Saint John is a seaport city of the Atlantic Ocean located on the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of King George III. The port is Canada’s third-largest port by tonnage with a cargo base that includes dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, containers, and cruise. The city was the most populous in New Brunswick until the 2016 census, when Moncton overtook it. It is currently the second-largest city in the province, with a population of 69,895 over an area of 315.82 square kilometers (121.58 sq mi).
Saint John is home to a diverse population of people from all over the world. Saint John is also known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and friendly people. It is also home to Tesla Motors Canada, one of the leading car companies in the world.
Google Maps of Saint John
Saint John is the center of much of this province’s industry, centered on a good-sized commercial harbor. Spread over a low hill with good rocky views; the downtown boasts elaborate Victorian flourishes on its rows of commercial buildings. Look high along the cornices to appreciate the intricate brickwork.) A few impressive mansions are tucked into the side streets, their interiors featuring intricate wood carving – appropriately so since timber barons built most of those. Depending on your perspective, the city’s industrial grittiness can be either unappealing or appealing. A few kilometers inland from the harbor is uptown Saint John, where you’ll find the city’s main shopping drag, Kings Street. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is home to department stores, chain retailers, and local boutiques. If you’re looking for souvenirs, head to the Loyalist House gift shop; it specializes in locally made arts and crafts. Uptown is also where you’ll find most of Saint John’s temples and churches – many of them quite grand – as well as City Hall and the New Brunswick Museum.
Saint John is the capital and second largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is on the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. Saint John’s was incorporated as a city in 1888, yet some consider it North America’s oldest English-founded city. Its history and culture have been significantly influenced by its location on The Rock and the proximity of other regions such as Cape Breton Island and the French Shore.
The streets are often lined with parked cars, and plenty of people are out and about, walking their dogs or just chatting with neighbors. It’s a friendly place, but it’s not without its problems. Some areas feel unsafe at night, and crime is a problem in certain parts of the city. But overall, Saint John is a great place to live.
There are also many rivers and streams throughout the city, most notably the Kennebecasis River, which runs through the central part of Saint John. The river is tidal, and its estuary is located at the head of the Bay of Fundy. The city is situated on a major fault line known as the Saint John Rift Valley, which extends from Maine to Nova Scotia.
You’ll see downtown’s past and present front and center: big shipping terminals, oil storage tanks, and paper mills. But don’t give up. The central downtown district – once you find it – is laid out in gridlike blocks and squares, good for walks waiting for the ferry to Digby, bites to eat, and a pint of beer. You might even stay a night or 2 to get a break from the cute-village train that Atlantic Canada can sometimes be. This is a place full of life, not a postcard: Streets often bustle with skateboarders, merchants, carousers, out-for-the-weekenders, and local old-timers.
The climate of Saint John is humid continental (Köppen climate classification Dfb). The Bay of Fundy never fully freezes, thus moderating the winter temperatures compared with inland locations. Even so, with the prevailing wind blowing from the west (from land to sea), the average January temperature is about −8.2 °C (17.2 °F). Summers are usually warm to hot, and daytime temperatures often exceed 25 °C (77 °F). The highest temperature in a given year is usually 30 or 31 °C (86 or 88 °F). The confluence of cold Bay of Fundy air and inland warmer temperatures often creates one-hore foggy conditions during the overnight and morning hours, which burn off by midday.
The annual precipitation in Saint John is about 1,295 mm (51.0 inches). There are typically more rainfalls during the late autumn and early winter. Precipitation events will be as heavy or light as snowfalls, depending on where they fall.
Saint John is a city primarily dependent on maritime industries such as shipping and fishing, but it also has an important industry – shipbuilding. The dry dock in the city was one of the largest dry docks in the world until 2003 when it closed down. When shipbuilding ended, Saint John was forced to change its economic strategy. The University of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Museum, and the New Brunswick Community College are important institutions in Saint John’s economy. The research and information technology sector also grew significantly during this time.
As the city moves away from its industrial past, it begins to capitalize on the growing tourism sector, hosting over 1.5 million visitors a year and 200,000 cruise ship visitors a year, creating a renaissance in the city’s historic downtown. Uptown is living up to its reputation for being one of Canada’s most walkable and liveable neighborhoods, with many small businesses moving into it because of its booming economy. The Three Sisters Harbourfront condos are just one example of what’s moving in Uptown.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador, be sure to check out Saint John! This city is rich in history and culture, and it’s perfect for tourists who want to experience the Canadian province from its very roots. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, St. John’s has something for everyone.