St. John's Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
St. John's, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, beckons travelers with its vibrant culture, rugged natural beauty, and rich maritime history. Nestled on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula, St. John's is known for its colorful row houses, friendly locals, and as the gateway to the stunning landscapes of Newfoundland.
Signal Hill National Historic Site is a must-visit landmark in St. John's, offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. This historic site commemorates the reception of the first transatlantic wireless signal by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901 and is a symbol of St. John's long-standing connection to maritime communication and defense.
The city's downtown core is a delightful mix of old and new, where visitors can stroll along Water Street and Duckworth Street to explore unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving up traditional Newfoundland cuisine. Seafood is a staple here, with dishes like cod tongues, fish and brewis, and Jiggs' dinner offering a taste of the local fare.
For those interested in the arts, The Rooms is an essential stop. As the province's largest public cultural space, it combines the Provincial Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives to tell the story of Newfoundland and Labrador through art, artifacts, and historical documents.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in St. John's, with the East Coast Trail providing over 300 kilometers of coastal hiking that showcases the province's rugged cliffs, deep fjords, and abundant wildlife. Whale watching and iceberg viewing are popular activities, particularly along the nearby Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
Cape Spear Lighthouse, located just a short drive from St. John's, is another highlight. As the most easterly point in North America, it's the first place to see the sunrise on the continent and is home to a historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships since 1836.
St. John's is also renowned for its lively music scene, with the annual George Street Festival drawing in crowds for a week of concerts and celebrations. The city's pubs and bars often feature live local music, offering visitors a chance to experience the spirited Newfoundland culture.
St. John's Attractions - What to See and Explore
St. John's offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Suncor Energy Fluvarium, Cabot Tower. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in St. John's by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in St. John's.
Culture
Johnson Geo Centre
St. John'sMuseum Natural history museum Cinema Signal Hill 
The Rooms
St. John'sMuseum Natural history museum Art museum 
Arts and Culture Centre
St. John'sArt gallery Museum Concerts and shows Mun 
LSPU Hall
St. John'sConcerts and shows Theater Downtown 
Nickel Theatre
St. John'sCinema Nightlife
Active
Mary Brown's Centre
St. John'sArenas and stadiums Sport Sport venue Downtown 
Pippy Park Golf Club
St. John'sGolf Pippy Park 
St Bon's Forum
St. John'sIce skating Ice rink
Museum
Signal Hill
St. John'sMilitary landmark with trails and tours
Museum Historical place Signal Hill 
Suncor Energy Fluvarium
St. John'sStreamside aquarium and education center
Museum Natural history museum Pippy Park Johnson Geo Centre
St. John'sMuseum Natural history museum Cinema Signal Hill The Rooms
St. John'sMuseum Natural history museum Art museum 
Eastern Edge
St. John'sMuseum Art museum Modern art museum Downtown
Church
Basilica of St. John the Baptist
St. John'sChurch Romanesque architecture 
George Street United Church
St. John'sChurch Downtown 
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
St. John'sChurch Gothic Revival architecture Sacred and religious sites 
St. Pius X Church
St. John'sChurch Churchill Park 
St. Patrick's Church
St. John'sChurch Gothic Revival architecture Old West End
Park
Suncor Energy Fluvarium
St. John'sStreamside aquarium and education center
Museum Natural history museum Pippy Park 
Bowring Park
St. John'sPark Bowring Park Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden
St. John'sBotanical garden Garden Nature and wildlife Pippy Park 
Bannerman Park
St. John'sPark Bannerman 
Pippy Park
St. John'sPark Pippy Park
Neighbourhood
George Street
St. John'sNeighbourhood Street Downtown 
Quidi Vidi
St. John'sNeighbourhood Quidi Vidi 
Fort Amherst
St. John'sNeighbourhood Fort Amherst 
Downtown St. John's
St. John'sNeighbourhood Downtown Stavanger Drive Shopping Area
St. John'sNeighbourhood Stavanger Drive
Street
George Street
St. John'sNeighbourhood Street Downtown 
Water Street
St. John'sShopping Street Downtown 
Parkway
St. John'sStreet Summerville Kenmount Road
St. John'sStreet Kenmount Road
St. John's – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of St. John's, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Hawthorne Cottage (Brigus), Heart's Content Cable Station (Heart's Content), Ferryland Head Light (Ferryland).
Best Time To Visit St. John's
Learn when is the best time to travel to St. John's weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Caesar
The Caesar is a beloved cocktail in Canada, celebrated for its distinctive blend of vodka, Caesar mix, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and clam broth. Typically served in a large glass rimmed with celery salt, it is garnished with a stalk of celery and a wedge of lime.
Cocktail
Poutine
Poutine, a cherished Canadian dish, is a delightful amalgamation of crispy french fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich brown gravy. It emerged in Quebec in the late 1950s and, despite initial ridicule, has grown into a celebrated emblem of Quebecois cultural pride.
Dish
Touton
Touton is a cherished traditional dish from Newfoundland and Labrador. It can be thought of as a delightful hybrid between a pancake and frybread, crafted from risen dough. There are two primary types of toutons: the classic fried dough cakes and baked buns infused...
Fried dough food
Jiggs dinner
New England boiled dinner is a classic, hearty meal that's both comforting and delicious. It features corned beef paired with cabbage and a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, rutabagas, parsnips, carrots, turnips, and beets.
Dish
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a beloved spread made from ground, dry-roasted peanuts. Often, a touch of salt, sweeteners, or emulsifiers is added to enhance its flavor and texture. It is enjoyed worldwide, commonly spread on bread, used in sandwiches, or incorporated into breakfast...
Spread
Newfoundland and Labrador