SAINT JOHN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Wolastoq River Relics: Kayaking the Reversing Falls and Limestone Quarry
A 1.5–2 hour guided tandem-kayak tour from Dominion Park Beach tracing the Wolastoq shoreline past the Reversing Falls, an 18th‑century limestone quarry and abundant river wildlife.
Wolastoq River Relics: Kayaking the Reversing Falls and Limestone Quarry.
The rugged Wolastoq (Saint John River) shoreline reverberates with “River Relics”: glacially rerouted channels, rapids at the Reversing Falls and the ruins of an 18th‑century limestone quarry set against exposures of 850+ million‑year‑old marble. This guided, 1.5–2 hour outing stitches together geology, local history and regular sightings of Bald Eagles, Sturgeon, Great Blue Heron and the occasional Harbour Seal.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Raptors, River Life and Seals
Keep watch from your tandem kayak for Bald Eagles, Sturgeon and Great Blue Heron along the shoreline, and the occasional Harbour Seal — the tour’s wildlife encounters are a central reason to paddle here.
Precambrian Marble and Quarry Ruins
Pause at the ruins of an 18th‑century limestone quarry to study exposed marble more than 850 million years old and learn about the first Precambrian fossils recorded in scientific literature; the route is part of the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark experience.
Paddle Through the Reversing Falls
The tour threads the glacially rerouted channel and brings paddlers along the dramatic Reversing Falls rapids, a vivid demonstration of the region’s Ice Age reshaping and a highlight for photographers.
What the day feels like
What to Expect on the Water
Guides kit the group at the beach, fit PFDs and spray skirts, and provide a brief safety and gear orientation before launching in tandem kayaks for a measured, casual paddle. The route alternates steady stretches for wildlife and photo stops with shorter, more energized passages near the Reversing Falls; the overall pace is relaxed but conditions can become difficult in strong winds.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should choose differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided tour runs approximately 1.5–2 hours; group departures depend on a minimum number of guests, and operators may arrange private tours.
Bring a change of clothes and towel to leave at the beach, water shoes or footwear you don't mind getting wet, a reusable water bottle, non‑cotton clothing (avoid jeans), hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
The operator supplies a PFD, paddle, spray skirt, tandem kayak, and offers an intro to gear/safety instruction plus a light snack.
Meet at Dominion Park Beach in Saint John for check‑in and launch.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The guided outing lasts roughly 1.5–2 hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting and launch point is Dominion Park Beach in Saint John.
Is prior kayaking experience required?
No — previous experience is not necessary. Guides provide gear orientation and the pace is casual, though general fitness is an asset.
What gear do I need to bring?
Bring a change of clothes and towel, water shoes, a reusable water bottle, non‑cotton clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
What does the tour include?
The tour includes a PFD, paddle, spray skirt, tandem kayak, an intro to gear/safety instruction and a light snack.
Can trips be cancelled or modified?
Yes — departures depend on a minimum number of guests, and guides have full authority to cancel or modify tours if group safety is at risk.