Saint John New Brunswick Cruise Port Guide 🛳️

Saint John, New Brunswick serves as Atlantic Canada’s only year-round ice-free port. The cruise terminal is located downtown within walking distance of the historic uptown area, City Market, and waterfront attractions. Popular excursions include the Reversing Falls Rapids, Irving Nature Park, and the scenic Bay of Fundy with the world’s highest tides.

Quick Port Facts

Fact	Detail
Port Name	Port Saint John
Main Terminals	Marco Polo Cruise Terminal & Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal
Distance to City Centre	Walking distance (5-10 minutes)
Currency	Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language	English
Emergency Number	911
Port Website	Port Saint John Official Site

Want to know more about other Canada cruise ports and what they offer for shore excursions and day trips?

Saint John New Brunswick Map

Saint John sits on the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy in southern New Brunswick, directly across from the Digby Neck of Nova Scotia. The cruise terminals are positioned right on the uptown waterfront along Water Street, placing you within immediate reach of the historic downtown core and Market Square.

Can You Walk to Town from the Port?

Yes, and it’s genuinely one of the easiest port walks in Atlantic Canada. Both the Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee terminals put you directly in the uptown waterfront district.

AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village is literally adjacent to the Marco Polo Terminal – you can see it from the gangway
Saint John City Market is about 500-800 metres from the terminals, roughly a 10-minute flat walk
Charlotte Street shops and restaurants are within the same radius, all on level ground
Market Square and the uptown core are completely accessible on foot with no hills or difficult terrain
If you’re berthed at Long Wharf when three ships are in port, you’ll have a slightly longer walk but it’s still manageable at about 15-20 minutes
The entire uptown grid is compact and pedestrian-friendly with clear signage pointing cruise passengers toward major attractions

How to Get Around from Saint John Cruise Port & Shore Transportation

The port’s central location means most visitors can manage on foot, but taxis and local transit are readily available right outside the terminals for longer trips to Reversing Falls or other Bay of Fundy sites.

Walking

The uptown core, City Market, and AREA 506 are all within a comfortable 10-15 minute stroll from the berths
Pavements are well-maintained and the area is flat, making it easy for those with limited mobility
Free port maps are available at the terminal showing all nearby attractions and walking routes

Taxis

Taxi ranks are positioned directly outside both cruise terminals with ground transportation kiosks to help arrange rides
Expect to pay around CAD 15-20 for a trip to Reversing Falls (about 4 kilometres from the port)
Licensed taxis are metered, so insist on the meter being used or agree on a fare before setting off
For groups of 3-4, splitting a taxi can be more economical than booking individual shore excursions

Local Transit

Saint John Transit operates bus routes throughout the city, though most cruise passengers find walking or taxis more convenient for short port calls
Exact fare is required (no change given) and routes connect downtown with residential areas and some suburban attractions
Bus schedules can be less frequent on weekends, so verify times if you’re planning to rely on public transport

Car Hire

Avis and Budget have locations within walking distance of the terminals if you want to explore the Bay of Fundy coastline independently
Daily rates are reasonable but remember you’ll need a valid driving licence and credit card
Driving around Saint John is straightforward with good signage, though parking in uptown can be limited during busy summer days

What to See Within Walking Distance from the Port

The uptown core packs quite a lot into a small area, so you can easily hit several attractions without ever needing transport.

AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village: This quirky collection of repurposed shipping containers sits right beside the Marco Polo Terminal and houses local food vendors, craft stalls, and often live music when ships are in port. It’s a brilliant first or last stop before reboarding, and genuinely reflects Saint John’s independent creative scene. Zero walking time – it’s adjacent to the gangway.
Saint John City Market: Canada’s oldest continuing farmers market, established in 1876, with a stunning timber ceiling that resembles an inverted ship’s hull. You’ll find fresh produce, local cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and prepared foods from dozens of vendors. The fudge stalls are particularly tempting. About 10 minutes’ walk from the terminal, completely flat route.
Market Square: A mixed-use complex with shops, the New Brunswick Museum, and waterfront views. It’s handy for quick souvenir shopping or grabbing a coffee, though it’s more functional than atmospheric. Five minutes from the berths.
Historic Uptown Murals: Saint John has an impressive collection of large-scale murals scattered throughout the uptown streets, depicting local history and culture. Pick up a mural map at the terminal or simply wander Charlotte Street and nearby blocks to spot them. The entire mural walk takes 30-45 minutes depending on your pace.
Barbour’s General Store: A recreation of a 19th-century general store with period goods and staff in costume. It’s small but charming, especially if you’re interested in how Maritime communities lived in the 1800s. Located near Market Square, about 12 minutes’ walk.
Saint John Waterfront: The boardwalk along the harbour offers pleasant views back toward your ship and across to the working port facilities. It’s a nice spot for photos without crowds, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon light. Connects directly to the cruise terminals.

Must See Attractions in Saint John for a One Day Cruise Visit

With limited time, focus on what makes Saint John unique – the Bay of Fundy tides, Maritime history, and surprisingly good local food culture.

Reversing Falls Rapids

What it is: A natural phenomenon where the Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides force water to flow upstream against the Saint John River’s current, creating rapids and whirlpools. At high tide, the bay pushes in. At low tide, the river rushes out. The timing determines what you’ll see.
Why it matters: The Bay of Fundy has the world’s highest tides – up to 16 metres – and this is one of the most accessible places to witness their power. It’s genuinely impressive when you catch it at the right tidal phase, though the effect is subtle at slack tide.
Time needed: Allow 1.5-2 hours total including 15-minute taxi ride each way (about CAD 15-20) and 30-45 minutes at the viewing platforms. The Skywalk suspension footbridge adds another 20 minutes if you fancy the elevated view.
Practical tips: Check tide times before you go – the dramatic reversal happens twice daily but you need to visit during the tidal change to see the rapids. At slack tide it’s just a calm river, which is underwhelming. The viewing areas are free. The Skywalk Bridge charges around CAD 15 admission. Wear layers as it can be windy on the platforms, and bring a packable rain jacket since Maritime weather changes quickly.

Saint John City Market

What it is: A covered market hall operating since 1876 with permanent vendor stalls selling everything from fresh lobster to artisan chocolates, plus prepared foods and local crafts.
Why it matters: It’s the genuine article – locals actually shop here, not just tourists. The architectural detail alone is worth seeing, and it’s your best bet for trying regional foods like dulse (edible seaweed), fiddlehead ferns in season, and proper Maritime seafood chowder.
Time needed: 45 minutes to an hour if you’re browsing and sampling. Add another 30 minutes if you’re eating a full meal at one of the prepared food counters.
Practical tips: Opening hours vary – typically Monday to Saturday from 7:30am but verify if you’re visiting on a Sunday as hours are reduced. Some vendors are cash-only though most now accept cards. The chocolate fudge samples are generous. Try the dulse if you’re feeling adventurous – it’s an acquired taste.

Irving Nature Park

What it is: A 600-acre coastal nature reserve on a peninsula jutting into the Bay of Fundy, with hiking trails through mixed forest and along dramatic rocky shoreline.
Why it matters: If you want proper coastal scenery and a break from urban walking, this delivers. The trails range from easy to moderate, and at low tide you can explore the exposed seafloor – an eerie experience that’s unique to this extreme tidal range. Bird watchers rate it highly during migration seasons.
Time needed: Minimum 2-3 hours including 20-minute taxi ride (about CAD 25-30 each way). The full trail system would take 4+ hours to walk completely, so most cruise passengers stick to one or two shorter loops.
Practical tips: Pack water and snacks as there are no facilities on site. Wear proper walking shoes – trails can be muddy and rocky sections are slippery. Bug spray in summer is essential. If you’re hiring a taxi, arrange a pickup time rather than waiting for one to pass by. Free admission. A collapsible water bottle is perfect for this type of excursion since you can tuck it away when empty.

