Saint John: Visiting Canada's Oldest City

The Canadian Maritimes are a jewel on the nation's east coast, and the province of New Brunswick brings its own unique history and culture to the region. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, the French-Anglo tradition remains strong in New Brunswick, and nowhere is it more apparent than in Saint John. The city was the first in the nation to be officially incorporated into the federation of Canada, and its long history is reflected in the landscape and stories of the city today. With an array of museums, churches and much more, Saint John is an ideal Canadian destination for any history buff.

First Nations Culture in Saint John, NB1

EARLY HISTORY

The Northwest coastal region along the Bay of Fundy was first inhabited by the Maliseet Nation, a nation that thrived on pollack fishing. A branch of the Algonquian tribe, the Maliseet had been thriving in the Saint John area for more than 2000 years. Europeans landed in the area in 1604, when Samuel de Champlain led a reconnaissance of the Bay of Fundy. Conflict between the Europeans and the Maliseet led to the nation being eventually driven from the area, and to French domination in the region. The day that Champlain landed at the mouth of the river was Saint John the Baptist's Day, which resulted in the name of the township and the river itself. The story of the Maliseet can be explored through art and other exhibits at the New Brunswick Museum.

The city of Saint John played a role in the French and Indian wars, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. It eventually passed to British rule, though French language and culture is still prominent in the city today. The bustling port and winding city streets hold a distinct Acadian feel unique to Saint John. The Centre Scolaire-Communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain celebrates Acadian heritage and puts on two annual events, the Festival de la Baie Francaise in June and the Festival Acadien in August. These festivals are a great way to spend a day out in Saint John and delve into the culture and history of the Francophone community.

Saint John grew quickly in size during the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-49, when there was an immigration influx from Ireland by those seeking a better life in the New World. The diverse history of the city is reflected in its authentic and multicultural society and tradition. Visitors can explore the historic streets and sites, which include the Carleton Martello Tower that played a key role in both the War of 1812 and World War II, and the Loyalist House, Saint John's oldest building.

CLIMATE

Due to its location aside the Bay of Fundy, Saint John has a humid, temperate climate. Though temperatures regularly drop below freezing in winter, the season is much more mild in Saint John than in other New Brunswick cities. Summer weather ranges from cool to moderately warm, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C (86°F). The humidity, however, often makes the summer feel hotter and the winter cooler. It effects the level of snowfall as well, which is less than the rest of the province. Saint John averages 65 cm (26 in) of snow each month from November through February. Rain is a much more common climate condition, so visitors are advised to be equipped with a good rain jacket. A pair of rubber boots or duck boots are also recommended for those spending time outdoors or camping.

	Historic Streets of Saint John2

TRANSPORTATION

Vacationers flying into the city will arrive at Saint John Airport, located approximately 15 km (9 mi) east of the city centre. Those travelling by bus will find the Greyhound Bus services with convenient schedules in and out of New Brunswick's capital, and VIA Rail provides train transport for those looking for a more scenic journey. Once in Saint John, all visitors must experience some sort of transportation on water. The Saint John Marina, located on the banks of the Saint John River, is the largest full service marina in the area. Boating enthusiasts can launch from the marina, and there is an array of tours and tour operators who also call the marina home. The Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club offers moorings, berths, as well as several sailing schools, racing events and other marine services.

Those seeking a vehicle will find the best prices at Rent a Wreck, Saint John's only used car rental facility. Not only do they offer reliable cars and trucks, they also rent tocustomers aged 21 and older, meaning that students and younger visitors are able to get around town more easily.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

The streets of downtown Saint John all have their own history and stories to tell. King Street is Canada's steepest street, and rises 24 m (80 ft) in just two city blocks. Prince William Street resides in the district of the city that was destroyed in the 1877 Saint John Fire. What began as a fire in a small warehouse quickly engulfed the surrounding blocks, destroying the centre of downtown. Visitors can learn more about the fire itself at the Old Number 2 Engine House Museum. Many of the streets were restored to their original glory and today visitors tour the area along the Prince William Street Walk. This walking tour explores Prince William and Germain Streets, which remain Saint John's main commercial avenues today, as they were centuries ago. The elaborate grandeur of the buildings and their detailing dates back to the fierce competition among property owners and craftsmen to out-do one another. Visitors can browse through shops on Princess Street, as well as visit two of the city's beautiful historic churches, St. Andrew's and St. David's.

These two churches were built after the fire of 1877, and today exist as one united church. Those who constructed the building utilized brick that remained from the burnt ruins surrounding the church site, and what resulted was a church with sides and a back of brick, while the front is local limestone. The church is also home to a three-manual pipe organ, manufactured by Cassavant Frères of St. Hyacinthe, which was installed in 1927. This grand organ is considered to be one of the finest instruments of its kind in the Maritimes. The history of Presbyterianism in the area can be felt within the walls of this historic structure, and must not be missed by visitors to Saint John.

Gothic Church in Saint John3

Those with a taste for the arts can browse through the numerous galleries scattered around downtown. Trinity Galleries on Germain Street is home to a wonderful display of several artworks by the Maritimes’ foremost fine artists. With two full levels of showing space, this gallery is a welcoming sight for visitors. The renowned Peter Buckland Gallery is also located nearby, featuring a wide range of work from the traditional to the contemporary. As well, this gallery plays host to several musical performances, readings, and other presentations throughout the year. Visitors hoping to experience live theatre in Saint John can attend a performance at the impressive Imperial Theatre, located in King's Square. Built in 1912, the theatre still boasts the original décor that has been restored to ensure the beauty and grandeur do not fade.

Judaism has a rich and interesting history in New Brunswick, particularly in the years of World War II and those that immediately followed. The year 1858 is marked as the official year for the birth of the Jewish society of Saint John, with the immigration of the Soloman and Hart families from England, and so 2008 marks the celebration of the community's 150th birthday. Visitors can explore the Jewish Historical Museum of Saint John, which tells the Jewish story and features not only numerous exhibits, but also research archives and a library.

	Patio of a Historic Restaurant4

SHOPPING AND EATING

Those looking for something rare and authentic will have much to explore in the antique shops of uptown Saint John. The area is home to a plethora of dealers in antiques and collectibles, including Brass'n'Things and Tim Isaac Art and Antiques on Prince William Street. Both of these vendors house an impressive array of artefacts dating back to the years of exploration, and there are always new items arriving. Shoppers will find even more to delve into at King's Square in the centre of downtown. The square is laid out in the shape of the Union Jack, and plays host to a variety of performers and festivities throughout the year.

New Brunswick is known for delectable food, and Saint John is a hub for restaurants of all varieties. It comes as no surprise that the city is home to several historic restaurants and bars, from English pubs to upscale Acadian cuisine. Opera Bistro on Prince William Street is one of the city's premier dining locations. It is housed in a historic building, giving it a unique appeal that, when coupled with the extensive menu, promises an unforgettable meal. Nougatine et Chocolat is also in the heart of downtown, and their innovative, internationally inspired menu offers everything from sandwiches to pastries. Visitors seeking something tasty, interesting, and memorable will be impressed by the wide variety of restaurants in Saint John.

The reviewed locations and features of New Brunswick's capital city are but a sample of all that exists to explore and enjoy within Saint John. For over 200 years visitors from around the globe have arrived at the city's port and been charmed by the character and culture that is unique to Saint John. The sites, shops, and streets speak for themselves as to what can be enjoyed in this historic city.

1. First Nations Totem Pole; Saint John, NB, Canada
2. Tourism Saint John; Historic City Streets; Saint John, NB, Canada
3. Tourism Saint John; Gothic Church; Saint John, NB, Canada
4. Restaurant; Saint John, NB, Canada