St. John's Travel Guide

In this travel guide, we will take you on a tour of St. John's, highlighting all of the essential places to visit, things to do, local culture, and customs, food and drink options, safety tips, and transportation options.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Introduction to St. John’s

St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador and the easternmost city in Canada. It is located on the eastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula, facing the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a rich history, and it was first settled by Europeans in the 16th century.

St. John’s is known for its colorful buildings, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. It is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in St. John’s

Here is a list of the top places to visit in St. John’s:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

St. John’s has a rich history, and there are several museums and historical places in the city that offer a glimpse into the past. Some of these attractions include:

  • The Rooms: The Rooms is Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest public cultural space. It houses a museum, art gallery, and archives, showcasing the history and culture of the region.
  • Signal Hill National Historic Site: This historic site is the location of the first transatlantic wireless communication, and it also played a significant role in the Seven Years’ War and World War II.
  • Cape Spear: Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America and is home to a lighthouse, World War II fortifications, and hiking trails.

Natural Attractions of St. John’s: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

St. John’s is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several outdoor activities and scenic spots to explore. Some of these attractions include:

  • East Coast Trail: The East Coast Trail is a 336 km trail system that starts in St. John’s and extends along the eastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula. It offers stunning views of the coast, sea cliffs, and ocean wildlife.
  • Middle Cove Beach: Middle Cove Beach is a picturesque pebble beach located just 15 minutes from St. John’s. It is a popular spot for swimming, picnics, and hiking.
  • Whale Watching: St. John’s is a prime location for whale watching, and there are many tour operators offering guided tours to see these magnificent creatures up close.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. John’s

St. John’s is a hiker’s paradise, with many scenic trails to explore. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the city:

  • Signal Hill Trail: This trail is a 3.7 km loop that offers stunning views of the city and the ocean. It is an easy hike, suitable for families with children.
  • North Head Trail: The North Head Trail is a 2.5 km trail that leads visitors to the historic Cabot Tower. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • T’Railway Trail: The T’Railway Trail is a 883 km trail that winds through the Newfoundland and Labrador countryside. It is suitable for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling.

Best Things to Do in St. John’s: Activities and Tours

St. John’s offers a wide variety of activities and tours for travelers to experience. Here are some of the best things to do in St. John’s:

  • Boat Tour of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve: Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a protected area that is home to thousands of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins. Many boat tour operators offer guided tours of the reserve.
  • Explore the City: St. John’s is a vibrant city with a lively downtown area. Visitors can explore the colorful buildings and unique shops in the historic area of the city known as “Jellybean Row”.
  • Explore the Nightlife: St. John’s has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, pubs, and live music venues. Visitors can experience the local culture and enjoy some of the city’s best food and drink options.

Week-Long Itinerary for St. John’s

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to St. John’s:

Day Activity
1 Explore “Jellybean Row” and the historic downtown area of St. John’s
2 Take a boat tour of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
3 Hike the Signal Hill Trail and explore the Signal Hill National Historic Site
4 Visit The Rooms Museum and Art Gallery
5 Explore the nightlife in St. John’s
6 Take a day trip to Bay Bulls and go whale watching
7 Relax and enjoy the views at Middle Cove Beach

Food and Drink Scene of St. John’s

St. John’s has a vibrant food and drink scene, with many local specialties to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its fresh, delicious seafood. Fish and chips is a local specialty that can be found at many restaurants in St. John’s.
  • Jiggs Dinner: Jiggs Dinner is a traditional Newfoundland and Labrador dish that includes boiled salt beef, carrots, turnip, cabbage, and potatoes. It is a hearty, filling meal that is perfect for a cold day.
  • Bakeapple Cheesecake: Bakeapple is a local berry that grows in Newfoundland and Labrador. Bakeapple cheesecake is a delicious dessert that is a must-try when visiting St. John’s.

Local Beverages

  • Screech Rum: Screech Rum is a strong liquor that is a Newfoundland and Labrador tradition. It is often used in the local tradition of “screeching in” visitors to the province.
  • Iceberg Beer: Iceberg Beer is a local beer that is made with water from icebergs that have floated down from Greenland. It is a unique and refreshing beverage that is perfect for a warm day.

Where to Stay in St. John’s: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St. John’s offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Jag Boutique Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown St. John’s and offers luxurious accommodations and amenities.
  • HI-St. John’s: HI-St. John’s is a hostel located in a historic building that offers affordable accommodations for travelers on a budget.
  • Abba Inn Bed and Breakfast: This cozy bed and breakfast is located in the historic downtown area of St. John’s and offers personalized service and comfortable accommodations.

