Detailed review by smilepolite
The Saint John Boardwalk comes to life in the summer months. It is the site of the only Buskers festival in the province, and it is also a popular area for summer games and amusement rides. Local vendors and out-of-province craftspeople set up tables in the Boardwalk areas during certain periods of the summer. Dates for all boardwalk events can be found on their website.
The north end of the boardwalk offers direct access to the Harbour Passage, which is a fairly new system of walkways and bike trails, featuring many lookouts and rest areas. The passage allows visitors to take a scenic stroll from the city's downtown all the way to the Reversing Falls.
There are a number of restaurants along the boardwalk that each feature outdoor dining. These restaurants are popular among both locals and tourists, as sunsets over the harbour can be quite breathtaking. The Saint John Ale House boasts the city's best selection of beer, including a good variety of New Brunswick and Maritime ales and lagers. If it's seafood you're craving, Grannan's Seafood Restaurant will serve you well. Keystone Kelly's has the feel of a family restaurant; their food is decent. All of these restaurants are open year-round, their patios are open during warmer months.
The restaurants along the boardwalk feature indoor-access via Market Square. Market Square is part of the city's Inside Connection system, which allows people to travel great distances in the city's uptown without having to venture into the outdoors. Such a system comes in handy during the harsh winter months and on rainy days. Market Square is connected via walkways to Brunswick Square, the City Market, the Hilton Hotel, City Hall, Harbour Station, and the Aquatic Centre. Many bars, restaurants, and shops line these walkways.
Market Square is divided into two levels; the lower of these is at ground level, enabling the building's access to the boardwalk. This level features a number of stores and shops, as well as an information booth and a decorative fountain. Most of these stores feature specialty and gift items. There are several outrageously expensive clothing stores. The first level features access to the New Brunswick Museum which is well worth a visit, particularly around Christmas for their annual Festival of Trees. Once again, dates for all events in Market Square and the museum can be found on the Market Square website.
A cafe called Holly's can be found on the second level; they're a great company and well worth supporting. The second level also features a car rental desk and access to the downtown library. The walkway towards Brunswick Square and the City Market can also be found on the second level of the building.
Market Square sits atop a giant parking garage, in which parking is readily available and reasonably priced. This garage acts as parking for all of the abovementioned locations that are connected to the Market Square via indoor walkways.
The Boardwalk and Market Square8
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