Have you been in awe of the ceiling at the Saint John City Market and wondered about its history? This market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in Canada, with a charter dating back to 1785. So you know, if the walls could talk, they would have stories! I have always wanted to tour this place since I moved back, and a few weeks ago, I had my chance!
Uncorked Tours’ newest tour is “Uncork the Saint John City Market.” In February, my friend Mahsa and I participated in their first tour of the City Market. We started at the foot of the Market inside Uncorked’s City Market Tasting Room, where Gilliane shared the market’s history. (Gilliane Nadeau owns and operates Uncorked Tours with her sister Nathalie Nadeau.)
Fun Fact From the Tour: Did you know that the Saint John City Market survived the great fire of 1877? So cool! Gilliane gave us all the details on how and why it made it when other buildings in the area were burned to the ground.
As we walked around the Market, Gilliane pointed out different original details still attached to the walls, telling their stories and bringing the history to life. We walked through the stalls and learned about the various businesses and merchants.
Fun Fact From the Tour: Did you know that the oldest business inside the Market has been there since 1895? It has had several owners over the years but has always retained the same name! Their food is delicious, and my favourite thing to order from them is the breakfast bagel on a Montreal style bagel.
We got to see under the Market when we journeyed into the basement. Then we went up the elevator to look over the market and get a closer view of the iconic ceiling. The tour ended not with a bang but with a bell chime. We each got to ring the Market bell, a tradition customarily reserved to signify the opening and closing of the Market. I went first and jumped out of my skin when I rang it. I knew it would be loud, but haha, I didn’t realize just how boisterous it would be!
I really enjoyed the entire experience and would definitely do it again. It is on the list of things we will do with family and friends visiting us in Saint John.
Find out more about this tour on Uncorked Tours’ Website by clicking here.
Fun Fact: Did you know you can bring your food to Uncorked Tours’ cozy area and pair it with one of their Maritime drinks? They have a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages! After my tour, I picked up a tasty meal from Kim’s Korean Food and took it back to Uncorked Tours to enjoy it with a French press coffee made with locally roasted Java Moose beans.
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