Saint John, New Brunswick, is a city with a lot of interesting history, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its past, is by embarking on the Loyalist Trail walking tour. On a recent visit to this charming maritime city, we had the opportunity to explore some of its interesting history through this interesting walk. From the County Court to the Firefighter's Museum, each stop along the Loyalist Trail provides a glimpse into Saint John's rich and vibrant history.
Starting Our Journey on the Loyalist Walking Trail
Our adventure began when we disembarked from the Caribbean Princess, and after a leisurely walk through the container village, we stumbled upon an information booth. There, we discovered a gem—a brochure titled "Discover Saint John & The Towns By The Bay." Intrigued by the promise of historical exploration, we decided to embark on the Loyalist Trail walking tour.
The Loyalist Trail
If you are visiting from the cruise ships in Saint John, and are wondering what FREE things there are to do, well, The Loyalist Trail would be a good option for you to discover a lot of the historical areas of the town.
The Loyalist Trail is a well-marked itinerary that leads visitors through the heart of Saint John, showcasing significant landmarks and providing insight into the city's history. The tour takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, but we recommend allowing extra time to fully appreciate each stop.
This tour can be done independently at any time, whether the shops and stops are open, or not!
Our journey began at King's Square, where the County Court Building stands proudly. This historic site is a testament to Saint John's Loyalist heritage, dating back to the late 18th century. The square itself is a lovely place to relax and appreciate the city's green spaces.
Suggestion!: We would suggest beginning the loyalist trail tour at the Market Slip, as it is easy to find, and it is the furthest point away that brings you along a logical path which "would" end at the General Store. If you did that, you would end a lot closer to the ship!
A short walk from King's Square brought us to The Old Burial Ground, a hauntingly beautiful cemetery that has been the final resting place for Saint John residents for centuries. The gravestones here tell stories of the city's early inhabitants, including Loyalists and other prominent figures.
The oldest surviving stones in this burial ground are dated back to 1784.
We met a local man, named Jack, who told us a little bit about the area. In other words, the people here are also very friendly and they really know their history.
We circled back to King's Square, taking the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and lush gardens. It's a perfect spot for a break and a chance to soak in the historical atmosphere.
This is actually one of the four squares included in the town, and it was cleared and laid in an "x" pattern in 1844. There is a bandstand, a memorial, and lots of beautiful places to read, and just relax.
The Loyalist Trail then led us to the City Market, an iconic Saint John landmark. The bustling market is not only a culinary delight but also an architectural gem. We spent a few minutes looking at all of the great local shops, and also noted the beautiful design of the building!
"Figurehead" City Market
Adjacent to the City Market, we encountered the striking "Figurehead" sculpture. This unique artwork pays homage to Saint John's maritime heritage and adds a touch of artistic elegance to the area.
Nutting House
Next on our journey was Nutting House, a charming historic home that offers a glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of the past. The building is a Georgian style structure and it was the second building in Saint John. The first building was destroyed in the 1877 Great fire.
The Loyalist Trail then led us to Loyalist House, one of the oldest buildings in the city. This meticulously preserved Loyalist-era residence is a true time capsule, offering a captivating glimpse into early Saint John life.
The admission is only $5 (at the time of writing this), and they are closed on Sundays. Sadly, we were there on a Sunday, so we didn't get to go into this amazing museum.
Our walking tour continued to the Saint John Stone Church, an architectural marvel with its stunning stonework and intricate stained glass windows. The church was completed in 1825, and it was the first stone church built in the city.
There are tours available if you have the time to spend!
A visit to the Saint John Arts Centre allowed us to explore the city's vibrant arts scene and admire the impressive collection of local and regional artwork.
As we made our way to Chipman Hill Suites, we marveled at the charming row of historic homes, each with its own unique character. These buildings were built between 1854 and 1857.
These buildings were the fire break which stopped the 1877 Great Fire from spreading!
Site of Barlow's Corner
We learned about the intriguing history of Barlow's Corner, a site that once hosted a prominent corner store and witnessed significant events in Saint John's past.
We won't spoil the story for you, so that you can read about the history in the Discover Saint Johns Brochure when you do the Loyalist trail yourself.
Market Square
Market Square is a bustling hub of activity and commerce, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a must-visit spot to soak in the city's modern energy.
Market Slip at Market Square
Market Slip, nestled within Market Square, provided a beautiful view of the harbor, allowing us to connect with Saint John's maritime roots.
Here you will learn of the first Loyalist landing on May 18, 1783. The first to land here were called "Upper Covers".
Barbour's General Store
Our walking tour then led us to Barbour's General Store, which, in the past, we presume was a charming establishment. When we got to the location, we were disappointed to see that the building was actually gone, and that there was construction happening at the site. We will have to come back and see this spot in the future.
Vassie's Corner
Vassie's Corner is a reminder of the city's vibrant commercial history, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture.
Did you know? In 1787 Benedict Arnold lived in a large house on the corner. He lived in Saint John until 1791 when he returned to England.
Commercial Block
The Commercial Block, with its beautiful brickwork, added to the historical charm of our journey through Saint John. This block has four similar structures which are all four floors high, that were built in 1878.
Trinity Church
Trinity Church, an architectural masterpiece, captivated us with its stunning Gothic Revival design and its role in the city's history. We are always amazed by churches and make a point of going in to as many as we can when we are in each city. This particular church was built in 1880, just after the Great 1877 fire.
The Imperial Theatre is a cultural gem, hosting a wide range of performances. This theatre opened in 1913, and has 1500 seats! It was renamed the Imperial Theatre in 1994.
As a former music and theatre performing arts head in Toronto, I was fascinated by the history, and the beauty of the building!
Our tour concluded at the Firefighter's Museum, a tribute to the brave individuals who have protected Saint John over the years. The museum's collection of vintage fire engines and equipment is supposed to be both educational and entertaining.
Sadly, as the Caribbean Princess was in Saint John, NB on a Sunday, this museum was closed, so we didn't get to visit.
Conclusion
Exploring Saint John on the Loyalist Trail walking tour was an unforgettable experience. It allowed us to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the city's heritage. From the early Loyalist settlers to the thriving maritime culture, each stop along the trail offered a unique perspective on Saint John's history. We left with a newfound appreciation for this vibrant and historically rich city, eager to return and discover even more of its hidden treasures. If you find yourself in Saint John, don't miss the opportunity to embark on this captivating journey through time.
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