Gravel Riding in #SJTownsByTheBay

September 25, 1900

I have been reading some very interesting research about both the physical and mental health benefits of simply being in nature. In fact there is a Japanese phrase, Shinrin-Yoku, which loosely means forest bathing and refers to the health benefits of spending time in natural settings. Although I imagine most of the research has been done on walking and hiking, I don’t know why gravel cyclists wouldn’t also see similar benefits since a lot of the gravel routes are through the woods. I know I feel a lot more relaxed after a ride along some of the back roads and trails in the Saint John Region. Here are a few of my favourites:

Fall Fishing in the Saint John Region

September 04, 2024

The Full Moon is here! This marks a change, not only in the season, but fish behaviour! Stronger tides signal fish to migrate and feed up in preparation for the change in seasons. With nights starting to cool off, the fishing is just starting to heat up and it's time to book your trip to the Saint John Region, cast your line and set your hook into the fish of a lifetime.

Discover Museums in the Saint John Region

September 11, 2024

Recently, as I walked through uptown Saint John admiring the architecture and enjoying the serenity of the Loyalist Burial Grounds, I realized I didn’t know as much about the history of the area as I would like.

As a native Saint Johner, I am familiar with the basics of our story: things like the landing of the Loyalists in the 1770’s and 80’s, the influx of Irish during the potato famine, the devastation of the great Saint John fire in 1877 and the tragedy of Fort La Tour but I certainly didn’t know the details. As the first incorporated city in Canada, there must be some great stories. So I decided to spend a couple of days visiting the museums in the area - I was not disappointed. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the tour guides and the sophisticated displays in the museums made for a fun and educational couple of days. For anybody interested in the history of the area, here is a possible two-day itinerary.

SUP in #SJTownsByTheBay

August 19, 2024

One of my favorite things about the Saint John Region is that you're never far from adventure. 

I love exploring Saint John and am always on the lookout for new ways to experience my home city. Last summer I took up stand up paddleboarding and instantly fell in love (aaaand in the water). 

Being on the water lets me see my favourite views and places from a whole new perspective. The almost meditative way of exploring on a paddleboard has encouraged me to slow down and appreciate my surroundings. 

Road Cycling in #SJTownsByTheBay

August 01, 2024

A quick glance at a map of the Saint John Region shows that this area is blessed with a lot of water. With the Saint John (Wolastoq) and Kennebecasis rivers flowing through the region and emptying into the Bay of Fundy in Saint John, and plenty of other lakes and smaller rivers in the area, it is little wonder that my favourite rides will be somewhere along the water. And with the population of the whole region less than 150,000 people, I can always find roads that are relatively low in traffic making for some very beautiful and relaxing riding. 

Mountain Biking in the Saint John Region

June 11, 2024

As I roll out of my driveway with my bike onboard, I love that I have almost too many trails to pick from. With three great trail networks within 25 minutes of uptown Saint John, there is something for whatever kind of ride I am looking for that day. If I’m in the mood for old school, rocky, rooty riding I will head to Rockwood Park, right in the heart of Saint John. As one of the largest urban and, I’m sure, prettiest and most historical parks in North America, Rockwood Park deserves a post all on its own but suffice to say that with 49 kilometers of trails I will have no problem getting a great workout.

Beachcombing in the Saint John Region

May 22, 2024

Immerse yourself in the beachcombing experience on the Bay of Fundy in the Saint John Region; the breeze in your face, the smell of salt spray, the roar of the ocean when the waves are crashing onto the rocks, the sound of the seagulls - it's addictive and good for your soul and your body.