A complete travel guide for St John’s of Newfoundland

Last updated on June 15th, 2026 at 03:39 am

St. John’s steals a place in your heart pretty quickly. One minute you’re walking colourful streets lined with row houses and historic buildings, and the next you’re standing on rugged cliffs watching waves crash against the Atlantic Ocean! It is North America’s oldest city and mixes history, coastal scenery, local culture, and a laid-back atmosphere into a fantastic blend. It makes it a favourite stop for travellers exploring Newfoundland.

I’m always focused on the ‘wild side’ of a place, but it won’t be hard to find whatever you like – music, great food, history, and plenty more is on offer in this loveable little city! This guide will tell you about the best things to do in St. John’s, where to stay, answer your questions, and give you local travel tips to help you make the most of your trip!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains.

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are my top picks for you:

• St John’s Cape Spear and Petty Harbor tour or St. John’s and Cape Spear Tour, small group 
• St. John’s Walking Tour
• Puffins and whales or icebergs on an amazing boat tour
• St. John’s Coastal Hike
• St. John’s 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour
• St. John’s Scenic Bus Tour to Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!

The best things to do in St John’s – the things not to miss!

There is plenty to do – I just hope the weather is fine for you! So lets get going with all the best things to do……

1. Walk the North Head Trail and try rhubarb lemonade at the Battery Cafe

A perfect place to sit and relax or pick up something to take-away, the Battery Cafe at 1 Duckworth St is right at the beginning of the North Head Trail. Try the rhubarb lemonade – its simply delicious!

Follow Battery Rd to Outer Battery Road and the start of the North Head Trail. The trail gives you views over St Johns Harbour, the heads, the coastline and takes you up to Signal Hill. The views are worth the effort and you get to really see the layout of the city and land. It was one of my favorite walks of all on the island. Follow the path to the Cabot Tower.

An option is to go with a local on a St. John’s Coastal Hike – you will get more than just the hike as well as a lot of local info so it is definitely worth doing

2. Visit the Cabot Tower on Signal Hill

The iconic Cabot Tower sits at the top of Signal Hill (a National Historic Site) guarding the city. Apart from the military role of this site, it is also where, on 12 Dec 1901, Marconi received a Morse code signal from his transmitter in England – the first trans-Atlantic transmission ever. There are stunning views in all directions. You can hike here on the North Head Trail or simply come by road.

This is a key stop on many St John’s tours – these are highly rated:

• St. John’s and Cape Spear Tour, small group 
• Historic St. John’s Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour
• Cape Spear, Signal Hill in St. Johns Newfoundland – (Shore excursion if you are on a cruise ship)

3. Swim in Georges Pond – one of the hundreds of great swim spots in Newfoundland!

Georges Pond is a perfect swimming pond and a great place to cool off if you’ve been walking. I had a lovely afternoon here after walking that section of the East Coast trail and got to chat to lots of locals also swimming! Even if you’re not that hot – how many people do you know have swum in a lake in Newfoundland? I just hope the weather is good!

Just past Georges Pond (which is opposite the Signal Hill Visitor Center), on the left hand side of the road is another pond. I wouldn’t swim here – its called Deadmans Pond for a reason – they used to hang people here. But you can take a short walk on the trail around the pond.

4. Get to know St John’s city and Jellybean Row

Take some time to wander around St Johns Harbour and two of the oldest streets in North America – Duckworth Street and Water Street.

You will also want to see the very colorful Jellybean Row. Its not just one street – Jellybean Row covers the entire downtown hillside, beginning at Duckworth Street and running to the top of the hill and beyond. Not only are the houses brightly colored, but the chairs outside and the letterboxes too. How could you not smile?

St John’s is also known for a good night out. Locals are friendly and the atmosphere is ‘fun.’ Head into town in the evening and enjoy a great meal and some excellent local music.

If you want local insights as you explore, try one of these:

St. John’s Walking Tour

St. John’s: Guided Walking Tour of the City

St. John’s Audio Walking Tour

And if you enjoy a beer, Newfoundland Beer Tour in St. John’s

Learn about the past with lots of stories, quirky facts and crazy characters – like why Newfoundland and Labrador switched to driving on the right side of the road. (I know but I’m not going to say.)

5. Get Screeched in!

On the subject of evenings and the nightlife – you can join in on a local tradition and get “screeched in.”

This is a ritual for people from outside of New Foundland (come-from-awayers), and once completed you are considered a New Foundlander. It involves stories about the history of the island, and of the screech rum that you have to drink as an important part of the ritual – before you kiss the codfish!

Note you tend to have to book for this so plan ahead if you want to do it! Try the very popular half hour ritual at Christian’s Pub.

6. Try local foods – including a traditional Touton

Have a midmorning snack / lunch / brunch by eating a traditional Newfoundland food – the Touton! It is made from risen bread dough pulled flat like a pancake, and fried, and was usually served for breakfast. You’ve got to try one!

Other local foods that are good to try (or not) are:

• Fish and chips (of course)
• Fish cakes
• Cod tongues (That’s the “or not” one!)
• Seafood chowder
• Jiggs dinner
• Moose dishes
• Partridgeberry desserts

I highly recommend this St. John’s 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour.

For some meal suggestions, these places are all known for their great food:

The Ship Pub – for traditional local pub food

Adelaide Oyster House – for seafood

The Duke of Duckworth – for award-winning meals

Terre Restaurant & Café – its renown – fullstop.

Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi – for incredible local fare

7. Visit The Rooms and the Basilica

At the ‘top of the hill’ you will find the huge building dominating the skyline known as “The Rooms,” and, The Basilica Cathedral. You are now in the Ecclesiastical District National Historic Site with its many interesting churches for different religions within a small area – Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist/United and Presbyterian. Walk around and take a look.

The Rooms is full of exhibits and stories that tell you about this province, its natural world, and its people. It also has a magnificent view over Jellybean Row and the rest of St John’s Harbour area. Some people come just for the view!

8. See where the Trans-Canada Highway begins

The Trans-Canada Highway starts right here in St. John’s Newfoundland! If that gives you the ‘must-see feeling, then visit the City Hall and check out the Mile Zero marker!

9. Visit quaint Quidi Vidi and a head to the hills for a view of the city

Quidi Vidi is a quaint little fishing village that is now a main tourist attraction in itself. If you are only visiting St John’s it is definitely worth visiting. You can walk from the city or take a taxi or a tour.

Wander the little town and look at the artisan products in the Village Studios. Then walk up the lovely Sugarloaf Path to a viewpoint high above. You get dramatic coastal views and views over Quidi Vidi and St Johns. I promise – it is definitely worth the effort. Not only that – you can now say you have walked part of the popular hiking East Coast Trail!

Even better, when you get back you can check out the Quidi Vidi Brewery, and cool down with their famous Iceberg beer – made with pure water from real icebergs! Great bragging rights!

Many St John’s tours will take you to Quidi Vidi including this St. John’s Scenic Bus Tour to Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi

10. Enjoy Cape Spear – the most eastern point of North America

Cape Spear is the most eastern point of North America – and a popular spot for people to come see the sunrise. Take in the views and the lighthouse, then head on to Petty Harbour – a perfect little fishing village. Have lunch at a favorite spot – Chafe’s Landing, home of some of the best fish and chips around.

Have you heard of Come from Away – the movie. Its about when a bunch of planes emergency landed in Gander Newfoundland when 9/11 was happening. The kindly locals hosted all the passengers.
Well,…… you can go on a tour of this area with one of the stars of the show on this extremely highly rated St John’s Cape Spear and Petty Harbor tour!

11. Enjoy the thrill of puffin and whale watching or even Iceberg cruising!

Head down to Bay Bulls – about 30-40 minutes from St John’s and take an amazing whale watch and puffin boat tour. The reviews are raving – and so am I!

Great alternatives are this St. John’s Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours or this 2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

Note that puffins, whales and icebergs are all seasonal – puffins and whales in summer and icebergs in early spring. So whales and icebergs do not usually coincide, the whales arrive around about when the icebergs leave – usually you see one or the other! And of course, you will never be guaranteed whales as they are wildlife!

12. Cruise the Irish Loop!

You hear the locals talking and wonder if they are straight out of Ireland! Well the Irish Loop just adds to that feeling. It is a wonderful drive around the Avalon Peninsula where you will see plenty of beautiful coastal scenery, charming fishing villages, and wonderful wildlife!

The loop is 312-kilometer (194-mile) and takes 4-6 hours of straight driving. But of course, there is a lot to see and do on the loop so it will take longer than that!

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry – you can join this Irish Loop to Ferryland Tour. And if you have a car, this Irish Loop Smartphone Audio Driving Tour is a great companion!

A 3-5 day Itinerary for St John’s

Day 1:
Morning: Tour of St john’s town and Jellybean Row
Afternoon: North Head walk and Signal Hill
Evening: Get screeched in

Day 2:
Morning: Cape Spear and Petty Harbour
Afternoon: Quidi Vidi

Day 3:
Whale or iceberg and puffin watching tour

Day 4:
Morning: Food tour or The Rooms and the Basilica
Afternoon: Head off on the Irish Loop

Day 5:
The Irish loop

Frequently asked questions about travel to St John’s

Q: Is St. John’s Newfoundland worth visiting?
A: Yes. For me and many other travellers, St. John’s became one of the highlights of Eastern Canada. It has colourful historic streets, stunning coastal scenery, whale watching, great hiking trails, some interesting local food, and a distinctive Newfoundland culture and distinctive Irish accent. All that makes it feel very different from other Canadian cities.

Q: How many days do you need in St. John’s?
A: 2–3 days for the city highlights, 4–5 days if you are adding whale tours, hiking, and nearby day trips.

Q: When is the best time to visit St. John’s?
A: Summer (June–September), but May – June for icebergs!

Q: What are the best things to do in St. John’s Newfoundland?
A: See above!

Q: Can you see icebergs from St. John’s?
A: It is not the best place but sometimes they do come this way. Twilingate is the famous place for icebergs.

Q: Can you see whales in St. John’s?
A: Yes – this is a great place to see them – peak season is June to August. Humpbacks are the biggest attraction, but there are other species too. Boat tours operate from nearby St Johns – including Witless Bay and Bay Bulls.

Q: Is St. John’s walkable?
A: Very walkable, but it is hilly – bring good walking shoes!

Q: Do you need a car in St. John’s?
A: If you are staying in the heart of St John’s downtown and are happy to walk a little (recommended to see all the little quirks), then you don’t need a car – except for visiting Cape Spear or going whale watching from Bulls Bay. If you want to go to Cape Spear and beyond, go on a tour (details above), or just get a car for one day – they are pricey here!

Q: Is St. John’s expensive?
A: Moderately, yes – similar to other Canadian cities.

Q: What should I pack for St John’s ?
A: Layers!! Include a waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, windproof clothing, a water bottle, and a daypack in your luggage.

Travel tips for St John’s, Newfoundland

• Warning: Do not muddle St John’s with St John in New Brunswick! And whatever you do, don’t do what my friend did and book a flight to St John (YSJ) in when she was trying to fly to St John’s (YYT) in Newfoundland. She only realised when the air steward on the plane said “…..to St John in New Brunswick.” She was lucky – they let her off the plane!
• Book rental cars well ahead of your trip – they are not cheap and can be hard to get – especially last minute.
• Book your accommodation well ahead too – 4-6 months ahead or even more for the summer. See where to stay below.
• And book key tours ahead if visiting in summer too – e.g. whale watching tours. They do book out in summer.
• Be prepared for all kinds of weather in a day even in summer – and pack accordingly. Bring plenty of layers.
• Bring good walking shoes – even for in town. St John’s is quite hilly, and you are also most likely going to visit places like Spear Head and Signal Hill where the ground is uneven etc.
• Leave time in your itinerary for unexpected stops, scenic detours, bad weather, and conversations with locals. These things all end up adding extra time to your itinerary. And note that not only are the locals very friendly, but its great to take the time to chat to them.

Where to stay in St John’s

Book a hotel with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld.
Try and stay close to the city center so that you can walk to most things – unless you have a car!
As always there are a lot of choices but these hand-picked recommendations are a good place to start. They all have at least a 9/10 rating on reviews (unless noted) at the time of writing!

High End – try the Ryan Mansion or the Dvele Inn

Mid range – Blue on Water, or Gower Manor Historic Bed & Breakfast

Budget – options are limited – but try the City Hostel, or the Capital Hotel

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