Exploring Saint John with the Best of Saint John Small Group Tour
If you’re considering a way to get a solid overview of Saint John, New Brunswick, without spending your entire day on it, this small group tour might catch your eye. Promising a blend of city highlights, natural wonders, and historical sites, it offers a convenient way to see some of the best spots with a local guide.
What really appeals to us about this tour? First, the personalized experience with a guide in a small group—meaning more attention and fewer crowds. Second, the mix of walking and driving allows you to cover a lot of ground without feeling overwhelmed. But, as with any tour, there are some things to keep in mind, like the mixed reviews about communication and transportation. It’s definitely best suited for travelers who enjoy engaging guides and want a broad sense of Saint John’s culture and scenery in just a few hours.
Key Points:
– Small group size enhances personal interaction and flexibility
– Includes multiple historic sites and scenic spots like Reversing Falls and Rockwood Park
– Good value for money at around $99 per person, with many attractions included
– Transportation and guide quality vary; some reviews highlight excellent guides, others note management issues
– Ideal for travelers short on time who want a well-rounded overview
– Offers a mix of walking and driving to maximize sightseeing
What’s Included and What to Expect
This tour, priced at $99.47 per person, is designed to give a comprehensive snapshot of Saint John in about three hours. It’s run by See Sight Tours, a provider with a decent track record, though some reviews mention issues with communication. The itinerary covers a good mix of local flavor, history, and scenic views.
Starting from downtown Saint John, you’ll be picked up at your hotel—making it convenient if you’re staying in the city. The tour generally caps at six travelers, which keeps things intimate and personalized. You’ll get a mobile ticket, so no fuss with paper, and the tour is flexible enough to suit most travelers.
Highlights and Key Stops
Planning more time in Saint John? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Saint John City Market
Your first stop is the famous Saint John City Market. Dating back to the 1870s, this spot is a lively hub of local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to crafts. It’s a perfect introduction to the city’s local flavors and culture. Expect about an hour here, with time to browse, buy snacks, or just soak in the atmosphere. Many reviews mention the guided tour of the market as a highlight, with some guests noting it’s a good way to start getting oriented.
Scenic Drive Through Saint John
Next, you’ll hop into a vehicle for a narrated driving tour. This part takes you past many of the city’s key sights, including Rockwood Park, Saint John Port, and other attractions. The narration give you context and stories, enhancing your understanding of the city’s fabric. Reviewers have appreciated guides like Russ and Cher for their engaging storytelling, with some describing Russ as “very engaging and interesting” and Cher as “kind and very informative.”
Reversing Falls Rapids
One of the tour’s standout moments is witnessing the Reversing Falls Rapids. This natural phenomenon occurs where the Saint John River runs into the Bay of Fundy, causing a spectacle of rapid water flowing in opposite directions. Many travelers find this a “sight to behold”, and it’s a great photo opportunity. It also underscores the unique geography of the area, which makes Saint John particularly fascinating.
Fort La Tour and Martello Tower
History buffs will enjoy visits to the Carleton Martello Tower and Fort Howe National Historic Site. The Martello Tower, built around 1812, played a role in conflicts up until WWII. It offers a viewpoint and a chance to step back into the past. The admission is included, and many reviews mention the knowledgeable guides adding depth to the experience. The Fort LaTour site is also part of the tour, providing a glimpse into the fur trade era—another layer of local history.
What You’ll Experience
Expect a mix of walking and driving—the walking parts are brief but enough to enjoy the markets and historical sites up close. The driving tour covers a broader area, giving you scenic views and background stories. The small group size ensures you’re not just a face in the crowd; guides can tailor parts of the experience or answer questions freely.
Some reviews highlight the value of a knowledgeable, personable guide—particularly Russ, who many say “made the experience memorable” with stories and photos. Others, however, mention inconsistent communication or transportation issues, like being split into two cars when a van was promised. This seems to be an occasional hiccup rather than a standard.
The Transport and Comfort
The transportation is a key part of this tour, with pickup at your hotel and a brief drive through the city. The vehicles are not specified beyond being a van or cars, but some reviews note cramped space for larger travelers. The tour is aimed at a small group, which is a plus for intimacy, but vehicle comfort can vary.
Tour Duration and Pacing
At around three hours, this is a compact experience designed to give a well-rounded overview. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful taste of Saint John. Be prepared for a busy schedule—there’s a good amount to see, and the stops are relatively quick. If you’re looking for a more leisurely exploration, you might prefer a longer or more relaxed experience.
Price and Value
The $99 price point is reasonable considering the number of sites visited and the inclusion of admissions to key historical sites. Many travelers feel it offers solid value, especially with the personalized attention a small group provides. However, some reviews point out that communication issues and transportation hiccups can detract from the overall experience.
Authentic Perspectives from Travelers
Several reviews give a balanced picture. One guest praised how “Russ was a very engaging and interesting guide”, noting the wonderful sights and photographs he took. Others appreciated the small group setting—saying it made the tour more personal and enjoyable.
On the flip side, some travelers experienced overbooking and last-minute schedule changes, with one review describing how their reservation was moved without notification. Others were disappointed by poor communication about meeting points or transportation, leading to anxiety or missed parts of the tour.
Despite these issues, many still found the tour worthwhile for the scenic views and historical insights. The Reversing Falls and Rockwood Park are universally appreciated, as they showcase some of the most iconic natural and man-made attractions around Saint John.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences with a personal touch, this could be a great pick. The small group size and local guides make it easier to ask questions and get a sense of the city’s character. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a quick yet rich overview—covering history, scenery, and local culture.
However, if you’re very particular about transportation or expect a perfectly managed experience, the reviews suggest some room for improvement. It’s also worth noting that the tour includes a mix of walking and driving, so comfort and mobility might be considerations for some.
Overall, for around $99, you get a compact but diverse glimpse of Saint John, with highlights that appeal to history buffs, nature lovers, and those simply wanting a fun, informative outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, blending walking and driving to cover major sites and scenic spots efficiently.
What’s included in the price?
You’ll get admission to Carleton Martello Tower and Fort LaTour, a guided tour of Saint John Market, and admissions to the viewpoints and attractions. Pickup and drop-off from your downtown hotel are also included.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is quite flexible. However, specific age restrictions aren’t stated, so it’s best to consider your group’s mobility and interest in walking and sightseeing.
How many people will be on the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, which helps keep it intimate and personalized.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Is this suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the manageable duration and engaging sites suggest it could work well for families with older children interested in history and scenery.
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos. Snacks and souvenirs can be purchased at the market, but bringing some water is always smart.
Best of Saint John Small Group Tour w/Fort La Tour + Martello
“Cher was a kind and very informative tour guide of Saint John. It was suppose to be a small group but ended up being my husband and I .. surprise b…”
Final Thoughts
The Best of Saint John Small Group Tour offers a practical way to see some of the city’s highlights, especially if you’re pressed for time but still want depth and personality in your sightseeing. The mix of natural and historical sites provides a well-rounded experience, and the small group format helps foster a more personal connection with your guide.
While some reviews point to communication and transportation hiccups, the majority highlight knowledgeable guides and stunning views. If you’re someone who values engaging stories and scenic stops in a short timeframe, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s best suited for curious travelers who appreciate a personal touch and are adaptable to minor logistical issues.
In the end, it’s about balancing expectations with the reality of small-group, guided tours—generally a rewarding way to get a real taste of Saint John without the fuss of planning every detail yourself.