The Cruise Port of St. John in Canada Things to do Without an Excursion.
St. John is the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, located on the Bay of Fundy. The city is a popular cruise port of call, offering visitors a variety of things to see and do without the need for an excursion.
One of the must-see attractions in St. John is the Reversing Falls. These falls, located on the Saint John River, are unique in that they actually reverse direction twice a day due to the massive tidal changes in the Bay of Fundy. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the falls in action, or walk along the boardwalk for a closer view. Cruise ships offer excursions to this, but you can get there on your own.
Another popular attraction is the Saint John City Market. This historic market, located in the heart of downtown, has been in operation since 1876 and offers a wide variety of locally-made crafts, produce, and seafood. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the market's history and the vendors who sell there. We had locally brewed beers and shopped the many stalls while we were there. The market is not far from the cruise port. You can easily walk to it. The video shows what type of items are available for purchase.
The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum is another great option for visitors who want to learn more about the city's history. The museum is located in the city's former synagogue and tells the story of the Jewish community in Saint John, which dates back to the early 19th century.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike or bike ride on the Irving Nature Park is a must. The park offers over 6 km of trails that wind through a variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the park's flora and fauna.
Finally, no visit to St. John would be complete without taking a stroll along the city's beautiful waterfront. The boardwalk offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and is a great spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset. There are also a large variety of restaurants and pubs next to the cruise port that are easy to walk to. We visited one of the pubs and a seafood restaurant right next to the ship.
St. John is a great destination for cruise ship visitors, offering a variety of things to see and do without the need for an excursion. From the Reversing Falls and Saint John City Market to the Irving Nature Park and waterfront, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Canadian city.