Visit St. John in New Brunswick, Canada

St John is often confused with St. John's. Both are on the Atlantic coast of Canada, but that is where the similarities stop. The St John we are talking about is a port city on the Fundy Bay in New Brunswick and is home to many cruise ships. Being a port for cruises usually means lots to do. Lots and lots to do.

One sight you will want to see is just by the bridge over the St John River. This is the place where the highest tides in the world appear, and actually reverse the flow of the water. If you hit it just right, you can witness this strange occurrence for yourself. It is something else, and definitely something to put on your Been there/Done that list. If you are the daring sort, go ahead and hop aboard one of the jet boats, which will make sure you don't miss the phenomenon.

If museums are your thing, stop in to the New Brunswick Museum where you can learn about the 350 million year-old history of this area, or hit Irving Nature Park if you are more interested in the Bay of Fundy ecosystem. King's Landing Historic Settlement is a living museum, meaning it is a recreation of a colonial town complete with costumed staff going about business as if you have stepped back in time to 1790 up through 1910.

Whale Watching is a huge attraction in St John so you pretty much have a wide assortment of outings to choose from. If you prefer kayaking, hook up a water adventure with River Valley or Go Fundy Events. Both companies will be happy to show you an outrageously good time. In fact, River Valley Adventures can also rent you a bike, or lead you on a fun and informative hiking tour of the area.

St Johns is also where you can take various walking tours of the oldest incorporated city in Canada. This town has quite a lot of Claims to Fame. If it is shopping you want, head over to Old City Market. There you will find tons of great old buildings and pretty much any item you happen to be looking for. They of course prefer you use Canadian money, but most shops will also take American dollars. Do be sure to check the exchange rates before you go.

Crystal Palace is the only indoor/Outdoor Amusement Park on the Atlantic side of Canada and is a Must do for Theme Park lovers. This is free to get in, but you pay for each ride individually. It is open year round.

As for finding food, some of the best seafood in the world can be had in St John. If you are on a budget, then you can get well fed for cheap at Broadview Dining in the marina or AJ's at the Lancaster Mall. For slightly higher budgets, try Billy's Seafood on Charlotte Street or the Colonial Inn on City Road. Pizza places are everywhere, and of course if you just want a burger on the run there are a bunch of fast food options.

Being a cruise ship and tourist destination, St John has a ton of hotel options. It is a very affordable town, so a room will be very reasonable. There are lots of cool little bed-n-breakfasts, quaint little Cottages, upscale hotels, and lots of Bay view rooms. Little waterside motels dot the coast and are surprisingly inexpensive. If you are the camping sort, head over to Rockwood Park to pitch your tent. If you are feeling extravagant, book a room downtown in the historic Tanner's Home Inn.

Events! Oh my does St Johns know how to throw a party. Do check ahead for the dates of various festivals happening around the bay. They have everything from a huge Chocolate Fest to musical fairs to dancing in the streets. Just take care not to eat yourself sick on glorious lobster during the Seafood Extravaganza.

St John is famous for its wonderful beaches as well. If you are an early riser, you can catch the best sunrise ever at Murray Beach, or relax on the pristine sand at Parlee Beach. Fromer's claims the best view in all of Canada can be found at Cape Enrage, and the sandbar at Chaleur has salt water on one side, and fresh water on the other. How cool is that?

No matter where your interests lie, you are sure to find plenty to interest you on a trip to St Johns. If you get bored here, you have no one but yourself to blame.

*My article appeared in the Oct/Nov 2007 issue of Teen Trend Magazine; Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved