Saint John City Market

Hungry travelers, venture here at your peril. This spacious, bustling marketplace is crammed with vendors hawking meat, fresh seafood, cheeses, flowers, baked goods, and bountiful fresh produce. (You can even sample dulse, a snack of dried seaweed from the Bay of Fundy -- though some travelers have compared the experience to that of licking a wharf.) The market was built in 1876, and has been a constant draw for city residents ever since. Note the construction of the roof -- local lore claims it resembles an inverted ship because it was made by boatbuilders who didn't know how to build anything else. Also look for small, enduring traces of tradition: The handsome iron gates at either end have been in place since 1880, and a loud bell is rung daily by the Deputy Market Clerk to signal the opening and closing of the market. A number of vendors offer meals to go, and there's bright seating in an enclosed terrace on the south side. It's definitely worth an hour or two, and perfectly positioned for an eating break for either the road- or walking-tour weary. Just don't make the mistake of coming on a Sunday or a Canadian holiday: it'll be closed.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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