Saint John Walking Tour: Reversing Falls & City Market

Reversing Falls tour: history walk featuring Barbour's Store, Imperial Theater, and Canada's oldest market

A two-hour guided walking tour of Saint John covers the city's main historical sites (Reversing Falls, the City Market, King's Square, and Loyalist Burial Ground) with a nationally certified guide speaking English. The tour stays within a kilometer of the port, includes pickup from your ship, and lets you drop out and walk back at any point. Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are recommended. The route covers about 1.5 miles with some hills.

The experience

Your guide meets you at the port and walks you through nearly 400 years of Saint John's story, starting with the personalities and events that shaped the city. You'll learn the history behind the buildings along Prince William Street, discover what makes King Street distinctive, and step inside Barbour's General Store: an authentic 18th-century shop that still stands. The route passes through King's Square to the Bandstand, then to Loyalist Burial Ground, where several of the city's first British settlers are buried.

Before the tour ends, you'll visit the Imperial Theater and spend time in the Old City Market, built in 1876 and still operating daily. This is where locals buy fresh produce, and the guide gives you a chance to chat with vendors and take in the sights and smells. All the stops sit within a kilometer of where your ship docks, so you can leave at any point and walk back on your own if two hours feels like too long.

What’s included

• Port pickup from your ship.
• two-hour guided tour with a nationally certified English-speaking guide.
• entry to Barbour's General Store, King's Square, Loyalist Burial Ground, the Imperial Theater, and the Old City Market.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Freedom Tours by Maritime Travel

Is this one for you?The tour starts at the port with pickup included, so you don't need a car or directions to meet your guide: useful if you're arriving by cruise ship and want to explore without arranging your own transport. You can also leave at any point and walk back to the ship, which gives you control over how much time you spend away.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

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 is the Reversing Falls and why is it famous?

Reversing Falls is a tidal phenomenon where the Bay of Fundy's extreme tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River twice daily. The tour includes this as one of the city's defining natural landmarks, and it's one of the main reasons Saint John draws visitors.

How far is it from the ship to the tour sites?

All the stops on this tour are within a kilometer of the port, so you won't spend your time traveling. The whole route covers about 1.5 miles on foot.

Can I leave the tour early and walk back to the ship on my own?

Yes. The tour is designed so you can drop out at various points and walk back to the ship yourself if you don't want to stay the full two hours.

What is the Old City Market and when was it built?

The Old City Market is Canada's oldest continually operated market, built in 1876. It's still a working market where locals buy fresh produce daily, and the tour includes time to explore it and talk with vendors.

What should I wear on this tour?

Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are recommended. The route covers about 1.5 miles and includes some hills, so good shoes matter.