The Saint John City Market is the city's indoor food hall and its most characterful stop in uptown. It stands at 47 Charlotte Street, a few minutes' walk from the waterfront and Market Square, and it is billed as the oldest continuing farmers' market in Canada. Inside, stalls sell fresh and smoked seafood, cheese, baked goods, fruit and vegetables, prepared lunches, coffee and local gifts, under a high timbered roof that visitors often compare to the hull of an upturned ship. It is a working market, so locals shop here as well as visitors, and the mix of fishmongers, bakers and small cafes makes it a good place for a relaxed lunch. The market is open year-round and is one of the few top sights in the region that does not depend on the summer season.
What to do
Walk the length of the market once without buying anything, then go back for what caught your eye. Fish and seafood stalls, bakeries and cafes are the staples, and the vendors turn over from year to year, so ask what is local and in season. It is a good stop for a quick lunch, a coffee, or to put together a picnic for the road to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park.
Hours and seasons
The market's own site says it is open year-round, Monday to Saturday. The market hours given are 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 7:30 am to 5 pm on Saturday, with all vendors open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. The page also carries some older holiday and cruise-day notes, so call ahead for holiday weeks, or if you are travelling in a cruise month, because Sunday openings may be added.
Fitting it in
The market is in the heart of uptown, close to Market Square, the waterfront and several of the hotels in this guide, including the Delta Hotels by Marriott on King Street. A visit takes 45 minutes to an hour, longer if you eat there. Plan it as the first stop of a Saint John day, then drive to the Reversing Falls for the tide.
What to expect
The experience
A covered indoor market with small stalls for seafood, baking, produce, prepared food and local crafts; entry is free.
Best time
Weekday mornings and lunchtimes, when every vendor is open, with Saturday as the busiest day.
How long
Allow 45 minutes to an hour, longer if you eat lunch there.
Tips
Ask vendors what is local and in season, bring a bag for purchases and remember the market is closed on Sundays.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers and anyone who wants a quick, local lunch in uptown Saint John.
- Families
- Children usually enjoy the fish stalls and bakeries, and it is easy to graze for a cheap lunch.
- Couples
- Share a coffee and a pastry, then pick up cheese and bread for a picnic on the way out of town.
- Pair with
- The Reversing Falls and the walk along the uptown waterfront fit into the same day.
- Time needed
- Allow 45 minutes to an hour.
Good questions
Is the City Market open in winter?+
Yes, the market's own site says it is open year-round, Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit around that.
Where is it?+
At 47 Charlotte Street in uptown Saint John, a short walk from Market Square and the waterfront. Delta Hotels by Marriott on King Street is among the closest hotels.
What can I buy there?+
Stalls sell seafood, baked goods, produce, cheese, prepared meals, coffee and local gifts. The vendors change over time, so ask what is fresh.
Is it worth a visit if I am only in Saint John for a day?+
Yes, it takes under an hour and gives you a taste of local food. It also works as a lunch stop between the waterfront and the Reversing Falls.
Do I need to book anything?+
No, entry is free and no booking is needed. Check hours before holiday weeks and cruise days, because opening hours can vary.
