Kayaking Saint John River: Fossils, Reversing Falls & Wildlife

Paddle past ice-age geology and industrial relics on the Saint John River

Guided kayaking on the Saint John River from Dominion Park Beach in Saint John, paddling a tandem sea kayak through South Bay to explore natural sites and historic landmarks shaped by 15,000 years of glacial retreat. A professional guide leads the 90-minute to 2-hour paddle, pointing out an active bald eagle nest, a 17th-century lime quarry at Greenhead Cove, Precambrian fossils recognized by the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, and a lighthouse active since the mid-1800s. The tour includes all gear, water and a snack.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayaking on Saint John River

• Meet at Dominion Park Beach
• Get geared up and review safety instructions
• Kayak along South Bay exploring natural sites
• Observe local wildlife and ecosystem
• Visit Stonehammer UNESCO Geosite fossils
• Stop at Greenhead Cove for photos
• View historic lighthouse if conditions allow
• Return to Dominion Park Beach

The experience

You meet at Dominion Park Beach on Saint John's west side, just 15 minutes from downtown. After gearing up and a safety briefing, you and your paddling partner push off into South Bay, where the Saint John River, 418 miles of waterway, narrows as it approaches the Reversing Falls Rapids. This is where salt and fresh water collide, creating a unique ecosystem that draws bald eagles, sturgeon, great blue herons, and occasionally harbour seals and river otters. Your guide navigates the paddle and calls out what to watch for.

The route moves through stops shaped by deep time. You'll paddle past Greenhead Cove, where the limestone cliffs and kiln foundations of a quarry dating to the 17th century sit just above the waterline: a favorite photo spot with the forested hills or Grand Bay as your backdrop. Nearby, a Precambrian fossil site marks one of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark's designated Geosites, and your guide explains how the glaciers that retreated 15,000 years ago forced the river to carve its current path. Weather permitting, you'll see the lighthouse that has stood since the mid-1800s.

The paddle lasts roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours. You're in a tandem kayak with a paddle, personal flotation device, and spray skirt provided. Bottled water and a snack come along. The guide is live and speaks English, and the tour returns to Dominion Park Beach where you started.

What’s included

• Professional kayak guide.
• tandem sea kayak for two.
• personal flotation device and spray skirt.
• kayak paddle.
• bottled water and nutritional snack.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Go Fundy Events

Is this one for you?Book the solo traveller option if you're paddling alone and will be paired with another guest. Choose the standard River Relics Kayaking option if you're bringing a paddling partner or prefer to book as a pair. Both include the same guide, gear, and stops. The difference is who you share the tandem kayak with.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the Saint John River kayak?

Bald eagles nest actively along the river, and blue herons, sturgeon, and jumping fish are common sights. Harbour seals, osprey, and river otters appear occasionally if conditions align.

What is Greenhead Cove and why is it a stop on the tour?

Greenhead Cove holds the remains of a lime quarry dating to the 17th century, with visible kiln foundations and wharf timbers at water level. It's a protected cove and a popular photo stop with limestone cliffs, forested hills, or the Grand Bay confluence as a backdrop.

How long does the kayaking tour take?

The paddle lasts roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours, including time on the water and stops to explore historic and natural sites.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this tour?

No prior experience is required. The guide provides safety instruction and leads the paddle. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What is the Reversing Falls Rapids and how does it relate to this tour?

The Reversing Falls Rapids are where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy, creating a unique ecosystem where salt and fresh water meet. The tour takes place in South Bay just upstream from the rapids, in the region shaped by the river's retreat after glaciers receded 15,000 years ago.