Historic Saint John Smartphone Audio Walking Tour
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Historic Saint John Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Active
(4 reviews)
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Listen to a tour guide through your smartphone as you explore historic downtown Saint John!

Take a walk through time in Canada’s oldest incorporated city, where you'll hear a captivating mix of stories, from heroic to quirky, as you explore historic streets and admire stunning architecture. Discover the city’s unique character, shaped by the Bay of Fundy, and peek behind the facades to uncover stories you won't find in the guidebooks.

Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, tour guide commentary will automatically play.

Along the way, meet lively characters and special guests who bring Saint John's vibrant stories and hidden gems to life.

Skip crowded tour groups, tight schedules, and high prices — enjoy the freedom of your own pace and schedule.

It’s yours! Explore anytime, not just on your booking date. Stop & start anywhere along the route.

Trusted by over 75 tours & 25,000+ happy customers. Book today and start your Saint John’s adventure!

Available options

Historic Saint John Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

What's included

No time constraints, take as long as you like to complete the tour
Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour)
Live GPS map shows route & your location
Tour guide commentary automatically plays at each point of interest
Flexible dates - tour is yours to keep and enjoy anytime

Detailed itinerary

1

Observe the bustling activity of the third-largest port in the Maritimes, where cargo ships and cruise liners pass through, and learn about how it has been shaped by centuries of trade and immigration.

2

Experience the unique and vibrant Area 506 Waterfront Container Village, where you can browse and shop at local businesses housed in repurposed shipping containers. You'll find unique art, crafts, and food, and you can also explore a "Graffiti Alley" showcasing murals by artists from around the world.

3

Furlong's Liquor Store. We have a special guest who shares his vision with us. Gaze upon the intricately carved marble columns and whimsical gargoyles, which he believed would hint at the "treasures within."

4

Furlong's Liquor Store. We have a special guest who shares his vision with us. Gaze upon the intricately carved marble columns and whimsical gargoyles, which he believed would hint at the "treasures within."

5

Step into this civic plaza, which has been a gathering place for thousands of years. You'll learn how it has been transformed from a commercial port and a parking lot into a community hub.

6

Beyond the modern patios and facades lies a deeper secret of this place. You'll glimpse the remnants of warehouses from the mid-1800s and discover a strange history of how the Bay of Fundy's tides once affected the ships that sought to moor here.

7

Learn about the pivotal moment in Saint John's history when thousands of Loyalist refugees arrived here in 1784 after fleeing persecution during the American Revolution.

8

Hear the harrowing story of Fort La Tour, once the home of Françoise Marie Jacqueline, also known as "The Lioness of La Tour." You'll hear her story in her own words, describing her brave defense of the fort and her ultimate sacrifice.

9

The Great Fire of 1877. You will be surrounded by brick and stone buildings that are monuments to the Great Fire. You'll hear the story of how the city rebuilt itself and created a more fire-resistant city.

10

Walk by the Chipman Hill Suites where you'll learn the remarkable story of one of its first residents, a woman who defied social norms.

11

See a beautiful example of French Beaux-Arts architecture at the Saint John Arts Centre, originally built as a public library. You'll admire its elegant design and learn how it has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub.

12

See the imposing Saint John's Anglican Church, the oldest surviving stone church in the city. You'll hear about its significance as a place of worship for the Loyalists and as a testament to the community's resilience and faith.

13

This remarkable Federalist-style home holds a secret from the American Revolution. You'll learn about the family who built it and the clever architectural choices that allowed it to stand for centuries, a hidden story on this quiet street.

14

Discover Canada's oldest continuously operated farmers' market and learn the secret of its unique inverted ship's hull roof from a special guest.

15

Step into King's Square, a historic green space with a past of public punishment and civic unrest. You'll discover monuments that hold secrets of sacrifice and honor.

16

Step into the tranquil Loyalist Burial Grounds, where you'll hear from one of its first residents, a Loyalist who fled the American Revolution. You'll hear his story and how his final resting place has been transformed into a peaceful park.

17

Saint John County Court House is an elegant building with a dark past. Hear about some of the city's most infamous trials. You can also see the Fire House Museum next door, which survived two of the city's worst fires.

18

See the beautiful Imperial Theatre, which was built in 1912 and restored to its original glory after being nearly demolished. Hear about its history as a vaudeville and film house, and how it was saved by a local taxi driver.

19

See the imposing Admiral Beatty Hotel, a building that was once a luxury hotel with suites reserved for royalty. You'll hear about the notable figures who stayed here during its heyday.

