The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is regarded as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical Gothic Revival in North America. The cornerstone was laid in 1843; unfortunately the cathedral was destroyed by the St. John's Great Fire of 1892.

Rebuilding began the following year and was completed in 1905. Declared a National Historic Site in 1981, the cathedral, through its restoration work, preserves its excellent stained glass, medieval carvings, and offers a small archival museum containing some early British Cathedral artifacts.

The area behind the church encompasses a cemetery -- originally called the Burying Ground --, which was used from the early 1700s until 1849. Although few headstones (such as Sir William Carson's) remain, it contains about 5,000 graves. The parish was founded in 1699, making it the oldest in Canada. Guided tours of the magnificent cathedral are available.

If you’re visiting during the summer, check to see what day the Cathedral will be providing an afternoon tea in the recently refurbished crypt. The tea is a delightful experience, featuring homemade cakes, cookies, scones and preserves. Its address is 22 Church Hill.