Categories > Guides and Tips
8 Things to Do in St. John’s, Newfoundland Locals Will Immediately Recommend
- Admire the city from the Signal Hill National Historic Site
- Be immersed in St. John’s Lore at The Rooms
- Bask in cosy harbour vibes at the Quidi Vidi Village
- Enjoy cold pints at Quidi Vidi Brewery
- Be in awe of majestic giants with Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch
- Drink the night away at George Street
- Take photos with the colourful houses along Jelly Bean Row
- Stand at the edge of North America at Cape Spear
If you ever want to experience a serene and picturesque life, even for just a couple of days, I present to you St. John’s in Newfoundland. If you’re familiar with those classic films where the protagonist goes to a remote city to find their purpose in life, THIS is that city.
You can expect to find interesting things to do in St. John’s, as it’s the capital of Newfoundland, boasting a bustling town and a diverse range of natural landscapes. From camping to simply going on roadtrips, there’s much to do here that you may not know, which is where we come in!
We’ve spent a couple of holidays in this city, and some friends have also shared their adventures here, which makes me your unofficial guide. Continue reading to learn all the fun and interesting activities you can try in St. John’s, Newfoundland!
Admire the city from the Signal Hill National Historic Site
Media credit: travelingmitch
Address: 230 Signal Hill Rd.
Contact details: +1 709-772-5367
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Monday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- Adult: CAD9
- Senior: CAD7.50
- Youth: Free
- Commercial group (Per person): CAD7.65
If you’re searching for the best vantage point for breathtaking views of St. John’s, look no further than the Signal Hill National Historic Site! Reaching it requires a bit of a hike, but it’s all worth it once you’re met with unobstructed views of the city, its surrounding mountains, and the sea.
Aside from offering majestic views, Signal Hill also boasts a rich history, being a former site of military battles. You’ll even find remnants of this bygone time, like the cannons and the iconic Cabot Tower, which was built back in 1898.
It’s also the very place where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received back in 1901. This makes it an even more historic location for the development of communication as we know it today!
Pro tip:
If you want to get the best views of St. John’s from the Signal Hill National Historic Site, we recommend taking the Ladies Lookout Trail. It’s the highest point in the attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Be immersed in St. John’s Lore at The Rooms
Media credit: therooms_nl
Address: 9 Bonaventure Ave.
Contact details: +1 709-757-8090
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
- Adult: CAD12
- Senior: CAD7.80
- Children (5 years and under): Free
- Youth (6 to 17 years): CAD6
The Rooms isn’t just an art gallery—it’s an impressive feat of architecture, with its sleek and modern design. It also serves as a great observation deck, as it’s located on a hill that overlooks the quaint city of St. John’s.
Exploring this building is a treat, as it features over 10,000 square feet of gallery space, featuring multiple exhibits. They also have a permanent gallery, featuring over 7,000 pieces, ranging from paintings to sculptures, drawings, and more!.
You can also immerse yourselves in St. John’s lore through the rotating exhibits. For instance, they currently feature an exhibit titled “From This Place: Our Lives on Land and Sea”, where you can learn about the province’s indigenous people through artifacts and photos.
Pro tip:
Once you get tired, check out The Rooms Cafe on the museum’s 4th level. It features an expansive menu that offers dishes from Newfoundland’s heritage, plus it offers awe-inspiring views of the city and the harbour!
Bask in cosy harbour vibes at the Quidi Vidi Village
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Address: Quidi Vidi, St. John’s
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Website
If you want to relive the era before smartphones took over the world, then Quidi Vidi Village should be on your itinerary! It’s a humble fishing village surrounded by mountains that has been in existence since the early 1600s.
With that said, the village still retains its old-world charm in the form of its colourful wooden houses. One cottage has even been turned into a restaurant called the Mallard Cottage, which features a beautiful rustic interior and exterior.
The village surrounds a narrow fishing harbour called “The Gut”, and it’s known for being home to various species of fish and lobsters. This is also why you’ll find various colourful boats bobbing in the waters, as it’s still a prime location for great catches.
Pro tip:
Stroll along the Quidi Vidi Lake to get a chance to see a waddling of ducks! Furthermore, make sure to bring a loaf of bread with you to feed these cute animals during your 4-kilometre walk.
Enjoy cold pints at Quidi Vidi Brewery
Media credit: quidividibrewery
Address: 35 Barrows Rd.
Contact details: +1 709-738-4040
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
You can spot Quidi Vidi Brewery from a mile away thanks to its striking green exterior, and entering it will be the best decision you can make! It’s one of the liveliest areas in the humble village, offering good vibes, amazing food, and beer on tap.
