Welcome to St. John’s

Wander down the narrow, criss-crossing streets naturally carved by horse and carriage. Pass the colourful jellybean row houses wedged together, lining the sides of steep hills and hidden alleyways. Once you've meandered down to the harbour, look towards the Narrows and imagine a time when the waters were brimming with fishing schooners. And visit Quidi Vidi, the charming village-within-a-city, which embodies the spirit of an old fishing outport.

Hike up nearby Signal Hill through the Battery, where tiny colourful wooden homes cling valiantly to cliff-sides ravaged by ocean waves. The hill is home to the unmistakable, iconic Cabot Tower, a castle-like structure built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland. It was here that Marconi famously received the first transatlantic wireless message in 1901.

From Cabot Tower you can look out over the cliffs and harbour to see a captivating skyline. Perched high on the horizon is The Rooms – home to an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and archival records – standing next to the striking twin clock towers of the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

As you explore the city, stroll along some of the oldest streets in the New World, and visit the many shops, boutiques, lively pubs and cafés, and unique art galleries. Perhaps you will make room in your luggage for a reminder of your visit – traditional or modern, our artisans and crafters are always expressing themselves in colourful and exciting ways.

Be sure to plan for a meal at one of the culinary hot spots in the city. Multiple award-winning chefs are taking Newfoundland cuisine to new levels through locally foraged, fished, and hunted fare.

In the evening, sit back, relax, and enjoy live music or local theatre where actors will whisk you away to another place and time. For more lively nightlife, head to any local pub or bar for traditional tunes and maybe even a scuff (dance). Every evening, George Street blazes with energy, especially during the annual George Street Festival – five days and nights of dynamic musical entertainment. 

Here in St. John's, courteous and lively people will treat you as friends – willing to send you in the right direction, help you on your way, or even take you there. Always happy to tell a tale, no matter how tall, just to make you smile. Certainly, this city is like no other.