What to do in Uptown Saint John
Hello! Welcome to Uptown Saint John BIA
Uptown Saint John is the historic downtown district of Saint John, New Brunswick, a place locals proudly call “Uptown.”
Here, locals gather, shop doors open to friendly hellos, and restaurant windows fog with lively conversations. Our streets, City Market, Brunswick Square, and Market Square connect one locally owned gem to the next, and more than 80% of businesses are run by neighbours. Uptown is shaped by familiar faces, shared moments, and a charm that shines through every season.
65+ Restaurants • 65+ Shops • Walkable Area in Saint John, NB
Wondering what’s Uptown? Here’s your quick list of must-knows.
♥︎Personal Shopping & Unique Finds (65+ Retailers) – Boutiques, artisan goods, & one-on-one service, 65+ shops to discover. (see map)
♥︎Supporting Locally Owned Businesses – Uptown’s shops, cafés, & services are 82% local & independently owned, each with a story to share.
♥︎Family-Friendly Activities -Parks, museums, & more for all ages. Kings Square & Ihtoli-maqahamok-The Gathering Space (summer water feature & winter skating).
♥︎Art Everywhere – Murals, galleries, public art, & live performances make Uptown a must for art lovers.
♥︎Bay Views & Harbour Passage – Harbour Passage connects Uptown’s historic streets to the Bay of Fundy’s trails and viewpoints, linking you to other parts of the city.
♥︎Friendly & Welcoming Atmosphere – Expect smiles, hellos, & a community that’s happy to see you.
♥︎Food & Drink (65+ Spots to Eat & Drink) – Fast, casual, & fine dining, cafés, bars, breweries, & 20+ seasonal patios⛱ (see map)
♥︎Historic Architecture – 100+ year-old buildings, stone carvings, & brick sidewalks.
♥︎Pet-Friendly Uptown (Map of 35+ Businesses) – Enjoy patios⛱ 🐾, browse shops, & explore with your leashed pet. Check out the Pet-Friendly Map
♥︎Walkable City Core – Uptown is easy to explore on foot, most spots are within a few blocks. Some hidden gems are up the hill, but you’ll hit your 10,000 steps in no time.
♥︎Cooler in Summer – Waterfront breezes & Bay of Fundy fog make Uptown a cool spot to explore.
Looking for something specific? Jump to:
→ Explore the Map → Events → Signature Experiences → Support Local → Getting Here
Shop, Eat & Explore Uptown Saint John
Uptown Saint John is one of the best places to shop, dine, and explore in Saint John, New Brunswick. Discover locally owned restaurants and cozy cafés, boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. Every street offers something new to discover, from modern and vintage clothing to locally crafted goods, artwork, and unique finds. Food and gifts are just some of Uptown’s love languages. Here, you will find fresh seafood from the Bay of Fundy and one-of-a-kind local treasures. Every stop supports local. Use the map below to explore businesses across the Uptown Saint John BIA, all within an easy, walkable area.
Click the icon on the map to filter by category.
Business details, photos, and website links are automatically sourced from Google Maps.
This interactive map highlights locally owned shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and experiences located within the Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Area (BIA) boundaries.
What You’ll Find on the Map
- BIA Map & Boundaries
- Points of Interest
- Retailers: Clothing & Accessories, Gifts & Specialty Shops, Grocery & Convenience
- Restaurants: Fast, Casual & Fine Dining, Coffee & Treats, Bars & Breweries
How to Use the Map:
→ Browse businesses located within the Uptown Saint John BIA boundaries.
→ Click the 
icon on the map to view businesses by category.
→ Select a pin to see business details and links.
→ Need to search? (
) Expand the map, then click the search (🔍) icon.
Exploring Uptown? We’d love to see it. Tag @UptownSJ on Instagram in your photos and share your favourite moments.
Events Happening Uptown
From live music and community events to special menus, retail promotions, and seasonal happenings, there’s always something going on in Uptown. Browse the Uptown Saint John BIA Events Calendar to see what local businesses and organizations have shared and plan your next visit.
Signature Uptown Experiences
Throughout the year, Uptown Saint John BIA hosts signature initiatives, events, and creative programs that bring the Uptown community together.
Chop Chop
For one week in the heart of winter, Chop Chop Winter Edition is your perfect excuse to bundle up and dig in. Visit our Uptown restaurants to enjoy menus at special prices, from cozy comfort foods to bold culinary creations. It’s the perfect way to warm up winter.
Uptown Burger Week
A week in May dedicated to creative, over-the-top, and downright delicious burgers from Uptown’s restaurants. Come hungry and ready to try them all.
Uptown Sparkles
Step into the magic of winter Uptown on the first Friday of December as the streets glow with music, outdoor firepits, and festive, winter-friendly activities. Boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafés, and galleries stay open late with special savings, creating a lively evening filled with warmth, light, and discovery.
Gingerbread Trail
Each December, the Gingerbread Trail invites you to explore Uptown Saint John, where participating businesses, from shops and restaurants to services, create gingerbread-inspired displays and treats to enjoy over three cozy weeks.
Support Local Year-Round
Uptown Saint John Gift Card
Give the gift of Uptown. The Uptown Saint John Gift Card is accepted at 100+ local businesses, from shops and restaurants to theatres and services. Purchase online, pick up the next business day, and support the businesses that call our historic Uptown home.
Uptown VIP
This Uptown Business discount/offer card gives you access to some great deals for the year. It only costs $5 and is a great gift idea! You can purchase them at all participating Uptown Saint John businesses; see the complete list on the Uptown VIP page.
Have Uptown Dollars? They never expire.
Getting Uptown
Getting Uptown is easy, arrive by car, take transit, or come on foot. Once you’re here, everything is within a short walk, making it simple to explore shops, restaurants, and experiences at your own pace.
Uptown Saint John invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy cozy cafés, local shops, galleries, and lively streets stretching up from the waterfront into the heart of the city.
Happy To See You Here
The Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a not-for-profit that supports over 500 businesses located within a defined Uptown boundary. Membership is automatic and is based on location, as seen on our map linked below. 82% of our Uptown businesses are independently owned, supporting local here means backing real people and a thriving community.