January 27, 2012
Saint John: The Air Conditioned City
The City of Saint John is wrapped round the mouth of the St. John River in southern New Brunswick. It is commonly called the air-conditioned city and is well known for the Reversing Falls. When the tide rushes in, its strength causes the mighty St. John River to reverse its direction and flow upstream over the jagged rocks. The Falls Restaurant, open year round, has a brilliant view of the falls and great dining too. Reversing Rapids Jet Boat Tours are available for people that wish to experience the tide’s power first hand.
The famous industrialist, K.C. Irving, did a lot of his business in Saint John. These days his decendants carries on with Irving commerce and industry. The Irving sign is very familiar to Maritimers.
Saint John is the first incorporated city in Canada; many companies have long been established here. Moosehead Breweries Ltd. And T.S. Simms Company. Ltd. have been in business for more than 135 years. Wasson’s Drugs was established in Saint John a century ago. Visit the Saint John Town Market on Charlotte Street to buy everything from produce to crafts, clothing, and gifts.
Harbour Station opened its doors in 1993. It is a large complex where sports, exhibitions, various forms of entertainment, and civic events are held each year. Ice hockey is a favourite at Harbor Station, the QMHL Sea Dogs are very well-liked. The revived Imperial Theatre in uptown Saint John features fine entertainment in luxurious surroundings. The acoustics are outstanding! The Jeux Canada Games Aquatic Centre attracts sports enthusiasts for water polo and diving teams; family swims are also available. Canoe and scuba diving lessons are available too.
High on a mountain in Saint John West sits the Carleton Martello Tower. It is a National Historic Site. Construction commenced back in 1813 when Saint John was still the Capital city of New Brunswick. The tower is publicly accessible thru a second-story doorway. During World War II the tower held important radio equipment. An exhibit at the site explains the tower’s role in the war.
Saint John is fortunate to contain several beautiful parks. The Irving Nature Park and Rockwood Park are two of the nicest. Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre, an education centre for residents and visitors, is situated at attractive Rockwood Park. If you love that ‘country in the city ‘ feeling, you must certainly take a walk through Saint John’s parks.
Accommodations are widely available at the Coastal Inn, the Delta Brunswick and the Hilton Saint John to name only a few. All have packages tailored to specific interests. For instance, Shamper’s Bluff Inn at Kingston provides unrestricted usage of canoes, kayaks, and bikes.
Saint John is the ideal town to experience the various Bay of Fundy attractions from. It’s only a short drive to the famous bay of fundy whirlpool and if you are willing to drive a little further, a must-do activity is shubenacadie river rafting. Since the town is so near the water, mist rolls in occasionally so helping to air-condition the whole area. Ships anchored at Saint John Harbour add to the view while crossing the Harbor Bridge.


