Loyalist House Saint John
Step back into 1817 at Loyalist House, a preserved Georgian home showcasing the life of a British Loyalist merchant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Appointment slots available
Loyalist House Saint John
Best Time
Appointment slots available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into 1817 at Loyalist House, a preserved Georgian home showcasing the life of a British Loyalist merchant.
"A charming historical gem offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the city's rich heritage."
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Visit by appointment only in summer. Call ahead to secure your spot and a personalized tour.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Enjoy a rich historical experience for a small fee, with knowledgeable guides making history come alive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Period Interiors & Furnishings
Throughout the house
Step back in time with original decor and furniture, meticulously curated to recreate 18th-century Loyalist life.
The Merritt Family Story
Exhibits and guided tours
Discover the compelling history of the Merritt family, who fled New York after the American Revolution.
Haunted Tours
After hours
Experience chilling ghost stories and local lore during special Saturday night haunted tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Visit by appointment only in summer. Call ahead to secure your spot and a personalized tour.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Enjoy a rich historical experience for a small fee, with knowledgeable guides making history come alive.
👻 Don't Miss Haunted Tours
Saturday nights offer a spooky twist with ghost stories and after-hours access.
🚶♀️ Explore Uptown
Combine your visit with other uptown attractions like the NB Museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Visit by appointment only in summer. Call ahead to secure your spot and a personalized tour.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Enjoy a rich historical experience for a small fee, with knowledgeable guides making history come alive.
👻 Don't Miss Haunted Tours
Saturday nights offer a spooky twist with ghost stories and after-hours access.
🚶♀️ Explore Uptown
Combine your visit with other uptown attractions like the NB Museum.
📸 Beautiful Garden Setting
The gardens are a lovely spot for photos, even used for local photoshoots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Loyalist House as a charming historical gem offering a valuable glimpse into Saint John's Loyalist past. The knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides are frequently highlighted for bringing the history of the Merritt family and the home to life. While the tour can be brief and accessibility may be a concern for some, the affordable entry fee makes it a worthwhile stop for history buffs.
"A very interesting piece of history and worth visiting while in Saint John. For a $5 fee per person, Jessica, our tour guide extrodinaire, made the history of the home come alive. She was an excellent Ambassador for this historic home and we appreciated her insights!"
Casey T (OK2BU)
"Charming historical gem that offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the city's rich heritage. Well-preserved residence worth a quick stop in SJ.
Upon entering Loyalist House, you'll find yourself immersed in a meticulously curated collection of period furnishings, decor, and artifacts. The house has been thoughtfully restored to recreate the ambiance of a Loyalist family home from the late 18th century. Guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic to offer a tour (tour was free, entry tickets pretty cheap) and provide fascinating insights into the history of the house and its former inhabitants, making the tour both informative and engaging.
However, it's worth noting that the experience might not be for everyone. The tour can be relatively brief, and some visitors may prefer a more interactive or immersive experience. Additionally, accessibility within the house can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the historic nature of the building."
L e
"The Loyalist House was well worth the time to visit. It offers a look at the the Merritt family who left Rye, New York after the American Revolution and their descendants. The staff was very friendly and very informative."
Emmet Donnelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Loyalist House is located uptown in Saint John, New Brunswick. It's easily accessible by car or on foot if you're exploring the downtown area. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with other uptown attractions.
While specific parking details for Loyalist House aren't widely shared, uptown Saint John generally has street parking and public parking garages available. It's best to check local parking options upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Loyalist House is typically open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM during the summer, by appointment only. It's crucial to book your visit in advance.
Admission fees are generally quite affordable, often around $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly historical experience.
Yes, especially during the summer season, Loyalist House operates by appointment only. Contacting them ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your visit.
Absolutely! Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides are available to provide tours, making the history of the house come alive. Some tours are included with admission.
Yes, Loyalist House has offered free admission on Canada Day in the past, with guided tours held hourly. Check their schedule for specific holiday events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a meticulously curated collection of period furnishings, decor, and artifacts that recreate the ambiance of a Loyalist family home from the late 18th century.
Due to its historic nature, accessibility within Loyalist House can be challenging for those with mobility issues, as it features stairs and older building structures.
Loyalist House hosts special events like haunted tours on Saturday nights and historical reenactments, such as Benedict Arnold appearances.
Yes, Loyalist House is available for events like weddings and birthday parties, with wedding packages starting at an affordable rate.
The house contains interesting historical artifacts, including a 1918 newspaper marking the end of WWI found in the attic and a box of glass negatives from the 1890s.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to inquire with staff upon arrival about photography policies inside historic homes to ensure you respect their guidelines. The gardens are a great spot for photos.
The beautifully maintained garden area offers a picturesque backdrop for photos, and the exterior of the Georgian architecture is also quite photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider visiting during the summer when appointments are available, allowing for a more tailored experience. The beautiful gardens also provide a nice space for children to stretch their legs. It's a great way to introduce kids to local history in a tangible way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring other free or low-cost uptown attractions, such as walking through the historic streets or visiting the waterfront. The house's location uptown also means you can easily walk to many other points of interest, saving on transportation costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Loyalist Life
The guided tours are a highlight, with guides often praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. They bring the history of the Merritt family and the development of Saint John to life, sharing fascinating insights into the daily lives, challenges, and contributions of the Loyalists. The experience is often described as stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the city's heritage.
Beyond the main house, the property often features beautiful gardens, which have even been used for local photoshoots, adding another layer of charm to the visit.
Special events, like haunted tours and historical reenactments, further enhance the immersive experience, making Loyalist House a dynamic historical site. +1Discovering Hidden Treasures
These glass negatives offer a rare and intimate glimpse into life in Saint John during that era, providing valuable visual records for historians and the public alike. The house also holds other significant historical documents, such as a Saint John, New Brunswick newspaper from November 11th, 1918, marking the Armistice and the end of World War I, which was discovered in the attic.
These finds underscore the Loyalist House's role not just as a preserved residence, but as a repository of historical artifacts that continue to shed light on the region's past. They add depth to the visitor experience, highlighting the ongoing process of historical discovery within the house.
+1
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