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Capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Photo: William Zimmerly, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the oldest city in North America outside of the Caribbean and is on the Avalon Peninsula in the southeast corner of the island of Newfoundland. Highlights in this city facing the Atlantic are military history, colourful houses along hilly streets and many variants of fish and chips.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Majestically overlooking the city and designated as a National Historic Site. The hill was the last stand of the French army in North America during the Seven Years War. Cabot Tower, built in 1897, stand as the top today. The first wireless transatlantic message was received there in 1901.
Small village on the edge of the downtown where small houses are framed by the sheer cliffs. The village was once part of the British Defence for the St. John's Harbour. A trail leads from the end of the Battery around the cliffs and up to Signal Hill.
A lighthouse and World War II military fortification across "The Narrows" on the opposite side of the harbour from Signal Hill. Offers unique views of the city and Cape Spear.
A beautiful 20-ha (50-acre) park with duck ponds, bridges, walking trails, tennis courts, playground equipment, an outdoor pool and many monuments.
Also a nature reserve, the botanical garden displays plants in many different environments; for example a greenhouse, and alpine house and a peat gardens. In additions to visitors, also wildlife such as hares, ducks and even moose have been spotted here, in addition to butterflies and songbirds.
The park hosts concerts, and features statues of a Newfoundland Dog and a Labrador Retriever.
This urban park has large grassy areas and a few small flower beds. Near a small bandstand, there is a life-size statue of a girl sitting on a park bench tying her ice skates. A building shaped like a railway station has a BeaverTails stand and a WC.
A small park containing a bronze sculpture of Terry Fox dipping his foot in the water at the site where in 1980 he began his Marathon of Hope to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery
The major cultural centre at Fort Townsend for Newfoundland & Labrador. The building has become one of prominence (and controversy) rivalling that of the Basilica. The Rooms contain the Newfoundland Museum, Provincial Archives, and Art Gallery. From the upper floor you can get an unrivalled view of the area.
Contemporary art from Canada and the province.
The museum has various exhibits about rail and coastal shipping located in the original 1903 Riverhead Railway Station. The museum contains dioramas of passenger car interiors built into the dismantled passenger car bodies. Outside, south across the street from the museum, a locomotive and two carriages are on display in a small park. Behind the museum at its NE corner, the shop building of the Newfoundland Railway still stands without any tracks; although closed to the public, the shop front can be viewed from a public area.
Scientific exhibits explaining water in relation to rivers, watersheds and ecosystems.
Science centre partially excavated into Signal Hill. The exhibitions are mainly about natural phenomena such as the world's oceans, the interior of the Earth and the solar system. It's part of the Memorial University but the exhibitions are geared towards children and youth.
The Colonial Building is a neoclassical building constructed of white limestone brought from Cork, Ireland. Opened in the 1850s, it was the seat of Newfoundland's legislature until 1959.
The commissariat procured supplies for the local military in 19th century. The first commissariat had a house built to provide a residence as well as a staffed public office. The rooms on display are furnished with many antiques circa 1830. A narrated guided tour is provided.
The Court House, built in 1901, is a Victorian-era building built of local granite and sandstone. The building extends between Duckworth and Water streets, and has an interesting façade on each of the two streets.
Government House contains the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and sits in a park with flower beds and blossoming trees. As well as visiting the gardens, the public may go within the main entrance of Government House to sign a guest book and pick up a free postcard. (The main entrance of the building is at the rear on its north side; bypass the side entrance on its west side.)
Historic wine vaults, constructed in the late 18th century to age port wine, occupy one of St. John's oldest buildings. Port wine was imported from England, aged in the cellars, and often exported back to England because the sea voyage and St. John's cool temperature were good for the wine. The front of the building was modernized in the early 20th century; however, the interior is well preserved in its original state. A free sample of port is offered to adult visitors.
This narrow street lined with colourful buildings is the core of St. John's busy nightlife.
This black wooden church opened in 1836, and is the oldest church in St. John's.
The cornerstone for this Anglican cathedral was laid in 1843. The church was destroyed by the St. John's Great Fire of 1892, and was rebuilt between 1893 and 1905.
This Roman Catholic church was designated a minor basilica by the Pope. It was built between 1841 and 1850, and has twin 43-metre-high towers.
This Gothic Revival church, built in 1894, has an impressive spire.
This red brick church was completed in 1896.
The Grand Concourse Authority oversees an extensive collection of walking trails in the city.
Tour historic St. John's while being regaled with stories of the spooky & strange.
A cliff side trail along the coast north of Signal Hill. This trail system extends in segments to the north and south for dozens of kilometers.
Enjoy St. John's from the water. See whales, seabirds and icebergs. Head to icebergfinder.com to see how many icebergs are around the island at a given moment.
Resource Centre for the Arts
Performing arts theatre located in a brightly coloured wooden building.
Performing arts theatre.
A former bed and breakfast, transformed into a wellness center. Different spa treatments and health services.
The most easterly point in North America, a 15 km drive from St. John's. Great lighthouse on an ocean-facing cliff, with walking trails. Beware! It's 45 m down the cliff face, so heed posted warnings. A man drowned here in 2015; a woman fell off the cliff to her death in 2018.
Petty Harbour, about 12 km south of town, is a picturesque fishing village and friendly, quiet retreat. From Blackhead Road (which leads from St. John's to Cape Spear), turn south onto Maddox Cove Road.
A 3-km nature trail winds through a mixture of wood and wetlands. View animals in their (enclosed) natural habitats. The trail takes about an hour to walk. 65 km from St. John's.
A ferry runs from Portugal Cove west to Bell Island.
Torbay, Logy Bay and Middle Bay are about 13 km north of the city, past the airport. The closest beach to St. John's. Noted for annual caplin roll in late June.
One of the best breakfasts available in St. John's, with breakfast served all day. They also have hamburgers, sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu.
4 locations: 9 Freshwater Rd, 655 Topsail Rd, 8 Highland Dr, 29-33 Commonwealth Ave.
Newfoundlanders will tell you that you can't leave St. John's without having fish and chips at either Ches's or the Big R (known to locals as "the Big Arse"). 2 locations: 69 Harvey Rd (Downtown, 8AM-8PM), and 201 Blackmarsh Rd (8AM-midnight)
Fish and chips.
Good traditional or Canadian-style Chinese food.
Rocket Bakery and Fresh Food
Coffee, baked goods, soups, sandwiches.
Vegetarian cuisine: sandwiches, tacos, curries, salads. Vast majority of menu items are vegan or can be made vegan; many gluten-free options too. Serves a special brunch menu Sa 11:30AM-3:30PM.
Traditional Irish pub and restaurant.
Indian restaurant in business since 1991. With dishes on the menu one would expect such as tandoori chicken.
Restaurant and cocktail bar. International cuisine.
An upscale restaurant serving seasonal local food.
A Japanese fusion restaurant with chic minimalist décor.
Cosy English style pub with excellent food and good beer.
Pub also serving food. There's something going on every night; live music, open mic events or trivia nights.
Small Irish pub with live music.
Brewpub and restaurant on five floors.
As one might guess from the name, this too is an Irish pub. Live music everyday and Newfoundland and international pub food.
Describes itself as the first bar on George Street. It specializes in craft beers, cocktails, premium spirits and specialty coffees.
Pub that also serves pub food such as fish and chips but also breakfast.
Described as less touristy than other places in St. John's and as such a good place to meet locals.
Irish pub and restaurant with live music.
Traditional pub with almost 30 beers on tap, homestyle food and live music.
Pub and concert/event venue.
Tour the brewery and sample specialty beers. The 30-min hike along the shore from Signal Hill is gorgeous.
HI-St. John's
Dorms and private rooms available. Free WiFi and internet terminals.
A Heritage Inn offering double Jacuzzi suites with fireplaces, and executive apartments. Leaside Manor's décor, location, and excellent staff make it a great place to relax and celebrate special occasions.
Renovated suburban hotel. Near shopping and industrial/business parks.
In a building from 1905, and every room is individually designed.
Large rooms, free Wi-Fi.
Hotel with 11 rooms. Has a restaurant and bar.
Rooms have the amenities one could expect from a mid-range hotel. There's a restaurant and fitness center and there's also a nice view of the harbour.
Mid-range hotel with breakfast included in the rates.
Six rooms in an old house that survived the Great Fire of 1892. Free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, tv. Breakfast included in the rates.
Bed and breakfast.
New Gower at Barter's Hill. Near George Street, Mile One Stadium and the St. John's Convention Centre. For Tim Hortons fans: There is a footbridge behind hotel reception leading to a small Tim Hortons outlet open on weekdays only.
A 5-star Bed and Breakfast in a Heritage home in downtown St. John's. Marble en suite baths feature heated floors and therapeutic tubs for two. Suites have en suite baths featuring personal steam/shower rooms and century-old tubs carved from granite. A collection of local, national, and international artworks, sculpture and artefacts are exhibited throughout the mansion, and a cosy library offers a selection of books & games.
Offers 301 rooms with free wired and wireless internet use. Newly renovated lobby and lounge. Many rooms feature views of the harbour and downtown.
10 Victoria street is a luxury short term vacation rental located downtown St. John’s. Sleeps 8 people, 4 beds, 3 bathrooms. Ocean view, Harbour view, steps from fine dining, shopping, historic sites and attractions. High end bedding, soaps and experience.It also happens to have the best hot tub view on the island overlooking the inner harbour and across to Cabot Tower on Signal Hill.
The largest shopping centre in Newfoundland, has 140 stores (including Winners/HomeSense, Sport Chek, H&M, Old Navy, a 12-screen Cineplex movie theatre (Scotiabank Theatre), and The Rec Room) and is on Kenmount Road.
The Village Shopping Centre is in the West End on Topsail Road. There are around 50 businesses here including a couple of places to eat and drink, a gym and a pool hall.
Sells groceries. Eight locations around and near St. John's.
Sells groceries. This chain is known as "Loblaws" elsewhere in Canada.
Tailor-made business and casual men's clothing.
Locally made clothing and accessories by Canadian designers.
The Travel Bug sells travel accessories, the adjacent store The Bee's Knees operated by the same owners sells locally made items from kitchen utensils to shampoo, described as sustainable and low-waste.
Newfoundland's only hemp product specialty store.
Local souvenirs and literature. Another location at the Avalon Mall.
Heritage Shops
Local souvenirs and literature. All proceeds from the Heritage Shops support the Historic Sites of Newfoundland and Labrador.
By car
St John's is the easternmost point on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), the main road across Newfoundland. If you splash loudly into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you've gone past the city.
By boat
The island portion of the province is accessible by several ferries leaving North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
By bus
By car
St. John's is a driver-dominated city, although the road layout is haphazard and a map or GPS is de rigueur for visitors. Except for the Downtown centre, parking is almost always abundant.
By foot
The Downtown core can be easily explored by foot if you have full mobility.
By bicycle
There are a handful of steep hills in St. John's, although they can often be avoided by taking more gradually sloped routes.
By taxi
Many of the cab drivers are quite knowledgeable and eager to help visitors find out about local attractions.
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St. John's · International · YYT
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