New Brunswick Museum

What it is: The provincial museum covering natural history, Maritime culture, and regional art collections. The whale skeleton and shipbuilding exhibits are the standouts.
Why it matters: It provides context for everything else you’ll see in Saint John – the tides, the shipping industry, the Loyalist history. If the weather is grim, it’s a solid indoor option that’s both educational and well-curated.
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours for the highlights. It’s located in Market Square, about 5-7 minutes’ walk from the terminals.
Practical tips: Admission is around CAD 10 for adults. The museum shop has good local history books and Maritime-themed gifts. Photography is allowed in most galleries. If you’re short on time, focus on the third floor natural history section and the main gallery shipbuilding displays.

Carleton Martello Tower

What it is: A circular stone fortification built in 1815 to defend against American attack during the War of 1812, now a National Historic Site with restored military quarters and a rooftop viewpoint.
Why it matters: The harbour views from the top are excellent, and the military history is genuinely interesting if you’re into fortifications and naval defence. It’s less touristy than most port attractions.
Time needed: 1 hour including travel. It’s about 3 kilometres from the port – too far to walk comfortably given limited cruise time, so factor in a CAD 15 taxi ride or join it with a broader city tour.
Practical tips: Entry is about CAD 4 for adults. The stairways inside the tower are steep and narrow, so it’s not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Parks Canada staff run guided talks that add depth to the experience. Open seasonally, typically late May through October, so verify before making the trip.

Port Day Itinerary: Things to Do in 8 Hours

Here’s a realistic schedule that fits a typical 8am-5pm port day, assuming your ship docks at the Marco Polo or Diamond Jubilee terminal.

8:00-8:30am | Disembark and AREA 506: Get off the ship early while the terminal is quiet and walk directly to AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village beside the terminal. Grab a coffee and a pastry from one of the local vendors and have a quick browse of the craft stalls. This eases you into the day without rushing.
8:30-9:00am | Taxi to Reversing Falls: Arrange a taxi at the port taxi rank (about CAD 15-20, 15 minutes) and head to Reversing Falls. Check tide times beforehand so you arrive during an active tidal change – this timing assumes you’ll catch mid-morning tidal action.
9:00-10:00am | Reversing Falls viewing: Spend 45 minutes to an hour at the viewing platforms watching the rapids form as the tide shifts. If you fancy the Skywalk Bridge, budget an extra 20 minutes and CAD 15. The interpretation panels explain what you’re seeing, which helps make sense of the churning water.
10:00-10:20am | Return taxi to uptown: Head back toward the port area but ask the driver to drop you at the corner of King Street and Canterbury Street, near the uptown core.
10:20-11:30am | Uptown walking and murals: Wander Charlotte Street and the surrounding blocks to see the historic murals and Victorian-era architecture. Pop into any shops that catch your eye. This is relaxed exploration time without a fixed agenda.
11:30am-12:45pm | Lunch at Saint John City Market: Walk to the City Market (about 5 minutes from Charlotte Street) and choose from the various food vendors. Try the seafood chowder, a lobster roll, or grab items from multiple stalls to create your own tasting menu. Eat at the communal tables inside or take food outside if weather permits.
12:45-1:30pm | Market browsing: After eating, spend time properly exploring the market stalls. Sample fudge, pick up local cheeses or dulse, and check out the craft vendors. This is your best spot for authentic local products rather than generic cruise souvenirs.
1:30-2:30pm | New Brunswick Museum: Walk to Market Square (5 minutes) and spend an hour in the provincial museum. Focus on the shipbuilding exhibits and natural history galleries. The air conditioning is a bonus on hot summer days.
2:30-3:30pm | Waterfront walk and final shopping: Stroll back along the harbour boardwalk toward the cruise terminals, stopping at any shops in Market Square or nearby streets for last-minute purchases. Grab an ice cream or cold drink and find a bench with a view of the harbour.
3:30-4:30pm | Buffer time and reboard: Return to AREA 506 if you want one last browse, use the terminal facilities, or simply head back to the ship. This gives you a full hour buffer before the typical 5pm all-aboard time, which is sensible given unexpected delays can happen.

This timing works comfortably without feeling rushed and hits the main highlights while leaving room to linger where something catches your interest.

Where to Eat Near the Port

Saint John punches above its weight for food quality, particularly seafood and locally sourced Maritime cuisine. The uptown area has enough variety that you won’t need to venture far from the terminals.

Saint John City Market: Your best bet for authentic local flavours and the most flexible option for different tastes and budgets. Seafood chowder runs CAD 8-12 for a generous bowl. Lobster rolls are CAD 18-25 depending on the vendor. Fresh dulse (dried seaweed) costs a few dollars for a bag – locals eat it like crisps. The German bakery stall does excellent pretzels and pastries for CAD 3-5. You can easily eat well here for CAD 15-20 per person.
Saint John Ale House (uptown): About a 12-minute walk from the port on Princess Street, this pub does proper Maritime seafood with local craft beers. Their lobster roll is frequently recommended by locals and costs around CAD 22. Fish and chips runs CAD 18-20. Expect to spend CAD 25-35 per person including a drink.
AREA 506 vendors: The container village has rotating food trucks and stalls when ships are in port. Quality varies but you’ll find decent options for CAD 10-15 per person – tacos, seafood items, burgers, and usually a dessert truck. It’s convenient but not as authentic as the City Market.
Quick options: Tim Hortons locations are scattered around uptown for fast coffee and donuts (very Canadian). Several sandwich shops and cafes along King Street and Charlotte Street do takeaway lunches for CAD 8-12. Market Square has a food court if you need something truly quick.
Regional specialties: Try seafood chowder (made with cream, loaded with fish, scallops, and sometimes lobster), dulse (the purple seaweed that’s a Maritime snack), fiddlehead ferns if they’re in season (spring), and anything with fresh Bay of Fundy scallops. Local craft beer is excellent – try Moosehead (brewed in Saint John since 1867) or smaller Maritime breweries.
Food safety: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Canada. Restaurant hygiene standards are high. Street food from established vendors at the market or AREA 506 is fine. Card payment is widely accepted though some smaller market vendors prefer cash.

Shopping: What to Buy & Where to Go

Saint John isn’t a major shopping destination compared to larger Canadian cities, but you can find authentic local products that aren’t available elsewhere.

Saint John City Market: The best place for genuine local goods. Look for dulse (the edible seaweed snack that’s unique to the Maritimes), local honey, artisan cheeses from New Brunswick producers, maple products, and smoked salmon. The fudge vendors offer multiple flavours and will let you sample before buying. Prices are reasonable – a bag of dulse costs CAD 5-8, local honey around CAD 10-12, fudge about CAD 15-20 per pound.
Maritime crafts: Several vendors at the market and in AREA 506 sell handmade items – knitted goods, wooden toys, pottery, and maritime-themed art. Quality varies so look for pieces that are clearly handmade rather than mass-produced imports.
Indigenous crafts: Look for authentic Maliseet and Mi’kmaq artwork, basketry, and beadwork. These should come with certificates of authenticity from Indigenous artists. Prices reflect the skill involved – expect CAD 30-100+ for genuine pieces.
Moosehead Brewery merchandise: If you’re a beer enthusiast, Moosehead gear makes a good regional souvenir. Available at various shops around uptown and at the Market.
Local art: Several small galleries in the uptown area feature Maritime artists. Paintings, prints, and photography of coastal scenes are popular. Prices range from CAD 20 for small prints to hundreds for original works.
What to avoid: Generic “Canada” souvenirs with maple leaves and moose that are identical in every port. If it looks like it came from a factory in Asia, it probably did.

Shops in uptown Saint John typically open around 9:30-10am and close by 5-6pm, Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are shorter, usually noon-5pm, and some smaller shops stay closed entirely. The City Market keeps slightly longer hours. Canada observes statutory holidays like Canada Day (July 1st), Labour Day (first Monday in September), and Thanksgiving (second Monday in October) when many shops close or operate on reduced hours.

