2010 Saint John, Canada FAQ Guide and Interactive Map for Cruise Ship Visitors

The interactive map with pictures and information for cruise ship visitors is here:

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113622691357371816646.000462694d0c1da036bf0

You can refer to this map for information about attractions, restaurants and car rentals. Use the "street view" feature of Google maps (yellow man top left) to get a street view visual of attractions and streets. Just drag and drop to location you want.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Saint John. You can refer to the map for locations mentioned in the FAQ. If you have any questions not answered by the FAQ, please post as we have locals that are more than happy to help out.

1. Where does the ship dock in Saint John? Do we have to tender?

You never have to tender in Saint John. There are 2 cruise ship docking areas. The main cruise ship terminal is the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal (also referred to as Pugsley Terminal) located right downtown. The second terminal is Long Wharf, located a 10 minute walk to downtown along the boardwalk or a short complimentary shuttle ride. For a perspective of where the terminals are, go to:

http://www.sjport.com/english/port_services/cruise_ships.html

The Princess ship is located at Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, while the Royal Caribbean ship is located at Long Wharf. To find out where your ship will be docking, see: http://www.cruisesaintjohn.com/visitsaintjohn/cruiseschedule.asp.

2.What is the weather like and what clothes should I bring?

In the summer months into September the days are pleasant around 70 degrees, however may be cooler in the morning or remain cool all day if it is foggy. If your excursion takes you inland, it will be warmer than along the coast. You should bring a light jacket onshore and pants as the fog can roll in and drop the temperature quickly. In October and November it is definitely cooler and you should bring a warm jacket.

3. Are there attractions nearby the ship?

Yes. There are many attractions in the vicinity of the ship. The most popular is the Old Saint John City Market (1840); Market Square including the New Brunswick Museum; Barbour's General Store; Loyalist House; Loyalist Burial Ground; Imperial Theatre; Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride http://www.jetboatrides.com; Harbour Passage Walking Trail around the harbour and Trinity Royal Heritage Preservation Area (containing some of the oldest buildings in Canada). Information on these attractions and others can be found at the interactive map from the link on top or www.tourismsaintjohn.com and www.cruisesaintjohn.com

4. What are the popular excursions offered?

The most popular excursion is St. Martin's (50 minutes from Saint John). It is a fishing village that experiences some of the highest tides in the world, and if the excursion is timed properly, you can "walk the ocean floor" and experience a sea cave. St. Andrew's by the Sea (70 minutes from Saint John) is a historic summer resort town with gift shops, museums, galleries and the fabulous 27 acre Kingsbrae Garden. In Saint John, horse drawn trolley tours of the historic area are popular. Thrill seekers should check out the jet boat ride through the Reversing Falls http://www.jetboatrides.com/

5. Are there any local tour companies as an alternative to booking ship tours?

Freedom Tours: www.freedomtours.com

Go Fundy Events: http://www.gofundyevents.com/

River Valley Adventures: http://www.fundyvacation.com/rivervalley.htm

The local transit authority offers sightseeing tours from Loyalist Plaza June to October at 9:45 and 12:45. The cost is $18 for adults, $5 for children 6-14 years old and free for under 6 years old.

6. How do I get to Reversing Falls?

You can walk to Reversing Falls in about 40 minutes. Follow the cranberry coloured Harbour Passage Walking Trail by the dock until it ends on Douglas Ave. outside the old New Brunswick Museum. Walk down Douglas Ave. until you reach the Reversing Falls Bridge. The lookout is on the other side of the Bridge. On the way there is an alternative viewing site called Fallsview Park. Bike rentals are available at Loyalist Plaza to bike to the falls. There are also taxis available to take you to the falls (approx. $7 CDN per car) or you could take a city bus from the front of City Hall for $2.50 (Route #1 Lancaster Mall via Rothesay Avenue) - just let the driver know you want off at the falls so you don't have to worry about where to get off. The bus stops at Reversing Falls on the way back to the downtown area (Route #2 McAllister Place via Rothesay Avenue). If you are mobility impaired, there are low floor wheelchair accessible buses going to the falls Monday to Friday at 8:15 8:35 9:55 10:15 11:35 11:55 1:15 1:35 2:55 3:15 and Saturday at 8:20 9:20 9:50 10:50 11:20 12:20 12:50 1:50 2:20 3:20. Coming back from the falls Monday to Friday at 9:00 10:20 10:40 12:00 12:20 1:40 2:00 3:20 3:40 5:00 and Saturday at 9:45 10:15 11:15 11:45 12:45 1:15 2:15 3:45 4:15 5:15

7. The the local bus accept $USD?

Yes, the local transit authority accepts $USD

8. What is the cost to access the observation platform to see the Reversing Falls? Is it wheelchair accessible?

There is no charge. It is not wheelchair accessible; however the falls can still be enjoyed from other areas.

9. Are there car rental agencies nearby?

Yes. If you are docking at Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, AVIS is on the same street (turn left and go three blocks when leaving dock area). If you are docking at Long Wharf, AVIS and Enterprise are of equal distance. To get to Enterprise from Long Wharf, exit the gates and go to the far end of Harbour Station (large building with robin's blue roof) - it is located across the street. To get to AVIS from Long Wharf, take the complimentary shuttle and it will drop you off at Market Square by AVIS. If you can't spot it, a local cruise guide will be there to assist you. AVIS's local phone number is (506) 634-7750 and Enterprise's local number is (506) 693-8688. I recommend you reserve through the local offices rather than calling the 1-800 call centres as they can specifically answer questions you may have about your car rental and itinerary for the area.

10. The ship arrives on a Sunday. What choices do I have for renting a car to get to St. Martin's or St. Andrew's by the Sea?

The only car rental agency open on Sunday in the cruise ship area is AVIS. The don't open until 10:00 AM and they close at 2:00 PM. The opening time may delay your excursion, especially if the tide schedule is ideal prior to this time. AVIS has a key drop box and parking lot to leave the car after hours so there is no need to rush back for closing time. Alternatively you can take a taxi to the airport (which is on the road to St. Martin's) and rent a car there; however the fare to the airport is $30 one way. Given the added cost of taxis, a guided taxi or van tour may be an option worth considering.

11. Is there enough time to do both St. Martin's and St. Andrew by the Sea? Also is there enough time to see the Reversing Falls leaving the city on an excursion?

There is not enough time to do both St. Martin's and St. Andrew's by the Sea in one day as they are in opposite directions. You do have time to do either + see the Reversing Falls. In fact depending on the day you are in and the tide schedule, you may be able to go the falls first, take excursion and return back to the falls at the end of the day to see it in reverse direction.

12. Do I need to rent a car to see Saint John?

If you are just looking to stay in Saint John itself and not take an excursion to St. Martins, I recommend not renting a car. Saint John has streets layed out from the mid 1700's with many confusing one way and willy nilly street patterns and mind boggling intersections. The bus system is easy to use and taxis are relatively cheap. Best of all, you can walk around the historic part of the city where most of the attractions are located.

13. Can I rent a bike in Saint John?

Bike rentals are available at Loyalist Plaza beside Market Square. Harbour Passage Trail is an excellent bike path you can take to the Reversing Falls.

14. Is Saint John mobility impaired friendly?

Yes. Harbour Passage trail is fully accessible, as is Market Square, Brunswick Square Shopping Centre and the Old City Market. Saint John does have hills in the cruise ship area, but can be overcome by using the "inside passage pedway system" in the complexes mentioned above using elevators.

15. Can a child or senior go on the Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride? Do you get wet on the ride? Where do I find out information on this attraction?

Every participant must be 42" tall. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. During two hours at low tide, all participants must be atleast 13 years old. The ride is not for pregnant women or individuals with back problems. You will get wet, so bring a change of clothes and a towel. Their website is http://www.jetboatrides.com

16. Are there unique shops in the cruise ship area?

There are many small independant shops in the area selling unique items and souvenirs. The main shopping areas are the Trinity Royal Heritage Preservation Area (old section of city where ship docks); Brunswick Square Shopping Centre and the Old Saint John City Market. In addition there is a tent set up along the dock with locals selling crafts and souvenirs along with a local craft market at Loyalist Plaza.

17. I want to buy some food items unique to Canada that I can't get back home. Is there a grocery store nearby the ship?

The closest supermarkets are Sobey's North End (20-30 minute walk) or The Real Atlantic Superstore on Rothesay Avenue (home of famous President's Choice products). A taxi to both stores is approx. $6

18. Is there a drug store/pharmacy in the area?

The closest drug store is Lawton's Drugs (similar to CVS or Eckerd) located on the first level of the Brunswick Square Shopping Centre.

19. Am I allowed to have my presriptions filled by lower-cost Canadian generic drugs at a local pharmacy?

Local pharmacists will not honour prescriptions from the USA.

20. What is there to do for children in the area?

The New Brunswick Museum in Market Square has exhibits of interest to children, including a 40' North Atlantic Right Whale. Along Harbour Passage Walking Trail under the Harbour Bridge is an area to watch the harbour seals play in the water. The Canada Games Aquatic Centre ($5.00)(www.aquatics.nb.ca) has an Olympic size pool with diving boards and platforms, water slide, tarzan rope, water toys along with 3 other leisure pools and 2 hottubs. The Old City Market has vendors that sell home-made candy. UZone on King St. is a swanky XBox gaming centre and Internet cafe (under 19 must be accompanied by an adult). There is a skate board park located outside the gates of Long Wharf.

21. Where can I find Internet Access and free WIFI service?

Cheap Internet Access is available at the top of the Old Saint John City Market ($3.00/hr) - take the elevator to the third floor to PRUDE Community Access Centre. UZone on King St. is a modern Internet cafe.

Jave Moose has WIFI service at their cafe's located on Prince William Street and in the Old Saint John City Market.

22. Do merchants take American Dollars?

Merchants takes American Dollars at a fair exchange rate; however most will give back Canadian Dollars in change. Ask before purchasing what their policy is. Credit cards are widely accepted if you do not wish to accumulate Canadian currency. Currently (February) one $USD buys $1.04 CDN. Being so close to par and banking fees to convert, merchants may only accept $USD at par. Visit www.xe.com for the current rate.

23. Do taxis offer tours?

Yes, taxis are waiting should you wish to go on a city-wide tour. There is a set rate as the cabs do not have meters. Only accept a tour offer from a car or van if it has "H" as the first letter on the licence plate. You can also get private tours to St. Martin's and St. Andrew's by the Sea. Expect to pay $50 USD per hour for a private tour.

24. Is there a major shopping centre nearby with large department stores?

McAllister Place Shopping Centre and big box stores are located in East Saint John and is $10 by taxi. Alternatively you can take the bus Route #2 McAllister Place via Rothesay Avenue from Barbour's General Store for $2.50. Take Route #1 Lancaster Mall via Rothesay Avenue back from the bus depot at mall.

25. Are there good locations to take a picture of the ship in the harbour?

The best location is atop Fort Howe, the hill overlooking the end of the harbour. Bus tours will make a stop here or a taxi will take you. Alternatively you can take a picture of the ship from across the harbour by following the Harbour Passage Trail and stopping at the Harbour Bridge footing course for a great perspective.

26. Can you recommend a seafood restaurant?

There are 3 great seafood restaurants in the area. Grannan's http://www.grannanhospitalitygroup.com/grannans is located in Market Square; Steamer's Lobster Company http://www.steamerslobstercompany.com is located across the street from the cruise ship dock; and Billy's Seafood http://www.billysseafood.com is located at the top end of the Old Saint John City Market. All are great restaurants; however Billy's is consistently rated by locals as the best in an annual survey by a local publication. All have outdoor patios.

27. Where can I buy Cuban cigars?

Howard's Tobacco - exit the top end of the Old Saint John City Market on Charlotte St. and the store is on the immediate left of the market entrance. John's Tobacco - along the "inside passage pedway" on the 2nd level of Brunswick Square across from Tim Horton's Donuts.

Remember US law prohibits you from bringing them back into the USA.

28. Are there beaches nearby?

You will require a car to go to nearby beaches. The water of the Bay of Fundy is very cold. There are swimming lakes in Rockwood Park that are a pleasant temperature.

29. Can you recommend an area for photographers for unique features of the city? Is there a camera store that offers same day or 1 hour photofinishing?

The area immediately off the ship is rich in architecture and history. I recommend exploring this area, including Princess St., Trinity Church, King's Square, Queen's Square, and the Loyalist Burial Ground. Appleby's offers 1 hour and same-day photofinishing. They are located to the left of the Old Saint John City Market on Germain St.

30. Is there a liquor store near the ship?

The liquor store is located in Prince Edward Square - kitty corner from the far end of the Loyalist Burial Ground.

31. Are there banks nearby?

All major Canadian banks are represented on King St. and all have bank machines.

32. Are there local pubs you can recommend?

Princess St. across from the cruise terminal has well-recognized local pubs in the area, including O'Leary's and Callahan's.

33. I'm travelling with a medical condition. What kind of care can I expect if I have a medical emergency in Saint John?

Saint John has an excellent acute care facility with highly specialized tertiary services, including trauma and cardiac care. There are several dental clinics in the cruise ship docking area should you have a dental emergency. If you need to leave Saint John to get back home, Saint John Airport offers several daily non-stop flights to Halifax, Montreal and Toronto with connections to dozens of USA cities.

34. What time zone is Saint John in?

Saint John is in the Atlantic Time Zone, which is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Time Zone. Ship's time may not be adjusted, so make sure you know what time to be back to the ship.

35. Is it true you receive a gift for coming ashore?

Women receive a fresh long-stem rose and men receive a souvenir pin.

36. What are some interesting facts about the area?

Saint John was the first incorporated city in Canada. Where the ship docks was settled by Loyalists fleeing the USA in 1785. Benedict Arnold made Saint John his home for a few years. Hollywood actors Donald Sutherland and Walter Pigeon were born here. Louise B. Mayer of MGM studios grew up in Saint John. You can catch a glimpse of the largest oil refinery in Canada (350,000 bpd) by walking through King's Square and continuing down King St East for 4 blocks until you reach Courtney Bay. Here you will also see ships loading refined fuels destined for the USA Northeast. Saint John has become known as the "Energy Hub" of the northeast. The city proper has approx. 69,000 people, with 125,000 people in the immediate region. Read about many of Saint John's "firsts" here: http://new-brunswick.net/Saint_John/sjfirst.html

37. Are there any restaurants that offer an English traditional afternoon tea?

The Infusion tea room offers afternoon tea. (http://www.infusiontearoom.ca)

38. Can you recommend any hidden gems in the city, maybe off the beaten path?

Treat yourself with something from the Feel Good store at 89 Germain St.

Want to know what a store looked and felt like in the late 1800's and early 1900's? Step into Imprint bookstore near the bottom of King St.

Try some Gelato from Opera Bistro on Prince William St. and be transported to Italy.

Go to a corner store and buy a Cadbury chocolate bar you can't buy in the USA, including Wunderbar, Mr. Big, Crispy Crunch, Sweet Marie and Caramilk.

Go sit and have an ice cream from the city market at the Beaver Fountain in Loyalist Burial Ground.

Take a $2 tour of the Imperial Theatre on King's Square and be awed as you step back in time.

Rent a small Karaoke room for you and your friends at Sun and Star lounge on the corner of Germain St. and Grannan St.

Try a local favorite cafe - Java Moose on Prince William St. or the Old City Market.

Explore art galleries in the area, including Peter Buckland Gallery and Handworks Gallery.

Sit and people watch in King's Square, or to have some quiet solitude and step back into time, sit in Queen Square 3 blocks to the south. Samuel de Champlain will keep you company.

Try to get into Beatty and the Bistro in the Admiral Beatty building on King's Square - recognized in "Where to Eat in Canada".

Visit Barbour's General Store to really feel like you've got sucked into a time machine.

Visit the Hayward and Warwick's China (glassware) museum on Princess St.

Visit the Keirstead's Flower Museum above the flower shop at 143 Charlotte St.

For some great Canadiana, visit the Roots factory outlet at the East Point Shopping Centre.

Go to Quality Convenience store on King St. for the best (and most affordable) Thai food from the "Thai Hut" in the back of the store. Enjoy while listening to Latin music and people watching.

Go to the infamous Tim Horton's Donut shop on King St. to find out what a double-double is.

Sit amongst and blend in with the wooden dummies at the Market Square clock and St. Andrew's green across the street to people watch.

Find a hidden treasure from one of the few pond shops along Union St.

Great info... Interesting to read through after having been there last fall! Thank you

Excellent port with great information!!!!

Thanks so much!

Thank you so much. Stopping here on my very first cruise in June. I can not wait :)

Great job as usual Acey!! I agree with the suggestion of making your post a sticky. Why don't you contact the moderators? It is too valuable a resource to allow it to slip onto page 2.

Thanks for posting. I have already contacted Freedom Tours, regarding our upcoming trip in August. We might try Billies for lunch. Great information.

Thank you for posting this information. I have boomarked many sites.:)

I will be in St. John's on Monday, October 11th, which is your (Canadian) Thanksgiving. Do you have any idea how that will affect the tourist places and tour companies? Will they all still be open that day because a ship is in port or not?

