| Welcome to Saint John
Saint John, the Fundy City, where it all begins. We're steeped in history but we're primed for the future! For Saint John, it began in 1785 when we became Canada*s first incorporated city. Two-hundred (plus) years later, we enjoy the historic architecture and rich cultural heritage of our ancestors, the highest concentration of arts, dining and entertainment in the Province (on our waterfront) and a national and international reputation as a great place to live and work. From the thrills of the Reversing Falls Jet Boat to the serenity of our historic parks, Saint John is a great place to visit. We have the oldest market in Canada (The Saint John City Market (est. 1876) and the oldest museum in Canada, The New Brunswick Museum (est. 1842). They're connected by a modern pedway system that links many uptown businesses. We're known for our green spaces. At 2,200 square acres, Rockwood Park, is the largest urban park in the country. And, in 2001 Saint John won the 'Most Beautiful City Award', Communities in Bloom National Championships (area population 100,000-300,000). Welcome to See Saint John, your best source for shopping, dining, entertainment and maps. At See Saint John, we're dedicated to providing our readers with the most accurate, up-to date and interesting information about Saint John's accommodations, dining, attractions, facilities, entertainment and recreation. |
To me the best and easiest way to really see Saint John is to walk the red pavement of Harbour Passage. It is suitable for all ages and is fully wheelchair accessible. It begins at the boardwalk of Market Square and follows the Harbour to where it meets the St. John River.
During the war years, my father was overseas and my mother and I lived with my Grandmother on High Street. High Street and all of the surrounding areas were torn down to make the entrances and exits of the Harbour Bridge. I would have lived approximately where the CBC is now located and the revolving light from Partridge Island beamed rhythmically in my bedroom window.
The history of New Brunswick and the City of Saint John are intricately tied to the area outlined by Harbour Passage. This is where Saint John actually began when it was only woods, hills and water because it was here in 1620, when the land was controlled by France, that Charles La Tour opened a trading post for the Micmac and Maliseet people who travelled up and down the St. John River in their birchbark canoes. This was followed in the 1700's by a fort and trading post built and maintained by British officers from Massachusetts who had invaded Saint John and taken control of the area from the French. They traded with the Indians, a profitable undertaking, in nine years this trading post exported at least 40,000 beaver skins!
Harbour Passage
is not just history. It is the best place to view visiting cruise ships,
see a working port and, as well, it is a good place to bird and seal watch.
If you feel really energetic you can exit at Bentley Street, walk up to
Douglas Avenue and continue on to see the Reversing Falls.
If you meet someone in Saint John, who has enhanced your stay here and
would like to let us know about them just send the information to editor@seesaintjohn.com
We will make sure they and others hear about it.