What to Buy in St. John’s: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

St. John’s offers many unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home as a memento of your trip. Here are some recommendations:

  • Qiviut Products: Qiviut is a natural fiber that is harvested from the undercoat of the muskox. It is soft, lightweight, and warm, making it the perfect material for garments like scarves and hats.
  • Local Art and Crafts: St. John’s has a thriving arts scene, and many local artists create beautiful paintings, pottery, and other handmade items that make excellent souvenirs.
  • Local Food Products: Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its delicious seafood and other local specialties like bakeapple jam and partridgeberry jam. These items make great gifts for foodies.

Local Culture and Customs of St. John’s

Newfoundland and Labrador has a distinct culture and customs that are unique to the region. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting St. John’s:

  • Newfoundland English: Newfoundland English is a unique dialect of English that includes many unusual words and phrases. Visitors may need to ask locals to repeat themselves, as the accent can be difficult to understand at first.
  • Screeching In: “Screeching in” is a local tradition that involves visitors taking a shot of Screech Rum and kissing a codfish. It is a fun way to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
  • Friendly Locals: Newfoundlanders are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Visitors should take the time to chat with locals and learn more about the local culture and way of life.

Best Time to Visit St. John’s

The best time to visit St. John’s is between May and October when the weather is mild, and most attractions and tours are open. However, tourists can visit St. John’s year-round with plenty of indoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. John’s

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when visiting St. John’s:

Do:

  • Do try local specialties: Newfoundland and Labrador has a unique cuisine that is well worth trying when visiting St. John’s.
  • Do explore the outdoors: St. John’s is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and visitors should take the time to explore the hiking trails, beaches, and whale watching tours.
  • Do engage with locals: Newfoundlanders are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and visitors should take the time to chat with locals and learn more about the local culture and way of life.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: St. John’s is a beautiful city and visitors should take care to not leave any trash behind when visiting outdoor areas or beaches.
  • Don’t ignore the weather: The weather in St. John’s can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for rain, wind, and fog.
  • Don’t be late: Newfoundlanders value punctuality, and visitors should make an effort to be on time for tours or other scheduled activities.

Safety and Health

St. John’s is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety and health when visiting the area.

Safety in St. John’s

  • Be aware of surroundings: Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their belongings when in crowded places or tourist areas.
  • Take precautions in the outdoors: Visitors should take precautions when hiking or exploring the outdoors, including wearing proper footwear and clothing, and carrying a map and compass.
  • Be mindful of the weather: The weather in St. John’s can be unpredictable, and visitors should take precautions in case of severe weather conditions.

Health in St. John’s

  • Watch out for ticks: Visitors hiking or exploring the wilderness areas should be aware of ticks and take precautions to avoid tick bites.
  • Stay hydrated: St. John’s can be humid, especially in the summertime, and visitors should stay hydrated and take precautions to avoid heatstroke.
  • Watch out for food allergies: Visitors with food allergies should be careful when trying local cuisine, as many dishes may include ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.

Getting to St. John’s: Transportation Options and Logistics

St. John’s is well connected to other parts of Canada and the world, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near St. John’s

  • St. John’s International Airport: St. John’s International Airport is located just a 10-15 minute drive from downtown St. John’s and offers flights to many major destinations in Canada and the United States.

Bus Stations Near St. John’s

  • Newfoundland Labrador Bus Service: The Newfoundland Labrador Bus Service operates a bus route between St. John’s and several other cities throughout the province.

Other Options

  • Ferry Service: St. John’s is a port city, and visitors can take a ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to the port of Argentia, Newfoundland, just a one-hour drive from St. John’s.
  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in St. John’s to explore the city and surrounding area on their own.

How to Get Around in St. John’s

St. John’s offers several transportation options for visitors to get around the city, including:

  • Metrobus: The Metrobus offers a public transportation service across the city, with many bus routes servicing popular tourist destinations.
  • Taxi or Uber: Visitors can take a taxi or Uber to get around the city quickly and easily.
  • Walking or Biking: St. John’s is a compact city, and many of the popular tourist destinations are within walking or biking distance of one another.

Where to Go Next from St. John’s: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St. John’s is located on the eastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula and is surrounded by several other towns and villages worth exploring. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Bay Bulls: Bay Bulls is a small fishing village located just 30 minutes from St. John’s. It is a popular destination for whale watching and exploring the rugged coastal landscape.
  • Terra Nova National Park: Terra Nova National Park is located on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and stunning coastal scenery.
  • Cape Bonavista: Cape Bonavista is located on the eastern coast of Newfoundland and offers scenic hiking trails and a lighthouse.

Conclusion

St. John’s is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and historical sites, hiking the many scenic trails, or trying the local cuisine and drinks, St. John’s has something to offer travelers of all types. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has provided you with the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this beautiful and unique part of Canada.

Cabot Tower on Signal Hill Cabot Tower on Signal Hill Houses in St. John's are typically painted in bright colours. Houses in St. John's are typically painted in bright colours. The province's House of Assembly meets in St. John's, at Confederation Building. The province's House of Assembly meets in St. John's, at Confederation Building. Cape Spear Cape Spear