✈️ Cheap Flights Are Back

Good morning Saint John! Mr. Clean is retiring after 68 years on the job. There’s something to be said about a spotless exit…🧹

Here’s what we’re scrubbin’ up today:

Happy Hump Day 🐪!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

✈️ Cheap Toronto Flights Are Back

If you’ve been wincing at flight prices lately, here’s some better news.

Flair Airlines resumes non-stop service between Saint John and Toronto on April 17, kicking off its sixth season on the route and bringing back the lower-fare option many travellers wait for.

Toronto is one of YSJ’s busiest routes, whether you’re heading into the city, connecting onward, or just looking to make it to a Jays game for Loonie Dog Night. When fares drop, those quick weekends and spontaneous getaways suddenly feel a lot more doable.

Flights are bookable now.

🔥The Dragon Rides Again

For two nights in March, Saint John hockey history is pulling on the skates again — only this time it’s happening in Cowtown.

The Calgary Wranglers just announced they’ll wear full Saint John Flames throwback jerseys March 13 and 15 to mark 25 years since that 2001 Calder Cup run, bringing back the iconic fire-breathing dragon that once ruled Harbour Station.

From 1993 to 2003, Saint John was home to the Flames’ AHL affiliate, and that 2001 squad remains the franchise’s only AHL championship. A 44-win regular season turned into a playoff run that steamrolled its way to the Cup and added another trophy to the City of Champions collection.

The team’s moved all over the map since leaving town, but for two games next month, they’re ours again.

🏅 Games Leadership Locked In

The 2029 Canada Games just took a step forward.

The Host Society has named Tracy Clinch as Chief Executive Officer starting April 1, rounding out the leadership team that will guide the Games in Moncton and Saint John as planning ramps up.

Saint John has representation at the table, too, with Bill MacMackin, Dale Knox, Andrew Beckett and Idris Gueye serving on the board.

The Games are projected to generate roughly $200 million in economic activity across the province.

Saint John will co-host the 2029 Canada Games alongside Moncton, welcoming thousands of athletes, coaches and visitors to the region.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

🐾 Paws Up Uptown 

There’s a new reason to wag your way down Union Street.

Dr. Alison Messina is opening Uptown Animal Clinic March 1, bringing 17 years of veterinary experience and a lifelong dream right into the city core. After nearly two decades in practice, she’s finally launching her own space, freshly painted and just steps from where she lives.

She says her focus will be on preventative care. Things like year-round flea and tick protection, parasite prevention and catching issues before they become emergencies.

But the bigger play is access. For uptown residents without a car, getting to a vet hasn’t exactly been easy. Dr. Messina says having a clinic within walking distance could be a game changer.

Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!

Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Hands in the Current Documentary Screening | February 25
Eastern Charlotte Waterways is hosting a 20-minute documentary screening at the West Branch of the Saint John Public Library from 6:30-7:30pm. Hands in the Current: Stories of Work, Water, and Home shares the lived experiences of people working and living along the coast of southwestern New Brunswick, exploring their connection to the ocean and the communities built around it.

Black History Guided Bus Tour | February 26
PRUDE Inc., in collaboration with the New Brunswick Black History Society, is offering a free guided bus tour from 2-4pm highlighting important Black communities and historic sites across Saint John. The route travels Uptown through the North End, Spar Cove Road and Willow Grove, with pickup at the Trade & Convention Centre lobby. Space is limited and registration is required.

Winter Storytelling Walk | February 28
First Nations Storytellers are hosting a 90-minute Indigenous storytelling walk along Saint John’s harbour, departing at 1pm from the Saint John Harbourfront Hotel. Offered at reduced winter rates, the walk blends local history, culture, and fresh air, giving participants a new perspective on the city through traditional storytelling.

Coldest Night of the Year Walk | February 28, 2026
The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly winter fundraising walk in support of OUTFLOW Saint John, serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. The event takes place at Market Square and invites the community to bundle up and walk together in solidarity. Participants can register, donate, or learn more online or by contacting [email protected].

The Mike Biggar Jazz & Blues Revue | March 27-28, 2026
Mike Biggar and his band return to the BMO Studio Theatre at 112 Princess Street for two nights of jazz, blues, and R&B starting at 7:30pm. Featuring a full lineup of local talent, the show promises new music and the signature sound that has sold out past performances. Tickets are $40 and available online or by calling 506-652-7582.

Dragons on the Lake Team Registration | August 15, 2026
Dragon boats are coming to Lily Lake for the first time this summer. DRAGONS on the LAKE takes place August 15 in Rockwood Park, with team registration now open and limited to 21 teams. Each team includes 16 paddlers and a drummer, with fundraising supporting youth programming at Lily Lake Pavilion and the Lancaster Branch 69 Legion building campaign.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. Think you know where this is? Hit reply and give it your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!

🌅 7:09am | 🌇 6:05pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

A Private Eye prowls uptown Saint John…
Saints Rest is a neo-noir novella set in a gritty and unforgiving Saint John, where a caricaturized version of the city itself serves as the main character.

Malory Fleet’s son was killed by bikers and she’s worried about his missing girlfriend. But that case was closed by the police a year ago and Frank Cain, the private investigator she’s hired, is reluctant to take it on. On the seedy streets of uptown Saint John, no one wants to talk, fewer have anything to say, and the police have cast a blanket of fog over everything.

Maritime EDIT: Editor’s Choice 2025

_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes to keep things clean and tidy 🫧.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher