Dog Days in the Port City

 
Duration: 3-5 hours

Highlights: Reversing Falls, Rockwood Park, off-leash hiking.

Pairing: Picaroons Dooryard Summer Ale. A drinkable perfectly balanced beer that goes great with lounging at the beach with Fido. 

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​We love dogs. Big dogs, small dogs, skinny dogs, and wrinkly dogs, we truly love all dogs. When visiting Saint John New Brunswick, you can bring Spot, Fido, Rocky, Bella, or Bailey.   The spirit of New Brunswick is a kindred spirit to all dog lovers. Offering picturesque scenery, hiking trails with breathtaking views and lots of things for the two of you to do.  Below are just a few ideas on where to stay and what to do while visiting Canada’s oldest incorporated city with your four-legged family member.
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Often the most challenging part of travelling with your canine buddy is figuring out a place to stay. Thankfully here in Saint John New Brunswick, we have several options, perfect for both of you.  Both of the large hotel chains located in Uptown Saint John are pet-friendly.  If you're looking to stay at an Airbnb, there are several Airbnb properties that are pet-friendly. However, our recommendation for accommodation is Mahogany Manner. Located on Germain Street, Mahogany Manner is a heritage house that has been converted to a bed and breakfast.

Regardless of where you stay Uptown, you are mere steps away from art, culture, craft beer, artisanal cocktails, local wine, and gourmet food. Once you’re all checked in, make you’re down to the boardwalk at 10 Market Square. Overlooking the bay, the boardwalk features some of the best restaurants in the city. Including the Saint John Ale House, which has been featured on the FOOD network show ‘You Gotta Eat Here’. The best part is that each restaurant and bar on the boardwalk offers an outdoor patio, most of which are pet-friendly. 

After you’re done at the boardwalk there’s still lots of fun to be had. Take a walk down the Harbour Passage, which starts right beside the Hilton hotel, and make your way down to the water’s edge. Once you’re there you can even witness nature’s wonder of the Reversing Falls. You can also do one of five self-guided walking tours available for free download on the Saint John Walking Tours app; we love the Selfie Trail.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat, head over Picaroons General Store, located on Canterbury Street a very short walking distance from the Hilton. Picaroons is one of the oldest craft breweries in New Brunswick and have won countless awards for their traditional English ales. Some of its most popular brews include Dooryard Summer Ale, a perfectly drinkable summertime beer, 506 Logger, and Simeon Jones. (Named after master brewer and former mayor of Saint John.) All pets are welcome in Picaroons, allowing you to relax with a cold pint while your best buddy rehydrates with some water from one of Picaroons doggy bowls.

The fun doesn’t stop in the Uptown core. Located just a short drive from Uptown Saint John is Rockwood Park. Rockwood Park encompasses 890 hectares of land and is bigger than Central Park in New York City. Rockwood parks offer's 55 trails and footpaths, fresh water lakes, canoe rentals, camping, free movies, art, yoga, and even a Zoo. On a leash, your furry friend can partake in all the fun to be had at Rockwood Park and on several trails, they can even go off the leash.

Plan a fun afternoon at Rockwood park,  for an off-leash hike, stop at one of the beaches and take a dip in the freshwater lake, then sprawl out on a blanket and enjoy a free movie or some yoga. Maybe even bring some local craft beer or cider with you from Picaroons to enjoy as you relax on the beach with your fur baby.

We understand that for many of us, a canine isn't just a pet as much as it is part of the family, and just like you wouldn't leave a child behind on a family vacation you don't want leave behind your precious furry family member either. Hopefully, on your next trip to Saint John, you'll be sure to bring your pet and try out some  Saint Awesome things we've mentioned here today, we can't wait to meet you and show you the spirit of New Brunswick.
​Shout out to Mahima, 1.5-year-old Golden Doodle Benji, and Picaroons for letting us use their awesome photos!