Saint John tours

Things to do in Saint John

In Saint John, the oldest incorporated city in Canada, you find a curious blend of history mingling with modern energy by the formidable Bay of Fundy. It's not just another maritime city—this place is a bit of a conundrum with its artsy vibe and those sweeping coastal vistas that seem to stretch on forever. When you embark on a Saint John tour, your guide will reveal layers of the city’s essence, from the lively Market Square to the calm splendour of Irving Nature Park. Imagine having someone lead you through the historic Uptown, where those Victorian edifices have witnessed more stories than one might care to count. Walking tours here are more than just sightseeing, they’re an immersion into the local pulse. And the food and wine? Well, it's a straightforward affair—fresh seafood paired with local brews that might just redefine your idea of a culinary experience. As you navigate the Reversing Falls, it becomes clear: nature doesn’t just exist here, it revels in its power. Saint John doesn’t just show itself; it invites you to engage with its ongoing narrative. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Saint John. Explore Saint John your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Saint John tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Saint John for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Time your visit to the Reversing Falls Rapids with the tide to watch the river change direction, then follow boardwalks at Irving Nature Park for shorebirds and tide pools. With a private vehicle, head to St. Martins for the sea caves and lookouts on the Fundy Trail Parkway, or make a seasonal whale-watching add-on from St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. Layover tours: If you’re in port for a few hours, your guide can meet you at the cruise terminal for a focused circuit of the City Market, King’s Square, the Loyalist House exterior, and the Reversing Falls Skywalk, timed to your schedule and drop-off. Flying through? A 2–3 hour tour can fit a nature walk at Irving Nature Park and a market coffee before returning you to the airport. Architecture tours: Stroll Germain and Prince William streets to see ornate 19th‑century facades and learn how they were rebuilt after the Great Fire, then step into the Stone Church and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Add the Saint John City Market’s ship-hull roof and the hilltop Carleton Martello Tower for sweeping harbour views. Uptown is easy to explore on foot and there are city buses, but for the Fundy Trail, St. Martins, or spread-out landmarks, a car is best; you can book a chauffeured tour or ask your local guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Saint John inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Saint John and explore its neighborhoods with insights from a local guide who knows the city best. - Uptown Saint John: A bustling area with historic architecture and vibrant markets. Ideal for cultural tourists and families interested in exploring local art and history. - Waterloo Village: Known for its community feel and local eateries, this neighborhood is great for those interested in local culture and cuisine. It’s a place where community life is strong. - Rockwood Park: Offering expansive green spaces and trails, this area is perfect for families and groups seeking outdoor adventures and a connection with nature. - Millidgeville: A serene residential area with coastal views, perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. Day trip ideas from Saint John Use Saint John as your base, then branch out to nearby bays, villages, and tidal lookouts on easy day trips that add variety without a long drive, and if you want a smoother pace your tour can focus on fewer stops timed to the tides. St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway: See sea caves, two covered bridges, and cliffside lookouts in one loop, with short coastal walks and beaches that make tide watching simple; great if you like photography, casual hikes, and coastal geology, and local seafood spots in the village keep things relaxed between stops. St. Andrews by-the-Sea: A classic seaside town about 75 minutes away where you can stroll heritage streets, walk the waterfront, and explore artists’ studios; good for history fans, families, and anyone who likes small-town cafés and calm views, and the low-tide causeway to Ministers Island adds a fun, tide-dependent twist. Hopewell Rocks and the upper Bay of Fundy coast: Walk on the ocean floor at low tide and return later to see water rise many metres, then stop in Alma for a simple seafood lunch and short coastal trails; best for geology buffs, landscape shooters, and anyone who wants a big-tide moment in one day. Kingston Peninsula loop: Roll onto free cable ferries, pass farms and quiet coves, and check out covered bridges and roadside markets in season; ideal if you prefer rural scenery, easy stops, and unhurried roads close to the city. These day trips pair well with private tours, so you can match timing to tide tables and focus on the places that fit your interests. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Saint John most travellers miss.