Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is a city in New Brunswick, Canada, located on the Bay of Fundy. The Reversing Rapids are a natural phenomena generated by bay tides merging with the Saint John River. The Saint John City Market, housed in an 1876 structure, is packed with food and craft stalls. Trails wind through the salt marshes, volcanic rock, and woodlands of Irving Nature Park on a nearby peninsula. The Imperial Theatre in 1913 hosts plays, concerts, and dance performances.

Saint John, New Brunswick, may not provide the best first impression: the skyline is dominated by shipping docks and oil tanks, and decades of industry have left the city with a somewhat grimy aspect. But don't discount New Brunswick's second-largest city too quickly. A busy downtown area exists beyond the factories, with traces of the past enhancing the view. History is alive and well in the center of Saint John, with sites such as the Saint John City Market, which was erected in the late 1800s to house all of the city's markets in one central area. There are also a number of Irish bars that pay homage to the many Irish immigrants that arrived in the mid-1800s.

But probably the most compelling reason to visit Saint John is its proximity to the Bay of Fundy. This wide inlet that separates New Brunswick from Nova Scotia is a wonderful setting for outdoor adventures. A visit to Reversing Falls Rapids in the heart of Saint John will give you a sense of Fundy's tremendous tides. To properly appreciate the bay's splendor, venture out of town to Fundy National Park, where you can hike, kayak, and do other activities. Just keep your eyes peeled: you're bound to see a whale or two.

Location: Canada

Best time to visit: April to May and September to October

Price: $1,075 for one person per week

Ranking: #15 in Best Family Vacations in Canada

Website: www.saintjohn.ca