Haggling isn’t part of Canadian shopping culture except occasionally at farmers markets or craft fairs where you might get a small discount for buying multiple items from the same vendor. In regular shops, prices are fixed and attempting to negotiate will just create awkwardness.

Safety Tips & Avoiding Scams

Saint John is genuinely safe for cruise visitors. Violent crime is rare and the uptown area is well-policed, particularly when ships are in port. Standard travel awareness applies but you don’t need heightened vigilance here.

Taxi scams: Use the official taxi rank at the cruise terminal rather than accepting rides from drivers who approach you directly. Licensed taxis are metered – insist the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. A trip to Reversing Falls should cost CAD 15-25, not CAD 50.
Tour operators: Book excursions through your ship or verified local operators rather than responding to unsolicited offers on the dock. If someone approaches you claiming to be an “official port guide,” verify through the terminal information desk.
ATMs: Use machines inside banks or secure locations like Market Square rather than standalone units on quiet streets. Card skimming is rare in Canada but why take chances. Major banks like RBC, TD, and Scotia Bank have branches in the uptown core.
Personal belongings: Don’t leave bags unattended in cafes or on benches, particularly in busy areas like the City Market. Pickpocketing is uncommon but opportunistic theft happens anywhere tourists congregate. An anti-theft backpack can provide extra peace of mind when exploring the market and uptown areas.
Weather preparedness: Maritime weather changes quickly. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket even if it’s sunny when you disembark. Getting caught in cold rain without proper clothing is the most common “mishap” cruise passengers report.
Wildlife: If you visit Irving Nature Park or other natural areas, don’t approach or feed wildlife. The most dangerous animal you might encounter is a grumpy Canada goose defending its nest – give them space.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
Port Saint John main line: 506-636-4869
Port Security/Operations: 506-636-5044
Port email (non-urgent): port@sjport.com
Saint John Regional Hospital: 506-648-6000 (400 University Avenue, about 4km from port)
Non-emergency police: 506-648-3333

Save your cruise ship’s emergency contact number before going ashore and ensure someone on board knows your planned itinerary if you’re exploring independently.

Essential Items for Your Day in Saint John

Saint John’s coastal location and changeable Maritime weather mean proper preparation makes all the difference. Here are the items that will genuinely improve your port day experience:

Layered clothing: Even on warm summer days, the Bay of Fundy creates its own microclimate with cool breezes and sudden fog. Merino wool base layers for women and merino wool base layers for men work brilliantly under regular clothes and regulate temperature without bulk.
Rain protection: A packable rain jacket is essential gear for Saint John – weather can shift from sunny to drizzly within minutes, particularly near the waterfront and at Reversing Falls. It compresses down to nothing in your daypack when not needed.
Comfortable walking shoes: The uptown area is flat but you’ll easily walk 5-8 kilometres if you’re exploring properly. Women’s walking shoes and men’s walking shoes with good arch support prevent foot fatigue, especially on the cobbled sections near the City Market.
Compact binoculars: If you’re visiting Reversing Falls or Irving Nature Park, travel binoculars enhance the experience significantly – you can watch the tidal currents form and spot seabirds along the rocky coastline.
Day bag: A packable backpack or anti-theft crossbody bag keeps your hands free for photos and market purchases. The crossbody style works well in crowded areas like the City Market.
Water bottle: A collapsible water bottle is perfect for Saint John – fill it at the ship or any tap (water is safe throughout Canada), and it collapses flat when empty so it doesn’t take up space when you’re browsing market stalls.
Sun protection: Maritime sun can be deceptive – cloud cover doesn’t mean you won’t burn, especially with reflection off the water. Pack sunglasses for men or sunglasses for women, and consider a packable sun hat for extended time at outdoor sites like Irving Nature Park.
Travel documents: Keep your passport, ship card, and cash secure in an RFID blocking travel wallet or money belt, particularly when navigating busy areas or using taxis.
Phone protection: If you’re visiting coastal areas where sea spray is a factor, a waterproof phone case protects your device while still allowing photos of the harbour and tidal features.
Cruise essentials: Don’t forget your cruise lanyard for easy access to your ship card throughout the day.

