St. John’s, Newfoundland, is one of the most interesting Canadian cities we’ve explored. Canada’s oldest city is known for its lively Maritime culture, colourful row houses and dramatic coastal scenery, and it’s a great landing point for your Newfoundland adventure.
We recently travelled to St. John’s, and it exceeded our already high expectations. We were there for a few days and packed as much as we could into that visit. Here is our list of the best things to do in St. John’s, Newfoundland, blending history, culture, nature and city sights.
St. John’s is in the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq and is also the ancestral home of the Beothuk, who were the island’s original inhabitants. The island is called Ktaqmkuk in the Mi’kmaw language, which means ‘land across the water.’
Learn more about the Indigenous history in Newfoundland.
Learn about Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw History.
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10 Things to Do in St. John’s, Newfoundland
1. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
You’ve come this far, why not stand on the easternmost point in Canada—in North America?! Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site offers breathtaking scenery and photo ops along cliffside trails and by the historic lighthouse.
The lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century life as a lighthouse keeper and their family. You can also visit historic Fort Cape Spear and walk through the underground tunnels of this World War II coastal defence battery. Parks Canada offers guided tours and interactive programming for all ages.
Cape Spear is also an advantageous lookout point for viewing icebergs in late spring and early summer, migrating whales and a range of hunting seabirds. Refuel with a snack or lunch at the easternmost café in North America, Cape Spear Café, which operates from late May through early October.
Traveller's Tip: Wake up early and visit Cape Spear at sunrise. You’ll be the first person on the continent to watch the sunrise!
2. Signal Hill National Historic Site
Signal Hill National Historic Site marks the site of Marconi’s first transatlantic wireless signal, hence the name. It is one of St. John’s most popular landmarks, with the unique Cabot Tower standing tall on the hill. Visitors can climb the tower, learn about Marconi’s accomplishments and the area’s military significance.
Our favourite thing about Signal Hill was the sweeping views of the harbour, St. John’s cityscape and the open Atlantic Ocean.
After taking a look around the tower, check out one of the stunning coastal hiking trails that start here. The North Head Trail follows the edge of the headland and a “hanging valley,” which was carved during the last ice age. We’ll have more information on hiking near Signal Hill later in the guide.
3. Jelly Bean Row
Growing up in Canada, I always thought of colourful row homes when I thought of St. John’s, even though I had never been there before. Seeing these iconic houses throughout central St. John’s did not disappoint. The houses look like lined-up, brightly coloured jelly beans and are painted in every vibrant colour you can think of, sometimes with a colourfully contrasting front door.
The best streets to wander for photos are Petty Harbour Road, Duckworth Street, Gower Street and King’s Street. However, colourful houses line most residential streets downtown. Go for a wander through the neighbourhoods and check out the side streets for quieter photo ops. Remember, these are people’s homes, so please show respect when visiting the neighbourhoods.
4. Quidi Vidi Village
Quidi Vidi is an itty-bitty, historic fishing village located just outside of downtown St. John’s. This small but quaint neighbourhood is home to art studios, a scenic harbour, and the Wharf, a modern outdoor space that hosts food trucks, artists, and a beer garden by the water.
The main attraction for many is the Quidi Vidi Brewery, which offers an impressive list of craft beers and outdoor seating with views of the harbour and village.
It also connects to a few hiking trails and has a pretty creek and waterfall on the way into the village. Nearby Quidi Vidi Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking the Quidi Vidi Lake Trail, which loops around the lake.
Traveller's Tip: If you’re a craft beer lover, a visit to the Quidi Vidi Brewery is a must! Located in the old fish processing plant, this beloved brewery has some of the best craft beers in the province. My favourite was the Squeezebox NEIPA.
5. The Rooms
The Rooms is Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest public cultural space, and it’s located in the heart of St. John’s. It’s a museum, art gallery, and archives that offer ongoing and rotating exhibits on the province’s history, Indigenous culture, and local artists. If you want to learn more about Newfoundland and the stories of its people, a visit to The Rooms is a must.
There are also events, programs, and exhibits available for people of all ages, making The Rooms a fun and educational activity for the whole family. It’s a fantastic option for people travelling with kids on a rainy day.
Traveller's Tip: Don’t skip The Rooms Café, which offers some of the best views of the harbour in St. John’s. They have a delicious food and drink menu, dishing up traditional Newfoundland fare with an eclectic twist.
6. Local Hikes
St. John’s is nestled in a harbour and surrounded by headlands and exceptional coastal scenery. If you need an afternoon to stretch your legs, check out one of these epic local hikes:
Sugarloaf Path, 8.8 KM – 3.5 hours, Difficult: Part of the East Coast Trail, the Sugarloaf Path connects Quidi Vidi to Logy Bay. The path is shared with bikers and features forests, rivers, coastline and 360-degree views of St. John’s and Quidi Vidi.
Cape Spear Path, 9.5 km – 3 hours, Moderate: If you want to walk on the edge, check out the Cape Spear Path during your visit to the lighthouse. It follows the dramatic coastline high atop the grassy cliffs.
North Head Trail, 1.7 km – 1 hour, Difficult: The North Head Trail is a short but challenging coastal trail that has been used since the 1500s and is one of the most popular on Signal Hill.
Signal Hill Trails, easy to moderate: There are several easy-to-moderate trails accessible from Signal Hill, including the Burma Road Trail (easy, 50 min) and the Ladies’ Lookout Trail (moderate, 30 min).
Bowring Park Trails, varied: If you’re looking for a hike that is more sheltered from the elements, you’ll find easy, sheltered, forested and creek-side hikes in Bowring Park.
7. Whale Watching
Whale watching season in Newfoundland runs from May to September, peaking mid-June to mid-August, with many tours leaving from the St. John’s harbour and nearby bays down the coast. Getting out on the water is the best way to experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and Newfoundland’s breathtaking coastline.
On your tour, you might see migrating humpback whales, minke whales and sometimes orca whales. Depending on the tour you take, you could see puffins, seabird colonies and other marine life. If you come in late spring, you might catch a glimpse of enormous icebergs floating by.
Read more about whale watching in Newfoundland.
8. Harbourside Park
You can learn a lot about a coastal city by visiting its harbour, and a quick visit to Harbourside Park is worth the stop. This central, downtown park, located on the harbour, features interpretive signage that tells the history of St. John’s. It’s also adjacent to a National War Memorial, Newfoundland’s tribute to soldiers from World War I and World War II.
Harbourside Park is an excellent spot to kick up your heels after exploring the city on foot and indulge in a little people watching. The City of St. John’s has a lunchtime concert series in the summer, featuring free live music in Harbourside Park. You can wander north to a strip of boutique shops and cafes or walk towards the water to see it in action.
9. George Street
Known as the “biggest little street in North America,” George Street is the entertainment centre of St. John’s. The short strip is lined with bars and restaurants, many of them spilling out into lively patios. If you’re looking for the city’s nightlife, you’ll find live music, entertainment, and clubs. See what’s playing at George Street live.
Traveller’s Tip: George Street is best visited at night for adults, but can still be a charming walk during the day if you want to explore it with your family. You might have trouble finding a kid’s menu.
10. Downtown Pedestrian Mall (Summer)
New to St. John’s in the summer of 2025 is the City of St. John’s Pedestrian Mall. They shut down downtown’s Water Street from Prescott Street to Adelaide Street and created a bustling scene for restaurants, bars, market vendors and shops. You can also enjoy free entertainment, as there are a number of performances and events happening throughout the summer.
The Downtown Pedestrian Mall is family-friendly and a great way to take in downtown St. John’s. If you have kids, a trip down Water Street is a good alternative to George Street.
Bonus: 11. Castle Hill National Historic Site
Sidetrip: 1.5 hours from St. John’s
If you’re coming into St. John’s from the Argentia ferry terminal or want a little trip out of the city for a day, check out the Castle Hill National Historic Site. Located near the pretty town of Placentia, this historic site shows the remains of 17th-century forts from British and French battles. They have an interactive interpretive centre and maintained trails between several fort ruins.
The site is family-friendly and offers exceptional views of the coast and Placentia below. History buffs will especially appreciate the detailed interpretive signs around the forts and exhibits in the visitor centre.
Traveller’s Tip: The Castle Hill National Historic Site offers kid-friendly programs and activities, including the interactive Xplorers program.
Kids can have fun dressing up as a soldier and learning how to clean a cod at Castle Hill National Historic Site.
Plan your trip to St. John’s
Getting there
Flights: Major airlines operate international and domestic flights to the St. John’s International Airport (YYT). Book your flight to St. John’s.
Car & Ferry: If you’re coming to Newfoundland via car, you can take the Marine Atlantic ferry to either Port aux Basques (900 km) or Argentia (130 km). For more information, please read our guide: Everything you need to know about the Newfoundland Ferry.
When to visit
The best time to visit St. John’s, Newfoundland, is in the warmer season, May to October. During this time, you’ll enjoy milder weather (winters can be rough) and activities such as hiking, whale watching, and summer events.
If you want to see icebergs and whales at the same time, visit between May and early July. For the best weather, visit in July and August.
Where to stay
St. John’s is a small but vibrant capital city with all the services, amenities and accommodations you need for a comfortable stay. It offers a range of accommodation styles, including major hotels, motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds.
Popular downtown hotels include The Murray Premises Hotel, Jag Hotel, Alt Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott St. John’s.
For something cozier, consider the highly-rated Georgetown Inn B&B or a guest house rental for larger groups and families.
We were on a camping road trip, so we stayed at the Pippy Park Campground and Trailer Park. For a city campground, Pippy Park was large, private, and peaceful, offering all the services you could hope for in a campground and RV park.
Find accommodations in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Weather
“Don’t like the weather? Wait a minute!” – NL Locals
Newfoundland has a temperate marine climate. Summers are generally cooler compared to other parts of Canada, with an average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius in July and August. Spring and fall temperatures range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures hover around zero, accompanied by heavy snow and strong winds.
Expect part of your visit to be under cloudy skies, with periods of showers and rain. It also gets windy, especially near the coast. Be sure to pack your rain gear!
Read more about St. John’s weather. https://www.stjohns.ca/en/recreation-culture/st-john-s-climate.aspx
Plan your Newfoundland Adventure
St. John’s offers a mix of culture, city life and natural beauty that makes for a varied and memorable trip. Whether you’re visiting for the day, a week or using St. John’s as a starting (or ending) point for a Newfoundland adventure, use this helpful guide to plan your trip.
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