Saint John Beaches: The Ultimate Guide to New Brunswick’s Coastal Wonders

Located just a 15-minute drive east of uptown Saint John, Mispec Beach is arguably the region’s most popular and accessible sandy beach on the Bay of Fundy. Nestled at the head of Mispec Bay where the Mispec River meets the sea, this deep, square-shaped beach offers a rare combination of fine-grained sand and the dramatic backdrop of the world’s highest tides. Historically, the park served as a recreation area for servicemen and women during World War II, and it continues to be a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. The primary draw of Mispec is its vast, sandy expanse that is revealed at low tide. The retreating water unveils a massive natural playground, perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and simply running free. While the Bay of Fundy’s waters are famously chilly, on a hot summer day, the shallow pools left by the tide can warm up enough for a refreshing splash. The beach is part of the larger Mispec Park, which is well-equipped with amenities that make it a family hub. Visitors will find free parking, numerous picnic sites, a playground for children, a paved games court for basketball and hockey, and washroom facilities, which are typically portable toilets (“Ready Johns”) provided by the city. Despite its many family-oriented features, it is important to note that Mispec Beach is an unsupervised saltwater beach. Visitors must remain vigilant and aware of the tide’s movement, as the water can return with surprising speed. For the more adventurous, the park also serves as a starting point for 5 kilometers of ocean-side and forested hiking trails, offering stunning coastal views. When the winds align from the southwest, Mispec Bay can even generate a respectable swell, attracting local surfers to its chilly waves.

• Pet Policy: As with most public parks, leashed dogs are welcome in the general park area and on the trails. However, to maintain cleanliness and safety in the primary swimming and play areas, pets are generally not permitted on the main sandy beach during the busy summer season.
• Expert’s Tip: Pack a picnic and plan your visit around low tide. The beach transforms into a massive sandy playground, perfect for kids and aspiring sandcastle architects. Be mindful of the tide’s return; it comes in faster than you think!

For those seeking a quick and easy escape to the coast without venturing far from the city, Bayshore Beach is the perfect destination. Located in West Saint John, just minutes from the uptown core, this beach offers a unique blend of sandy stretches and stony paths, providing a rugged yet accessible taste of the Fundy shore. Its most captivating feature is the stunning, panoramic view across the bay toward the historic Partridge Island, a vista that is particularly magical on foggy days or during sunset.

Bayshore is less a traditional swimming beach and more an explorer’s paradise. At low tide, the receding water reveals a fascinating intertidal zone, with countless tidal pools beckoning to be investigated and a rocky shoreline perfect for beachcombing. The beach is a favored spot for finding unique rocks, shells, and driftwood, making it a creative haven for artists and collectors. It is also a popular location for beachfires, where locals gather in the evenings to enjoy the coastal ambiance. The beach’s proximity to historical landmarks like the Carleton Martello Tower adds a layer of cultural depth to any visit, connecting the natural landscape to the region’s rich military past.

Visitors should come prepared for a more rustic experience. Bayshore Beach has limited amenities, with no public washrooms or changing facilities on-site. Parking is available along Sea Street, but it is not a dedicated lot and can be challenging to secure during peak times. This lack of infrastructure, however, is part of its charm, preserving a more natural and less commercialized feel despite its urban proximity.

• Pet Policy: Bayshore Beach is exceptionally dog-friendly and a beloved spot for local pet owners. Dogs are a common sight, often seen running and playing along the expansive shoreline. While leashes are officially recommended to prevent conflicts, the open space makes it a fantastic outing for four-legged friends.
• Expert’s Tip: Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes. The magic of Bayshore is in exploring the rocky sections and tidal pools at low tide. It’s less of a ‘lay on a towel’ beach and more of an ‘adventure and discovery’ beach.

Tucked away from the more frequented coastal spots, McLaren’s Beach is one of Saint John’s true hidden gems-a beautiful, quiet, and peaceful sandy beach cherished by those in the know. Its reputation is built on one thing above all else: treasure. McLaren’s Beach is widely considered one of the best locations in the region for hunting sea glass, the smoothed, colorful remnants of glass tumbled by the ocean for decades.

