The best of St John’s Newfoundland Travel Guide

The best of St John’s Newfoundland Travel Guide. St John’s, Newfoundland, is the oldest city in North America, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Canada. Although the city has plenty of tourist attractions and sights, there are other hidden gems to learn about. Here are some ideas for a last-minute vacation planning or weekend getaway. 

Signal Hill 

This is where the first transatlantic wireless communication signal was received. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction with views worth coming for. It’s also where you’ll find Cabot Tower, which towers over the city of St. John’s. During the summer, when the tower is open, you can climb to the top to view the city and the Atlantic ocean. Learn more about this fascinating piece of history in Newfoundland, visit Signal Hill and see what you can find in the gift shop and learn about the history of this landmark.

Cape Spear

This iconic location is known as the most easterly point in North America. Cape Spear is on the Avalon Peninsula, about eighteen minutes from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a popular tourist attraction for people visiting St. John’s. This is a great place to see. You will be out of St. John’s in just twenty minutes and experience some peace and quiet. You can enjoy walking along the trails, taking in the beautiful views of the ocean or exploring the lighthouse at Cape Spear National Historic Site. A drive along Blackhead Road will allow you to see some fantastic scenery.

Jellybean Row

Jellybean Row is a collection of brightly coloured houses that have become famous in the local community. They’re so well known that it’s become a tradition for locals to paint their homes with bright colours and make them look like jellybeans. It’s a beautiful place to visit and can be found on Duckworth Street and off Gower Street. This area is excellent for people who want to spend some time outside but do not have to drive too far from downtown St John’s or need somewhere quiet where they can unwind after shopping or exploring all day. However, if you’re looking for something fun in St John’s, Newfoundland, walking around the city and viewing Jellybean Row home might be your new favourite.

The Rooms

While in St John’s, you should stay at one of Newfoundland’s most beautiful and comfortable museums. The Rooms museum is elegantly designed with huge glass windows, local artwork and artifacts. Each level features different arts and antiques showcasing Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. The Rooms is the perfect place to learn more about the history of Newfoundland and Labrador while you’re here. The museum is also open year-round, so if you plan a trip anytime soon, check out this fantastic attraction.

Quidi Vidi Village

The Quidi Vidi Village is the most visited in St. John’s, and for a good reason. It’s one of the oldest villages in North America. The village is known for its fishing history. It is home to modern artists and Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, with works inspired by the historical past. The quaint streets are lined with houses, food trucks and Quidi Vidi Brewery. This is something fun to do while visiting the area. Stop into Quidi Vidi Brewery, where you can enjoy live music while sipping your favourite beverage.

6. East Coast Trail Network 

The East Coast Trail Network runs all over the Avalon Peninsula. This trail network offers impressive ocean views but a shorter distance than the others outside the city. Some of the trails are easy walks along the coast, and you can reach many spots where you can have a picnic or enjoy watching the birds fly overhead. If you’re looking for a challenge, try the trail around Signal Hill. This trail is about 3.4 kilometres long and will take you around the hill to view the Atlantic ocean. Bring water, snacks and proper footwear if you hike this trail network.

St. John’s Cathedral Basilica

There are many churches in St. John’s, but the cathedral basilica is one of the most beautiful. Located at 200 Military Road, St. John’s, NL, this church is home to many unique stained glass windows and art throughout the building. To get inside, you need to make an appointment with a staff person, or you can visit, and if you are lucky, you may walk in, and they will let you tour the building.

Bowring Park

The park is located at 305 Waterford Bridge Road, St. John’s, NL, and is a great place to take a break from walking around downtown St. John’s. There is an outdoor swimming pool in the summer where kids can swim, or you can sit on one of the many benches in the park and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Bowring Park is one of the most popular parks to visit in St. John’s. Bowring Park features a playground for children and has many walking trails through forests and along the Waterford River.

You can also see many types of wildlife strolling through this park, such as birds and ducks. There is a pond with ducks you can feed, a playground for children, a large field to play sports and picnic areas to sit in the shade while enjoying the view of the park. There are picnic tables, a playground, walking trails and even a hill for sliding in the winter months. 

Spend a few hours hiking Signal Hill.

Located on the edge of St John’s, Signal Hill is a must-visit for anyone who loves hiking and views. The walk up to the top takes around 50 minutes but is worth it because you’ll see fantastic city views. When you’re at the top, don’t forget to visit Cabot Tower, which provides information on Newfoundland and Labrador military history. Signal Hill also offers other activities besides hiking, such as Johnson GEO Centre, Bird Watching and Lookout. This spot is perfect if you’re interested in doing any of these things or want some peace and quiet.

Hike the East Coast Trails

You’ll want to get some hiking in on your trip. You can do this by trekking along the East Coast Trail. Some trails are long, while others are short, but it’s worth it for the views of whales and icebergs you get along the way. Sugarloaf Path is an 8.2-kilometre hiking trail and takes about four hours and five minutes to complete. This popular hiking trail is considered moderate to hard to hike. The trail runs from St John’s to Ocean Science Centre. This is one of the best trails to hike in St John’s.

If you’re not interested in hiking, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy nature while visiting St John’s:

1. Spend an afternoon at Signal Hill, which offers scenic views over lower St John’s Harbour and Fort Amherst Lighthouse across the Narrows.
2. Go whale watching as humpback whales migrate to Newfoundland and Labrador shores every spring and summer.
3. Visit the MUN Botanical Gardens at 306 Mount Scio Road, St John’s, NL.

The gardens offer a beautiful landscape with many different varieties of plants and flowers.

Go whale watching

The best part about this place is that there are multiple boat tours available for you to enjoy whale watching. You can also enjoy whale watching from the shoreline. If you want to go whale watching, then go ahead. Many available tours will take you on a boat trip out into the Atlantic Ocean to see these majestic animals.

If that sounds like something worth doing while visiting Newfoundland capital city, here are some top tours to book. 

Visit a Newfoundland brewery (or distillery)

St. John’s has a thriving craft beer and distilling scene; you should check out some of the local favourites.

Quidi Vidi Brewery has become one of Newfoundland and Labrador largest craft breweries. It’s located in Quidi Vidi Village, a historic neighbourhood once home to the area’s fishing industry. You can also visit many other breweries and distilleries around St. John’s. These are some of the most visited breweries during the summer Wooden Walls Distilling, YellowBelly Brewery & Pub and Bannerman Brewing Co. These are great places to grab lunch or dinner, with an extensive menu that includes sandwiches, soups and salads, and some local seafood dishes like fish cakes or crab cakes. If you want to try local spirits while in town, check out any of the four breweries above.