Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada’s Original City – Saint Johns!

Imagine wandering through the historic streets of Saint John, New Brunswick, with your smartphone as your guide. For just $14.99 per person, you get roughly two hours of active exploration, uncovering landmarks like King’s Square, Loyalist House, and the Riverfront Museum Park. Led by a self-guided format through the Let’s Roam app, this photo scavenger hunt transforms sightseeing into a game filled with riddles, clues, and photo challenges.

What we really like about this experience is its flexibility — you can start whenever you want, at your own pace, and it’s designed to be interactive and fun. Another highlight is its appeal for families and groups seeking an educational activity that keeps everyone engaged without the rigidity of traditional tours. On the downside, if you’re not comfortable with uphill walking or spotty cell reception, it might pose a few challenges. Still, for those who enjoy combining sightseeing with a little bit of playful competition, this is a winner.

This scavenger hunt suits travelers who enjoy independent exploration and want a budget-friendly, memorable way to see Saint John’s sights. It works especially well for families, friends, or even team-building outings looking for a mix of learning and adventure. If you’re a history buff or just love discovering new cities through a game, this activity will fit the bill.

Key Points

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - Key Points

  • Flexible timing allows you to start and pause your adventure whenever you choose.
  • Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers, offering great value for a two-hour activity.
  • Interactive experience with photo challenges and riddles keeps everyone engaged, especially younger visitors.
  • Self-guided format means no tour guide, but support is available via phone, email, or chat.
  • Interesting stops like King’s Square and Loyalist House offer insights into Saint John’s heritage.
  • Physical activity level is moderate, with some uphill walking required, so comfortable shoes are advised.

Exploring Saint John Through a New Lens

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - Exploring Saint John Through a New Lens

If you’re visiting Saint John, this scavenger hunt offers a chance to see the city’s highlights while actively participating. Instead of just passively viewing, you’ll be solving riddles and taking photos at key landmarks, which makes the experience more memorable. We loved the way the app guides you seamlessly from one site to the next, turning sightseeing into a fun challenge.

The starting point, 116 Prince William Street, is centrally located, making it easy to access from most accommodations or cruise ship ports. The stops include well-known sites such as Old City Hall, King’s Square, Loyalist House, and the Riverfront Museum Park. Each spot has its own story, with some (like Loyalist House) dating back to the city’s early days, giving you a taste of Saint John’s history.

What We Love About the Experience

One of the biggest perks is its affordability. At $14.99, it offers a lively, engaging way to explore without breaking the bank. Plus, because it’s self-guided, you can choose how long to spend at each location, allowing for a relaxed or more brisk exploration depending on your interests.

Another aspect we appreciated is the variety of challenges. Whether you’re tasked with finding a specific landmark, answering trivia, or capturing a fun photo, these challenges make every stop feel fresh. The app even assigns roles—like Braniac, Photographer, Mapper—adding a playful element and encouraging teamwork.

Possible Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

While the activity is designed to be accessible, some users mentioned that uphill walks are involved, which could be tiring if you’re not prepared. Also, since it relies on cell reception, spotty service might impact the experience, especially in more remote or less urban parts of the city. A fully charged phone and a power bank are recommended to avoid interruptions.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This tour is perfect for families, friends, and groups who want a casual, educational, and interactive way to see Saint John. It suits those who prefer independent traveling over guided tours, and it’s especially appealing for travelers on a budget seeking a fun activity that offers a bit of exercise and discovery.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Barbour’s General Store

Your adventure begins at the historic Barbour’s General Store, a charming spot that hints at Saint John’s commercial past. While the scavenger hunt doesn’t specify exact activities here, it’s a good starting point for orienting yourself in the city’s core. Expect to use this location as a reference point for subsequent clues.

Stop 2: Loyalist House

Next, you’ll wander towards Loyalist House, a well-preserved building from the 18th century. The clues here prompt you to explore its intriguing history—once a home to Loyalist settlers fleeing the American Revolution. This stop is a chance to peek into the city’s early days, making it educational and visually appealing.

Stop 3: Market Square

Moving through the vibrant Market Square, you’ll get a taste of local life. The app challenges might involve finding certain shops or capturing photos of street performers. It’s lively and bustling—perfect for people-watching and snapping memorable photos.

Stop 4: King’s Square

One of Saint John’s most iconic spots, King’s Square is a delightful green space surrounded by historic buildings. Marvel at its beauty, and enjoy the chance to relax after a bit of walking. The clues here likely involve the statues and the bandstand, giving you a chance to appreciate the city’s communal heart.

Additional Stops: Riverfront Museum Park

Passing by the Riverfront Museum Park, you’ll experience some of Saint John’s modern cultural offerings, along with scenic views of the Bay of Fundy. It’s an excellent blend of natural beauty and cultural interest.

What Is Included and Not Included

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - What Is Included and Not Included

Included are all taxes, fees, and handling charges—so no surprises there. You’ll also get digital copies of your photos, which is perfect for sharing your adventure afterward. The activity provides access to the Let’s Roam app, which hosts maps, riddles, photo challenges, and leaderboards, making the experience interactive and competitive.

Not included are food and drinks, private transport, or any attraction fees beyond the scavenger hunt. This means you’ll want to plan for meals separately, perhaps packing snacks or grabbing a bite in the city.

Practical Details and Tips

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - Practical Details and Tips

Start your adventure at 116 Prince William Street, a convenient and central location. The activity runs every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing flexibility to fit into your schedule. Be prepared with a fully charged smartphone—a power bank is advisable if you plan to be out for a while.

The tour is designed to be moderate in physical activity, with some uphill walking involved. Dress comfortably and in weather-appropriate attire, especially if you’re visiting during cooler months or rainy days.

Since this is a self-guided private tour, you can begin whenever it suits you. Support is available via phone, email, or chat, should you encounter any issues.

Authentic Perspectives: What Travelers Say

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - Authentic Perspectives: What Travelers Say

One review sums up the experience well: “The hunt took us to some interesting locations in St. John. The questions are interesting but a few had slightly confusing answers including a wrong date. Make sure you have good reception and be able to handle uphill walking as many locations are an uphill walk from the cruise port” (Jason_A). This highlights the importance of mobility and good connectivity, but also confirms that the route covers key local sites.

Another recent traveler found it “fun and good exercise,” emphasizing the activity’s ability to combine sightseeing with physical movement. They appreciated the variety and challenge of the questions, making it more engaging than simply walking around.

The Sum Up

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - The Sum Up

This self-guided scavenger hunt offers a lively, affordable way to explore Saint John in a way that’s interactive and educational. It’s particularly suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to add some fun to their sightseeing with minimal fuss. The flexibility of the start time, combined with the engaging challenges, makes it a practical choice for many travelers.

While it does require some walking and a good cell signal, the game’s ability to highlight key sights like King’s Square and Loyalist House makes it a worthwhile option. The price point, roughly two hours of activity, and support system provide excellent value without the need for a traditional guide or organized tour.

If you’re looking for a unique way to learn about Saint John’s history while staying active and entertained, this scavenger hunt deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s a low-pressure, fun way to see the city through a local’s playful lens.

FAQ

Awesome Scavenger hunt: Canada's Original City - Saint Johns! - FAQ

How long does the scavenger hunt last?
Approximately two hours, but you can pause or restart at your convenience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 116 Prince William Street and ends back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, there’s no minimum age requirement, and kids often enjoy the photo challenges and riddles.

Do I need to book in advance?
It’s recommended to book about 11 days in advance to secure your spot, but you can start anytime once booked.

What is the cost per person?
$14.99, which provides great value for an interactive city exploration.

Are there any physical demands?
Yes, some uphill walking is involved, so comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.

What should I bring?
A fully charged smartphone, a power bank if needed, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is there support if I encounter issues?
Yes, support is available via phone, email, or chat during your activity.

Can this be customized or started at any time?
Yes, since it’s self-guided, you can start whenever it suits you, and it’s a private activity for your group only.

Exploring Saint John through this scavenger hunt blends history, fun, and a bit of physical activity — perfect for those who want to see the city in an engaging, memorable way.