Getting your bearings
St. John's sits on a harbour on the east side of the Avalon Peninsula, and most first-time visitors arrive at St. John's International Airport (YYT), a short drive from downtown. Downtown runs along the harbour on Water Street and Duckworth Street, with steep side streets climbing uphill. Many visitors find the core easy to explore on foot, but the hills are real, so bring comfortable shoes.
If you are arriving by ferry or still deciding on airports, see getting to Newfoundland.
Signal Hill
Signal Hill National Historic Site rises above the entrance to St. John's harbour and is usually the first stop for visitors. Cabot Tower, the stone tower at the top, dates from the late 1890s. From the summit you look out over the Narrows, the city and the open Atlantic.
- Parks Canada says the grounds are open year-round. The visitor centre and Cabot Tower are seasonal, so check current hours before you go.
- You can drive up Signal Hill Road from downtown. Many people walk it instead.
- The North Head Trail follows the cliff edge above the Narrows. It is short but steep and exposed in places. Wear proper footwear and take care in wind or wet weather.
Cape Spear
Cape Spear is the most easterly point in North America, excluding Greenland. It lies within the city limits, roughly 10 to 12 km from downtown, but the road winds and the drive takes longer than the distance suggests. Parks Canada runs the site, which includes a historic lighthouse and a Second World War coastal battery.
Conditions at the cape are often windier, cooler and foggier than in town, even on a fine day downtown. Stay behind barriers and well back from the edge, as waves can reach higher than you expect.
The Rooms
The Rooms is the province's museum, art gallery and archives in one large building above downtown. Its exhibits cover Newfoundland and Labrador's history, the fishery, Indigenous cultures and natural history, and the gallery shows contemporary and historical work. It is a good option for a foggy or rainy day, and the windows look out over the harbour. Check current hours and admission on the official site before you go.
Quidi Vidi
Quidi Vidi Village is a small harbour inside the city, tucked behind a narrow gap in the cliffs on the far side of Signal Hill. It has a much more outport feel than downtown, and it is the southern end of the East Coast Trail's Sugarloaf Path. Quidi Vidi Lake, next to it, hosts the Royal St. John's Regatta, a rowing race held on the first Wednesday of August when the weather allows.
Downtown, food and music
Downtown is where most restaurants, pubs and shops are, along with the brightly painted row houses that appear on so many postcards. George Street, a short pedestrian block, is known for its bars and live music, and traditional Newfoundland music is played in many downtown pubs. Opening hours and live music schedules change by season, so check locally.
Getting out on the water
From late spring through summer, boat tours run from the St. John's area to see icebergs, humpback whales and seabirds, depending on the time of year. Some depart from downtown St. John's. Others leave from Bay Bulls and Witless Bay, a short drive south of the city near the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
- Browse boat tours to compare operators and departure points.
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours leaves from downtown St. John's.
- O'Brien's Boat Tours leaves from Bay Bulls.
What you will see depends on the season and is never guaranteed. If icebergs are your priority, read when to see icebergs before you book.
A short hike
If you have half a day, the East Coast Trail starts on the city's doorstep. The Sugarloaf Path (Logy Bay to Quidi Vidi) and the Deadmans Bay Path (Fort Amherst to Blackhead) both start within St. John's and give you a proper taste of the coastline.
Getting around
- On foot: Fine for downtown, Signal Hill and the harbourfront if you don't mind hills.
- By car: The easiest way to reach Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, Bay Bulls and trailheads. Downtown parking can be tight in summer. See renting a car in Newfoundland.
- Bus and taxi: Metrobus runs city routes, including service to the airport, but it is limited for visitors heading out to the coast. Taxis are widely available in town.
How long to stay
Two full days covers the main sights of St. John's and Cape Spear at a comfortable pace. A third day lets you add a boat tour or a hike. Many visitors then head out to the Eastern region for Trinity and Bonavista, or further along the island.
Weather and what to pack
St. John's weather changes quickly, and fog is common, especially along the coast. Summer days can be warm, but a wind- and waterproof jacket and a warm layer are worth carrying all year, particularly for Signal Hill and Cape Spear. If you are choosing when to come, see the best time to visit Newfoundland.
Where to stay
Downtown keeps you within walking distance of restaurants and the harbour, while hotels near the airport or on the edge of the city usually offer easier parking. Browse lodging for places to stay.