All their dishes are worth trying, but if you ask us, there’s no beating their smash burgers because of their perfect beefiness and gooey cheese. However, if you want to sample some fresh catches of the day, we recommend getting their fish and chips, made from fresh cod!
However, the biggest highlight here is undoubtedly their selection of beer on tap, which ranges from lagers to IPAs—and more. Our favourite has to be their Iceberg beer because of its refreshing and overall light nature—plus, it’s great for pairing with their bar chow!
Pro tip:
Follow their official Instagram to stay up-to-date on new flavour drops! Moreover, this is where they’ll post upcoming events, among which are the highly anticipated disco nights.
Be in awe of majestic giants with Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch
Media credit: gatherallsboattour
Address: 90 Northside Rd.
Contact details: +1 709-334-2887
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- Adult: CAD90
- Senior: CAD82
- Student: CAD67
- Youth: CAD50
- Child: CAD45
Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying at St. John’s, whale watching is an activity you shouldn’t miss out on. Various operators offer these tours, but we recommend Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch because of its convenience and value-for-money.
During this tour, you’ll get to set out on the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in a comfortable boat to witness cute Atlantic puffins and majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. The experience is also enhanced, thanks to the expert guides who provide trivia throughout the trip.
The main highlight of this trip is when the humpback whale jumps through the surface in all its glory, leaving a massive splash that’s sure to leave you soaking. If you’re lucky, you can also spot some orca whales on your tour!
Pro tip:
You can also opt for their shuttle service if you haven’t rented a car in St. John’s. It costs CAD35 for adults and CAD28 for youth, and it includes both pickup and return from and to your accommodation.
Drink the night away at George Street
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Address: George St., St John’s
Cost: $-$$
Website
Before snuggling up in your hotel, we highly recommend capping the day off at George Street, which comes alive just as the sun sets. This iconic street is lined with pubs, bars, and restaurants that offer good food and equally fantastic drinks.
One of our favourites from this street is O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub, thanks to their extensive beer on tap and fantastic food—pro tip: order their poutine! Furthermore, it’s one of the liveliest bars on the street, as talented local acts take the stage seven nights a week.
Speaking of acts, they’re best watched during the George Street Festival, where you’ll find them performing inside cozy bars or on the street! Whether you’re into EDM, rock, country or even Irish music, your ears will be treated to incredible live songs during this festival.
Pro tip:
Hit the streets if your drinking sessions left you hungry, but don’t want to spend your money on overpriced food! George Street is lined with street vendors that offer snacks like hot dogs and poutine!
Take photos with the colourful houses along Jelly Bean Row
Media credit: abovetherocknl
Address: Victoria St.
Cost: Free
While you’re exploring St John’s Downtown, make sure to stop by Jelly Bean Row—I mean, it’s hard to miss it. You’ll immediately realize why it’s named this way once you see the rows of colourful houses, kind of like the Painted Ladies in San Francisco!
If you’re walking here, be sure to wear your comfy sneakers because of the street’s uphill nature. You can include this on your morning itinerary during your city jog, allowing you to hit your steps while taking cute photos at the same time.
Don’t worry if you get tired because The Ship Pub is just minutes away from these houses. They’ll welcome you with open arms and serve you some fantastic energy-refilling grub, like their famous deep-fried cod burger.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving to this attraction and the streetside parking is already full, you can head to the 17-23 Prescott St Parking Lot located just on the other side of the block.
Stand at the edge of North America at Cape Spear
Media credit: newfoundlandlabrador
Address: Blackhead Road, Cape Spear
Contact details: +1 709-772-2191
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost:
- Adult: CAD9
- Senior: CAD7.50
- Youth: Free
- Commercial group (Per person): CAD7.65
St. John’s is also home to the easternmost point in North America, Cape Spear. Here, you’ll see the edge of the continent, as the land seemingly runs out right by the lighthouse, creating a beautiful and atmospheric scene.
Cape Spear is considered a National Historic Site, and it has been open since 1983, when the Prince and Princess of Wales visited it. The magnificent lighthouse still stands today and serves as the oldest operational lighthouse in Newfoundland.
To this day, people from around the world visit this place to admire whales, seabirds, and even icebergs. Of course, a visit to this place wouldn’t be complete without taking photos near the edge of the land or by the lighthouse.
Pro tip:
Wear or at least bring a windbreaker when visiting Cape Spear Lighthouse, even during summertime, as it can get extremely windy. While you’re at it, bring a hat as well, as the Atlantic fog can creep up on you in a snap!
