Pete's Historic Walking Tour
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Pete's Historic Walking Tour

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

About this experience

Welcome to Canada’s first City, Saint John, New Brunswick, the only city on the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides. Meet at Area 506 Waterfront Container Village entrance, and proceed along historic Water Street to Market Square to access the City’s indoor pedway system. This avoids an uphill walk on King St, the steepest main street in Canada. The tour is flat, with a downhill section near the end. Copies of rare photos are used during the tour. Historical facts are featured, from 1783 until the present day. Your knowledgeable guide will focus on numerous points of interest and hidden gems including the history of Saint John over the last 242 years. The final part of the tour is on Prince William St, once known as the Wall St of Canada.

Available options

Pete's Historic Walking Tour

What's included

Pete's Historic Walking Tour

Detailed itinerary

1

On Water Street ,on the way to Market Square, the tour stops at Furlongs liquor store.

2

From the exterior area or Market Square, your guide will show where the Loyalist Landing in 1783 occurred, where the Great Fire of Saint John began, and the location of the Prince Charles and Lady Diana walkabout Details and history are provided. Inside Market Square is the Marco Polo sailing ship model; the history of the famous ship is given.

3

Here in city hall the history of Pete's Pub, owned by your tour guide is told. Stories about sports and entertainment and 35 years at the pub.

4
Stop 4

Architectural features of the city market, along with its history, are shared by your guide. Extra few minutes to shop here .Oldest continuously operating market in Canada.

5

On Charlotte Street after leaving the City Market your guide will show you large murals of famous Saint John people. This is a hidden gem, down an alley.

6

All of the main points of this park established in 1785 will be pointed out by your guide, including a mass of molten metal from the Great Fire, the William Young statue, the Charles Gorman statue, and the King Edward vii Bandstand.

7

Across from King Square on King Square South Street is the Irving Oil Headquarters. The history of the Irving family in New Brunswick is told by your guide ,beginning with K.C. Irving in 1899.

8

The history of the theatre is given by your guide ,beginning as a vaudeville theatre in 1913.The chandeliers and other features are explained.

9

As the guide shows you the Admiral Beatty building, beside the Imperial Theatre on King Square South ,its history is told, beginning as a luxury hotel in 1925.Famous visitors are noted ,including Amelia Earhart before the famous transatlantic flight .

10

Your guide will describe all of the features and history of the Loyalist Church ,including the four main artifacts held there.

11

Your tour proceeds on Germain Street, after leaving Trinity Church ,named after Lord George Germain, whose history will be noted. Directly across from the front of Trinity Church on Germain is the Union Club, a business club from 1884. The club's interesting history is examined.

12

At Germain and Princess Streets the tour turns right on Princess Street in order to reach Prince William Street. There is a good example on this corner of the way in which a newer building has been constructed to conform to preservation standards. Next to this is the historic Ritchie building, and its features will be explained by your guide.

13

After a downhill on Princess to Prince William ,your guide will show you all of the main buildings and other features of this street ,once known as the Wall Street of Canada. These include Chubb's Corner with the carved stone heads ,old City Hall, the old post office, the Jarvis building, Bank of New Brunswick Palatine building ,and the Seamen's Mission .Directly across from the mission is the Partridge Island mural, depicting the history of the island and immigration. Immigration and quarantine at Partridge Island will be explained, especially the Irish during the Potato famine.

14

The tour proceeds to the Three Sisters Lamp in St. Patrick Park at the foot of Prince William Street. The reasons for the name and how the lamps saved lives are explained.

15

The tour finishes at the Marco Polo cruise terminal and Area 506 Waterfront Container Village. Your guide will tell a history of the cruise industry in Saint John, including how it all began.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
181 reviews
5★
172
4★
8
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.9
140 reviews
5★
133
4★
6
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
pet dogs welcome
special needs cildren are free

Meeting point

Go to the corner of Duke and Water, beside the Marco Polo cruise terminal

Important notes

Look for your guide wearing a Tilley hat with a sign, Pete's Historic Walking Tour, at Area 506 Container Village entrance, Water Street.

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 18-54
1
Childs
Age 6-12
0
Infants
Age 1-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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