Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a coastal city on the Bay of Fundy, known for its dramatic tides, rich history, and stunning Victorian architecture. As one of the oldest incorporated cities in Canada, Saint John offers a fascinating blend of urban charm and rugged natural beauty. The city is a fantastic destination for cruisers who want to explore on their own, with its main attractions all within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal.

⛵ Port Introduction

Your ship will dock directly at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal or the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, both of which are purpose-built for cruise operations. All three cruise berths are within a five-minute walk of the city's uptown area. The walk from the ship to the terminal building is very short, and you will be processed through the terminal before getting transportation to the city.

⚓ Terminal Information

The cruise terminals are a major part of the Saint John waterfront. The Marco Polo Cruise Terminal is a modern facility that has a small market with local vendors. The Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, built in 2012, is a beautiful waterfront venue that is also used for events and tradeshows.

🚻 Terminal Facilities

Both terminals are well-equipped with amenities for your comfort. You'll find restrooms, a tourist information desk with friendly staff, and a variety of local vendors selling crafts and souvenirs. There is also a small food court where you can get a snack or a drink. The terminals offer free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminals.

🗣️ Language

The local language is English. While New Brunswick is a bilingual province with both English and French as official languages, English is predominantly spoken in Saint John, and you will have no problem at all navigating, communicating, or exploring the area.

💰 Money

The currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, from cafes to major department stores. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find at banks and throughout the uptown area.

🚗 Transportation

Saint John is a very walkable city, and its main attractions are clustered in the uptown area.

·       Walking: The best way to explore Saint John is on foot. The historic uptown area, with its unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, is just a few minutes' walk from the cruise terminals.

·       Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. They are regulated and use a meter, but it is still a good idea to get an estimate of the cost before you begin your journey.

·       Public Bus: Saint John has a public bus system called Saint John Transit. The bus can be a good option for getting to places outside the downtown area.

·       Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are not available in Saint John.

♿ Accessibility

Saint John has an accessibility rating of 4 out of 10. While the cruise terminals are modern and well-equipped for people with limited mobility, the city itself can be a challenge. The city is built on a series of hills, and some of the sidewalks and streets are uneven. However, many of the main attractions are within a flat, walkable area.

🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port

The best way to get to the main town area is to simply walk. The cruise terminals are located right in the heart of the city's uptown, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.

🚽 Toilet

Public toilets are generally available and clean in Saint John, especially at major tourist attractions, museums, and in shopping malls. They are free to use.

💊 Drugstore

·       Lawtons Drugs: 39 King Street, Saint John, NB, E2L 4W3. This is located in Brunswick Square, a short walk from the cruise terminal.

·       Port City Pharmacy: 333 Main St, Saint John, NB, E2K 1J1.

✨ Authentic Experience

1.       Explore the Saint John City Market: For a taste of local life, visit the Saint John City Market, the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in North America. The market's roof is shaped like an inverted ship's hull, and you can find a wide variety of local produce, seafood, crafts, and food stalls. It’s a great place to grab a local meal and chat with the vendors.

2.       Dine on Local Seafood Chowder or Dulse: The Bay of Fundy is known for its incredible tides and its fresh seafood. Seek out a local restaurant or pub and order a bowl of rich seafood chowder, or try a local delicacy, dulse, a salty seaweed that is a favorite snack among locals.

3.       Wander the Streets of Uptown Saint John: The uptown area is a beautifully preserved historic district with stunning Victorian architecture. Take a self-guided walking tour and explore the area's many boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. You'll get to see the unique architecture, learn about the city's history, and get a feel for the local atmosphere.