In and Around Saint John, New Brunswick
The Best Things to Do in Saint John
Kingsbrae Garden
Art and botanical lovers unite at one of Canada’s most-visited sculpture gardens. John and Lucinda Flemer opened the gardens in 1998, boasting 50,000 perennials spread throughout themed gardens, ponds, streams, and old-growth Acadian Forest. There’s even a beehive, producing honey for the café and sold at its gift shop.
Lucinda, a staunch supporter of the local community and the arts, created the Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts (KIRA), a multi-week residency program to host artists from around the globe. Visitors will be delighted by myriad sculptures and a kaleidoscope of global artists. Stay for lunch at the Garden Café, surrounded by the prettiest floral views.
220 King St, St. Andrews
Cruisin’ With The Whales
The Bay of Fundy on south western New Brunswick, is noted for whale watching with boats departing from picturesque St. Andrews by-the-Sea. We’re aboard Bubs Bounty, a former fishing vessel helmed by Captain Joel Wilcox, a fourth-generation fisherman turned tour guide and owner of this family-run business.
As we maneuver into deeper waters, we spot seals lazing on a large rock, shy dolphins and a few scuttling otters. Nature plays by its own rules, and today is a slow one for the whales, though we’re thrilled to eye a few fin whales at a distance. Wilcox shows images of a full whale breach from the previous day, on his phone.
On the way back to shore, an interpreter brings out a touch tank with Jonah crab, sea sponges, a sea cucumber and sea stars, explaining each of their unique characteristics. A day out on the water on the East Coast is a day well spent, just as Nature would have it.
12 King St., St. Andrews
The Best Restaurants To Eat & Drink in Saint John
In the suburban town of Rothesay, a cascade of eye-catching late 19th century mansions catches my eye. It’s little wonder that it was once a summer hangout for wealthy Saint John residents.
One such handsome historic home-turned-inn slash restaurant is Shadow Lawn Inn where I’m welcomed by its new owners, husband and wife team Tracy Pitts and Martin St-Denis. The pair bought the inn in 2021, and have made thoughtful improvements.
Inside Robertson Dining Room, it’s all elegance meets artsy statement-making touches, personified in azure tufted sinker banquettes, white and copper-tinged acorn lighting fixtures and black-framed picture windows. The 5-course tasting menu begins with jumbo prawns bathed in warm garlic butter, next it’s Caesar salad followed by halibut and rice and ending with a just-set crème brûlée. This is classic cooking done well, and guests will feel every gracious moment of the couple’s ‘spirit of Maritime Joie de Vivre.’
3180 Rothesay Road, Rothesay
Step off the curb along Trinity Royal district and be transported. Black walls emblazoned with a scotch map, tartan bar stools, and brick walls are the brooding stage for a trip to Scotland.
It’s clear that the food at this locally-loved haunt, was designed to both compliment and whet the appetite for another round of cocktails (start with the zingy Corpse Reviver #2). Case in point – crisp nuggets of Nashville fried chicken accompanied by smoky pickle aioli, practically croon, when washed down with a sip of smoky Old Fashioned.
Holly and Ken Singh own a handful of popular restaurants in town, many located in refurbished 19th century buildings, including the glorious former fire station on Union Street. “We have a picture inside when horse and buggy were used,” says Holly’s daughter, Krista. “This building was a former office. After the fires in 1877, they built back in brick, with massive safes in each room to uphold the building. When we renovated, we had to take them out and put in supporting beams.”
A playground for whisky drinkers, Hopscotch features 11 well-selected flights spanning the globe from close to home, ‘Canadian’, to cask strength and further afield. We’re elated with our Highland selection that includes 18-year-old Glen Garioch Renaissance chapter 4. With its pleasant notes of toffee and spice, thanks to ageing in both bourbon and sherry casks, it pairs brilliantly with spicy spring rolls and orange infused cake.
47 Canterbury St, Saint John
This original article first appeared in the WINTER 2025 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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