Enthusiasts flock here to walk the shoreline at low tide, scanning the mix of sand and pebbles for the tell-tale glint of green, brown, and white sea glass. What makes McLaren’s particularly special is the chance to find rarer colors; dedicated hunters have reported discovering coveted pieces of cobalt blue and even ruby red glass among its treasures. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, the beach offers a profound sense of tranquility. It is an ideal spot for a solitary walk, a quiet family picnic, or simply listening to the sound of the waves without the interruption of summer crowds.

Access to this secluded paradise is via the small McLaren’s Beach Road, which some visitors have noted can be poorly maintained, so a slow approach is recommended. Amenities are minimal, reflecting its off-the-beaten-path character. While there are some picnic facilities, they may be affected by the natural coastal erosion that is constantly reshaping the shoreline. This is a destination for the self-sufficient visitor who values serenity and natural beauty over convenience.

• Pet Policy: McLaren’s Beach is described as a wonderful place for a walk with a dog, with its quiet and expansive nature making it very suitable for leashed pets.
• Expert’s Tip: For the best sea glass hunting, visit on the outgoing tide after a storm. The churning waves often deposit new treasures along the shoreline. Pack gloves and a small bag for your finds.

Saints Rest Beach is more than just a beach; it is the grand entrance to the Irving Nature Park, one of the region’s most significant ecological treasures. Located on Sand Cove Road in West Saint John, this long, sweeping beach marks the transition from the urban environment to a protected coastal sanctuary. Spanning over a kilometer, the shoreline is predominantly rocky, characterized by colorful stones, small sand dunes, and the constant, rhythmic sound of the surf.

While it may not be the ideal spot for swimming or sunbathing, Saints Rest is a premier destination for walking, photography, and nature observation. It is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, which paint the sky with vibrant colors and offer breathtaking photo opportunities over the Bay of Fundy. For beachcombers, the treasures here are geological rather than man-made. While sea glass is scarce, the beach is rich with quartz and other unique, colorful stones, shaped by millennia of tidal action.

The beach’s greatest value lies in its connection to the adjacent ecosystems. It serves as the starting point for several of Irving Nature Park’s trails, including a section of the Sheldon Point Trail. Immediately behind the beach lies the Saints Rest Marsh, a Provincially Significant Wetland and an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA). This vital salt marsh provides critical habitat for hundreds of bird species, making the beach a prime location for birdwatchers equipped with binoculars. Free parking is available in a lot just off the gravel road that runs along the beach, providing easy access to both the shore and the park’s main entrance.

• Pet Policy: Leashed dogs are welcome on Saints Rest Beach. Its direct connection to the extensive, dog-friendly road and trail network of Irving Nature Park makes it a popular starting point for a longer outing with a canine companion.
• Expert’s Tip: Combine a sunset walk on Saints Rest Beach with a drive or hike through Irving Nature Park. The contrast between the rocky shore, the lush coastal forest, and the vital salt marsh is what makes this area so ecologically significant.

Tin Can Beach is a testament to the spirit of Saint John-a place of rugged beauty, industrial heritage, and powerful community-led transformation. Located at the end of Sydney Street in the city’s South End, this small, rocky beach offers a character-filled alternative to traditional sandy shores. Its name is a direct link to its past as an informal industrial dumping ground, where tin cans and other debris once littered the shoreline. Today, thanks to significant clean-up efforts, it has been reborn as a cherished urban greenspace and a vibrant cultural hub.

The beach provides a stunning, panoramic vantage point of the main Saint John Harbour channel. It is one of the best places in the city to watch the harbour traffic, from massive cruise and container ships being expertly guided by tugboats to local fishing vessels heading out to sea. The shoreline is rocky, dotted with tidal pools and wildflowers, making it a fantastic spot for photography, wildlife observation-harbour seals and various seabirds are common sights-and collecting sea glass smoothed by the harbour currents.

