Good Morning Saint John! We’re two sleeps away from Faces of Fusion on Friday night. I’m hosting again this year, and the city’s lighting up the SJ sign to celebrate. If you see it glowing as the weekend kicks off, that’s your reminder to hightail it back uptown.
Here’s what else is brightening up your morning:
Cruise calendar drops anchor ⚓
Checkout time on the waterfront 🧳
Flux-capacitor on ice ⛸️
Great Scott, it’s hump day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🚢 Cruise ships return June 20
Port Saint John released its 2026 cruise schedule, with more than 140,000 passengers expected to visit the city this year.
The season opens June 20 and runs into November, with September and October stacked with double-ship days that flood Uptown with visitors. Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess are all back, alongside a lineup of smaller luxury vessels.
🛏️ Over the Hilton
After 40 years under an international banner, the Hilton uptown officially flipped the switch this week and is now the Saint John Harbourfront Hotel. The change was announced back in December, but the rebrand is now live, signage and all.
The owner chose not to renew its Hilton licensing deal, but InnVest Hotels says the guest experience should feel largely the same. No layoffs, no staffing cuts, and no dramatic overhaul planned. One of the city’s most recognizable towers now literally has Saint John written on it.
💸 Tell the province how to spend money
It’s budget season, and the province is officially asking residents what should be cut, saved, or paid for in a different way. Consultations opened this week as government builds the 2026–27 budget, focusing on health care, affordability, and education…while also hunting for efficiencies.
Feedback is open until February 20.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
There’s still lots of great Fundy Winterfest events happening around the region. Here are a few coming up this week. Check out the full SJ Today Fundy Winterfest guide here.
Saint John Sea Dogs Skills Competition | February 5 ❄️
Watch Sea Dogs players show off their skills during this on-ice competition at Peter Murray Arena from 5:45–6:45pm. Free public skating follows immediately afterward.
Time Travel Skate | February 4 ❄️
Skate through the decades during this themed outdoor skate on the Rothesay Common. Music from past eras sets the vibe, and costumes inspired by your favourite decade are encouraged. The free, family-friendly skate runs from 6–8pm, with hot chocolate available and food bank donations welcome.
Winter Carnival on the Common | February 7 ❄️
A longtime Rothesay winter tradition returns with skating, snowshoeing, horse and trolley rides, face painting, balloon art, marshmallow roasting, and more. Activities take place on the Rothesay Common and inside the Rothesay Park School cafeteria from 2–4pm.
Plus here are some events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.
Experiential Career Summit | February 10
Students, families, and educators are invited to a free hands-on career exploration night at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. Employers and industry leaders will guide interactive sessions across health, trades, innovation, entrepreneurship, and more, with pizza and prizes included. Designed to help young people explore future pathways. Runs 5:30–7:30pm.
Rising Tide Toastmasters February Meetings | Tuesdays in February
Rising Tide Toastmasters welcomes guests to weekly morning meetings at the YMCA on Churchill Boulevard focused on improving public speaking, leadership, and confidence. Open to anyone curious about building communication skills in a supportive group setting. Meetings run 7:15–8:30am throughout February.
Bingo Bash Galentines at Woodchucks | February 13
Woodchucks hosts a Galentine’s music bingo night packed with pop anthems, prizes, and big singalong energy. Friends, couples, and party crews are all welcome for an easy-to-play phone-based bingo experience built around throwback hits and celebration. Doors open 7pm, games start 8pm.
Love and Laughter Valentines Games Night | February 14
Bougie Banquet hosts a Valentine’s-themed games night at Meenan’s Cove Beach House featuring interactive group games, themed canapés, curated food stations, and music. Singles and couples are welcome to dress in Valentine chic and enjoy a social evening supporting BGC Greater Saint John through ticket proceeds. Runs 7–10:30pm.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸
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. If this happy character serving up some carbs doesn’t look familiar, just wait till you set foot in this place. If you do know where it is, hit reply and let us know. We’ll reveal the location and the correct guesses in Friday’s issue.
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:40am | 🌇 5:35pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 1:08 AM(Wed 04 February) | 7.89 m(25.89 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:19 AM(Wed 04 February) | 0.88 m(2.89 ft) |
High Tide | 1:27 PM(Wed 04 February) | 8.06 m(26.44 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:42 PM(Wed 04 February) | 0.72 m(2.36 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs a little extra time at the Imperial Theatre 🎟️.
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher