Exploring the historic and maritime-rich city of Saint John has never been easier. The Saint John Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating 2.5-hour journey through the city’s iconic landmarks. From the striking Three Sisters Lamp to the bustling City Market, this small-group tour immerses you in Saint John’s vibrant culture and enduring connection to the sea. Along the way, you’ll marvel at Victorian-era architecture, uncover the city’s Loyalist roots, and gain a deeper appreciation for this coastal Canadian gem. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover your city, this tour promises to unveil the charm and history that make Saint John a must-visit destination.
This experience made our list of the 9 Best Tours In Saint John.
Key Points
• The Saint John Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour small-group tour that showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Three Sisters Lamp, Queen and King Squares, and the Loyalist Burial Ground.
• Participants can marvel at the Victorian-era architecture, explore the vibrant City Market, and connect with Saint John’s rich maritime heritage and history.
• The Three Sisters Lamp, a unique navigational beacon, serves as a focal point, aligning with the steeple of Trinity Church to guide ships.
• Queen Square and King Square offer serene respites, showcasing the grandeur of Saint John’s Victorian-era buildings and ornate fountains.
• The Loyalist Burial Ground preserves the legacy of the city’s early settlers, providing a poignant glimpse into Saint John’s past and the sacrifices of the Loyalists.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Basics of the Tour
The Saint John Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history and architectural gems, spanning a duration of approximately 2.5 hours.
This small-group tour, with a maximum of 10 participants, allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. Participants can reserve their spot and pay later, with the added convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour highlights include stops at the iconic Three Sisters Lamp, the picturesque Queen and King Squares, the Loyalist Burial Ground, the Harbour Passage leading to Fort La Tour, and the vibrant City Market – a hub of activity since the late 1700s.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Saint John New Brunswick.
Highlights of the Walk
On the Saint John Walking Tour, visitors can marvel at the iconic Three Sisters Lamp, a Victorian-style lamp with three red gas lamps that has been illuminating the city since 1877. Aligned with the steeple of Trinity Church, the lamp served as a key navigation point for ships entering the harbor.
The tour also showcases the city’s historic Queen Square and King Square, lush green spaces surrounded by beautiful fountains and stunning Victorian-era architecture.
Participants will explore the Loyalist Burial Ground, the final resting place for many of the city’s early settlers, and visit the vibrant City Market, a bustling hub of activity since the late 1700s.
The Three Sisters Lamp
A Victorian-style lamp with three red gas lamps, the Three Sisters Lamp has been illuminating Saint John’s harbor since 1877.
Strategically aligned with the steeple of Trinity Church, this iconic landmark serves as an important navigational guide for ships entering the port.
The Three Sisters Lamp’s distinctive design, featuring three separate gas lamps on a single post, gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance.
Over the decades, this historic structure has become a beloved symbol of Saint John, and its warm glow continues to welcome visitors to the city’s vibrant waterfront.
Today, the Three Sisters Lamp stands as a testament to the city’s rich maritime heritage and its enduring connection to the sea.
Queen and King Squares
Nestled in the heart of Saint John, Queen Square and King Square are lush, verdant oases that showcase the city’s Victorian-era architectural grandeur.
Surrounded by stately buildings adorned with intricate moldings and soaring stained-glass windows, these picturesque public spaces invite visitors to stroll through their meticulously maintained grounds, admiring the ornate fountains that serve as the centerpieces of these historic squares.
The Imperial Theatre, with its ornate façade and impressive interior, stands as a testament to the city’s cultural heritage, while the lush greenery and tranquil ambiance of the squares provide a serene respite from the bustling streets surrounding them.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Loyalist Burial Ground
Established in 1784, the Loyalist Burial Ground serves as the final resting place for many of Saint John’s early settlers, preserving the legacy of the Loyalists who fled the American Revolution and sought refuge in the city.
As you walk through the historic cemetery, you’ll come across weathered gravestones and monuments that tell the stories of the individuals buried there.
The Loyalist Burial Ground offers a poignant glimpse into Saint John’s past, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of the Loyalists who helped shape the city’s history.
It’s a place of quiet reflection, where visitors can connect with the city’s rich heritage and the remarkable people who called it home.
Exploring the City Market
After exploring the historic Loyalist Burial Ground, the walking tour leads visitors to the vibrant City Market, a bustling hub of activity that has been at the heart of Saint John’s community since the late 1700s.
The market is a lively place where local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and handcrafted items. Visitors can browse the stalls, sample regional delicacies, and enjoy the city’s rich culinary heritage.
The market’s charming architecture, with its distinctive roofline and large windows, adds to the lively ambiance. Exploring the City Market is an opportunity to connect with the local community and gain a deeper appreciation for Saint John’s history and culture.
As visitors stroll through the historic streets, they’ll find Saint John’s navigation and orientation are aided by a few key landmarks.
The iconic Three Sisters Lamp, with its three distinctive red gas lamps, has long served as a navigational beacon, aligned with the steeple of Trinity Church to guide ships into the harbor.
Plus, the lush green spaces of Queen Square and King Square provide visual cues, surrounded by the striking Victorian-era architecture of the Imperial Theatre.
Together, these landmarks help orient visitors and make it easy to find their way around Saint John’s walkable downtown core, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable exploration of the city’s rich history and charm.
History and Architecture
The historic architecture of Saint John captivates visitors, showcasing the city’s Loyalist heritage and Victorian elegance.
The Loyalist Burial Ground, established in 1784, serves as the final resting place for many of the city’s early settlers.
The ornate Imperial Theatre with its soaring ceilings, intricate moldings, and stained-glass windows epitomizes the grandeur of the Victorian era.
The Three Sisters Lamp, a Victorian-style lamp with three red gas lamps lit in 1877, aligns with the Trinity Church steeple, providing a unique navigational landmark.
Visitors can also stroll through Queen Square and King Square, lush green spaces surrounded by beautiful fountains and stunning Victorian-era architecture, showcasing Saint John’s rich history and cultural significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Participants can choose to add more time to explore the city’s highlights in greater depth or visit additional sights not covered in the standard 2.5-hour itinerary, for an additional fee.
Can the Tour Group Size Be Increased for Larger Groups?
The tour group size can be increased for larger groups, though the maximum is currently set at 10 participants. Organizers may be able to accommodate larger groups with prior notice, but this would depend on availability and logistical considerations.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you need to reschedule, simply cancel your booking within 24 hours and rebook at a more convenient time without any penalties.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the Saint John Walking Tour offers discounts for seniors and students. Seniors receive a 10% discount, and students receive a 15% discount on the tour price. These discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?
The tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Participants can discuss their interests with the guide, who can then tailor the tour to highlight those areas in more detail during the 2.5-hour experience.
Recap
The Saint John Walking Tour offers an immersive experience that showcases the city’s rich maritime heritage and captivating history. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, marvel at Victorian architecture, and enjoy the vibrant culture, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to uncover the charm of this coastal Canadian destination.
With a knowledgeable guide and a small group, it’s a practical way to navigate and gain deeper insights into Saint John’s enduring connection to the sea.
You can check availability for your dates here: