Saint John is New Brunswick's most important port and trading town. This was also where the area's history began in the early 17th century. In 1604 the Frenchman Samuel de Champlain discovered the mouth of a wide river during a sailing expedition in the Bay of Fundy; he called the river 'Saint Jean' in honour of John the Baptist. The first French settlers soon followed, and settled at the coast where they made a living from farming and fishing.
The Bay of Fundy with its plentiful fish stocks where Saint John lies is a popular place for whales to come in the Summer months. June to September are the best months to watch these giant sea mammals.