Currency, ATMs & Money Matters

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD), with coins in 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1 (loonie), and $2 (toonie) denominations, plus bills in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. The one-cent penny was phased out so cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents.

Currency exchange: Don’t exchange money at the airport or cruise terminal – rates are terrible. If you need cash, use an ATM at a major bank in uptown Saint John. The exchange rate will be reasonable and you’ll avoid the predatory commission fees that exchange bureaus charge.
ATM locations: Major banks (RBC, TD, Scotia Bank, BMO) have branches with ATMs throughout the uptown area, particularly along King Street and near Market Square. Most charge CAD 3-5 for foreign card withdrawals, but that’s still better than exchange bureau fees.
Card acceptance: Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere – restaurants, shops, taxis, attractions. Visa and Mastercard are universal. American Express works in most places but occasionally smaller vendors don’t take it. Contactless payment is standard.
How much cash to carry: Realistically, you could manage all day with just cards. Carry CAD 20-40 cash for small vendors at the City Market or AREA 506 who might be cash-only, or for tipping. Beyond that, cards are easier and safer.
Notify your bank: Tell your bank you’ll be using your card in Canada before you leave home. Some banks automatically flag foreign transactions as potential fraud and freeze your card. Have your bank’s international contact number saved separately from your phone in case you need to call.
Tipping culture: Similar to the US. Restaurant servers expect 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. Taxi drivers get 10-15%. Hotel porters (if relevant) get CAD 2-3 per bag. Tips can be added to card payments or given in cash. Fast-food counter service doesn’t require tipping despite what the payment terminal might suggest.
Taxes: Prices in shops don’t include tax – that gets added at the register. New Brunswick charges 15% Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) on most goods and services, so mentally add 15% to displayed prices when budgeting.
US Dollars: Some tourist-oriented businesses near the port might accept US dollars but the exchange rate they offer will be poor. Just use Canadian currency or cards.

Weather by Month

Season	Months	Temperature Range	What to Expect
Late Spring	May	8-16°C (46-61°F)	Cool and changeable with frequent rain showers. Pack layers and waterproofs. Trees are budding and the landscape is fresh but you’ll need a warm jacket. Fiddlehead ferns appear at the market in season.
Summer	June-August	15-24°C (59-75°F)	The warmest and most popular cruise season. July and August are peak months with comfortable temperatures but bring a light jacket as maritime breezes can be cool, particularly near the water. Rain is possible any day so pack a compact waterproof. Fog can roll in quickly from the Bay of Fundy, creating dramatic but chilly conditions.
Early Autumn	September	10-20°C (50-68°F)	Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make this a pleasant time to visit. Leaves begin changing colour mid-month. Fewer crowds than peak summer. Pack layers as morning temperatures can be quite cool.
Autumn	October	5-13°C (41-55°F)	Brilliant fall foliage particularly in areas like Irving Nature Park. Noticeably cooler with increasing rain. You’ll need a warm jacket and probably a hat. Some attractions begin closing for the season. The cruise season typically ends by mid-October.

The Bay of Fundy creates its own microclimate – weather can shift dramatically within an hour as fog rolls in or burns off. Maritime winds make temperatures feel cooler than the thermometer suggests, particularly on the water or at exposed viewpoints like Reversing Falls. Layering is essential regardless of season.

Common Questions & FAQ

What time is the tide change at Reversing Falls and how do I plan my visit?

Tide times shift daily and vary throughout the year, so you need to check the specific schedule for your port day. The dramatic rapids appear during the tidal change – roughly 2 hours before and after high tide, and again during the falling tide. At slack tide (the brief period between tidal changes) the water is calm and there’s nothing much to see. Check the Port Saint John website or ask at the cruise terminal information desk for that day’s tide schedule, then plan your taxi trip to arrive during active tidal flow. The whole reversal cycle happens twice daily, roughly 12 hours apart.

Can I see the Bay of Fundy’s famous extreme tides from the cruise port?

You can observe tidal changes from the port waterfront but the extreme vertical difference – up to 16 metres – is more dramatic at dedicated viewing points like Reversing Falls or Hopewell Rocks (which is too far for a port day). The harbour itself experiences the same tidal range but the wide berths and modern infrastructure make it less visually obvious than seeing exposed seafloor or rapids. If tides are your main interest, prioritise Reversing Falls or Irving Nature Park where you can walk on the exposed ocean floor at low tide.

Is Saint John the same as St. John’s Newfoundland?

No, completely different cities in different provinces, and cruise passengers regularly confuse them. Saint John is in New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy. St. John’s is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, about 1,300 kilometres northeast. They’re not interchangeable and booking the wrong shore excursion or searching for attractions in the wrong city will waste your limited port time. Your cruise itinerary will specify “Saint John, New Brunswick” to avoid confusion.

How long does it take to visit Irving Nature Park and is it worth the taxi fare?

The park is about 20 minutes from the cruise terminals by taxi, costing roughly CAD 25-30 each way. Budget a minimum 2-3 hours total including travel and walking time. Whether it’s worthwhile depends on your interests – if you want coastal scenery, quiet trails, and the chance to explore the tidal zone at low tide, it’s excellent. If you’re primarily interested in culture, shopping, or food, the uptown area offers better return on your limited time. Consider sharing a taxi with other passengers to split the cost.

What’s the deal with uptown and downtown in Saint John?

Confusingly, locals call the historic city centre “uptown” rather than downtown, despite it being at sea level. The cruise terminals are in uptown Saint John, which is the main commercial and tourist district. When locals refer to the “south end,” they mean residential neighbourhoods away from the port. Just remember that “uptown” means the area you’ll be exploring – Market Square, City Market, Charlotte Street, and the waterfront.

Are there any beaches near the cruise port?

Not really. Saint John sits on a working harbour with rocky shores rather than sandy beaches. The Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides, cold water (typically 8-12°C even in summer), and strong currents make it unsuitable for swimming. If you’re looking for beach time, this isn’t the port for it. Focus on the tidal phenomena, coastal hiking, and Maritime culture instead.

Can I drink the tap water in Saint John?

Yes, tap water throughout Canada is safe to drink and meets high quality standards. Restaurants will bring you tap water if you ask. You can refill water bottles from any tap without concern. There’s no need to buy bottled water unless you simply prefer it.

Do I need to book Reversing Falls in advance or can I just show up?

The viewing platforms at Reversing Falls are free and open to anyone – no booking required. The Skywalk Bridge charges admission (around CAD 15) but you can buy tickets on arrival. The challenge isn’t access but rather timing your visit to coincide with active tidal flow and arranging taxi transport. Most cruise passengers simply grab a taxi at the port, ask the driver to wait or arrange a pickup time, and visit independently without any formal tour.

Personal Experience

We docked in Saint John last summer, and honestly, the port couldn’t be more convenient. The cruise terminal drops you right in the heart of things, so you can literally walk into downtown in about ten minutes. My partner and I skipped the shuttle and just strolled along the waterfront, which was actually nicer than being stuck on a bus. If you’re heading to the famous Reversing Falls, though, grab a taxi or book one of those shore excursions because it’s too far to walk.

The real highlight was lunch at Saint John Ale House, where a local couple we met at the market told us to go. Their lobster roll was absolute perfection – chunks of fresh lobster, barely any mayo, on a buttery toasted bun. Way better than the tourist spots near the ship. We also wandered through the Saint John City Market, which is Canada’s oldest farmers market and has this gorgeous timber ceiling. The chocolate fudge there is dangerous. If you’ve got time, the uptown murals are worth seeing, especially if you’re into street art. Just remember that “uptown” is what they call downtown here, which confused us at first. The whole experience felt authentic and unhurried, exactly what you want when you only have a day in port.