St. John's Cruise Port

Port of Saint John (New Brunswick) Overview

Saint John’s cruise piers sit right by Market Square and the historic uptown. You’re a few minutes’ walk from indoor markets, waterfront walks, and old streets.

A Little History

Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and long served as an industrial and shipbuilding hub on the Bay of Fundy. Uptown mixes Victorian structures with post-fire rebuilding. The reversing falls—caused by Fundy tides—are a local quirk.

Museums

Near the pier: New Brunswick Museum (status sometimes shifting due to redevelopment), Loyalist House, and small galleries. Market Square’s indoor market doubles as a cultural browse. Many attractions have standard daytime hours.

• Tip: If the museum situation is in flux, Loyalist House + market wandering still offers good context.

Major Parks and Attractions

Uptown’s streets, Market Square, boardwalks, and the City Market are all within reach. Reversing Falls viewpoint is a taxi/bus ride away and best seen at specific tide times (check schedule). Irving Nature Park requires more time and transport.

Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)

Reversing Falls (1–2 hours), Irving Nature Park (half day), and St Martins sea caves (full day). On shorter calls, uptown + Reversing Falls is realistic.

Shopping

Market Square and the indoor City Market have crafts, food products, and souvenirs. Uptown boutiques add clothing and art.

• Note: Cruise days bring pop-up stalls near the pier.

Food and Drink

Seafood (chowder, lobster rolls, fish), pubs, and cafés dominate. Tipping 15–20 percent is standard.

Practical eating tips:

• For fast seafood, look for counter-service chowder spots.
• Book ahead if multiple ships are in.
• Portions can be large; share if you’re sampling widely.
• Waterfront spots have views but get busy fast.

Currency, Payments, ATMs

Canadian dollar. Cards and contactless everywhere. ATMs near the pier and Market Square.

Opening Hours and Holidays

Shops usually open late morning to early evening. Markets open earlier. Museums close one day per week.

Holidays that may affect hours or services:

• Jan 1
• Jul 1 (Canada Day)
• Early Sep (Labour Day)
• Thanksgiving (Oct)
• Dec 25–26

Practical City Notes

Weather swings—fog, wind, sun—happen fast on the Bay of Fundy. Streets uphill from the pier can be steep. English everywhere.

Quick Plans

1. 3–4 hours: Uptown walk, City Market browse, short boardwalk loop.
2. 6–8 hours: Uptown + taxi to Reversing Falls, lunch, and a relaxed waterfront return.
3. Full day: Reversing Falls timed visit, Irving Nature Park or St Martins, with a light uptown stroll at the end.