New Brunswick - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - page 249

Rapids and around the harbor. The other is a 20-minute 'thrill ride' through the white wa-
ter at the rapids. Count on getting soaked.
Irving Nature Park HIKING
( 8am-dusk May-Oct) For those who have vehicles and an appreciation for nature, Irving
Nature Park is a must for its rugged, unspoiled coastal topography. It's also a remarkable
place for birdwatching, with hundreds of species regularly spotted. Seals may be seen on
the rocks offshore. Seven trails of varying lengths lead around beaches, cliffs, woods,
mudflats, marsh and rocks. Good footwear is strongly recommended.
It's well worth the 5km drive southwest from downtown to get here. Take Hwy 1 west
from town and turn south at Exit 107, Bleury St. Then take a right on Sand Cove Rd and
continue for 2km to the entrance.
Harbour Passage WALKING
Beginning on a boardwalk at Market Sq OFFLINE MAP (behind the Hilton Hotel), Har-
bour Passage is a red-paved walk- and cycle-trail that leads around the harbor, up Ben-
nett St and down Douglas Ave to the Reversing Falls bridge and lookout. Informative
plaques line the route and it's about a one-hour walk one-way.
Gibson Creek Canoeing CANOEING
( 506-672-8964; www.gibsoncreek.ca ; tours per day from $65) This company offers guided
canoe trips through the numerous intertidal marshes and peaceful rivers close to the city.
Tours
As a popular stop for cruise-ship travelers, Saint John has a surprisingly large range of
tour options. Whale-watching, unfortunately, is not an attraction in Saint John, save for
the very occasional, very wayward minke.
Saint John Transit Commission BUS TOUR
( 506-658-2855; www.saintjohntransit.com ; adult/child $22/6; Jun-Sep) Runs two-hour
bus tours around the city. Departures and tickets from Reversing Rapids Visitors Centre,
Barbour's General Store at Market Sq, and Rockwood Park Campground. Two tours
daily.
Words, Walks & Workshops WALKING TOUR
( 506-672-8601; walks free-$5; 7pm Tue Jun-Sep) For nearly 30 years David Goss, travel
and outdoor columnist, has led themed walks throughout the city and natural environ-