Things to Do in
St. John’s
Signal Hill, Jellybean Row, Quidi Vidi, The Rooms, George Street, and the best day trips nearby.
St. John’s is one of the most characterful and welcoming cities in Atlantic Canada a vibrant city known for its colourful Jellybean Row houses, stunning harbour, and warm people. It is also the gateway to some of the finest natural and cultural experiences in Newfoundland, all within 90 minutes by car.
Top Things to Do In the City
Signal Hill National Historic Site overlooks St. John’s from a dramatic hilltop with panoramic harbour views. The North Head Trail along the cliff edge delivers extraordinary Atlantic Ocean vistas. Cabot Tower is where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Grounds are free to walk.
Walk Gower Street for the most photographed streetscape in Newfoundland. The tradition of brightly painted Victorian clapboard houses is believed to have originated so fishermen could identify their homes from the harbour. A 30-45 minute self-guided walk, entirely free.
One of the oldest fishing villages in North America. Free to walk and explore. Visit Quidi Vidi Brewery at 35 Barrows Road famous for Iceberg Beer brewed with 20,000-year-old iceberg water. Tours and tastings available.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier provincial museum and art gallery at 9 Bonaventure Avenue. Panoramic harbour views through enormous windows. Regular admission approximately $10-15. Free every Sunday from 3pm.
Most bars and pubs per capita in North America across two city blocks. Live traditional Newfoundland folk music every evening in peak season. The Screech-in ceremony most famously performed here. Thursday to Sunday evenings are most active.
8 Barrows Road, Quidi Vidi Village. The most celebrated restaurant in St. John’s seasonal and locally sourced Newfoundland cuisine in a restored historic cottage. Book well ahead for summer evenings.
Best Day Trips from St. John’s
| Day Trip | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Spear | 25 min | Easternmost North America, whales, icebergs in May-June |
| Bay Bulls whale and puffin boat tour | 30 min | Largest puffin colony in North America book ahead |
| Petty Harbour | 20 min | Most picturesque fishing village near St. John’s. Chafe’s Landing lunch. |
| Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic | 90 min | Gourmet cliff-top picnic pre-order basket before driving south |
| Cape St. Mary’s | 2 hrs | 30,000 gannets on Bird Rock free, no booking |
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting St. John’s?
Pick up your rental car at YYT Airport on Day 1. Book the Bay Bulls whale tour before arriving.
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