New Brunswick the blade sign capital of Canada?
Back in 2018, I posted a blog titled “Halifax: The Blade Sign Capital of Canada,” now 10 years later I am questioning that claim.
What is heck is blade sign?
Some of you are probably asking what is a blade sign! They are those funky signs that hang over the doorway of shops, on traditional main streets. Sometimes you might see them in a mall. They can also be a neon (or today an LED sign) that hangs off the façade of a building. They are great for wayfinding as you can easily see the signs if you are driving or walking up to your destination, much easier that a sign mounted flush with the façade. Got it!
Fun! Funky! Quirky!
Fast forward to the past week. We arrived in Moncton New Brunswick on Thanksgiving Day for two weeks of exploring Canada’s only bilingual province. Yep, New Brunswick is the only province with two official languages – French and English. One of the first things I noticed were the many blade signs in Moncton and then again in Sussex on our way to Saint John (not to be confused with St. John’s, Newfoundland). And then again along St. Andrews by the sea’s main street.
It was on our first walkabout of Uptown Saint John (they never shorten it to St.), which I figured out is actually there downtown, that I encounter dozens of blade signs. I had my phone out faster than a gunslinger from a spaghetti western. Before I knew it I had dozens of blade sign photos. And given it was the “blue hour” I got some great shots. Ah, yes the “blue hour” is about one hour before sunset or sunrise when the sun is far enough below the horizon so that the sunlight's blue wavelengths dominate.
But then we got to St. Andrews by the sea (it is OK to use St. here, I am told) and I found the motherlode of blade signs. Even the provincial liquor store has a quirky blade sign.
So here is another photo essay of some of the fun, funky and quirky “blade signs” from New Brunswick. I have saved the best to end. Let me know if you agree or if you have a different favourite one.
This is the New Brunswick liquor store blade sign in St. Andrews by the Sea.
Best Blade Sign
Found this well worn sign in Sussex, NB. Thought what a shame; this could be such a nice sign for the upscale soap store inside.
Walked to the other side and saw a sign that was in perfect condition. Then realized the other side was suppose to represent a wet bar of soap with lather. How subtle and clever is that?
Last Word
Hope you enjoyed this photo essay. What was your favourite blade sign?
