St. John's Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience North America's oldest city, where vibrant row houses line the rugged coast and Celtic music fills the salt-sprayed air. From iceberg hunting to hiking coastal trails, St. John's offers a unique blend of urban charm and raw natural beauty.
St. John’s is a city that defies simple definition. It is a place where the oldest street in North America hums with the energy of a university town, and where raw, subarctic wilderness is just a ten-minute drive from fine dining. Perched on the far eastern edge of the continent, the city feels like a colourful defiant shout against the grey Atlantic, with its famous “Jellybean Row” houses painting the hillsides in vibrant hues of azure, ochre, and crimson.
But beyond the aesthetics, it is the soul of the place that captivates travelers. This is a city of storytellers, where a stranger at a pub will likely become a friend within the hour. The air smells of salt water and malt vinegar, the wind carries the sound of fiddle music, and the horizon is frequently punctuated by the majestic, ghostly shapes of drifting icebergs or the breach of a humpback whale.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Edge of the World
What makes St. John’s truly unique is its geography. The city is carved into the granite cliffs surrounding a naturally protected harbour, connected to the ocean by a slim channel known as “The Narrows.” This geology has dictated its history as a strategic military outpost and a fishing capital. You aren’t just visiting a city; you are visiting a fortress of nature.
The culture here is a distinct blend of English, Irish, and French ancestry, preserved through centuries of isolation. This is most evident in the local dialect, the music, and the food. You’ll find menus boasting moose burgers, cod tongues, and screech rum, flavours born of necessity that have become culinary badges of honour. It is a place where history isn’t just in a museum; it’s in the songs sung on George Street and the trails walked by fishermen for generations.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Hike the North Head Trail
A challenging but rewarding 1.7 km trail descending from Signal Hill to the Battery, offering dizzying views of the Atlantic Ocean and the harbour entrance.
Explore The Rooms
This striking architectural landmark houses the provincial archives, art gallery, and museum, providing a deep dive into Newfoundland's history and culture.
Screech-In Ceremony on George Street
Become an honorary Newfoundlander by kissing a cod, drinking Screech rum, and reciting a local verse at one of the famous pubs.
Sunrise at Cape Spear
Stand at the most easterly point in North America to be the first person on the continent to see the sunrise next to a historic lighthouse.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Signal Hill National Historic Site - This is the city’s crowning jewel. Home to the Cabot Tower, it offers sweeping views of the city and ocean. It was here that Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal. Entry to the grounds is free, though the visitor centre has a small fee. It is located just 2 km from downtown.
Cape Spear Lighthouse - Located 15 km southeast of the city, this is the most easterly point in North America. Standing beside the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province (built in 1836), you can watch the sun rise before anyone else on the continent. Parking and site access are available for a Parks Canada daily fee of roughly $8.50 CAD.
The Rooms - Dominating the skyline with its peaked rooflines meant to resemble traditional fishing stages, this facility combines the provincial museum, art gallery, and archives. It is the best place to understand the cultural fabric of Newfoundland. Located in the city centre; admission is approximately $12 CAD.
Quidi Vidi Village - A “city within a city,” this historic fishing community is tucked away behind Signal Hill, about 3 km from downtown. It features the Quidi Vidi Brewery (famous for Iceberg Beer) and the Plantation, a craft incubator for local artisans. It is free to explore the village on foot.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to St. John’s usually involves a connection through Toronto, Montreal, or Halifax into St. John’s International Airport (YYT). Once you arrive, renting a car is highly recommended. While the downtown core is walkable and hilly, the best sites like Cape Spear and the surrounding fishing villages are not accessible by public transit. Note that rental cars are in short supply, so book at least 4-6 months in advance.
Packing for Newfoundland requires a strategy of layers. The weather is notoriously changeable; you might experience sun, rain, fog, and wind all in a single afternoon. A high-quality, waterproof windbreaker is the most important item in your suitcase. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so bring a fleece or sweater. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are also a must for navigating the hilly streets and coastal trails.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (July - August)
Pros
- Warmest weather and festival season
- Best time for whale watching (humpbacks)
- George Street comes alive with outdoor music
Cons
- Highest accommodation prices
- Rental cars sell out months in advance
- Fog can still roll in unpredictably
Shoulder Season: Late Spring & Early Fall (June, Sept)
Pros
- June is prime time for viewing icebergs
- September offers beautiful fall foliage
- Fewer crowds at major sites like Cape Spear
Cons
- Weather is highly variable and often wet
- Some seasonal boat tours may not be operating
- Temperatures drop significantly at night
Off-Peak: Winter (November - April)
Pros
- Lowest rates on flights and hotels
- Cozy atmosphere in local pubs
- Excellent winter sports nearby at White Hills
Cons
- Many outdoor attractions are closed
- Risk of flights being delayed by storms
- Daylight hours are very short
St. John’s is a destination that stays with you long after you’ve left. Whether you come for the summer festivals, the spring icebergs, or the fall berries, the warmth of the people and the stark beauty of the landscape create a travel experience unlike any other in Canada.
Sample Itineraries
The St. John's Classics Weekend
A compact itinerary hitting the absolute essentials of the city, from historic heights to the vibrant nightlife of George Street.
