📍 St. John’s · Avalon Region · Newfoundland
Jellybean Row,
St. John’s
The most photographed neighbourhood in Newfoundland. A cheerful parade of candy-coloured Victorian rowhouses spilling down the hillside toward St. John’s harbour the image that defines the city to the world.
📍 Jellybean Row, St. John’s
About Jellybean Row
The Colours That Define a City
Jellybean Row is the affectionate name given to the rows of brightly painted Victorian and Edwardian wooden rowhouses that cascade down the steep hillside streets of St. John’s. Painted in vivid reds, yellows, greens, purples, blues and pinks, these cheerful facades have become the defining image of the city and one of the most recognisable streetscapes in all of Canada.
The tradition of painting houses in bold, contrasting colours dates back generations in Newfoundland.
Found primarily along Gower Street, Prescott Street, and the surrounding hillside streets, Jellybean Row is a living neighbourhood people actually live in these beautiful homes. It is a place to stroll, photograph, and soak up the warm, welcoming spirit that defines Newfoundland hospitality.
1800s
Victorian era origins of the rowhouses
Gower St
Most famous stretch of Jellybean Row
Free
Open neighbourhood visit any time
5 min
Walking distance from downtown harbour
Must-See Spots
Highlights of Jellybean Row
From the most photogenic streets to the hidden laneways and nearby cultural gems here’s everything you should explore in and around Jellybean Row.
Iconic Street
Gower Street
The most photographed stretch of Jellybean Row, Gower Street features an unbroken parade of brilliantly coloured Victorian rowhouses. The best vantage point is from the bottom of the hill looking up a view that has appeared on postcards, calendars and magazine covers worldwide.
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Scenic Street
Prescott Street
Running parallel to Gower Street, Prescott Street offers another stunning stretch of colourful rowhouses with the added drama of steep steps and hillside gardens. A quieter and often overlooked alternative for photographers seeking a different angle.
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Harbour View
The Harbour Overlook
From the top of the Jellybean Row streets, you can look down over the colourful rooftops to St. John’s harbour below. On a clear day the view extends to the Signal Hill headland framing the entrance to the Narrows one of the great urban views in Atlantic Canada.
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Architecture
Victorian Rowhouse Architecture
Look closely at the architectural details of the houses ornate cornices, decorative gingerbread trim, bay windows and steep gabled roofs. Each house is subtly different, reflecting the personality of its owners across generations of St. John’s history.
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Local Culture
George Street & Downtown
Just a short walk from Jellybean Row, George Street is North America’s most bar-dense street and the heartbeat of St. John’s social life. Live traditional Newfoundland music plays nightly combine a Jellybean Row walk with an evening on George Street for the perfect St. John’s day.
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Art & Culture
Local Galleries & Craft Shops
The streets surrounding Jellybean Row are home to some of St. John’s best independent art galleries, craft stores and boutiques. Pick up a Jellybean Row print, a piece of Newfoundland jewellery, or a locally made memento of your visit to the city.
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Experiences
Things To Do at Jellybean Row
From leisurely strolls and photography walks to food tours and cultural immersion Jellybean Row and its surroundings are packed with things to see and do.
Photography Walk
Jellybean Row is a photographer’s paradise. Walk the full length of Gower Street and Prescott Street, shooting from low angles, looking up the steep hill, and framing the colourful facades against the harbour and sky. Golden hour light in the early morning or late afternoon is magical.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Combine Jellybean Row with a self-guided walking tour of downtown St. John’s. Walk from the harbour up to Gower Street, along to Prescott Street, up to Military Road, past The Rooms, and back down via Cathedral Street a 90-minute loop that covers the best of the city on foot.
Food & Café Crawl
The streets around Jellybean Row are dotted with excellent independent cafés, bakeries and restaurants. Start your morning with a touton and partridgeberry jam at a local café, then explore the neighbourhood before heading to Water Street for lunch at one of the city’s top seafood restaurants.
Art Gallery Hopping
Discover St. John’s thriving arts scene in the galleries and studios surrounding Jellybean Row. Many local artists are inspired by the colours and character of the neighbourhood itself you’ll find original paintings, prints and photographs of Jellybean Row in galleries throughout the area.
Shopping for Local Crafts
The Water Street and Duckworth Street shopping districts near Jellybean Row are home to some of the best independent boutiques in Atlantic Canada. Pick up hand-knitted Newfoundland mittens, artisan pottery, locally made jams, or a piece of art inspired by the famous colourful houses.
Evening on George Street
After a day exploring Jellybean Row and the city, head to nearby George Street for an unforgettable evening of live traditional Newfoundland music, local craft beer, and warm Newfoundland hospitality. The George Street Festival in late July/early August is one of the best outdoor music events in Canada.
Visitor Information
Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to plan the perfect Jellybean Row visit from where to stand for the best photo to what to do nearby.
Admission & Access
Jellybean Row is a public neighbourhood with no admission fee you can walk the streets any time of day or night. Remember that people live in these homes, so please be respectful of residents’ privacy, keep noise levels down early in the morning, and stay on the public footpath.
Where to Find It
The most famous stretch is on Gower Street between Prescott Street and Cathedral Street, in the downtown area of St. John’s. Prescott Street, Victoria Street, and the surrounding hillside streets are also well worth exploring. A 5–10 minute walk uphill from the waterfront.
Best Photo Spots
For the classic Jellybean Row shot, stand at the bottom of Gower Street and shoot uphill the row of colourful houses with Signal Hill in the background is iconic. The corner of Gower and Prescott Streets also offers great angles. Morning light from the east is ideal for bright, vivid colours.
Parking & Getting There
Jellybean Row is best reached on foot from the downtown waterfront area a short but steep uphill walk. Limited street parking is available on surrounding streets. The downtown parkade on Water Street is a good option if arriving by car. Many visitors combine Jellybean Row with a downtown St. John’s walking tour.
How Long to Allow
Plan at least 30–60 minutes to stroll Gower Street and Prescott Street at a leisurely pace and take photos. If you’re combining with a full downtown St. John’s walking tour including The Rooms, the harbour, George Street and the Cathedral allow half a day or a full afternoon.
Families & Accessibility
Jellybean Row is great for families and children love the bright colours. Be aware that the streets are steep pushchairs may find the inclines challenging. The main stretch on Gower Street has proper footpaths throughout. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the hillside streets.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Jellybean Row
Jellybean Row is beautiful in every season but each time of year offers a completely different character and mood.
Winter
Dec – Feb
Snow-dusted colourful houses against a grey winter sky surprisingly beautiful and very few tourists. A quiet, atmospheric time to walk the streets and experience the neighbourhood as locals do. Christmas lights add extra magic in December.
Spring
Mar – May
The colours of the houses pop even brighter against spring skies. Window boxes and gardens begin to bloom in May. Fewer visitors than summer and the light is excellent for photography in the late afternoon.
Summer
Jun – Aug
Peak season the houses are at their most vibrant against bright blue summer skies, window boxes are in full bloom and the streets are alive with visitors. Combine with the George Street Festival in late July for the ultimate St. John’s summer experience.
⭐ Best Time to Visit
Fall
Sep – Nov
The warm autumn light brings out the richness in the paint colours beautifully. Fewer crowds than summer, comfortable walking temperatures, and the moody Atlantic skies make for outstanding photography conditions throughout September and October.
While You’re Here
Nearby Attractions in St. John’s
Jellybean Row sits at the heart of St. John’s combine your visit with these nearby highlights for the perfect day in the city.
Signal Hill
A 10-minute drive from Jellybean Row. Climb to Cabot Tower for panoramic views over the city and harbour on a clear day you can see the colourful rooftops of Jellybean Row from above.
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George Street
A 5-minute walk from Jellybean Row. North America’s most bar-dense street, with live traditional Newfoundland music every night. The perfect evening complement to a daytime Jellybean Row walk.
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The Rooms
Just a short walk from Jellybean Row on Military Road, The Rooms houses the provincial museum, art gallery and archives. The building itself offers spectacular harbour views from its glass facade.
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Cape Spear
A 30-minute drive from downtown St. John’s, Cape Spear is the most easterly point in North America a dramatic headland where icebergs drift past and whales breach offshore from May to September.
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Witless Bay Reserve
Just 30 minutes south of St. John’s one of the best places in the world to see Atlantic puffins, humpback whales and icebergs. Boat tours depart from Bay Bulls throughout the summer season.
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Downtown St. John’s
The waterfront, Water Street shopping, Duckworth Street galleries, and the historic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist are all within easy walking distance of Jellybean Row making the whole area perfect for a half-day exploration on foot.
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Ready to See Jellybean Row?
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