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Kings Square

About

King's Square is a classic historic park that is rightfully considered the green heart of the Uptown district in the city of Saint John. Located in Canada, this landmark is a cozy space steeped in the spirit of the Victorian era and dedicated to the heritage of the Loyalists—the city's founders.

King's Square. Source: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of the square lies in the layout of its pathways, which exactly follow the outline of the British Union Jack flag. In the very center of the park stands an elegant two-tier bandstand, built over a century ago. Surrounded by centuries-old trees and historic monuments, King's Square is a favorite spot for both peaceful strolls and cultural events, maintaining its unique charm over the decades.

Contacts

To make your visit to King's Square as comfortable as possible, here is the essential contact information for this site.

Official website saintjohn.ca
Address 100 King St, Saint John, NB E2L 1G4, Canada
Google Maps View on map

What to Do

At King's Square, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat while strolling along the famous pathways that form the intricate pattern of the British flag. This place is perfect for slowing down and noticing the details: numerous monuments and memorial plaques tell the stories of people whose contributions shaped the modern city. Be sure to look at the ancient trees—some of them remember events from the century before last.

The centerpiece of the park is a unique two-tier bandstand, which serves as a beautiful backdrop for photographs. In the summer, you can often find live performances and city festivals filling the square with music and fun. Many tourists and locals come here to enjoy a small picnic on the grass or simply sit on a bench, watching the flow of urban life in the heart of Uptown.

Thanks to its location, the square is an excellent starting point for further exploration of Saint John. From here, it is convenient to head towards the waterfront or walk to the port, taking in other important sites like the Three Sisters Lamp along the way. It is a place where historical heritage meets everyday comfort.

Getting There

Finding King's Square is very easy, as it is located at 100 King St, in the heart of the Uptown district. If you are already in the historic center, for example, near the port or Market Square, the walk to the park will take no more than 5–10 minutes. This location serves as a central hub from which many tourist routes diverge.

For those using public transport, the good news is that city buses stop right nearby on King Street. If you prefer a taxi, any driver in the city can easily take you to this landmark. Travelers with cars should keep in mind that this is the city center, but paid parking spaces can always be found nearby in Uptown.

The walking route from the famous Saint John City Market is one of the most pleasant ways to reach your destination. The walk takes only a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of old streets and Victorian architecture surrounding this green oasis along the way.

History & Facts

The history of King's Square is inextricably linked with the Loyalists—British colonists who founded Saint John after the American Revolution. The entire layout of the park is a tribute to these settlers. One of the most remarkable details is its pathways: the network is designed so that from a bird's-eye view, they form the British Union Jack flag.

Many of the trees that provide guests with thick shade today are of a venerable age. A significant portion of them was planted in 1883 to commemorate the centennial of the Loyalist landing. This makes the park not only a place for recreation but also a living monument to history, preserved in the atmosphere of the late 19th century.

In the center of the square stands a unique two-tier bandstand, gifted to the city in 1909 by the City Coronet Band. It was erected in honor of King Edward VII and has remained the park's architectural focal point ever since. The square is also adorned with numerous memorial plaques and monuments, each dedicated to prominent individuals who contributed to the development of this Canadian city.

Time Needed

For a quick visit to King's Square to see the central bandstand and monuments, 30 to 60 minutes is usually sufficient. This time is plenty for a leisurely stroll along the diagonal alleys and a few commemorative photos.

If you decide to relax on one of the benches, read a book in the shade of the ancient trees, or happen to catch one of the summer concerts, your visit could last 1.5–2 hours. The park also often serves as a place for a short break during a longer walking tour of the historic city center.

Working Hours

King's Square is open to the public around the clock. You can stop by at any time of the day or night, as the park operates 24/7 from Monday to Sunday.

This makes it an excellent spot for both quiet early morning walks and evening relaxation under the glow of city lamps after a busy day of sightseeing.

Nearby

Exploring the area around King's Square will allow you to fully appreciate the historical scale of Uptown. The park's location makes it an ideal starting point for visiting the city's main architectural and cultural landmarks.

Within walking distance are historic administrative buildings, lighthouses, and memorials, each holding a piece of the region's maritime glory.

Attraction Distance (km)
Historic Saint John County Court House 0.1
Old City Hall of Saint John 0.4
Prince William Streetscape Marker 0.4
Three Sisters Lamp 0.7
Barrack Green Armories 0.9
Fort Howe National Historic Site 1.1
Place Fort LaTour 1.1
Courtenay Bay Breakwater Lighthouse 2.1
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site 2.8
Howe’s Cave 3.3

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