Fort Howe National Historic Site

Neat little historic area if the city. Would've loved to see more written about the area. Amazing views of the city and Harbour.

Nice view of the City, but little in the way of interpretation. Still, worth a visit though.

Atop the main hill right by Saint John, you can easily walk, bike, or drive up to the National Historic Site. It was originally built in 1777 and still stands today. There's some old cannons as well. The wooden structure itself is locked off, with no entry inside. From here, you can easily get to the other side of the hill for some great views of the city.

Aug. 28,2022 - Rather disappointed in our visit to Fort Howe, over looking St. John, on our last day in Canada! As a retired H. S.history teacher these historic sites should be a learning experience for all, especially the young/ future generations!

We drove to the top of this small park, where a “ block house” currently sits. This fort was named for General William Howe, who served from 1775 to 1778 as British Commander to suppress American Colonists. The plaque reads:

“Blockhouse 1777 opened Aug. 16,1967
Joint Centennial Project”

Locked up, no entrance, maybe has 2 levels, made of 6 x 6 square timbers.

That’s it! But, if you go to another hill top you see this pyramid structure in stone. We didn’t realize this at the time?

*Quick Historical Background*

Pre 1700’s - Indians lived in this area

Early 1700’s - French & British colonize area

Mid 1700’s - Village of Parrtown established

Late 1770’s - French & British at war

1777 - Fort Howe (British) protect Parrtown

1778 - General Henry Clinton replaced General William Howe as British Commander

1783 - Treaty ends American Rev. War, City renamed St. John, Major Guilford Studholme in command, fortified Fort Howe

1812 - Fort Howe used to protect St. John in War of 1812 against U. S.for 2 years

1819 - Fire at fort causes major damage

1870 - Fort remains removed

1914 - Fort used as military reserve

1966 - Fort added National Historic Site

1967 - Project to rebuild Fort Blockhouse

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Suggestion: Hopefully the Canadian Park Service will add more resources to gear up a learning center with exhibits & interactive displays for young people. I can only give this historic site 3 star rating, please add more?

Thought it was an actual fort so we were a little dissappointed. The view was quite beautiful though.

It is place near the oldest building of Saint john. It is renown to go there at night because of the views of the whole city. There is a sign of Saint john. Parking place is available. Some of the people goes there to celebrate the birthdays and special occasions. It can be the good place to go there and relax especially at evening time as you can see the sunset and there is grass that you can seat or play games. It is close during the winter time because of the snow and there is a steep which can be hard.

Great viewing point from which to see the city and harbour. An easy 10 minute drive from downtown.

Needs federal investment if you are going to actually call this a national historic site. Does the federal government care about Saint John?

This was a pleasant surprise. It's the best view of Saint John you can find. Best enjoyed in the evening hours.

While this is an interesting site with an incredible view, with this fort locked up tight, you're basically on your own to imagine what it's like inside. C'mon New Brunswick, tourists are an income source, not a PITA.

This is a great place to sit and overlook the city, and harbour below. This Fort was built after the distraction of Fort Frederick in the 18th Century. It used to house the jail for Saint John in the very early years. There is not much left or interpretations the history but it is a great place to visit to see Saint John. It is also the location of the “Saint John 2000” sign to mark the millennium. However after 2002 the year was removed.

Best views of Canada’s oldest incorporated city. Take a picnic blanket, a snack, make it a date!

I loved the experience being here, for the fort, but also for the walk, and the incredible view you get when you reach the top of the hill. The geology is very interesting here as well for those who are interested in those things. A beautiful landmark in the city.

Closed for the winter but you can still walk up. Not much to see for the fort itself, one building and two cannons. Good views of the city though but hardly worth seeing. Probably took about 45 min to hike up, walk around and head back down. No other visitors here.