Back Roads and Wine
Back Roads and Wine
This unique tour is truly off the beaten path. You will start off your day by visiting the world-famous Reversing Falls, where the huge tides from the Bay of Fundy force the mighty Saint John River to flow in reverse, twice every day. From here, it is straight into the heart of the region, the smaller rural communities surrounding Saint John.
See breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Kingston Peninsula, bordered by the St. John and Kennebecasis River. Pass through the center of farm country and learn about its importance as one of the main stays of New Brunswick's economy. Discover country villages such as Kingston, which was settled around 1783. The village square features a school, a general store built in 1788, and a church, designated as a National Historic site. You will have 60 minutes of free time here to browse or grab a quick bite of lunch on your own.
After lunch, visit New Brunswick's newest winery! Located in a beautiful setting on the St. John River, this state-of-the-art winery specializes in handcrafted premium wines made with organically grown grapes. Visitors will enjoy a vineyard tour, private tastings and shopping in the contemporary wine boutique. Learn about the growing of the grapes and the winery's handcrafted methods that produce such exceptional flavor.
Then sit back and enjoy the scenic drive back towards Saint John. A stop will be made for approximately 40 minutes at the Barn in Bloomfield where you will have the opportunity to see craftsmanship from another era. In the historic barn, now a workshop and showroom, you are able to watch as craftsmen bring to life beautiful and functional wood products, including Shaker boxes. There is also a country store for unique handcrafts and snacks. Throughout the day, keep watch for covered bridges! They are rare today, but you will be passing by several of them on this journey.
Back in Saint John, you'll have an added bonus of checking out the change in the tides at Reversing Falls and a few other city highlights. The final stop on this tour will be the Old City Market. First opened in 1876, the Old City Market is the oldest continuing farmer's market in all of Canada. From the market you will return to your ship pier.