Saint John’s Uptown neighborhood boasts a thriving food and drink scene that captivates visitors. Embarking on the Uptown Food and Drink Tour, travelers can enjoy the city’s rich heritage and culinary delights. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the 2.5-hour walking tour takes participants through charming Victorian-era streets, offering a chance to sample local specialties, from smoked salmon to artisan cocktails. As the tour weaves through the bustling Saint John City Market and unveils the city’s evolving status as a culinary destination, it leaves one curious to uncover more about this vibrant community.
Key Points
- A 2.5-hour walking tour that explores the historic Uptown Saint John neighborhood and its vibrant food and drink scene.
- Visitors can sample local delicacies like smoked salmon, gourmet food, artisan cocktails, craft beer, wine, and local cheese.
- The tour highlights the city’s rich heritage, showcasing charming Victorian-era buildings, historic churches, civic buildings, and the Saint John River.
- The tour includes a visit to the oldest continuously operating 6-day-a-week market in Canada, the Saint John City Market, where visitors can enjoy the local food culture.
- Visitors can savor gourmet local fare and artisan cocktails at Quality Block, taste a flight of locally-brewed beers at Saint John’s oldest craft brewery, and sample local wines and cheeses at Happinez Wine and Cheese.
Tour Overview
The Saint John Uptown Food and Drink Tour is a 2.5-hour walking exploration of the city’s historic Uptown area, led by a local guide who meets participants at the Saint John City Market.
This immersive tour allows visitors to discover the city’s rich history and architecture as they stroll through the lively Uptown neighborhood.
Along the way, guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of local delicacies, including smoked salmon, gourmet food, artisan cocktails, craft beer, wine, and local cheese.
The tour highlights the vibrant food and drink scene that has made Saint John a growing culinary destination, providing a well-rounded experience for both foodies and history enthusiasts.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Saint John New Brunswick.
Explore Uptown Saint John
As the tour winds its way through the historic Uptown district, visitors get an up-close look at Saint John’s captivating architecture and vibrant streetscapes.
Charming Victorian-era buildings line the streets, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and lending a distinctive character to the neighborhood. Along the way, the guide shares fascinating stories about the area’s past, pointing out hidden gems and highlighting the city’s thriving art scene.
Key highlights include:
- Discovering the local art galleries showcasing the work of talented Maritime artists
- Strolling past the ornate facades of historic churches and civic buildings
- Exploring the winding alleys and cobblestone streets that evoke a bygone era
- Admiring the stunning views of the Saint John River and its bridges
- Experiencing the lively atmosphere of the city’s bustling markets and shops.
Saint John City Market
At the heart of the Uptown district lies the iconic Saint John City Market, the oldest continuously operating 6-day-a-week market in Canada.
Established in 1785, this vibrant marketplace serves as a hub for local vendors, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich culinary heritage and thriving artisan community.
The market’s historic architecture, complete with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams, creates a charming atmosphere where visitors can browse an array of fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and handmade crafts.
As a highlight of the Uptown Food and Drink Tour, the market allows guests to enjoy the local food culture and connect with the passionate purveyors who bring the best of Saint John to their tables.
North Market Seafood Tasting
Within the lively confines of Saint John City Market, North Market Seafood proudly showcases the region’s bountiful maritime offerings.
As part of the Uptown Food and Drink Tour, visitors can sample the restaurant’s signature smoked salmon, a delectable treat that captures the essence of the Atlantic Ocean.
This family-owned business has been a staple in the market for generations, providing locals and travelers alike with the freshest seafood imaginable.
The tasting experience evokes a sense of:
- Coastal charm
- Culinary expertise
- Tradition
- Freshness
- Pride
With each bite, guests are transported to the rugged shores of New Brunswick, where the bounty of the sea is celebrated in all its glory.
More Great Tours NearbyQuality Block Food and Drink
The Uptown Food and Drink Tour takes visitors to Quality Block, where they can savor gourmet local fare and artisan cocktails in a chic setting.
Here, guests’ll sample a selection of inventive dishes highlighting the best of Saint John’s culinary scene. Maybe they’ll try a hearty stew made with locally-sourced ingredients or a vibrant salad bursting with fresh flavors.
To accompany the meal, they can sip on a carefully-crafted cocktail featuring locally-distilled spirits and seasonal produce.
The knowledgeable guide provides insight into the inspirations and techniques behind these creative offerings, giving visitors a true taste of Uptown Saint John’s thriving food and drink culture.
Saint John’s Oldest Craft Brewery
After sampling the gourmet fare and artisan cocktails at Quality Block, the Uptown Food and Drink Tour takes guests to Saint John’s oldest craft brewery, where they’ll get to taste a flight of locally-brewed beers.
The brewery has been a fixture in the city for decades, serving up an array of flavorful ales and lagers that reflect the region’s rich brewing heritage.
Guests can expect to:
- Discover the unique stories behind each brew
- Learn about the brewery’s sustainable practices
- Appreciate the passion and skill of the brew team
- Savor the complex notes and aromas of the craft beers
- Gain a newfound appreciation for the art of small-batch brewing
This stop on the tour provides a perfect blend of history, community, and delicious libations.
Happinez Wine and Cheese
Finally, the Uptown Food and Drink Tour takes guests to Happinez, the first wine bar in Atlantic Canada, where they can sample local wines and cheeses.
Happinez offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sipping on a glass of expertly paired wine while savoring artisanal local cheeses. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide guests through the selections, sharing insights into the region’s rich winemaking traditions and the unique flavors of the locally-sourced cheeses.
This stop on the tour provides a relaxing and indulgent respite, allowing visitors to appreciate the vibrant local culinary scene in Saint John. It’s a fitting end to a delightful exploration of the city’s Uptown neighborhood.
Additional Tour Information
This walking tour operates rain or shine, allowing visitors to explore Saint John’s Uptown neighborhood regardless of the weather.
The easy to moderate activity level makes the tour accessible to guests of various fitness levels, as they stroll through the historic streets and sample the local culinary delights.
It’s important to note that the legal drinking age in New Brunswick is 19 years, so participants must be of legal age to partake in the alcoholic tastings.
Plus, the tour involves contact with potential allergens such as dairy, wheat, fish, and gluten, so guests with dietary restrictions should exercise caution.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to:
- Enjoy the city’s rich history and architecture
- Discover the vibrant local art scene
- Savor the flavors of freshly smoked salmon
- Indulge in gourmet local food and craft cocktails
- Experience the craft beer culture at the oldest brewery in Saint John
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
The tour may not be fully suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it includes tastings of seafood, cheese, and other animal-based products. However, the tour operator should be able to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, participants can take photographs during the tour. The tour allows for photo opportunities at the various stops, so guests can capture their experience and the local sights. However, it’s polite to ask for permission before photographing people.
What Is the Tour Guide’s Background and Expertise?
The tour guide has expertise in the local history, culture, and food and drink scene. They are knowledgeable about the city’s architecture, art galleries, and breweries, and can share insights and stories about the area.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not specifically advertised as wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodations and confirm the accessibility of the walking route.
Can We Customize the Tour to Suit Our Preferences?
Yes, the tour can typically be customized to suit preferences. The tour operator is often willing to modify the itinerary, food and drink selections, or experience format to accommodate individual needs and interests.
Recap
The Saint John: Uptown Food and Drink Tour offers an engaging exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Visitors can discover the rich heritage and evolving status of Saint John as a growing food destination, sampling local delicacies and seeing the lively atmosphere of the historic Uptown neighborhood.
This tour provides a well-rounded experience, highlighting the city’s thriving art scene, diverse food and drink offerings, and charming Victorian-era streets.
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