Get ready for the festive season, but be prepared to change your travel plans. Saint John Transit has announced significant route detours and service disruptions to accommodate the annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

If you rely on public transit, you need to know that these changes will be in effect from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the day of the parade. Planning ahead will help you avoid delays and enjoy the festivities without any travel headaches.

Affected Routes and Detours

Several key routes connecting the city’s east and west sides will be altered. According to the official notice from the City of Saint John, here is a breakdown of the detours:

• Route 1W Lancaster Mall: The bus will travel from Haymarket Square via City Road, Garden Street, Somerset Street, Paradise Row, Hilyard Street, and Chesley Drive before rejoining its regular route on Main Street.
• Route 1E McAllister Place / Field House: This route will detour from Douglas Avenue onto Main Street, then use Chesley Drive, Hilyard Street, Paradise Row, Somerset Street, and Garden Street to connect with City Road and its regular path.
• Route 3N Regional / UNB: The bus will divert through Bayside Drive, Thorne Avenue to Haymarket Square, and then follow the same City Road to Main Street detour as Route 1W before continuing on its normal route.
• Route 3E McAllister Place: Coming from Adelaide Street, this bus will use Main Street, Chesley Drive, Hilyard Street, and Paradise Row to reach Haymarket Square, then proceed via Thorne Avenue and Bayside Drive to its regular route.
• Route 15W & 15S Harbour Bridge: Both directions will use a detour involving City Road, Garden Street, and Somerset Street to access or exit the Harbour Bridge.

Service Cancellations and Final Trips

In addition to detours, some routes will have their service end early or specific trips cancelled entirely during the parade. Make sure to note these final departure times:

• Route 20 Wright Street / Fort Howe: The last trip from King Square North will be at 5:10 p.m.
• Route 21 South End / St. Joseph’s: The last trip from King Square North is at 4:35 p.m., and the 5:35 p.m. trip is cancelled.
• Route 23 Crescent Valley: The final trip from King Square North departs at 4:55 p.m., with the 5:55 p.m. trip being cancelled.

Riders are encouraged to check the city’s official announcement for complete details and to plan their travel accordingly on parade day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the bus route changes in effect?

The detours and service disruptions will occur on Saturday, November 15, 2025, between approximately 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Why are the buses being detoured?

The changes are necessary to clear the streets for the annual Saint John Santa Claus Parade, a major community event that affects traffic throughout the uptown area.

Will my bus route be cancelled?

Specific trips are cancelled for Route 21 (5:35 p.m.) and Route 23 (5:55 p.m.). Route 20 will end its service from King Square North earlier than usual at 5:10 p.m. All other affected routes will be on a detour, not cancelled entirely.

Where can I find the official information?

You can view the full details directly on the City of Saint John’s website.