DESTINATION

Saint John

This is one of the Atlantic coast's most active seaports, with deepwater oil terminals that handle some of the world's largest ships. Saint John's waterfront retains its historic flavor while featuring such modern conveniences as a climate-controlled skywalk linking it to the downtown business district. Harbour Passage, a series of interconnected waterfront parks, recreation areas and historic heritage sites, offers magnificent views of the harbor and port facilities.

Concerts, sports events, performing arts and family entertainment shows take place at Harbour Station, 99 Station St. The arena is home to the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. For schedule and ticket information phone the box office at (506) 657-1234 Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. noon-4.

Bay Ferries provides year-round car and passenger service from Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia, aboard the Princess of Acadia. Reservations for the 3-hour crossing are highly recommended and must be picked up 1 hour prior to sailing time; phone (902) 245-2116 or (877) 762-7245.

The Saint John Firefighters Museum, 24 Sydney St., is housed in an 1840 firehouse and contains artifacts, photographs and fire-related memorabilia pertaining to the Great Saint John Fire of 1877; phone (506) 633-1840.

Visitor Centers

Discover Saint John 15 Market Square 11th Floor, City Hall Saint John, NB E2L 4L1. Phone:(506)658-2990 or (866)463-8639

Self-guiding Tours

The Loyalist Trail, a 90-minute walking tour through downtown Saint John, retraces the footsteps of the city's Loyalist founders. Prince William's Walk, also about 90 minutes, centers on the old commercial district along Prince William, Princess and Germain streets. The Victorian Stroll, a 2-hour tour of the downtown residential area, covers examples of post-1877 architecture found on King, Orange and Germain streets. The West Side Walk & Drive explores the historic Conway area.

Brochures outlining the tour routes are available at the Visitor Information Centres on the 11th floor of City Hall and on the first floor of Market Square; phone (866) 463-8639.

Shopping

Near the waterfront are two shopping complexes: Brunswick Square, 39 King St., has three levels of retailers selling clothing, electronics, gifts and home decor. Market Square, 1 Market Square near the Saint John City Market, has a mix of fashion and gift boutiques and restaurants. There are specialty shops along Prince William, Germain, Canterbury, Charlotte, Union and Princess streets. McAllister Place is in the eastern part of the city at the corner of McAllister Drive and Westmoreland Road; Sears and Aeropostale are two of the mall's approximately 110 stores.