2009 Saint John, NB Canada FAQ and Interactive Cruise Ship Visitor's Map

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

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113622691357371816646.000462694d0c1da036bf0&ll=45.274252,-66.06019&spn=0.013439,0.027466&z=15

You can refer to this map for information about attractions, restaurants and car rentals.

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?

Saint John has 2 cruise ship docking areas. The main cruise ship terminal (built new for 2009) is 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 Pugsley 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 definately 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; 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 can be found at www.tourismsaintjohn.com and the interactive map from the link on top.

4. 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. 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 $2.25 (Route #4 West) - 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 East). If you are mobility impaired, there are low floor wheelchair accessible buses going to the falls at 8:15 9:55 11:35 1:15 2:55 and coming back from the falls at 8:50 10:30 12:10 1:50 3:30

5. Are there car rental agencies nearby?

Yes. If you are docking at Pugsley Terminal, AVIS is on the same street (turn left and go two 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, and a local cruise guide will be there to assist you.

6. 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 like Simm's Corner on the way to Irving Nature Park and Martello Tower. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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

There are many small family-owned 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 http://www.uzonecanada.ca/j10/ (under 19 must be accompanied by an adult). There is a skate board park located outside the gates of Long Wharf.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Can you recommend a seafood restaurant?

There are 3 great seafood restaurants in the area. Grannan's is located in Market Square; Steamer's Lobster Company is located across the street from the cruise ship dock; and Billy's Seafood 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Are there banks nearby?

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

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

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

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

27. What are some interesting facts about the area?

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. 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. New energy projects include a second nuclear power plant, second 350,000 bpd oil refinery and a Liquified Natural Gas Terminal. The city proper has approx. 69,000 people, with 123,000 people in the immediate region.

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

The Infusion tea room offers afternoon tea. (http://www.sjcitymarket.ca/merchants/infusion.html)

29. Can you recommend any hidden gems in the city, maybe off the beaten path? (Note: These are my personal opinions and I'm not compensated in any way)

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 people watch.

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

Shop for risque lingerie at Xclusive Boutique on Waterloo St.

Thank you for posting this. Lot's to think about here. Do you recommend taking an excursion to St.Martin?

Thank you for posting this. Lot's to think about here. Do you recommend taking an excursion to St.Martin?

Many people take that excursion and I hear very positive things about it. It depends what you are looking for in your vacation. The high tides are an interesting phenonoma unique to the area and may be worth the consideration.

Acey-----It is a sure sign that spring is coming to see your annual updated Saint John information posting. Now if we could just get rid of this snow:D

Acey-----It is a sure sign that spring is coming to see your annual updated Saint John information posting. Now if we could just get rid of this snow:D

Since my car is stuck on ice on a slanted driveway - had lots of time to do it!

Wow this is sooo helpful, thank you so much!

Already a question! You'll see alot as I get chances to read through your whole post, do you know if theres a comp. shuttle for ships that dock at pugsley??

Would you suggest a walking tour (on your own kind of thing) or bus tours? What would be a better way to get the most of your time.

Already a question! You'll see alot as I get chances to read through your whole post, do you know if theres a comp. shuttle for ships that dock at pugsley??

 

Would you suggest a walking tour (on your own kind of thing) or bus tours? What would be a better way to get the most of your time.

There are no shuttles at Pugsley as it docks dead centre where you want to be. I do suggest walking and exploring the area on your own - it's a very historic area and IMO no need to spend money on tours if you are on a budget. Regarding your post about must sees, I would say the Old City Market and the Trinity Royal Historic Area. The other big attraction is Reversing Falls - I personally don't consider it a "must".

There are no shuttles at Pugsley as it docks dead centre where you want to be. I do suggest walking and exploring the area on your own - it's a very historic area and IMO no need to spend money on tours if you are on a budget. Regarding your post about must sees, I would say the Old City Market and the Trinity Royal Historic Area. The other big attraction is Reversing Falls - I personally don't consider it a "must".

Sounds like a good plan then, if we don't really have to spend much that's fine for us, then since will be walking and it's close to the ship we can always go eat lunch oboard and come back out, thank you.

Sounds like a good plan then, if we don't really have to spend much that's fine for us, then since will be walking and it's close to the ship we can always go eat lunch oboard and come back out, thank you.