More than just a natural space, Tin Can Beach has become a canvas for the community. Local artists frequently create murals and sculptures among the rocks, adding a unique and ever-changing charm to the landscape. It also hosts community events, festivals, and concerts, infusing the area with a lively, social atmosphere. Visitors should be aware that the beach has no formal amenities such as restrooms, lifeguards, or food vendors, reinforcing its informal, community-driven character. Its ecological importance is also recognized, with organizations like ACAP Saint John actively involved in its conservation and promotion as a key urban habitat.

• Pet Policy: Tin Can Beach is a very popular spot for dog walking. Its trails and rocky shore offer an interesting environment for leashed dogs to explore alongside their owners.
• Expert’s Tip: Visit Tin Can Beach not for a swim, but for a dose of authentic Saint John culture. It’s a place to watch the harbour traffic, appreciate local art, and witness a powerful story of urban renewal.

A short drive from Saint John near the community of Lorneville lies one of New Brunswick’s most stunning geological wonders: Black Beach. The moment you arrive, you are struck by its otherworldly beauty. The sand is a deep, dramatic black, creating a stark and beautiful contrast with the churning blue-grey waters of the Bay of Fundy and the vibrant green of the surrounding coastal forest. It is a scene one might expect on a volcanic island in the tropics, not on the coast of Atlantic Canada.

The unique color of the sand is not volcanic in origin, but rather the result of graphite deposits in the local rock, which have been eroded and ground into fine particles over millennia. The beach is situated within the sheltered Musquash Estuary, a protected marine area rich in biodiversity. This makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Inquisitive harbour seals can often be seen sunning themselves on nearby rocks, and the cliffs are known nesting sites for the majestic Peregrine Falcon.

Black Beach is also the gateway to a fantastic hiking experience. The Black Beach Trail is a 4.4-kilometer moderate loop that takes hikers through a mossy, coastal spruce forest, with several lookouts offering breathtaking views over the estuary and Frenchman’s Creek. Despite its unique appeal and curiosity value, the beach is often uncrowded, offering a sense of peaceful seclusion. Visitors should be prepared for the journey to get there; access is via several kilometers of bumpy dirt roads, which can be challenging for some vehicles but ultimately adds to the feeling of discovering a hidden gem.

• Pet Policy: Black Beach and its associated trail are dog-friendly, making it an excellent adventure for active owners and their leashed pets.
• Expert’s Tip: Don’t just visit the beach—hike the trail. The contrast of the dark sand against the mossy, green coastal forest is breathtaking. The drive is bumpy but absolutely worth it for the seclusion and unique scenery.

While located approximately a 45-minute drive northeast of Saint John, the village of Fundy-St. Martins and its famous sea caves are an indispensable part of the regional coastal experience and a highly recommended day trip. This picturesque fishing village, with its active harbour, twin covered bridges, and historic lighthouses, is the gateway to one of the most dramatic displays of the Bay of Fundy’s power.

The main attraction is a series of magnificent sandstone sea caves carved into the coastal cliffs by centuries of tidal erosion. At high tide, these caves are completely submerged, with the bay’s waters reaching deep into the rock face. But as the tide recedes, a temporary world is revealed. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor and venture directly inside the two largest caves, as well as several smaller, younger formations, to marvel at the sculpted rock and the clear line showing the high-water mark far overhead.

A visit here is entirely dictated by the tide schedule, and checking it in advance is absolutely essential. To explore the caves, one must arrive during the hours surrounding low tide. The experience of standing inside a massive cavern that was filled with seawater just a few hours prior is a humbling and unforgettable lesson in the power of nature. The beach itself is a mix of sand and reddish pebbles, and even at low tide, small streams often cross the ocean floor, so waterproof footwear is highly recommended. The area is a major tourist destination, and amenities are available, including a large beachside restaurant, several small gift shops, and a public parking lot that, while sizable, can fill up quickly during peak summer weekends.

• Pet Policy: Leashed dogs are generally welcome on the main beach area, allowing them to join in the unique experience of walking on the ocean floor. However, owners should exercise extreme caution with the incoming tide and when exploring near the caves.
• Expert’s Tip: Arrive about an hour before low tide to maximize your exploration time. Wear waterproof footwear as streams often run across the beach floor. Witnessing the tide reclaim the caves you just walked through is an unforgettable display of nature’s power.

The Irving Nature Park is a 600-acre (243-hectare) ecological masterpiece and a gift to the public from J.D. Irving, Limited. Located on a peninsula in West Saint John that juts out into the Bay of Fundy, this park is far more than a single beach; it is a comprehensive coastal sanctuary encompassing 11 kilometers of rugged shoreline with numerous coves, beaches, and lookout points. It protects six distinct ecosystems, including a rich coastal forest, a vital salt marsh, bogs, and a variety of beach environments, all accessible to the public free of charge.

The park is designed for both passive and active recreation. A low-speed, one-way road allows visitors to drive a scenic loop around the perimeter of the peninsula, with numerous parking areas to stop and enjoy the views or access the trailheads. For those on foot, there are eight distinct walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties that wind through the different habitats. Highlights include a long boardwalk that extends into the Saints Rest salt marsh, providing incredible opportunities for birdwatching, and a Seal Observation deck on the eastern side of the peninsula overlooking Manawagonish Island. A lookout tower at the park’s highest point offers a stunning 360-degree view of the land and sea.

The park is also a designated Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark site, with its geology telling a fascinating story of the last ice age. Exposed bedrock reveals features from ancient volcanic formations, while the cliffs and clay deposits contain evidence of a tidewater glacier that stood at this very spot 15,000 years ago. For families, the park features a separate Children’s Forest with a playground, life-size mazes, and free-to-use gas barbecues and picnic shelters. In a unique distinction, the park’s dark skies have earned it a designation as an Urban Star Park, making it a premier location for amateur astronomy and stargazing events.

• Pet Policy: Irving Nature Park is exceptionally dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome on the 6.5-kilometer gravel road and the extensive network of trails, making it one of the best and most popular destinations in the city for a long walk with a canine companion.
• Expert’s Tip: Don’t just stick to one trail. Drive the low-speed auto loop to get a sense of the park’s scale, stopping at the different lookouts. The Seal Observation deck is a highlight, especially in the summer months.

Dominion Park is Saint John’s premier freshwater beach, a sprawling and popular destination located in a sheltered cove on the Saint John River in the city’s west side. For generations, this sandy beach has been the go-to spot for a classic summer outing, offering a safe and welcoming environment for swimmers and boaters. The park is particularly beloved by families, thanks to its extensive amenities, which include a large playground, basketball nets, numerous picnic and barbecue areas, and washroom and changing room facilities. During the summer months (typically late June to late August), the beach is supervised by lifeguards, providing an extra layer of safety for swimmers of all ages.

The park is currently undergoing a significant revitalization. Following damage from historic flooding in 2018 and 2019, a multi-phase master plan was developed to enhance the park’s natural assets with new, flood-resilient infrastructure. Phase one, completed in 2023, includes a new, permanent accessible building with a canteen, modern washrooms, and space for lifeguards, as well as a beautiful “Sunset Plaza” with seating designed to capitalize on the park’s stunning river views. Future phases will see the addition of a new playground, a multi-use sports court, and an improved boat launch.

Beyond its recreational appeal, Dominion Park is also a designated Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark site of immense geological importance. In 1890, stromatolite fossils approximately 1 billion years old were identified here, which at the time was the oldest evidence of life on Earth. The park is also famous for offering what many locals call “the best sunsets in the city,” a reputation that the new plaza is designed to celebrate. Its appeal extends year-round, as it becomes a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter months.

• Pet Policy: To ensure a clean and safe environment for all visitors, especially swimmers and children, pets are not permitted on the main sandy beach area or in the water.
• Expert’s Tip: Stay for the evening. The park’s reputation for stunning sunsets over the river is well-earned. The new Sunset Plaza is designed specifically for this experience.

Nestled in the city’s north-end community of Millidgeville, Tucker Park Beach is a peaceful and scenic retreat located at the confluence of the Saint John and Kennebecasis Rivers. This charming beach offers a serene natural setting with calm, freshwater swimming, making it a favorite spot for locals seeking a quieter alternative to the larger parks. The park is part of a 400-acre parcel of land bequeathed to the city in 1914 and is situated near the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John campus.

What sets Tucker Park apart is its fascinating geology. As a Stonehammer Geopark site, it showcases remarkable rock formations that tell a story hundreds of millions of years old. The prominent red rocks found here were formed during the Devonian Period (about 375 million years ago) and are described as “Rivers of Rock,” as they are lithified layers of ancient riverbeds that once flowed from the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can also find clear evidence of the last Ice Age. On some of the smoothed rock outcrops, one can see and feel distinct scratches, known as striations, which were carved into the bedrock by rocks embedded in the massive glacier that once filled the river valley.

The park is equipped with amenities that enhance its tranquil atmosphere, including picnic areas and an accessible viewing platform that offers lovely vistas of the river. There are also lovely hiking trails that begin near the beach area, inviting further exploration of the surrounding woods. While the beach is unsupervised, its calm waters make it a pleasant spot for a dip. There are ongoing plans to improve the beach’s accessibility, making it even more welcoming to all visitors.

• Pet Policy: While the park’s trails are suitable for walks with leashed dogs, pets are not permitted on the main beach and swimming area, in keeping with municipal and provincial regulations for public swimming beaches.
• Expert’s Tip: Look closely at the flat rock outcrops near the shore. You can see ancient scratches, or ‘striations,’ carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, offering a tangible connection to the Ice Age.

Rockwood Park is the crown jewel of Saint John’s park system and one of the largest urban parks in Canada. This sprawling natural oasis, located in the heart of the city, is home to more than 50 kilometers of all-season trails, a golf course, a campground, and, most importantly for summer visitors, two beautiful supervised freshwater beaches.

• Lily Lake Beach: This is the more developed and bustling of the two beaches. Conveniently located beside the Hatheway Pavilion, Lily Lake offers a wide, sandy shore with lifeguards on duty throughout the summer. The Pavilion is a hub of activity, housing the Inside Out Nature Centre, a seasonal canteen, the popular Lily’s Lakeside Casual Dining restaurant, washrooms, and a water sports rental shop on the lower level where visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Its combination of safe swimming and extensive amenities makes it a top choice for families.
• Fisher Lakes Beach: Just a short walk from several parking lots within the park, Fisher Lakes offers a slightly more private and tranquil beach experience. While also supervised by lifeguards, its shoreline features more secluded inlets and a few shelters for shade. Its prime location next to the expansive Kiwanis Play Park—an accessible playground for all children—and a large picnic area makes it another excellent destination for a full day of family fun.

The true appeal of Rockwood Park is the ability to combine a beach day with other outdoor adventures. Visitors can spend the morning hiking or mountain biking on the park’s vast trail network, which winds through diverse forests and around several other lakes, and then cool off with an afternoon swim.

• Pet Policy: Rockwood Park is a paradise for dog owners, with an extensive network of dog-friendly trails, including designated off-leash areas like the popular Zoo Trail and Owen Lake trail. However, in accordance with public health and safety regulations, dogs are not permitted on the supervised sandy beaches at either Lily Lake or Fisher Lakes.
• Expert’s Tip: Make a day of it. Go for a hike or bike ride on the park’s extensive trail network in the morning, then cool off with a swim at Lily Lake in the afternoon, followed by dinner at the lakeside restaurant.

Located in East Saint John on Loch Lomond Road, the Little River Reservoir Park offers a delightful and accessible outdoor experience centered around a man-made lake. The park has been rejuvenated in recent years and has become a beloved addition to the community’s recreational landscape. Its main feature is the “Rez Trail,” a 3.5 to 4-kilometer fine crushed gravel path that loops around the entire reservoir. This flat and easy trail is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking, and is largely stroller-friendly, making it a great option for families with young children.

