Saint John: Historic Walking Tour with Rare Photos & Market Stop

Summary

Saint john stories murals city market rare photos stroll

You’ll follow a lifelong local through Saint John’s streets, hearing stories as you pass murals and markets with rare photos in hand. Skip steep hills thanks to an accessible route, taste fresh market treats, and touch relics from fires long past. The small details — laughter echoing in City Hall or sunlight on Prince William Street — will stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in his pockets, Pete waved us over at the entrance to the Container Village — didn’t even bother with a sign, just a grin and a stack of old black-and-white photos. He said he’d lived here all his life, which I believed the second he started pointing out details on Water Street that I’d never have noticed: a faded sign above Furlongs liquor store, the way the brick felt cool under my hand. The Bay of Fundy air had that salty bite, even though it was only mid-morning. We slipped into Market Square and Pete stopped to show us where Loyalists landed in 1783 — “Right there,” he said, like it’d just happened last week. Someone asked about the Great Fire and he pulled out another photo, edges worn soft from years in his jacket pocket.

I liked how we ducked into the indoor pedway instead of climbing King Street (which Pete called “Canada’s Everest” — not wrong). Inside City Hall, Pete told this story about his old pub — apparently he ran it for 35 years and everyone in town has some memory there. He laughed about sports nights gone sideways; I think he missed those days more than he let on. At the Saint John City Market, you could smell bread baking somewhere nearby and there was this easy bustle — people waving to each other across stalls like they did every Saturday. Pete gave us an extra few minutes to wander; I bought maple fudge that melted before I finished it.

We wandered down Charlotte Street to find these huge murals tucked away behind dumpsters — faces of famous locals staring out across peeling paint. Pete rattled off names and dates but what stuck was how proud he sounded; you could tell this city’s history wasn’t just something he recited, it was personal. In King Square Park, we paused by a chunk of melted metal left from the fire — I touched it without really thinking, cold and rough under my fingers. There were statues everywhere but honestly I kept looking up at the bandstand roof catching little bits of sunlight through leaves.

By the time we reached Prince William Street (Pete called it “Wall Street North”), my feet were tired but I didn’t mind. He pointed out carved stone heads on Chubb’s Corner — apparently no one knows who they’re supposed to be, which made me laugh for some reason. The tour ended near the cruise terminal where Pete got a bit quieter talking about ships coming in and what Saint John used to be like before everything changed. Still thinking about that walk back along the water — something about old cities by the sea sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic walking tour of Saint John

• Meet at Waterfront Container Village
• Stop at Furlongs liquor store
• View Loyalist Landing and Great Fire site
• See Marco Polo ship model in Market Square
• Hear history of Pete's Pub at City Hall
• Explore architectural features of City Market
• Shop briefly at City Market
• View murals of famous Saint John people
• Visit park with statues and bandstand
• Learn about Irving Oil Headquarters history
• Discover history of Imperial Theatre
• Hear about Admiral Beatty building and visitors
• Explore Loyalist Church and artifacts
• Walk Germain Street and learn about Lord George Germain
• Examine Union Club history
• Turn onto Princess Street and see preservation example
• Learn about historic Ritchie building
• Tour Prince William Street's main buildings and murals
• Visit Three Sisters Lamp in St. Patrick Park
• Finish at Marco Polo cruise terminal and Container Village

Top questions

Where does Pete's Historic Walking Tour start?

The tour starts at the entrance to Area 506 Waterfront Container Village in Saint John.

Is the walking route flat or hilly?

The route is mostly flat with one downhill section near the end; steep uphill streets are avoided using indoor pedways.

Are pets allowed on this Saint John walking tour?

Yes, pet dogs are welcome on Pete's Historic Walking Tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

How long is Pete's Historic Walking Tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers key sites between Water Street and Prince William Street at a relaxed pace.

Does the tour include time inside Saint John City Market?

Yes, there’s extra time given for shopping or exploring inside Canada’s oldest continuously operating market during the tour.

Who leads Pete's Historic Walking Tour?

The tour is led by Pete himself—a longtime local who owned a well-known pub in town for decades.

What historical topics are covered during the walk?

The tour covers Loyalist landings, the Great Fire of Saint John, immigration history at Partridge Island, local architecture, murals, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Area 506 Waterfront Container Village for an easy-access route through historic streets with your guide Pete; rare photo viewing along stops; entry into City Hall stories; free time inside Saint John City Market; visits to murals and monuments; all fully wheelchair accessible—plus pets and special needs children welcomed along for free.