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Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is a seaport city in New Brunswick, Canada, located on the Bay of Fundy at the mouth of the Saint John River.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saint John is a seaport city in New Brunswick, Canada, located on the Bay of Fundy at the mouth of the Saint John River. It is the province’s second-largest city and is widely described as Canada’s oldest incorporated city, having been incorporated by royal charter in 1785.

History

The Saint John area was inhabited by the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet before European settlement. The city’s incorporation in 1785 followed Loyalist settlement after the American Revolution, and the city later grew as an industrial and port centre.

Geography

Saint John is located on the Bay of Fundy at the mouth of the Saint John River. Its harbour location has shaped both its transportation role and its identity as a port city.

Economy

Historically, Saint John developed around shipbuilding, timber, and manufacturing, and it remains associated with port activity, oil refining, and related industries. The city is also linked to finance, tourism, and cultural institutions.

Demographics

In the 2021 census, Saint John had a population of 69,895. Census metropolitan area data show a larger regional population and indicate that the city is the second-largest in the province.

Key facts

  • Saint John is a seaport city in southern New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy.
  • The city was incorporated by royal charter on May 18, 1785, and is commonly identified as Canada’s oldest incorporated city.
  • Saint John is the second-most populous city in New Brunswick.
  • The Port of Saint John is a major Canadian port and is described as the country’s third-largest by tonnage.
  • The city has long been associated with shipbuilding, manufacturing, oil refining, finance, and tourism.
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Canadian context

Saint John is significant to Canadian history as one of the country’s oldest incorporated cities and as a major Atlantic port with long-standing economic and cultural importance in New Brunswick. [2][3][10]

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint John the oldest city in Canada?
It is commonly described as Canada’s oldest incorporated city, based on its 1785 royal charter.
Where is Saint John located?
Saint John is on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, at the mouth of the Saint John River.
What is Saint John known for?
It is known as a port city with a long industrial history, including shipbuilding and manufacturing, and for its harbour location.
What is the population of Saint John?
Saint John had a population of 69,895 in the 2021 census.
What is the French name of Saint John?
The French name is Saint-Jean.
Is Saint John the largest city in New Brunswick?
No. It is the second-largest city in New Brunswick; Moncton surpassed it in population in 2016.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-John-New-Brunswick
    Supports: Location, status as second most populous city in New Brunswick, population figures.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John,_New_Brunswick
    Supports: Incorporation date, port significance, 2021 population, area, economic sectors.
  3. Library and Archives Canada — https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/heirloom_series/volume1/chapter17/SaintJohn.htm?nodisclaimer=1
    Supports: Oldest incorporated city, royal charter, harbour location, historical economic foundations.
  4. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/saint-john
    Supports: Incorporation in 1785, population, and status as second-largest city in New Brunswick.
  5. City of Saint John — https://saintjohn.ca/en/community/history
    Supports: Local history, First Nations presence, Loyalist settlement, incorporation, industrial development.
  6. Statistics Canada — https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2020001/article/00001/saint_john-eng.htm
    Supports: Census metropolitan area population and density information.