20

See the Trinity Anglican Church, an Anglican Church that was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1877. Here, you'll hear the story of a salvaged artifact—a wooden Coat of Arms from the Boston State House—and how the city's church wardens gave a cheeky reply when Boston asked for its return.

21

If you were standing here on June 21st, 1877, you'd be surrounded by the charred remains of a city flattened by the Great Fire.

22

Welcome to the grand entrance of Trinity Anglican Church, a magnificent Gothic Revival masterpiece.

23

Built in 1904, this imposing stone structure is one of three banks in the area featuring Greek architectural elements

24

You'll learn about the Domville Building, built in 1878 and then, you'll be greeted by a special guest from the 1890s who will share stories about what policing was like in his day. You can also visit the Police Museum next door.

25

We have a special guest who will share her vision for this remarkable building.

26

See Saint John High School, the oldest publicly funded school in Canada. You'll hear how it evolved from segregated schools for boys and girls into a modern, inclusive, and academically excellent high school.

27

STONELEIGH TERRACE: You'll see Stoneleigh Terrace, a row of homes that have stood for over 130 years, quietly watching the kinetic energy of the bay below.

28

You'll learn how its lights once helped captains navigate the port and how the lamp now serves as a beloved monument.

What's not included

Headphones (optional - audio will play from device speaker too)
Smartphone or tablet

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please be advised that this tour of Saint John does contain some hills.
**Recommended attractions may be closed/inaccessible due to season or circumstances beyond our control.

Meeting point

The start of the tour is just south of the Cruise Ship Terminal on Water Street in Saint John. After downloading the app and tour, you'll start the tour here.

Important notes

**HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE TRIPVIA TOURS APP & START THE TOUR**

Tour Code: SAJN25
1. Download and install the Tripvia Tours app (look for the logo with the multi-coloured letters). If you're reading this on your phone, tap on this link www.onelink.to/tripvia.
2. Open the app and find the tour you booked
3. Enter tour code SAJN25
4. Tap 'download tour', ***It is very important to ensure you have a good Wi-Fi or mobile data connection for the download process.
5. Follow the tutorial before leaving for your tour to learn how the app works.
6. Enjoy your tour!

Help → info@tripvia.tours | 1-866-874-7842

About Saint John

Saint John is the largest city in New Brunswick and a vibrant port city known for its rich maritime history, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals. Nestled at the mouth of the Saint John River, it offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban amenities, making it a perfect destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

Reversing Falls Rapids

A unique natural phenomenon where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy cause the Saint John River to flow upstream twice a day, creating stunning rapids.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (observation decks), tours vary

Saint John City Market

Canada's oldest continuous farmers' market, offering fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and a variety of food stalls.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary

Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site

A well-preserved 19th-century fort offering panoramic views of the city and harbor, with exhibits on its military history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Irving Nature Park

A beautiful park with trails, beaches, and scenic viewpoints, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

Nature 2-4 hours Free

Saint John Arts Centre

A hub for local artists and cultural events, featuring galleries, workshops, and performances.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, event prices vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Rolls

A local favorite, featuring fresh lobster meat served in a buttered, toasted bun.

Lunch Contains shellfish, gluten

Donair

A Maritime specialty, featuring spiced beef served with onions, tomatoes, and a sweet garlic sauce on pita bread.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten

Blueberry Grunt

A classic Canadian dessert made with fresh blueberries and a simple dumpling-like topping, steamed and served with cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, gluten-free if made with gluten-free flour

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Whale watching Beachcombing Picnicking Spas Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit Saint John, with warm weather perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the city's attractions. The city comes alive with events and tourists.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, French
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-4 (EST) / GMT-3 (EDT during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saint John is generally a safe city, but like any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air
  • Saint John Airport • 10 km from city center
By bus

Saint John Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with routes connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Uptown West Side South End

Day trips

Fundy National Park
50 km • Full day

A stunning national park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, offering a variety of outdoor activities.

Hopewell Rocks
100 km • Full day

A unique natural wonder featuring towering rock formations carved by the tides of the Bay of Fundy.

Saint Andrews by-the-Sea
80 km • Full day

A charming coastal town with a rich history, offering a variety of attractions and activities.

Festivals

Saint John River Festival • August Festival of Trees • December Saint John Jazz & Blues Festival • June

Pro tips

  • Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids during high tide for the best experience
  • Explore the historic uptown area for boutique shopping and trendy dining
  • Try local specialties like lobster rolls, donair, and blueberry grunt
  • Use the Saint John Transit bus system to get around the city affordably
  • Book accommodations in advance for popular events and peak season
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 5-105
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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