Saint John Night Driving Tour With Skywalk & Martello Tower

If you’re planning a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick, and want to experience the city’s charm after sunset, this Saint John Night Driving Tour with Skywalk & Martello Tower offers a balanced mix of scenic views, history, and local flavor. It promises an intimate experience in a small group—maximizing personalized attention and avoiding the crowds that often accompany larger tours.

Our review is based on glowing feedback from travelers who’ve taken this journey, highlighting its highlights and practical details. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of scenic vistas, or simply seeking a relaxed way to get a feel for Saint John’s evening ambiance, this tour might be just what you need.

Two things we really like about this tour are the small group size, which ensures a more personalized experience, and the expert guide who enriches the trip with local stories and insights. The panoramic views from Carleton Martello Tower are another standout. One potential drawback? If you’re hoping to go inside the Martello Tower itself, be aware it’s currently closed for restoration work until 2022, so you’ll only be able to visit the grounds and take in the views from outside.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, want to cover multiple sights efficiently, and enjoy learning about local history from knowledgeable guides. It’s perfect for those who prefer a small-group setting, avoiding large bus crowds and long wait times at popular sites.

Key Points

• Small group experience maximizes interaction and comfort.
• Expert guides offer engaging narratives and local insights.
• Scenic views from Carleton Martello Tower and other viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities.
• All attraction fees included mean no surprise costs during the tour.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a hassle-free experience.
• Tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for any weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Saint John Night Driving Tour

This 2-hour evening adventure is designed to showcase Saint John’s highlights as they glow under nightfall. In a cozy, air-conditioned van, the tour begins with a pickup from your downtown hotel, setting a tone of comfort and ease. The small group size (maximum 6 guests) means you get plenty of space to ask questions, snap photos, and genuinely enjoy the sights without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

The tour kicks off with a narrated drive through Saint John, passing illuminated landmarks such as the Saint John Port, Uptown, King Square, and Fort Howe. You’ll find that the city looks dramatically different at night, with the lights emphasizing its historic architecture and waterfront charm.

The highlight of this initial drive is a visit to the Reversing Falls Rapids, a natural spectacle where the tide dramatically reverses the Saint John River flow, creating a roaring, swirling spectacle. This is an especially popular photo spot, and the guide will help you understand the science behind this fascinating phenomenon.

Historic and Scenic Stops

Fort La Tour

The tour takes you to Fort La Tour, a National Historic Site of Canada, which was originally a 17th-century fur trading post. Although the tower itself is closed for restoration until 2022, the grounds and viewpoints remain open. From this vantage point, you’ll get a sense of Saint John’s early days as a hub of trade and exploration. Your guide will share stories of the fur trade, early settlers, and the strategic importance of this location.

Carleton Martello Tower

The Carleton Martello Tower is the tour’s crown jewel. Built during the War of 1812, it’s one of only nine such towers remaining in Canada. While the interior is temporarily closed for restoration, visitors can still explore the grounds and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the city, harbor, and skyline. The tower’s history as a military outpost up until WWII adds depth to the experience, and its elevated position makes for stunning photo opportunities.

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Skywalk Observation Deck

A highlight for many is the Skywalk observation deck, included in the tour, offering a unique vantage point over Saint John. It’s a chance to see the city’s lights reflecting off the water and to appreciate the layout of this historic port city from above.

Saint John City Market

The tour also visits the Saint John City Market, the oldest continuing farmer’s market in Canada. While primarily a daytime attraction, passing through it at night adds a different perspective—fewer crowds and a cozy, local atmosphere.

Practical Aspects: What to Expect and Why They Matter

The tour’s fully guided nature, with narrated commentary, helps you appreciate the stories behind each landmark. The all-inclusion of attraction fees means you won’t have to worry about additional costs, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Given the 2-hour duration, this tour offers a relaxed pace, allowing you to absorb the sights without feeling hurried. The small group size ensures intimate conversations and personalized attention—something larger tours often cannot provide.

The air-conditioned van is particularly appreciated in warmer months or during inclement weather, ensuring comfort throughout the experience. Since the tour operates rain or shine, pack weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes, especially as you’ll be exploring outdoor sites like the Martello Tower grounds.

The Value of the Experience

At a price point of $78 per person, this tour offers good value for those interested in an insightful, scenic evening of Saint John. The inclusion of all attraction fees, hotel transfer, and a knowledgeable guide makes it a straightforward, hassle-free way to see the city’s highlights after dark.

Travelers have consistently praised the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, with many noting how their guide, Russ, made the experience lively, informative, and memorable. One reviewer remarked, “Russ was excellent and very knowledgeable,” which speaks to the quality of the guiding.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, photographers, or travelers who love scenic views. It’s a perfect way to get a gentle introduction to Saint John’s key sites without the hassle of navigating alone. Those who appreciate small-group settings and want to maximize personalization will find this tour especially appealing.

If you’re visiting during a busy season or prefer a relaxed pace, the skip-the-line admission and outdoor exploration make this a stress-free, rewarding outing. However, if inside access to the Martello Tower is a priority, check if restoration work might affect your visit.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Saint John Night Driving Tour with Skywalk & Martello Tower offers a well-rounded look at one of Canada’s historic port cities in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The combination of scenic vistas, historical sites, and local storytelling makes it a memorable addition to any Saint John itinerary.

The small group size and expert guiding elevate the experience above standard city tours, making it a worthwhile investment if you value authentic insights and personal attention. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this tour offers a charming, informative, and scenic way to see Saint John after dark.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Saint John, making logistics simple and convenient.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple sights without feeling rushed.

What attractions are visited during the tour?
You’ll see the Saint John Port, Uptown, King Square, Fort Howe, Reversing Falls Rapids, Carleton Martello Tower grounds, and the Saint John City Market.

Is the Carleton Martello Tower accessible for inside visits?
Currently, the tower is closed for restoration work until 2022, so inside access isn’t available. You can still visit the grounds and enjoy the views.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans are uncertain.

In summary, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, historical insights, and personalized attention. Ideal for those wanting to see Saint John illuminated at night, it guarantees a memorable experience that combines natural beauty and local history with the comfort of small-group travel.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby