Saint John Night Driving Tour With Skywalk & Martello Tower

If you’re planning to visit Saint John, New Brunswick, and want to see the city in a whole new light—literally—the Night Driving Tour with Skywalk & Martello Tower promises an engaging way to soak up the sights after sunset. This two-hour experience offers a balanced mix of scenic views, historic landmarks, and local storytelling, all delivered in a cozy small-group setting.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the small group size—max six people—means you get personalized attention and a more relaxed, intimate vibe. Second, the expert guides bring a wealth of knowledge, seamlessly blending history with lively narration. Third, the viewpoints and attractions like the Carleton Martello Tower and the Reversing Falls Rapids make for memorable, photo-worthy moments. That said, one potential caveat is that the Carleton Martello Tower itself is closed for restoration until 2022, but you can still visit the grounds and enjoy sweeping views from the lookout.

This tour is best suited for visitors who appreciate history, enjoy scenic drives, or simply want to see Saint John illuminated at night. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a small group of curious travelers, it’s an experience that offers good value with included attractions and hotel pickup.

Good To Know

• Intimate Small Group: Up to six guests for personalized service.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable storytelling enhances the experience.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit Carleton Martello Tower, Fort La Tour, and more.
• Nighttime Views: See Saint John’s skyline, harbor, and lit-up attractions.
• All-Inclusive: Entrance fees, hotel pickup, and drop-off included.
• Unique Perspective: Narrated drive through the city’s illuminated sights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose a Night Tour in Saint John?

Saint John offers a different charm once the sun sets. The city’s landmarks come alive, casting a warm glow that’s perfect for photos and relaxed exploration. This tour encapsulates that magic, allowing you to experience the city’s character and history in a new light.

The two-hour window might seem brief, but it’s thoughtfully packed with viewpoints, historical stops, and scenic drives. Plus, the nighttime atmosphere offers a peaceful, less crowded way to appreciate the city’s architecture, port, and historic sites. As one reviewer noted, “Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, we had a great time!!” which highlights the importance of a good guide in elevating the experience.

A Close Look at the Itinerary

Hotel Pickup and Introduction

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your Saint John accommodations in an air-conditioned van. This set-up eliminates the hassle of navigation and sets a relaxed tone. The guide, who is typically enthusiastic and personable, will introduce the plan for the night, giving a quick snapshot of what’s ahead.

Nighttime Drive Through Saint John

The heart of your tour is the narrated drive. Expect to pass through several dazzling points of interest like the Saint John Port, Uptown, and King Square, all beautifully lit after dark. The guide shares stories and historical tidbits to bring these sights to life, offering context that enriches each view. One reviewer mentioned how guide Russ “was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and very charismatic,” making the drive both fun and educational.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Reversing Falls Rapids

No visit to Saint John is complete without witnessing the Reversing Falls Rapids, an incredible natural spectacle. Here, the powerful tide reverses the flow of the Saint John River as it surges into the Bay of Fundy, creating a scene that seems almost surreal at night. The guide will explain the science behind this “natures tug-of-war,” which is genuinely fascinating to watch.

Fort La Tour

Next, the tour takes you to Fort La Tour, a National Historic Site. While the main structure might be off-limits due to restoration work until 2022, the grounds and the lookout points remain accessible, offering sweeping views and a chance to imagine what life was like during the fur trading days of the 17th century. The site’s archaeological significance adds a layer of depth for history buffs.

Carleton Martello Tower

The highlight for many is the visit to the Carleton Martello Tower, one of only nine surviving Martello Towers in Canada. Although the tower itself is closed for restoration, the grounds and viewing platforms unlock stunning vistas of Saint John’s harbor and skyline. The tower played a vital role from 1812 through WW2, and your guide will share stories of its strategic importance and past conflicts.

Skywalk Observation Deck

The tour includes admission to the Skywalk observation deck, which offers panoramic, bird’s-eye views of the city, harbor, and surrounding landscape. This is a fantastic photo opportunity and a memorable way to cap off your night.

The Value in the Details

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a luxury, air-conditioned van ensures comfort, especially after a long day of sightseeing. The small group of up to six guests maximizes interaction with your guide, allowing for more personalized stories and questions—something larger tours often lack.

Price and What’s Included

At $78 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the admission fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the personalized guided experience. Booking allows you to reserve without prepayment, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Timing and Flexibility

With a typical duration of 2 hours, you can plan around it easily, and the tour operates rain or shine—an important consideration in a place where weather can be unpredictable. The availability of early evening start times means you can combine this with other daytime activities.

Guides and Guest Experience

Multiple reviews praise guides like Russ and Cher for their enthusiasm, friendliness, and extensive knowledge. The guides don’t just recite facts—they weave stories, share local insights, and help you capture great photos. One reviewer appreciated how Cher “went above and beyond,” turning the tour into a memorable experience.

Accessibility and Restorations

The only note to consider is the closure of Carleton Martello Tower for restoration until 2022. While you won’t be able to enter the tower, you still get excellent views and learn about its history. The grounds remain accessible, and the lookout points provide excellent photo spots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, guided exploration of Saint John’s nighttime charm. If you enjoy history, scenic drives, and stunning vistas, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples wanting a relaxed, personalized outing.

Families with older children or teenagers will appreciate the storytelling and panoramic views, while those with an interest in military history or local culture will find the stops particularly engaging.

Final Thoughts

This Saint John Night Driving Tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience the city’s highlights after dark. The combination of scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and lively narration makes for a memorable evening outing. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and inclusions like the Skywalk make it a good value for a two-hour experience.

While the tower’s closure might disappoint some, the grounds and views still deliver plenty of visual interest. The tour’s relaxed pace and engaging storytelling ensure you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Saint John’s history and personality.

If you’re looking for a personalized, scenic, and educational way to discover Saint John at night, this tour is a solid choice that balances value with authenticity. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small groups and want a guided experience that goes beyond just riding around—getting stories, insights, and great photo ops along the way.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Saint John, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
It is approximately 2 hours, which is enough to see several key sights without feeling rushed.

Will I visit the interior of Carleton Martello Tower?
No, the tower is closed for restoration until 2022, but you can still visit the grounds and enjoy the views from the lookout.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine, so dress weather-appropriate and be prepared for the elements.

How many people are in a small group?
The tour is limited to around 6 guests, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

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

In summary, if you’re after a relaxed, engaging evening experience with the chance to see Saint John’s key sights illuminated and learn about its history from enthusiastic guides, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a wonderful way to add a unique layer to your visit and memorable stories to take home.

You can check if your dates are available here: