Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick. It is Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of George III. 

 

The city has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was inhabited by the Maliseet and Mi'kmaq First Nations before the arrival of European colonists.

 

Today, Saint John is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a strong cultural scene. It is home to several museums, including the New Brunswick Museum, Canada's first public museum. 

 

The city has a rich sports history, with teams such as the Saint John Sea Dogs, Saint John Riptide, and Saint John Irish, and has hosted several international sporting events. 

 

Saint John is also known for its pub and restaurant scene. Statistics Canada ranks it as having the third-most pubs per capita in Canada.

 

Two school boards serve the city: the Anglophone South School District and the Francophone Sud School District. It is home to several post-secondary institutions, including the University of New Brunswick's Saint John campus and the New Brunswick Community College. 

 

The city's municipal government consists of a mayor and ten city councillors elected for four-year terms. Saint John is also home to the Provincial Court of New Brunswick and the Saint John Police Force.

 

The city is served by the Saint John Fire Department, which was established in 1786, and the Saint John Police Force, which was established in 1849. The city has a strong military history, with several historical forts, including Fort Howe, Fort Dufferin, Fort Latour, and the Carleton Martello Tower.

 

Saint John has several twin and sister cities, including Bangor, Maine, United States; Shantou, China; Donghae, South Korea; Koper, Slovenia; and Newport, Rhode Island, United States.

 

History of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

The mouth of the Saint John River was first discovered by Europeans in 1604 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who named the river after St. John the Baptist's Day. 

 

Charles de la Tour fortified the strategic location at the mouth of the river in 1631, and the fort was named Fort Sainte Marie (also known as Fort La Tour). 

 

The city has the same name in both English and French, with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples calling the river "Wolastoq."

 

British Era and Immigration

After the British took control of the area in 1755, the city was incorporated in 1785, uniting the communities of Parr-town and Carleton on either side of the harbour. 

 

Significant immigration, particularly from Ireland, made the city the third-largest city in British North America by 1851. The city was also a major hub for shipbuilding, which flourished until its decline in 2002.

 

During the 19th century, the city experienced significant growth, with the establishment of a military school in 1876 and the construction of Fort Howe in 1779. 

 

The city was also affected by a devastating fire in 1877, which destroyed a large portion of the central business district. In the 20th century, the city underwent significant urban renewal projects, including redeveloping its harbour and former railway lands.

 

Today, Saint John is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a strong cultural scene. It is home to several museums, including the New Brunswick Museum, Canada's first public museum. 

 

The city has a rich sports history, with teams such as the Saint John Sea Dogs, Saint John Riptide, and Saint John Irish, and has hosted several international sporting events. Saint John is also known for its pub and restaurant scene, with Statistics Canada ranking it as having the third most pubs per capita in Canada.

 

Geography of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, is a city located on the Bay of Fundy, which is known for its unique geography and natural attractions. Here are some key geographical features of the city:

1. Mountains and Landforms:
   • The region surrounding Saint John is hilly due to the two coastal mountain ranges that run across the Bay of Fundy.
   • The soil is rocky with granite outcrops, which can be both challenging and beneficial for building.
2. Nearby Bodies of Water:
   • Bay of Fundy: A bay located on the Atlantic coast of North America, surrounded by the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It supports biodiversity, agriculture, shipping, fishing, and a healthy tourism industry.
   • Saint John River: Approximately 418 miles (673 km) long, it forms part of the Canada/USA border in two different places and is used for transporting goods and people.
3. Climate:
   • Saint John's climate is maritime, with average temperatures ranging from -14°C in January to about 22°C in July/August and decreasing to -5°C in December.
   • The city experiences a growing season from March to November, lasting about 9 months.
4. Reversing Falls:
   • The Reversing Falls are a series of rapids on the Saint John River located in Saint John. The river runs through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy, causing the water to reverse its flow for several miles upstream twice daily.

 

These geographical features contribute to Saint John's distinct character and make it an attractive destination for tourists and residents.

 

Demographics of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, has a diverse population with a rich immigration history. Here are some key demographics:

 

Population

• 2021 Census: The city had a population of 69,895 people living in 31,825 of 33,908 total private dwellings.
• 2021 Census Metropolitan Area (CMA): The Saint John CMA had a population of 130,613 living in 55,865 of its 59,272 total private dwellings, a change of 3.5% from its 2016 population of 126,202.

 

Age and Education

• Median Age: 44 years.
• Education: Of the city's population aged between 25 and 64, 24% held a bachelor's degree or higher, 58% held a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree, and 32% had a high school diploma or equivalent.

 

Ethnicity

• Historical Immigration: The city was a major centre for immigration from all over the world. Over 3,300 Black Loyalist refugees came to Saint John after the American Revolution, and more than 150,000 immigrants from Ireland arrived between 1815 and 1867.
• 2021 Census: Approximately 86.4% of residents were white, 10.9% were visible minorities, and 2.8% were Indigenous. The largest visible minority groups were Black (2.7%), South Asian (2.4%), Arab (1.5%), Chinese (1.4%), and Filipino (0.9%).

 

Income

• Median Total Household Income: $62,800.

 

These demographics reflect the city's history of immigration and its current diversity, with a strong focus on education and a relatively high median household income.

 

Economy of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, has a diverse economy with a mix of traditional industries and emerging sectors:

 

Traditional Industries

• Shipbuilding: Saint John was once a major shipbuilding hub, but the industry declined in the late 20th century. The city's shipyard closed in 2003.
• Lumber, Pulp, and Paper: In the 19th century, Saint John was a major exporter of timber, sawn lumber, and wood products. Today, Irving Group operates pulp and paper mills in the city.
• Port and Maritime Trade: The Port of Saint John is the largest port by volume in Eastern Canada, handling about 28 million metric tonnes of cargo per year. It was previously an important winter port for Montreal before the St. Lawrence Seaway opened.

 

Emerging Sectors

• Tourism: Saint John's tourism industry has grown, with cruise ship visits and a tourism expenditure of $282 million in 2018. The city also has a growing arts and culture scene.
• Service Sector: Call centres and information technology companies have become important employers in recent decades.
• Aquaculture: Atlantic salmon farming has grown to be a major employer in the region, with Cooke Aquaculture headquartered in Saint John.

 

Major Employers

• Irving Group: The Irving family owns a large industrial conglomerate in the city and province, with stakes in oil, forestry, shipbuilding, media and transportation. Irving companies are major employers in the region.
• Moosehead Breweries: Canada's oldest independent brewery, founded in 1867.
• New Brunswick Power Corporation: Operates regional electrical generating stations, including the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station.
• Horizon Health Network: Operates five hospitals in the Saint John area.

 

Challenges and Opportunities

Saint John has faced economic challenges with the decline of traditional industries like shipbuilding. However, the city is working to attract new businesses and skilled workers through initiatives like expanding its industrial parks. 

 

Investing in catalytic infrastructure projects like the Fundy Quay redevelopment and a new recreational facility are also priorities for driving economic growth.

 

Education in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, offers a range of educational institutions and programs for students of all ages and backgrounds:

 

Public Schools

• Anglophone South School District: Provides English and French Immersion education to students in the city.
• District Scolaire Francophone Sud: Offers French education to students in the region.

 

Private Schools

• Saint John Private Schools: These are available in various locations within the Greater Saint John region, including Uptown, Portland, Milledgeville, Simonds, Loch Lomond, Carelton, Lancaster, Fairville, Rothesay, Quispamsis, and Grand Bay-Westfield.

 

Post-Secondary Education

• University of New Brunswick Saint John: Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including English-second-language training through Saint John College.
• New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) Saint John Campus: Provides over 30 full-time regular programs, continuing education courses, and apprenticeship training in fields such as Administrative Professional, Business Administration, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, Health, Information Technology, Mechanical and Industrial, Social Sciences, and Trades.

 

Specialized Programs

• Saint John College: Offers English-second-language training programs for international students and English-second-language speakers preparing to study in colleges or university programs in Canada.
• Energy Fundamentals For Leaders: A professional development program designed to advance the careers of individuals looking to sharpen their management and leadership skills.

 

Campus Facilities and Services

• NBCC Saint John Campus: Features modern facilities, including a large cafeteria, gymnasium, fitness centre, and rock-climbing wall, as well as student union-organized social events.
• Gerald S. Merrithew Allied Health Education Centre: Offers specialized programs in Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Personal Support Worker, Pharmacy Technician, Practical Nurse, and Respiratory Therapy.

 

Community and Support

• Student Recruitment Advisors: Available to provide support and information to incoming students.
• Public Transit and Airport: Convenient access to public transportation and the airport for students.

 

Saint John offers diverse educational institutions and programs, providing students with various options to suit their needs and interests.

 

Transport System in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, has a comprehensive transportation system that includes public transit, taxis, rental car services, and limousine services. Here are the key components of the transport system in Saint John:

 

Public Transit

• Saint John Transit: Established in 1979, this public transit agency serves Saint John and operates 14 local routes and 1 regional route. It provides 7-day service, with main lines and feeder routes connecting at major hubs. The service area includes Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, and Hampton.
• FLEX Service: A flexible service that operates on a demand-response basis, using smartphone apps or a dispatcher to schedule rides from specified stops. It operates Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Handi-Bus Service: Provided by Independence Plus Inc. for people with disabilities who cannot use regular public transit. It operates on a fixed route and schedule.

 

Taxi Services

• Vets Taxi: 506-658-2020
• Saint John Taxi: 506-693-0000
• Diamond Taxi: 506-648-8888
• My Ride Taxi & Airport Services: 506-847-4444
• Simonds Taxi: 506-696-8294

 

Rental Car Services

• Adaptive Driving Devices: Available for customers with disabilities, including hand controls, left-foot accelerators, spinner knobs, and pedal extenders. Please provide at least 72 hours' notice before picking up the vehicle.

 

Limousine and Shuttle Services

• Limousine Options: Available for business or personal needs. Contact numbers include 506-647-1057 and 506-642-5466 (LIMO).

 

Airport Transportation

• Saint John Airport: Offers safe transportation to and from the airport through taxis, rental car services, and public transportation. The public transit stop is near the main terminal building near the Arrivals entrance, and the bus route and schedule can be found on the Saint John Transit website.

 

Other Transportation Options

• Maritime Bus: Provides intercity bus service between New Brunswick communities, with connections to the rest of Canada and the United States.
• Freight Services: CN Rail and shortline railways, including the New Brunswick Southern Railway and New Brunswick East Coast Railway, provide freight services.
• Ferries: The province has an extensive network of ferries, including daily service between Deer Island and Letete and year-round service between Grand Manan Island and Blacks Harbour.

 

Saint John has a well-developed transportation system that includes public transit, taxi services, rental car services, limousine services, and airport transportation options.

 

Living in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, is a seaport city located on the Bay of Fundy, known for its rich history, diverse economy, and strong cultural scene. Here are some key points about living in Saint John:

• Historical Industries: Shipbuilding, lumber trade, and shipping were once prominent industries. However, technological advancements and the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877 led to a decline. Shipbuilding ceased permanently in 2003.

• Theatre and Music: The Imperial Theatre hosts the Saint John Theatre Company, and the Symphony New Brunswick performs there. The city has a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, including the Paris Crew, Trinity Galleries, Citadel Gallery, Handworks Gallery, and the Saint John Arts Centre (SJAC).

• Saint John Transit: The largest transit system in New Brunswick, it provides bus service within the city and inter-city connections through the Maritime Bus.

• Teams: The Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL), Saint John Riptide (NBL Canada), Saint John Irish (New Brunswick Rugby Union), and Saint John Trojans (New Brunswick Rugby Union).
• Events: The city has hosted various sporting events, including the 2022 Memorial Cup, the 1999 World Curling Championships, and the 1998 World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

• Post-Secondary: The University of New Brunswick's Saint John campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including English second-language training through Saint John College.

• Twin Cities: Saint John has twin cities in Bangor, Maine, United States; Shantou, China; Donghae, South Korea; Koper, Slovenia; and Newport, Rhode Island, United States.

• Affordable housing, low cost of living, relaxed atmosphere, and a strong sense of community.
• Limited job opportunities, especially for those who need connections, and a relatively high cost of electricity and utilities.

 

Saint John offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty but faces economic challenges and limited job opportunities.

 

Healthcare in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, has a comprehensive healthcare system with several facilities and services available to its residents. Here are some key points about healthcare in Saint John:

 

Major Healthcare Facilities

• Saint John Regional Hospital: The largest tertiary care referral hospital in New Brunswick, specializing in cardiac and trauma care services. It is also a teaching hospital for the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University and Memorial University of Newfoundland.
• Saint John Uptown Health Centre: Provides primary health care services through a collaborative group of health professionals, including Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses. It is led by a team of Nurse Practitioners who establish patient lists exclusively through the Patient Connect NB registry.

 

Services

• Addictions and Mental Health: Offers various services, including counselling, therapy, and support groups.
• Cardiac Surgery: Performs cardiac surgeries and provides cardiac care services through the New Brunswick Heart Centre.
• Dialysis: Provides dialysis services for patients with kidney disease.
• Emergency Department: Offers 24/7 emergency care services.
• Family Medicine: Provides primary care services for families and individuals.
• Neurosurgery: Performs neurosurgical procedures and provides neurology services.
• Obstetrics: Offers obstetric care services, including prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care.
• Oncology: Provides cancer care services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and support services.
• Orthopedic Surgery: Performs orthopedic surgeries and provides orthopedic care services.
• Pediatrics: Offers pediatric care services, including well-child visits, vaccinations, and treatment for childhood illnesses.
• Rehabilitation: Provides rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
• Urology: Performs urological procedures and provides urology care services.

 

Initiatives and Partnerships

• Health and Technology District Saint John: A planned digital health and technology hub in Atlantic Canada, built on the University of New Brunswick campus. It aims to attract new businesses, create jobs, and bring regional investment.
• Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick: A partnership between Dalhousie University and Horizon Health Network to provide medical education and training in New Brunswick.

 

Saint John has a well-developed healthcare system with various services and facilities available to its residents.

 

Tourist places in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, offers a variety of tourist attractions and activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the top tourist places in Saint John:

1. Reversing Falls Rapids: This natural phenomenon is a must-visit attraction in Saint John. The Bay of Fundy's high tides reverse the flow of the Saint John River twice daily, creating rapids and whirlpools. Visitors can view the falls from two viewpoints: the Reversing Falls Skywalk and the Bridge.
2. Irving Nature Park: This 1,000-acre park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Bay of Fundy. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
3. Rockwood Park: This 1,000-acre park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic lookout point. It is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
4. Harbour Passage: This scenic walkway runs along the waterfront and offers beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy. It is a popular spot for a stroll or a picnic.
5. Kings Square: This historic square is located in the heart of downtown Saint John and features a statue of King George III. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the city's atmosphere.
6. Loyalist House: This historic house museum showcases the city's Loyalist heritage and offers guided tours. It is a great place to learn about the city's history and culture.
7. Wolastoq Park: This park is located along the Wolastoq River and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Place Fort LaTour: This historic site features a reconstructed 18th-century fort and offers guided tours. It is a great place to learn about the city's history and culture.
9. New Brunswick Museum: This museum features exhibits on the natural history and culture of New Brunswick. It is a great place to learn about the province's rich history and heritage.
10. Imperial Theatre: This historic theatre hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and musicals. It is a great place to enjoy some entertainment and culture.

 

These are just a few tourist places in Saint John, New Brunswick. The city offers a mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and entertainment, making it a great destination for visitors.

 

Local Food of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its diverse culinary scene, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Here are some local food specialties and popular eateries to try:

 

Local Specialties

• Poutine râpée: Boiled potato dumplings stuffed with seasoned pork
• Coques frites: Fried clams
• Fiddlehead soup: A hearty soup made from the young, coiled fronds of fiddlehead ferns
• Dulse: Dried seaweed, often eaten as a snack or in a sandwich
• Lobster rolls: Fresh lobster served in a roll, often with butter and lemon
• Scallops: Succulent scallops wrapped in crispy bacon with maple syrup
• Shepherd's pie: A hearty meat pie topped with mashed potatoes
• Bangers and mash: Sausages and mashed potatoes
• Fish and chips: A classic dish of battered and deep-fried fish served with crispy chips (fries)

 

Popular Eateries

• Slocum & Ferris: A popular casual eatery in the heart of Saint John City Market, serving bagels with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon
• Thandi Restaurant: Known for its classic Indian cuisine, including the popular Butter Chicken dish
• Urban Deli: A popular restaurant serving tasty food, including a delicious Lemon Sour Cream Pie
• JavaMoose: A coffee shop with multiple locations around the city offering high-quality Arabica beans
• Picaroons General Store: A brewery and taproom serving a variety of New Brunswick beers
• Whitetail Fisheries Lobster Shop: A shop selling live lobsters, cooked lobsters, lobster rolls, and other seafood
• Big Tide Brewing Company: A brewery and gastro pub offering a range of beers and food.

 

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