The City Market has some food stalls where you can get a good lunch pretty cheap - if you don't want the hassle of going back to ship for lunch. There is a food court in Brunswick Square that has a McDonald's. Subway is couple blocks from ship also. A&W is in Market Square.

This year marks the opening of the Cruise Ship Terminal. The building is just beautiful.

I expect that this will change the way the ship dock and the kiosks that the merchants had set up in past years.

Acey - very thorough post. Well done.

There are no shuttles at Pugsley as it docks dead centre where you want to be. I do suggest walking and exploring the area on your own - it's a very historic area and IMO no need to spend money on tours if you are on a budget. Regarding your post about must sees, I would say the Old City Market and the Trinity Royal Historic Area. The other big attraction is Reversing Falls - I personally don't consider it a "must".

I've heard the area is quite hilly... is this true? My reason for asking is that I have a few health problems that are really affected by walking a lot, especially up hill. Would walking within a few blocks of Pugsley terminal require much incline walking? I really want to enjoy the experience as much as possible but I really don't want to set off a severe asthma attack or worse.

(Thanks for the interactive map link... it's awesome!)

I've heard the area is quite hilly... is this true? My reason for asking is that I have a few health problems that are really affected by walking a lot, especially up hill. Would walking within a few blocks of Pugsley terminal require much incline walking? I really want to enjoy the experience as much as possible but I really don't want to set off a severe asthma attack or worse.

 

(Thanks for the interactive map link... it's awesome!)

The centre of Saint John is a peninsula - the middle is the highest and it slopes down to the harbour. Some hills in the trinity royal area are steep, others (like the main hill King St.) are gradual. The city market itself is a hill as it stretches a city block.

My suggestion is to turn left when you get off ship and walk to Market Square (not to be confused with city market) - there are no hills. Once in Market Square, use the escalator and pedway system through Brunswick Square shopping centre and the tunnel and escalator to the City Market. This route is called the "Inside Connection" - if you need guidance to find the start of it, there will be guides along the street and outside Market Square to point you in the right direction. Once you are done the city market, exit to the street at the top of the market where there are no more hills to climb. The ship is at the bottom of the hill so you can explore trinity royal area on the way down without climbing a hill.

Alternatively, you could take a horse driven trolley ride which tours the area and then drops you off at the city market at the end of the tour, or continue back to ship on the trolley if you wish.

The information you provided in regards to my question is going to be printed out and included with all of my other travel documents. This will help more than I can say and I am truly appreciative! Thanks :)

Many people take that excursion and I hear very positive things about it. It depends what you are looking for in your vacation. The high tides are an interesting phenonoma unique to the area and may be worth the consideration.

Acey thanks so much for all this great information. I will be taking my 3rd trip to St John. The first time I went to the reversing falls and the Moose Head Brewery. The next time I went I just walked around town and into the local mall.

I am toying with going to St Martin since I hear great things about it, is there a tour company you would recommend? Or another area to see that has local flavor (fishing village etc), shops and scenery. I will be there in June.

Acey thanks so much for all this great information. I will be taking my 3rd trip to St John. The first time I went to the reversing falls and the Moose Head Brewery. The next time I went I just walked around town and into the local mall.

 

I am toying with going to St Martin since I hear great things about it, is there a tour company you would recommend? Or another area to see that has local flavor (fishing village etc), shops and scenery. I will be there in June.

I think St. Martins would fill the local flavour category (fishing village/scenery). For that and more with shops, consider a tour to St. Andrew's-by-the-sea - a resort town.

Freedom tours is a well-established, reputable local tour company that receives positive reviews:

http://freedomtours.com/content/151140

hello acey. what are ya doing in the begining of june? wanna be our tour guide? your information has been so helpful. I wish more people that live in ports of call would do the same as you do with helpful information an suggestions. Keep up the awesome work. and thank you again for your posts.

hello acey. what are ya doing in the begining of june? wanna be our tour guide? your information has been so helpful. I wish more people that live in ports of call would do the same as you do with helpful information an suggestions. Keep up the awesome work. and thank you again for your posts.

Thanks very much - however I'm just one of a handful that deserve thanks - we have excellent local contributors that go out of their way to assist visitors to our city. I know when you visit you'll find it very hospitable. In this city you can step onto the street and cars in all directions will immediately stop, LOL and probably offer to help you find where you want to go.

I thought of being a tour guide, but then there is the extra cost for car insurance/license, etc...

Acey,

Great information, I am so glad I found this thread. One question, it seems everyone goes to Saint John in August, September & October, I was actually thinking about going in early June 2009, is June not a good month? Is the weather not good in June> I know the weather can be hit or miss at anytime and anywhere but is there something that I seem to be missing, in that mostly everyone goes in the later months of the summer and early fall? Just wondering...... ... I do want to be prepared for whatever may come ...

Also, hwere does the horse drawn carriage tour go and about how long is it and is it really worth the money and approximately how much is it? Does it stay local and would you happen to know if all carriages take the same route? And what key sights does it go by?

Thanks again for all your help, ... I wish you would do tours, that would end my seach.

Acey,

Great information, I am so glad I found this thread. One question, it seems everyone goes to Saint John in August, September & October, I was actually thinking about going in early June 2009, is June not a good month? Is the weather not good in June> I know the weather can be hit or miss at anytime and anywhere but is there something that I seem to be missing, in that mostly everyone goes in the later months of the summer and early fall? Just wondering...... ... I do want to be prepared for whatever may come ...

Also, hwere does the horse drawn carriage tour go and about how long is it and is it really worth the money and approximately how much is it? Does it stay local and would you happen to know if all carriages take the same route? And what key sights does it go by?

Thanks again for all your help, ... I wish you would do tours, that would end my seach.

The cruiselines don't have a lot of scheduled trips in June on this itinerary - the weather in June is just fine. The busier period is Autumn with the changing colours of the leaves, although it is consistent throughout July and August.

The horse drawn trolley tour goes throughout the historic Trinity Royal part of the city, which is all within 8 blocks of the ship. They all take the same route - it terminates at the City Market, or you have the option to continue back to the ship when it goes to pick up next group. (after horses have their mandatory rest period of course). The key sites are basically historic buildings along with the interesting local lore surrounding them.

The tours are operated by Turn of the Century Trolley Tours - and the cruiseline sells the tour - I'm not sure of the price, but would count on it being a 50-100% markup as the cruiselines do. However, there is a smaller outfit that operates too - I seem to think they are not sold by the cruiselines which means you may be able to take that one at a "normal" price - however don't take my word for it as I'm not sure - hopefully someone else will know....

And to be upfront - you may have to on occassion put up with the smell of horse poop - I laugh sometimes I see tourists hanging to the side of the trolley trying to get fresh air. LOL like the Seinfeld episode where Kramer fed the horse Beefarino....

Thanks for all the great info Acey. We will be in St. J. on Canada Day, 2009 on Carnival Triumph. The next day in Halifax. I see a sight you gave for a tour company in St. J.

My husband and I like to bike a lot. Do you know of any "bike tour" companies in Halifax or St. J. We would also like to go to Peggy's Cove when in Halifax. If no bike tours maybe we could rent a car and drive to Peggy's cove. What would your opinon be.

Thanks for all you did! Greatly appreciated

Lynda

Thanks for all the great info Acey. We will be in St. J. on Canada Day, 2009 on Carnival Triumph. The next day in Halifax. I see a sight you gave for a tour company in St. J.

 

My husband and I like to bike a lot. Do you know of any "bike tour" companies in Halifax or St. J. We would also like to go to Peggy's Cove when in Halifax. If no bike tours maybe we could rent a car and drive to Peggy's cove. What would your opinon be.

 

Thanks for all you did! Greatly appreciated

Lynda

A couple years ago they had bike rentals at Market Square, but they were not there last year. I would call Freedom Tours to see what they say. As for Halifax, Peggy's Cove is popular and I have been there in the past and enjoyed it.

A couple years ago they had bike rentals at Market Square, but they were not there last year. I would call Freedom Tours to see what they say. As for Halifax, Peggy's Cove is popular and I have been there in the past and enjoyed it.

Acey-----I did notice the bike rental trailer out in front of the Hilton one cruise ship day last summer.

Just bumping this up to the top as it was on page three and contains valuable information for cruise ship visitors.

A new tea room opened up at the corner of Prince Edward Street and Richmond Street - very beautiful and looks like you are back in early 1900's - it's called "The Loose Leaf" tea room.