Flights from Toronto to Saint John, NB

Fauna and Flora

Irving Nature Park is just to the east of Saint John, along the coastline that winds along the Bay of Fundy. Head here right after your Porter flight from Toronto to Saint John arrives.

Just a few kilometres away from downtown Saint John, this park has over 600 acres of volcanic rock and forest, plus beach, marsh and trails. From plants to animals, Irving Nature Park contains six unique ecosystems.

The park has views of the beautifully rugged Bay of Fundy. Get ready to walk through and learn about its various ecosystems, through its 11 kms of coastline. And you can get free guided tours from park staff members. They know lots about the park!

The park has a history of over 10,000 years. Some of the clamshells in the marine clay are this old, but don’t worry you can get fresh-caught clams when you head back to Saint John.

There are eight different trails for you to walk along in the park. Whether you are just a casual stroller or an experienced park hiker, there is a trail for you. And yes, you can walk on water, over the boardwalk that extends into the salt marsh. So many birds to spot – your binoculars are going to be very busy.

If you have not had enough wildlife, head on over to the Seal Observation Deck on the park’s harbour. The seals are always fun to watch as they dive to catch fish, or come out of the water to catch some sun.

If you are not afraid of heights, climb up to the park’s highest point, the Lookout Tower. You’ll be above the trees, so use the binoculars provided for a full look around the treetops and the ocean view. 

If you are there in the summer, pack a lunch and choose a picnic area where you can enjoy your lunch, made even more delicious by all your walking. After lunch, get lost in a cedar maze.  Fun for the family.

During the winter, there are great cross country ski trails – well-groomed and inviting. Speed through the thick-forested areas and enjoy all the winter wonderful scenery on your skis.

This natural wonder is one thing you can’t miss when you fly from Toronto to Saint John on Porter.

When two worlds collide

When your Porter flight from Toronto to Saint John touches down, don’t miss a visit to the Reversing Falls. This water wonder is sure to impress.

The rapids at Reversing Falls change their direction twice a day with three different tides: low, slack and high.

At low tide, there are rapids and whirlpools as the river empties into the bay.  Then, the tides rise back up and the river current begins to slow. This is now the slack tide. It’s the calmest part of the entire cycle. Then the tide continues to rise so high that it reverses the flow of the river. The rapids form in the reverse direction, peaking at high tide. This occurrence takes place twice a day, every day.

The best time to visit is just before the end of low tide. During this period, the falls are vigorously rushing through – the most popular scenery of the day.

The Information Centre at Reversing Falls can answer your questions, helping you to learn about the water wonders that give rise to these tides.

To get right into the water, take a relaxing boat tour that runs through the calm portions of the tide. You can sit back and admire the beautiful scenery of both Saint John and the Reversing Falls.

For those who live life at a faster pace, jump on the jet boat tour and zip through the rapids. This ride takes you on sharp turns and high speeds – make sure you keep your arms inside the boat!

To slow right down, drive to the city’s southern end and walk along the Bay of Fundy. This beautiful hike is full of ocean views, beach and wildlife. Enjoy the beauty from the tall cliffs and get a different perspective of the Reversing Falls.

Before your flight from Saint John to Toronto takes off, no trip is complete without taking a selfie or two of the beauty that surrounds the Reversing Falls.