Day 1: History Above the Harbour
- Morning: Start your trip at Signal Hill National Historic Site to hike the North Head Trail and visit Cabot Tower, which costs about $8.50 CAD per person for entry. The views of the Narrows are spectacular and give you the lay of the land immediately.
- Afternoon: Head down to the Johnson Geo Centre, located just below Signal Hill, to learn about the unique geology of the rock, with admission around $14 CAD. Afterward, walk through the Battery neighbourhood to admire the small, colourful houses clinging to the cliffside.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at The Duke of Duckworth for their famous fish and chips, costing approximately $20 CAD per plate. End your night strolling Water Street, the oldest commercial street in North America, to browse local shops.
Day 2: Culture and Coastlines
- Morning: Drive 15 km southeast to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site to stand at the most easterly point of North America. Entry is roughly $8.50 CAD, and the coastal trails offer immense ocean views where you might spot whales in summer.
- Afternoon: Return to town for lunch at Rocket Bakery on Water Street, spending about $15-20 CAD on fresh salads and fish cakes. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring The Rooms, the provincial museum and art gallery, which offers the best indoor view of the harbour for an admission of $12 CAD.
- Evening: Head to George Street, the street with the most bars per square foot in North America. Plan to get ‘Screeched In’ at Christian’s Bar or Trapper John’s for about $20 CAD to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
Day 3: The Quidi Vidi Charm
- Morning: Take a short 5 km drive or taxi ride to the village of Quidi Vidi, a historic fishing gut within the city limits. Walk the loop around the lake and visit the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation to see local artisans at work.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at the Mallard Cottage, known for its rustic luxury and local ingredients, where a meal will cost around $30-50 CAD per person. Afterward, visit the Quidi Vidi Brewery right next door to sample their famous Iceberg Beer.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with a sunset drive up to the lookout at Shea Heights for a panoramic view of the entire city and harbour. Enjoy a final fine dining experience at Portage or Chinched to taste modern Newfoundland charcuterie.
Nature and Narratives: Extended Stay
An expanded exploration that includes boat tours, deeper hiking, and day trips to nearby coastal gems.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Morning: Arrive and pick up your rental car, then head straight to the downtown core to check into your hotel. Grab a coffee and a light breakfast at Jumping Bean Coffee on Water Street for under $15 CAD.
- Afternoon: Walk the harbourfront apron to see the ships and visit the Railway Coastal Museum to understand the transportation history of the island. Admission is approximately $10 CAD and the exhibits are fascinating for train enthusiasts.
- Evening: Dine at Oliver’s Restaurant on Water Street for classic seafood and steaks, budgeting about $60-80 CAD for two. Walk off dinner by exploring the colourful row houses of Jellybean Row on Gower Street and taking photos.
Day 2: The Eastern Edge
- Morning: Drive to Cape Spear early to beat the tour buses and walk the expansive coastal trails toward Blackhead. The site is free to enter if you do not go inside the lighthouse buildings, or pay the small Parks Canada fee for the full tour.
- Afternoon: Drive 20 minutes south to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, a postcard-perfect fishing town. Grab lunch at Chafe’s Landing for fresh seafood chowder costing around $18 CAD.
- Afternoon: Book a boat tour with O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours in nearby Bay Bulls, costing roughly $80 CAD per person, to see puffins and humpback whales.
Day 3: The Urban Hiker
- Morning: Tackle the Signal Hill North Head Trail, a 1.7 km strenuous hike with incredible views of the Narrows. Bring water and good shoes as the stairs are steep and the wind can be strong.
- Afternoon: Reward yourself with a hearty lunch at the Adelaide Oyster House, where small plates and drinks create a lively atmosphere for about $40 CAD per person. Explore the boutique shops along Duckworth Street for local crafts and Labradorite jewelry.
- Evening: Catch a show at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre or a live gig at The Ship Pub. Cover charges are usually low, around $10-20 CAD, and the local talent is world-class.
Day 4: A Day in Quidi Vidi
- Morning: Walk from downtown along the jagged coastline via the Cuckold’s Cove trail to reach Quidi Vidi village. The walk takes about an hour and offers stunning photography opportunities of the cliffs.
- Afternoon: Eat at the Quidi Vidi Brewery’s food truck or grab fish and chips at the wharf. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the taproom tasting flight samplers for about $12 CAD.
- Evening: Take a taxi back downtown for a nice dinner at Merchant Tavern, a vibrant spot focusing on nose-to-tail dining. Expect to pay around $100 CAD for a full dinner for two including drinks.
Day 5: The Irish Loop Taster
- Morning: Drive south along the Irish Loop to visit the Colony of Avalon in Ferryland, about an hour drive away. Admission to the active archaeological site is roughly $12 CAD and reveals history from the 1620s.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch near the Ferryland Lighthouse, famous for its picnics, though you must book this specific experience months in advance. Alternatively, enjoy the coastal scenery and a packed lunch from a St. John’s deli.
- Evening: Return to St. John’s for a farewell dinner at Blue on Water. Toast to your trip with a final cocktail made with local gin, budgeting around $80 CAD for the meal.
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