Ten Bay-cation Experiences You Can't Miss In 2025

Immerse Yourself in the Waterfront Experience

As the only city on the world-renowned Bay of Fundy, no bay-cation is complete without taking advantage of all our urban waterfront has to offer.

Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space

Formerly known as the Market Square Boardwalk, Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space has been reimagined and revitalized to include tidal steps at Market Slip leading down to the Bay of Fundy, a 360-degree stage surrounded by public space to take in live performances, a winter outdoor skating surface that doubles as beautiful green space during the summer months, and four-season patio spaces, created by the installation of glass panels expanding each boardwalk restaurant. This new space lets you immerse yourself in the waterfront experience - from walking along the floor of the Bay, to dining right beside it.

Jet Boat Thrill Ride with TripShepherd

Experience the highest tides in the world up-close as you take a jet boat through the Saint John harbour. This Jet Boat Thrill Ride is the only boat tour that will take you right into the heart of the Reversing Falls Rapids. Prepare to get soaked - and for the adventure of a lifetime!

Harbour Passage

Stroll along the Saint John waterfront on Harbour Passage, exploring public art and taking in the scenic views. Harbour Passage runs along the waterfront from Water Street all the way over to the Reversing Falls Rapids. You can hop onto the walking trail right outside the Hilton Hotel, connecting you to Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space. Be sure to explore the new breakwater and Long Wharf extension, as well as the new trail section between Ihtoli-maqahamok and AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village – offering even more to discover - and keep an eye on the water for harbour seals swimming amongst the waves.

Discover the History of Canada's First Incorporated City

Take a walk (or a drive) through history on one of several self-guided historic tours. 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.

Dine in Uptown Saint John

Enjoy a vibrant dining scene featuring over 80 bars and restaurants in a 10-block radius ready to satisfy any craving! As you dine, take in historic architecture and landmarks, public art installations, and so much more throughout the walkable uptown core.

Shop at Canada's Oldest Continuing Farmers Market

Of course Canada’s oldest continuing farmers market is in Saint John - it’s Canada’s first incorporated city! Discover the Saint John City Market, a National Historic Site full of merchants at colourful stalls proudly displaying local produce, meat, fresh seafood, and handcrafted items, as well as a variety of freshly made grab and go meals.

Saint John and the Towns by the Bay also feature a number of weekly seasonal markets. From Thursday to Sunday, between the months of May and October, you can fill your weekend exploring them all! Whether you are looking for fresh local produce, unique crafts and artwork, or simply a welcoming atmosphere, the farmers markets of the Saint John Region has you covered.

Explore the Fundy Trail Provincial Park

Fundy Trail Provincial Park is a 2,559-hectare park featuring a 30 km drive hugging magnificent cliffs, carved by the Bay of Fundy tides, along the southern coast of New Brunswick. Guests can visit 21 soul-inspiring lookouts, 16 accessible observations decks, four waterfalls, seven tidal swept beaches, or lace up their hiking boots and choose to hike over 60 km of trails. Stop at the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the park’s history and development.

Take Part in an Authentic Indigenous Experience

First Nations Storytellers

Prior to the landing of European settlers in what is now called New Brunswick, thriving cultures existed for thousands of years which lived in harmony with the land and the life that resided on it. Book a guided experience with First Nations Storytellers to discover the local history of the Wolastoq and Mi’kmaq peoples from a unique indigenous point of view while meandering along the harbor and the Beautiful River - Wolastoq.

The Kingston Spa at La Belle Cabane

La Belle Cabane is an Indigenous-owned business providing healing experiences to help others find freedom in the forest. The Kingston Spa is a thermal experience, the first of its kind in New Brunswick, featuring two completely private spa pods. Start with the dry or steam sauna, soak in the cold cedar plunge or hot tub, rest on the heated stone bed or by the fire (repeat or rest) and complete your stay by spending time in the shared salt room - an infrared sauna with halotherapy. Built sustainably and comfortably to ensure an exceptional experience. Plan to hike, eat and relax.

Celebrate Everything Cool About Our Region at AREA 506

Featuring a diverse collection of retail shops, a performance space, a waterfront container bar, food trucks, public art and pop-up activities all wrapped up in more than 60 shipping containers, the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village celebrates everything that’s cool about our region. Open seasonally between May and November, there’s no shortage of food, retail, and good vibes. Keep the fun going with tickets to one of their Waterfront Concert Series events, as well as two weekend-long music festivals – Area 506 (rock) Festival, scheduled for August 1-3, 2025, and Boxcar Country Music Festival, scheduled for July 25-26, 2025.

Enjoy Our Urban Parks

Irving Nature Park

Located just minutes from uptown Saint John, Irving Nature Park is a special part of the Fundy coastline. This 600 acre site created by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to help protect an environmentally significant area was designated an Urban Star Park in 2011 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and is a go-to place to experience one of the province's richest marine ecosystems. Enjoy the rugged beauty, boardwalks and lookout points, as well special events like meteor showers, geological history, moonlight snowshoeing and story sessions.

Rockwood Park

Rockwood Park offers 2,200 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, with 10 lakes and 55 trails and footpaths. One of the largest urban parks in Canada, Rockwood Park was designed by the same team who designed Central Park in New York City. Try any number of outdoor activities, including earth-caching and rock climbing, with Inside Out Nature Centre, a guided mountain bike adventure with Be Rad Adventure Co.; relax on the beach at Lily Lake or Fisher Lakes or on Lily’s lakeside patio; hit the links at Golf Rockwood; or, visit At The Lake Spa & Studio.

BONUS - Wolastoq and Fallsview Parks

Visit Wolastoq and Fallsview Parks to watch the Bay of Fundy's monstrous tides collide with the Saint John River, forming the Reversing Falls Rapids phenomenon. While you're there, head over to Reversing Falls to take in the rapids from 110 ft up on an observation deck, relax in the rooftop theatre, and learn about the geology and history of the area during a 13-minute film.

Shop at Unique Boutiques and Charming Galleries

Spend some time shopping throughout our region, exploring numerous charming boutiques catering to a variety of audiences. In our uptown core you’ll find an eclectic mix of galleries, clothing boutiques, specialty stores and collectables, while most national brands can be found on the East and West sides. Head to the surrounding communities for more specialized retailers just waiting to be discovered. You'll also discover a thriving arts scene, including a dozen galleries within walking distance uptown, and more sprinkled throughout the surrounding communities, with works from local, national, and international artists.

Sip & Savour Our Craft Beer, Cider, and Spirits

From beer to cider to spirits and more, craft alcohol producers are working hard to share local flavour. Saint John has a long history with beer, being home to Canada’s oldest independent brewery, Moosehead Breweries Limited. Find numerous craft breweries, cideries and distilleries throughout the region, as well as many restaurants and bars serving carefully curated tap lists of local, provincial and maritime brews. Find them in the Food & Drink section of our website.

BONUS - Check Out Our Festivals and Events

As Canada's oldest incorporated city, we practically invented the East Coast celebration. Whether you're enjoying live theatre, browsing an art show, or grooving to a bay-side concert, Saint John and the Towns by the Bay have a great line-up of events to keep you entertained all year long.

A few festival highlights include:

• Buskers on the Boardwalk
• Fundy Sea Shanty Festival
• Third Shift
• Fundy Fringe Festival
• Moonlight Bazaar
• KV Music Fest
• Menahqesk Powwow

But there are SO many more to explore. Check our Events Calendar often for all the details.