.com/ 

HIKING

Our region offers a variety of great hiking experiences, many of which are accessible for all skill levels. Explore the trails at the Irving Nature Park to see tidal pools, salt marshes, bogs, beaches, and the Fundy coastal forest. Find 50km of all-season trails at Rockwood Park, where you’ll be treated to a brilliant canopy of red, yellow, and gold. Hike along the Dutch Point Trail in Hampton, enjoy riverside views at East Riverside-Kinghurst Park in Rothesay, and cross the iconic walking bridge at Blueberry Hill in Grand Bay-Westfield. There is no shortage of areas to explore. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/place/hiking 

UPTOWN SHOPPING

Spend some time shopping uptown exploring numerous charming boutiques catering to a variety of audiences. You’ll find an eclectic mix of clothing shops, specialty stores and collectibles sure to keep you browsing and buying for hours. https://uptownsj.com/shop-uptown/ 

ALL-SEASON PATIOS

The change of seasons doesn’t mean outdoor dining has to stop! The new all-season patio spaces at Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space create a beautiful expansion of each boardwalk restaurant and allow you to take in the sights and sounds of The Gathering Space from the warmth and comfort of the indoors. Grab a bite at Grannan’s Seafood, Lemongrass Thai Fare & Peppers Pub, or the Saint John Ale House, and keep your eyes open for a new restaurant coming soon.

FALL FESTIVALS

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean our festivals and events are! Fall brings with it exciting cultural celebrations like Dia de los Muertos, which transforms the uptown core into a traditional ofrenda, filled with music, dance, and live entertainment. Or, plan to visit during Uptown Sparkles, a magical evening filled with every cozy holiday wonder you can dream of, including sleigh rides, fire pits, pop-ups, and sweet treats. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/events 

INDIGENOUS CULTURE

The Saint John Region is situated on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Nations. This territory is covered by Peace and Friendship Treaties signed with the British Crown in the 1700s. If you’re interested in learning more about our Indigenous culture and history, First Nations Storytellers offers guided experiences that invite you to consider the world from a new perspective. Or, take in the cultural celebrations of the first-ever Menahqesk Traditional Powwow on October 26th.

BAY-FRESH SEAFOOD

Who makes the best lobster roll? Who serves up the best fried clams? These contentious questions were the basis of Hub City Foodie’s recent seafood adventures, where he travelled across New Brunswick in search of the best seafood offerings. And to no one’s surprise, his favourite lobster roll was found right here in the Saint John Region! If you’re a sea-foodie yourself, treat yourself to a bay-cation of sampling some of the freshest seafood around.

PADDLING

Paddle along one of our historic rivers to see covered bridges, charming communities, and shorelines teeming with gentle wildlife. Or opt for an ocean paddle, braving the Bay of Fundy waves, ducking into the sea caves at Fundy-St. Martins, and taking in the scenery. Kayak, canoe, SUP – whatever your style, fall offers stunning views for every paddling adventure. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/place/kayaking-and-canoeing 

TOUR THE FOOD SCENE IN THE TOWNS BY THE BAY

Whatever you’re craving, we promise you’ll find the perfect dining experience in our region. If you’re looking to try something new and adventure outside our urban core, the towns by the bay have their own happening food scene. Places like Beer Daddy BBQ, Kim’s Fry Time, the Commons Creperie, or Eastbound Burger are all fantastic spots to put on your must-try list. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/ultimate-sjtownsbythebay-foodie-experience 

BIKING

Beginner and pro-cyclists will find the Saint John Region a perfect place to explore by bike. Rent some wheels at Inside Out Nature Centre in Rockwood Park. Or, bring your own and plan to bike one of our many trails. Looking for a guided experience? Be Rad Adventures has got you covered. 

Already a pro biker but not sure where you should get started? Avid cycler Doug Scott has great suggestions for mountain biking and road cycling.

CONCERTS AND EVENTS

Whether you’re looking for live music, a theatrical performance, or a sporting event, you will find them all here! Grab your tickets for The Doobie Brothers or The 80’s Club at TD Station; or, come out to support our QMJHL team, the Saint John Sea Dogs. Spend a night out at the Imperial Theatre to take in a performance like Tenille Townes, Pisuwin, or the Saint John Theatre Company’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Or check out our bars and restaurants for their own schedules of live music, open mic nights, comedy nights, pop-up events, markets, and more. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/events 

EXPLORE OUR MUSEUMS

How well do you know the history of the Saint John Region? Spend some time learning our great stories and incredible 'firsts' as you visit the museums throughout our region. Whether it's the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum in uptown Saint John, the Kings County Museum in Hampton, or the Quaco Museum in Fundy-St. Martins, just to name a few, you'll be amazed at all there is to discover. Be sure to check each location's hours of operation before heading out, as some change throughout the season. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/discover-museums-saint-john-region 

SIT BACK AND RELAX

Need an outdoor adventure that focuses more on outdoors and less on adventure? Our outdoor spas provide the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax. Enjoy an afternoon to yourself at the Kingston Spa at La Belle Cabane, an Indigenous-owned healing sanctuary featuring two private, self-guided thermal spa pods. Or, rejuvenate your body and mind at Nattuary Nordic Spa Retreat, an immersive spa experience that offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.

FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVALS

Foodies rejoice – our fall food and drink festivals were planned just for you. If wine is your passion, you won’t want to miss Sip & Savour, a night of indulgence in support of a great cause. Beer more your style? Saint John Beer Fest is where you’ll want to be, featuring delicious brews, live carnival games, and more. And of course, you can’t miss everyone’s favourite uptown dining event – Chop Chop is back for its 15th anniversary and promises another week of amazing culinary creations.

HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

Did you know Prince William Street was first streetscape to be designated a National Historic Site in Canada? Did you know some of the architectural styles found in uptown Saint John date back as far as 1785? Our historic urban core is waiting to be discovered. Explore hip, new bars and trendy boutiques inside centuries-old buildings; admire unique architectural styles; uncover strange stone carvings and ‘ghost signs’; step inside the oldest continuing farmers market in Canada. History is everywhere you turn.

CITY MARKET TOUR

Discover the secrets of Canada’s oldest continuing farmers market on a “Discover the Saint John City Market” tour. You’ll be introduced to the markets storied past while visiting the nooks and crannies only accessible during this behind-the-scenes experience. Learn about the architecture and cultural significance of the building, as well as the businesses and people who are the heart of the market. https://www.uncorkednb.com/tours.html