Saint John is the perfect ‘home base’ to explore the Bay of Fundy, says Jillian MacKinnon. Nathalie Sturgeon/Global News
CNN’s prestigious annual list of top travel destinations for 2024 has unveiled Saint John, situated in New Brunswick, as the sole Canadian city to grace the highly esteemed compilation this year.
Highlighted as a distinctive destination separate from Newfoundland’s capital, St. John’s, CNN emphasized Saint John’s allure as a picturesque locale characterized by its historic architectural charm, coastal lodgings, and an extensive array of culinary offerings.
Expressing elation at the city's inclusion in the coveted list, Jillian MacKinnon, the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives at Envision Saint John, expressed her thrill, anticipating significant global attention that would spotlight the region.
"We have always recognized Saint John as an exceptional destination, and we're thrilled that this recognition will unveil its appeal to a wider audience," MacKinnon stated.
She underscored Saint John's unique position adjacent to the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its remarkable high tides, as a key attraction for visitors seeking a rich coastal experience.
"As the sole city overlooking the renowned Bay of Fundy, we offer an ideal launchpad for experiencing the wonders along the Atlantic coast," MacKinnon explained. "One can relish an urban escapade while witnessing the ebb and flow of the bay right from within the city."
Additionally, MacKinnon emphasized Saint John’s historical significance as Canada's oldest incorporated city, highlighting its rich heritage displayed through the captivating architecture and vibrant local establishments in the uptown area.
"With splendid architecture adorning uptown Saint John, housing locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, and bars exuding a rustic charm, wandering through this district is a captivating experience," she elaborated.
The city's inclusion in CNN's prestigious list owes gratitude to Neil Hodge, the Travel Media Representative for Tourism New Brunswick, who actively advocated for the city's recognition at a media marketplace in Puerto Rico. Hodge expressed optimism about the article's potential to significantly expand the province's global reach in terms of tourism marketing efforts.
Recognizing Saint John as an overlooked gem, Hodge highlighted the city’s historical significance, being home to Canada’s first chartered bank, museum, and library. He further illuminated its unique status as one of the rare locations entirely nestled within a geopark, boasting more than 60 geosites, including the remarkable Reversing Falls.
Describing Saint John as a hub for learning and exploration, Hodge emphasized its billion years of geological history, inviting visitors to delve into its rich heritage while indulging in tourist activities, and gaining insights into the world's geological evolution.
Hodge's aspirations for heightened global interest in Saint John extend beyond the summer season, envisioning a year-round attraction for tourists engaging in diverse winter activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.
Amidst the surge in tourism levels surpassing pre-pandemic statistics in 2023, Hodge foresees this trend continuing, buoyed by the city's recognition and the allure of a myriad of attractions scattered throughout New Brunswick.
Saint John's spotlight on CNN's prestigious list follows Cape Breton, Nova Scotia's inclusion in 2022, signifying the Maritimes' recurrent acknowledgment as a must-visit travel destination by the esteemed media platform.
