King's Square Saint John New Brunswick Canada
Historic uptown square with a restored bandstand, beautiful gardens, and poignant war memorials. A picturesque spot for reflection and photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
King's Square Saint John New Brunswick Canada
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic uptown square with a restored bandstand, beautiful gardens, and poignant war memorials. A picturesque spot for reflection and photos.
"A nice little park in the middle of downtown, plenty of places to sit and relax."
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate details on the monuments and the vibrant flowers. Great for photography!
🚶♀️ Stroll to the Market
King's Square is steps away from the historic St. John City Market. Perfect combo!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored 1909 Bandstand
Center of King's Square
A charming centerpiece, perfect for photos and imagining past performances. A true historical gem.
Monuments to the Glorious Dead
Various locations within the square
Poignant memorials honoring soldiers from WWI, Korea, and Afghanistan. A place for solemn reflection.
Lush Gardens and Greenery
Throughout King's Square
Beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful escape and vibrant photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Uptown Vibe
History & Scenery Combined
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate details on the monuments and the vibrant flowers. Great for photography!
🚶♀️ Stroll to the Market
King's Square is steps away from the historic St. John City Market. Perfect combo!
🕊️ Pigeons Galore!
Be prepared for pigeons, especially near the fountain. They add to the atmosphere but can be a nuisance.
☕ Relax and Recharge
Plenty of benches and tables available for a break or a picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Don't miss the intricate details on the monuments and the vibrant flowers. Great for photography!
🚶♀️ Stroll to the Market
King's Square is steps away from the historic St. John City Market. Perfect combo!
🕊️ Pigeons Galore!
Be prepared for pigeons, especially near the fountain. They add to the atmosphere but can be a nuisance.
☕ Relax and Recharge
Plenty of benches and tables available for a break or a picnic lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
King's Square is a charming and historically significant public space in uptown Saint John, praised for its beautiful gardens, bandstand, and poignant war memorials. Visitors appreciate its proximity to the City Market and its suitability for relaxation and photography. Some reviews mention concerns about 'sketchy people' during the day, but overall, it's considered a pleasant and worthwhile stop.
"🌳 King’s Square - Near the City Market 🌳
Although separate, King’s Square and the Loyalist Burial Ground are situated within walking distance from each other. Both are beautiful and rich with numerous historical monuments and memorials.
The King’s Square includes a large pavilion with a fountain, great for photogenic shots (but expect lots of pigeons!). The memorial to “the Glorious Dead” is especially captivating, featuring a cowled figure with a sword, honoring those who fell during Great War, Korea, and Afghanistan.
There are benches and tables available to use if you wish to pause and rest or enjoy lunch here. It’s also within a short walking distance of the St. John City Market. If you’re coming in from the port (such as on a cruise ship), you can walk this entire area and enjoy history, nature, and food, and grab a souvenir while you’re at it!"
Casey
"Nice park and very close to the Market . We enjoyed conversing with some locals that were there . I always like photographing the flowers and statues that are on the grounds as well ."
Karen Burke
"I was on a cruise that had a stop in St John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. I actually took a hop on hop off bus from the cruise ship and was very impressed with it. Buses run about every 15 minutes, and a bus seemed to be coming as I approached the stop. I did have to wait once for 5 minutes on my final leg back to the ship. Nothing really opened before noon. The inclines from the port were wicked difficult. Think Pikes Peak, Seattle, or Georgetown in DC. Anyway, one of our stops was Kings Square. There was a lot of construction. I couldn't tell if the park was a relaxing place to visit, but the Imperial Theatre is located in Kings Square. The auditorium was closed due to a scheduled performance that night. You can do a self guided tour of the theatre. On the second level, there is a 111 year old chandelier. I would say visit if you're in the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip. There is nothing wrong with the theatre. It was close to the ship, so it was something to do. The staff was super friendly and helpful."
Beverly (Beverly)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
King's Square is located in the heart of uptown Saint John, making it easily accessible. If arriving by cruise ship, the port is a bit of an incline, but there are hop-on hop-off buses available. Driving is also an option, with parking available in nearby lots. Walking from surrounding uptown areas is straightforward.
The park generally has paved pathways, making it reasonably accessible. However, some areas might have slight inclines or uneven surfaces. It's always a good idea to check for any temporary construction that might affect access.
Uptown Saint John is very walkable. For longer distances or if you're coming from the port, the hop-on hop-off bus is a convenient option. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, King's Square is a public park and is free to enter and explore.
King's Square is generally open to the public from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically accessible throughout the day.
While there aren't specific tours for King's Square itself, it's often included in broader Saint John historical walking tours. You can also explore the nearby Imperial Theatre for tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
King's Square features a beautiful 1909 bandstand, historical monuments like the 'Glorious Dead' memorial, and well-maintained gardens. It's a great spot for photography, relaxing, and people-watching.
Yes, King's Square is conveniently located near the St. John City Market, which offers a variety of food vendors. There are also many restaurants and cafes in the surrounding uptown area.
While generally a pleasant place, some visitors have noted the presence of 'sketchy people' during the daytime. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially if visiting at night. The Imperial Theatre, located in the square, is a well-regarded venue.
The square is a historic site, featuring monuments to war heroes and being a central point in uptown Saint John. It's also noted as being near the former location of a Woolworth's store, evoking nostalgia for some.
Absolutely! King's Square provides benches and tables, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored bandstand, the 'Glorious Dead' monument, and the vibrant gardens are all excellent subjects. The fountain area can also yield great shots, though watch out for pigeons!
Drone regulations vary by location. It's best to check with local authorities or the city's official website for current rules regarding drone usage in public parks.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. During the Christmas season, the festive lights add a magical touch.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during warmer months when the gardens are in full bloom for a more visually engaging experience. The bandstand can also be a fun spot for imaginative play.
Remember that some areas might have inclines, so strollers should be manageable. Overall, it's a good spot for a brief, enjoyable stop during a family outing in uptown Saint John.📸 Photographers
Capture the intricate details of the 'Glorious Dead' memorial for powerful, evocative shots. For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The gardens provide vibrant colors, and the fountain area, despite the pigeons, can create dynamic compositions.
During the Christmas season, the festive lights transform the square into a magical setting, perfect for capturing holiday spirit. Don't forget to explore the surrounding uptown architecture for additional photographic opportunities. 🚶♀️ History Buffs
Consider combining your visit with a stop at the nearby Loyalist Burial Ground and the St. John City Market to get a comprehensive feel for the area's historical significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Uptown Saint John
It's a place where history is preserved through its monuments and architecture, like the iconic 1909 bandstand. The atmosphere in King's Square can vary. During the day, it's a pleasant spot for a stroll or a break, with benches and tables available for visitors.
Its proximity to other key attractions, such as the St. John City Market and the Loyalist Burial Ground, makes King's Square an excellent starting point for exploring the city's historical and cultural offerings.
Historical Significance and Memorials
Beyond military history, the square also holds personal historical significance for residents. One visitor recalled looking over model cars in a basement store that once stood on this very spot, highlighting the layers of personal memory and change that the location embodies.
This blend of public historical markers and individual recollections adds a unique depth to the experience of visiting King's Square. The square's historical context is further enriched by its location in uptown Saint John, an area with a long and storied past. Exploring King's Square is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the generations who have walked its paths before.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit