Looking for a greener way to go? Saint John Transit provides bus service to Uptown Saint John BIA, helping connect neighbourhoods across the city. While transit schedules and routes may require some planning, the system offers low-entry buses for curb-level boarding, making it more accessible for many riders. 

Let Saint John Transit do the driving while you sit back, relax, and take the bus!

• Saint John Transit: Check routes and schedules on the City of Saint John Transit page*.
• Saint John Accessible Transit: For residents unable to use standard transit, Independence Plus Inc. offers specialized services. Learn more on the Saint John Accessible Transit page*.

• Car Ride Services: Uride* operates via their app.
• Cab Services: Check the Yellow Pages* to find taxi companies that are available.

Driving into Uptown Saint John BIA is a unique experience, thanks to its historic street design. Many of Uptown’s streets are one-way, a layout shaped by the area’s long history and compact city blocks. While this adds to Uptown’s charm, it’s a good idea to check your route in advance to make navigating easier.

• From the west: Take the Main Street Exit for a beautiful drive along the water before reaching Uptown.
• From the east: The City Centre Exit brings you straight into the heart of the district.

Once you arrive, parking options are available, Uptown is best explored by strolling. Park the car, wander through the historic streets, and enjoy everything Uptown has to offer. Google Maps* can help you navigate to our lovely area.

Uptown Saint John BIA is best explored by strolling. Follow Harbour Passage, a scenic red trail that runs from Douglas Avenue to Uptown, offering beautiful waterfront and city views. Find the trail map here*.

Once in Uptown, enjoy wandering the sidewalks, taking in the historic streetscapes, and discovering great places to eat, shop, and explore.

Ride Uptown and take in the sights. Plan your route for a scenic arrival. Visit the City of Saint John’s Biking & Cycling page* to learn more and see the bike route map.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the day, there are plenty of parking options to suit your needs.

Covered Parking Garages

If you prefer sheltered parking, Uptown area has three indoor garages with over 1,500 spaces:

• Market Square Parking Garage – More info*
• Peel Plaza Parking Garage – Located near the Saint John Law Courts
• Brunswick Square Parking Garage – More info*

On-Street Parking

On-street parking, managed by the City of Saint John, is:

• Free on weekends, holidays, and after 6 PM on weekdays
• Paid Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM (payment options: meters, QR codes, HotSpot App)

No need to rush back to the meter. Download the HotSpot App* to pay remotely or extend your parking time.
Have parking questions? Contact the City of Saint John by calling 506-658-4455 or visit City of Saint John Parking Page*

Accessible Parking

Handicapped and barrier-free parking spaces are marked on the City of Saint John Parking Map*.

EV Charging Stations

Need to charge your electric vehicle? Find the nearest charging stations on PlugShare* or download the PlugShare App.

More Parking Information

For monthly passes or more details, visit the City of Saint John Parking Page* or call 506-658-4455.

A friendly reminder: Many locals rely on street parking in residential areas, so please park thoughtfully.

Uptown Saint John BIA is best explored on foot, with its compact layout, historic streets, and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re window-shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply soaking in the scenery, there’s something to discover around every corner.

• Shops & Restaurants Everywhere – From street-facing storefronts to indoor shopping centers, you’ll find unique local businesses inside Market Square, Brunswick Square, and City Market, as well as along the charming sidewalks of Uptown.
• Historic Streets & Hidden Alleys – Keep an eye out for shops and cafés tucked away in alleyways and side streets, where some of Uptown’s best hidden gems await.
• Explore at Your Own Pace – The best way to experience Uptown is to take your time—stroll past historic architecture, browse boutique shops, or stop for coffee in a cozy café.

Local Tip: Some of Uptown’s most beloved finds are off the beaten path, so be sure to wander and explore beyond the main streets!

• Use our Shop & Eats Map to discover restaurants, shops, and must-visit spots throughout Uptown Saint John BIA.

The Uptown Saint John BIA begins just steps from the cruise ship terminal. Turn left onto Water Street, and you’ll find yourself at the edge of the district. From here, explore shops and restaurants along Water Street or continue further into Uptown Saint John BIA for even more to discover.

Port Saint John* welcomes over 70 cruise ships annually during the spring, summer, and fall.

Stay warm and dry while exploring Uptown Saint John BIA using the indoor pedway system. This network of elevated walkways connects several key buildings, including:

• Market Square
• Brunswick Square
• Canada Games Aquatic Centre
• Saint John City Market
• Major hotels and office buildings
• TD Station (providing convenient access to events)

This system allows you to move between shops, restaurants, and attractions without stepping outside, making it especially useful during colder months or rainy days.

For more details, visit the Discover Saint John Pedway page*.

Uptown Saint John is a beautiful and historic area, but its design can present some challenges for mobility. While many locations are accessible to those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers, some areas may have uneven sidewalks or varying weather conditions that can impact ease of movement.

Outdoor Spaces:

Most public spaces and sidewalks in Uptown are generally mobility-friendly, but conditions may vary. We encourage visitors to plan ahead, especially during winter, and take their time exploring the area.

Indoor Locations:

Some key locations, such as City Market, Market Square, and Brunswick Square, offer accessible entrances for those using mobility aids. For specific accessibility details, we recommend contacting businesses directly before visiting.

Note: The pedway connecting Market Square to Brunswick Square is open and includes both stairs and an elevator.

Do you have some helpful accessibility tips to share? Check out AccessNow* a crowdsourced map where visitors can find and add accessibility reviews for restaurants, shops, and more. Sharing your experiences can help make navigating and enjoying Uptown easier for everyone.

Please note: AccessNow is an independent platform that self managed.

Uptown Saint John BIA is a historic and active district, which means seasonal weather and occasional construction projects can impact sidewalks, roads, and accessibility.

Who Manages Streets & Sidewalks?

The City of Saint John is primarily responsible for maintaining Uptown’s streets and sidewalks, including snow clearing, construction coordination, and public infrastructure upkeep.

Winter Maintenance & Snow Removal

During the winter months, the City of Saint John follows a Winter Management Plan* to set plowing and snow removal priorities for streets and sidewalks.

• For details on sidewalk plowing & winter service levels, visit the City of Saint John Snow Removal page*.

Construction & Closures

The City of Saint John coordinates construction projects and infrastructure upgrades, which may result in temporary sidewalk or road closures.

• For the latest closures, schedule changes, and city updates, check the Community Dashboard*.

Want real-time updates? The City regularly posts public service updates related to road conditions, snow removal, and construction projects on their website* and official social media pages Facebook* & Instagram*.