Thanks for any advice you might have as I make plans for our shore time.

I will be in St. John's on Monday, October 11th, which is your (Canadian) Thanksgiving. Do you have any idea how that will affect the tourist places and tour companies? Will they all still be open that day because a ship is in port or not?

 

Thanks for any advice you might have as I make plans for our shore time.

I assume tour companies will still operate, but it's best to contact a tour company directly to make sure - www.freedomtours.com is a good choice. Restaurants are most likely open; however shopping will be closed including the City Market.

I assume tour companies will still operate, but it's best to contact a tour company directly to make sure - www.freedomtours.com is a good choice. Restaurants are most likely open; however shopping will be closed including the City Market.

Because I'm Canadian and knowing the holidays here, I wouldn't bet on all the restaurants either. Probably those close to the pier but not all of them. If they have websites, I'd send an email.

Acey and CraftyKitty

Thank you both for your responses. Knowing ahead of time will make our day in St. John's delightful, no matter what is open and what is closed. (BTW - I don't particularly cruise to shop, although I do like to pick up locally made items if possible.)

Acey and CraftyKitty

Thank you both for your responses. Knowing ahead of time will make our day in St. John's delightful, no matter what is open and what is closed. (BTW - I don't particularly cruise to shop, although I do like to pick up locally made items if possible.)

There is a local artisan market at the cruise dock that might be of interest to you.

Acey - Your post is a wonderful resource for visitors to your city. THANK YOU!

I will also be in St. John's on October 11th. I am so disappointed! I was looking forward to going to the city market, the Moosehead brewery and just wandering around the city.

The glory will be docking at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, and i am thinking of doing the Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride. How far away is the jet boat ride from the terminal and it is easly accessible?

The glory will be docking at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, and i am thinking of doing the Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride. How far away is the jet boat ride from the terminal and it is easly accessible?

The Jet Boat Ride departs from Fallsview Park. You can walk there via Harbour Passge Walking Trail in about 25-35 minutes (depending on how fast you walk). A taxi can take you there (approx. $6-7) or a bus from City Hall ($2.50).

Purchase your tickets at the lighthouse located on Boardwalk beside Market Square and the Hilton (3 blocks from ship).

Great job as usual Acey!! I agree with the suggestion of making your post a sticky. Why don't you contact the moderators? It is too valuable a resource to allow it to slip onto page 2.

Would love to have it as sticky - I can't figure out how to contact moderator - any help appreciated!!! Thanks

Would love to have it as sticky - I can't figure out how to contact moderator - any help appreciated!!! Thanks

hostsheila@cruisecritic.com

I agree this needs to be a sticky!

Last year's thread was such a valuable resource in planning our port day in Saint John last August.

I have posted a link to a feature in this morning's newspaper that may be of interest to adventurous cruisers.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1012863

It sounds as though it could be fun.:D:D

Would love to have it as sticky - I can't figure out how to contact moderator - any help appreciated!!! Thanks

I was going to suggest hitting the red triangle used to report posts and make your request there, but I see another poster has given you an email to use. I sincerely hope you are successful.

I was going to suggest hitting the red triangle used to report posts and make your request there, but I see another poster has given you an email to use. I sincerely hope you are successful.

I emailed the moderator; however I have not received a reply yet. Hopefully I will hear back. Thanks!

Wow! This is exactly the information I was looking for when I clicked on the link....thank you!

I received this reply today regarding Thanksgiving Day in St. John.

The Saint John City Market will be open on The Holiday Monday as there are 3 cruise ships in Port. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy yourself. You will want to plan for at least one hour in the market as there are many stalls to visit and lot's of delicious food to choose from.

Maureen

Maureen Hayes

Production Manager

Saint John City Market

47 Charlotte St. Saint John N.B.

E2L 2H8

Ph 506 658-2820

fax 506 649-7966

http://www.sjcitymarket.ca

The Saint John City Market will be open on The Holiday Monday as there are 3 cruise ships in Port. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy yourself. You will want to plan for at least one hour in the market as there are many stalls to visit and lot's of delicious food to choose from.

Maureen

karrie028

Thank you for posting this information. We'll be on one of the ships in port that day.

Awesome. I can't wait until I visit. First time out of the country, and I am glad its to Canada. I love Canadians and their moose(moosi? meese? moosen?) :)