Saint John 
Saint John is a lovely seaside city with a wealth of activities to enjoy. It is easy to walk around the city, which comes alive during the summer with many free and affordable things to do.
Credit: Tourism Saint John
There is no need to break the bank to have fun during a visit to Saint John.
Here are a few things to do for free:
1. Explore Market Square Boardwalk
Discover the charm of Saint John’s revitalized waterfront. Stroll along the newly expanded boardwalk, where sweeping harbour views meet a scenic path that seamlessly connects to the Harbour Passage. With direct ocean access, a striking water feature, and a sleek new stage for performances, the waterfront offers a fresh way to experience the city’s coastal beauty.
2. Celebrate Canada Day
Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday with fun events, activities, and enjoy a fireworks display over Lower Cove.
3. Saint John City Market
Open Monday through Saturday, year-round, the Saint John City Market is the only place in the city where you can get a ‘traditional’ farmers market experience. The market is bustling with busy clerks and shoppers, and there’s always something new to discover.
4. Irving Nature Park
Just minutes from downtown Saint John, the 600-acre Irving Nature Park invites visitors to explore six diverse ecosystems along 11 km of Fundy coastline. Families can enjoy the Children’s Forest, while trails, boardwalks, and lookout towers offer panoramic views. Home to rich marine life and migratory birds, the park hosts free educational programs, events, and recreational activities year-round.
5. Fun in the Rockwood Park
Rockwood Park is one of Canada’s largest municipal parks and has a lot of things to do. There are lakes for swimming, a playground, an Interpretation Centre, and over 50 km of trails to explore. The park has something for everyone all summer long.
6. Buskers on the Boardwalk
Photo Credit: Buskers on the Bay Festival
While the signature Buskers on the Bay Festival is no longer held, you can still delight in the lively performances of street entertainers during Buskers on the Boardwalk. This vibrant event transforms the Saint John waterfront into a stage for acrobats, musicians, magicians, and more, offering free entertainment and unforgettable moments along the scenic boardwalk. (2025 dates TBA).
7. Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve
Located on the eastern shoreline of St. John River, Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve is one of the last undeveloped properties in the city, being 19.8 hectares. The Nature Preserve is home to a diverse array of animal and plant species that can be observed along the trail.
8. Mispec Park
Mispec Park is only 15 minutes outside the city and is a popular destination for those seeking a day away from Saint John. The main feature of the park is Mispec Beach, which is one of the finest sandy beaches on the Bay of Fundy. There is also a playground, picnic sites, and sports fields.
9. Relax in the Saint John Public Gardens
An oasis in the middle of the city, the Saint John Public Gardens are the perfect place to spend some time in nature. The gardens are a perfect place for a picnic or to just take time to stop and smell the flowers.
10. Explore Wolastoq Park
Wolastoq means “beautiful river” in the Maliseet language. Wolastoq Park overlooks the Reversing Rapids, which is a must-see. Once the lifeline of the Wolastoqiyik—“people of the beautiful river”—this area provided food, medicine, and transportation for centuries before European contact. Today, the park offers walking trails, scenic views of the Reversing Rapids, and educational displays about Saint John’s past.
11. Walk n’ Talks with David Goss
Take a tour with the local author, storyteller and folklorist David Goss. Walk n’ Talks with David Goss have been taking place for over 40 years. These free community walks have themes and will take you around Saint John, including ghost walks on Friday nights.
12. Visit the Frank & Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit Centre
Learn about how Canadian workers’ lives were like from the 1800s to today. The Frank & Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit Centre is dedicated to preserving, honouring and promoting the history of workers and the labour movement in Saint John, and is free to visit.
13. King’s Square Bandstand Summer Concerts
This copper-roofed and metal framework bandstand was donated by the City Cornet Band. It is a local favourite for performers. There are concerts during the summer months at the King’s Square Bandstand, so it is worth visiting if you love live music.
14. Fort Howe Lookout
Take in the amazing views of Saint John from the Fort Howe Lookout. The fort has a replica blockhouse, 18th century cannons, WWII anti-aircraft batteries and the huge Saint John sign. It is one of the best places for sightseeing.
15. Saint John Police Museum
Visit the only museum dedicated to policing history in Saint John. Explore exhibits on the Saint John Police Force, take photos with Constable George in 1849 uniform, and pose behind a jail cell door. Highlights include a restored 1965 Volkswagen, vintage equipment, global police memorabilia, and interactive displays with retired officers and volunteers.
16. Saint John Pride Parade
Join the celebration as the Annual Saint John Pride Parade takes to the streets on August 16, 2025. A vibrant display of unity, colour, and community spirit, the parade promises bold floats, lively performances, and powerful messages of inclusion. Don’t miss this joyful march through the heart of Saint John’s diverse and proud community.
17. Saint John Sea Glass Festival
Celebrate coastal creativity at the annual Saint John Sea Glass Festival, featuring art and crafts made from sea glass and maritime treasures. This two-day event highlights local artists and the beauty of ocean-worn materials, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the artistry inspired by the shores of the Maritimes. August 29–30, 2025.
18. Self-Guided History Tour
Explore the rich heritage of the region at your own pace with a self-guided historic tour. Whether on foot or by car, discover landmarks tied to early settlers, historic architecture, and the development of local businesses and industries. Learn about the people and events that shaped the area’s past through informative stops along the way.
19. Chocolate Fest in St. Stephen
If you are a chocolate lover, Chocolate Fest is for you. Create your own ‘hand-crafted’ chocolates or take pictures with Chocolate Mousse and his wife, Tiffany. It is a fun week celebrating all things chocolate. on August 4 – 7, 2025
20. St. Martins Caves
These sandstone sea caves are hidden during high tides, but during low tides, you can explore the St. Martins Caves. The caves are ever-changing as the tides erode the sandstone walkways. These caves are a great example of what the Bay of Fundy and the ocean can do.
21. Take Photos with the World’s Largest Axe in Nackawic
The Giant Axe in Nackawic was built in 1991 and is a symbol of the area’s industrial history. It is a popular location for photos for travellers. The base of the axe is often used as a stage for live music and theatre performances.
22. Fundy National Park
Reconnect with nature at the lovely Fundy National Park. There are over 120km of trails that will take you around the park to explore. Watch the highest tides in the world on the cliffs. Plan to spend the whole day here as there is so much to see and do. Free admission on Canada Day.
- New Brunswick provincial parks (usually) are open to the public for free on Canada Day and New Brunswick Day. Official confirmation for 2025 TBA.