The park also features a small, sandy freshwater beach that is supervised by lifeguards during the summer months. While the beach area is not large, it provides a pleasant spot to cool off after a walk around the reservoir. The park is equipped with a playground for children, a few picnic tables, a large parking lot, and portable toilets for convenience. The trail itself offers some lovely scenery, including wooden bridges that cross over the dam and wetlands, and even a small waterfall accessible via a short side trail.

It is worth noting that some visitors have advised checking the water quality before swimming, as bacteria levels can occasionally be a concern in the warm, shallow water of the reservoir. Official advisories are typically posted by the city or public health authorities when swimming is not recommended.

• Pet Policy: The Rez Trail is extremely popular for dog walking, and leashed pets are a common and welcome sight on the path. However, as with other supervised swimming areas, dogs are not permitted on the sandy beach itself.
• Expert’s Tip: The walk around the reservoir is the main attraction here. It’s a flat, easy loop that’s great for all fitness levels. The beach is a nice bonus for a quick dip after your walk.

Just northeast of Saint John, the vibrant suburban towns of Quispamsis and Rothesay, collectively known as the Kennebecasis Valley (or KV), are home to a collection of charming freshwater beaches along the beautiful Kennebecasis River. These beaches serve as lively community hubs and are perfect for families looking for a relaxed and amenity-rich day by the water.

• Gondola Point Beach (Quispamsis): Situated near the cable ferry landing that connects the mainland to the Kingston Peninsula, this supervised beach is a local favourite. It features change rooms, accessible portable washrooms, and picnic areas. What makes Gondola Point Beach truly unique and a must-visit for pet owners is its designated, fenced-in dog-friendly beach area. This allows dogs to play and swim off-leash in a separated section, a rare and valued amenity.
• Meenan’s Cove Park (Quispamsis): As the town’s most visited park, Meenan’s Cove is a bustling center of summer activity. It boasts a popular lifeguarded beach, a large green space, a playground, beach volleyball courts, a boat launch, and walking trails. The park also features the Meenan’s Cove Beach House, a rentable facility with a kitchen and large deck right on the water, perfect for family gatherings or events.
• Renforth Wharf Beach (Rothesay): More of a community swimming spot than a traditional beach, the Renforth Wharf is an iconic summer landmark. It is named in memory of James Renforth, a famed British rower who tragically died during a race on these waters in 1870. Today, it’s a popular place for locals, especially teens and young adults, to cool off with a jump off the wharf into the deep, refreshing waters of the Kennebecasis River.
• Jordan Miller Park Beach & Kennebecasis Park Beach (Rothesay): These are classic community parks that offer public access to the river. They feature pebble and sand shorelines, picnic areas, and playgrounds, providing pleasant and accessible spots for a family afternoon by the water.
• Ritchie Lake Park (Quispamsis): This cozy park, located right in the heart of Quispamsis, offers a more tranquil experience. It features a small, unsupervised beach area on Ritchie Lake, along with a short walking trail, playground, benches, and picnic tables, making it a lovely spot for a quiet outing.

The warmest beaches for swimming are the freshwater beaches located on the region’s rivers and lakes. Dominion Park, Tucker Park, Lily Lake, Fisher Lakes, and the beaches in the Kennebecasis Valley offer significantly warmer water temperatures than the cold Bay of Fundy, making them ideal for swimming and prolonged water activities.

The whale watching season typically runs from June to October. Humpback whales are more commonly seen from late July through August.

Several of the most popular freshwater beaches have lifeguards on duty during the peak summer season (typically late June to late August). These include Dominion Park Beach, Lily Lake and Fisher Lakes in Rockwood Park, Little River Reservoir, Meenan’s Cove Beach, and Gondola Point Beach. The saltwater Bay of Fundy beaches, such as Mispec and Bayshore, are unsupervised.

The best time to visit for swimming and traditional beach activities is during the summer months, from June to August, when air and freshwater temperatures are at their warmest. However, for activities like hiking, beachcombing, and storm watching on the Bay of Fundy coast, the spring and fall seasons can be magical, with fewer crowds and dramatic coastal scenery.