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Why You Need to Visit St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Iceland, Ireland, Norway, England, France, and Denmark are travel destinations that are likely on your radar. But what if I told you that you could experience all of these cultures and environments in one place? Welcome to St. John’s, the capital of the city of Newfoundland and Labrador. One of the most eastern places in North America, St. John’s offers history, nature, wildlife, and culture.
Here’s why you should visit St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
Good things to know
Book in advance
Are you one of those travelers who like to “play it by ear” or “figure it out when you get there”? Well, you might want to plan just a little bit ahead. There are only so many rental cars and accommodations available in Newfoundland. Book things that will really make or break your trip ahead of time, especially if you go during the summer.
Time Zones
Did you know Newfoundland has its own time zone? Newfoundland Time. And it’s an hour and a half later than Eastern Standard Time. Most of the neighboring Labrador is on Atlantic Time, which is half an hour earlier. But then some of Labrador operates on Newfoundland Time. Basically, what I’m saying here is that it can get confusing, so if you have something important scheduled (like a flight or a ferry), double and triple-check the time.
Moose on the Loose
Bullwinkle may be majestic, but they actually are quite a bit of a problem here. Drive carefully, especially at night, because moose regularly cross the main roads. If you think it’s unpleasant to hit a tiny bird with your car, imagine a moose! Scary and downright dangerous!
A Note on Size
Newfoundland may be an island, but it’s a big one—slightly smaller than California! Most of it is rather rural, and driving across the island can take all day long. If you plan on exploring the island, keep that in mind while planning.
Visiting St. John’s
This 500-year-old city is one of the oldest in the “New World” and is the easterly most city in North America. Its roughly 100,000 residents enjoy a mix of big-city luxury and small-town charm. The town is quite walkable and drivable, with lots of great shopping, restaurants, historical sites, and more.
Where to stay
I love a stylish hotel, but I also love a good deal. The Alt Hotel affords you both and is close to the best St. John’s has to offer. Your stay also includes a continental breakfast, which I especially love before a long day of sightseeing. Blue on the Waterfront is also a nice option and has a lovely onsite restaurant and bar.
In a city as quaint as St. John’s, you’d expect a few idyllic B&Bs… and you’d be correct. Check out Leaside Manor or the Roses for a more intimate accommodation experience.
Places to explore
Signal Hill, Cabot Tower
You’ll find the best panoramic views of the city from atop Signal Hill. Due to its strategic placement overlooking the harbor, this spot has long been an important site for the military and maritime signalmen. Tour the iconic Cabot Tower, which dates back to 1898. This is also the site where Guglielmo Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless message in 1901.
I hope you packed your hiking boots (or at least walking shoes)—there are over five kilometers of trails here. The North Head Trail is a favorite as it offers beautiful views of the harbor and the colorful homes of the Battery.
Modern melds with the historic throughout St. John’s. Experience it for yourself at The Rooms. This public cultural space boasts breathtaking harbor and city views and houses the province’s most extensive collection of artifacts, art, and archival records. You’ll find an extensive collection of natural history specimens (think birds, polar bears, and even carnivorous plants), and artifacts that play an important role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.
Jelly Bean Row
When you think of places with brightly colored houses, the Caribbean might come to mind. How about Newfoundland? Downtown St. John’s is known for its striking Jellybean Row houses, clapboard homes in vibrant reds, yellows, blues, and pinks. Bring your camera along (really, it’s probably just your smartphone) to capture the charm, or sign up for a photography tour.
Quidi Vidi Village
This tiny village feels a world away from modern times, but it’s really a short walk from downtown St. John’s. Lovingly called “The Gut” by locals, this historic fishing village entices locals and tourists with its beautiful sunsets. Check out Quidi Vidi Village Plantation—a crafter’s incubation facility designed to help emerging artists grow their businesses. Watch incredible artists work in their studio and shop their wares as well. A stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery is a must! Order a pint of their iceberg beer, which really is made with water sourced from icebergs.
Where to eat
Merchant Tavern
Without merchants, there would be no St. John’s. Hundreds of years ago, English merchants arrived with supplies and goods for fishermen. They’d stick around for a while, catching up with the locals over food and drink. The Merchant Tavern is a nod to this time period, highlighting local ingredients and traditional eats. Try the fish and chips, pan-roasted cod; fresh pasta; and raw bar selections.
Chinched Restaurant and Deli
It’s all about nose-to-tail dining here. Enjoy a selection of housemade charcuteries, as well as dishes made with local ingredients, like squid ink pasta; steamed Newfoundland mussels in curry sauce; braised beef cheek with wild mushrooms and more. They also offer deli meats to enjoy at home.
Rocket Bakery
Great coffee, baked goods, full breakfast, and soup/salad/sandwiches for lunch. It’s one of those places that never lets you down. Try their homemade porridge made with toasted oats and sunflower seeds, cinnamon, ground flax, currents, cranberries, and ground chia seed with local wild blueberry powder.
Where to shop
If you’re a chocolate fan, go here. Hobbyist chocolatiers sold their first box of chocolates at a craft show in 2008. 10 years later, they’re one of the most beloved brands in the province. Their chocolate bars with Newfoundland sayings might be the best souvenir you’ll find!
Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador
Find textiles, pottery, jewelry, paintings, and more at this non-profit shop and gallery all about supporting local artists. Looking to get your hands dirty? They also offer pottery workshops throughout the year.
Day trips from St. John’s
Witless Bay & Bay Bulls
A half-hour’s drive south of St John’s, you’ll find the summer home of 2.5 million seabirds and the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America. It’s also a notable whale-watching site; in the spring, you could even see a few icebergs! Check it out on your own, or book a puffin and whale watching tour.
Conception Bay
Love SCUBA diving? You won’t want to miss the opportunity to dive the wrecks of ore carriers sunk by U-boats during World War II. Prefer staying above the water? You’ll also find whale watching, fishing excursions, and sea kayaking.
Ferryland
You may notice there’s an Irish vibe throughout Newfoundland—especially on the coastline near St. John’s. The Irish arrived here during the 17th and 18th Centuries, first as summer workers for fish merchants, then as permanent settlers. You’ll see that influence in the food, music, art, and culture here—especially in this historic village.
If the weather cooperates, enjoy a picnic lunch at the Ferryland Lighthouse, which dates back to 1870. For a look at what early life was like in the 1600s, visit the Colony of Avalon. Established in 1621 by Sir George Calvert, this place is regarded as the best preserved early English colonial site in North America. Their visitor center showcases artifacts and houses a working archaeology lab. Tour excavation sites with a local guide, where you can actually watch archaeologists on a dig!
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My husband and I visited Newfy in 2016, his mother was from there and moved to VA with his dad, and my husband had been there when he was 15, returning there 51 years later! We drove from the State of Maine, all day, arriving in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to board the overnight ferry to Port o Basque on the southwestern part of Newfoundland. We drove 6-7 hours to Gros Morne National Park where we camped for 3 nights and visited spectacular West Brook and hiked up Gros Morne Mountain! Afterwards we drove to Twillingate for one night and went out on a boat and saw icebergs in July! Then, on to Trinity, a town that’s been perfectly preserved and has beautiful hills, near the spectacular Skerwink Trail. After driving hundreds of miles we finally arrived in St. Johns and spent a week visiting his two aunts, one uncle and his cousins! We’d first commented how we’d probably never return as there was just too much driving involved, but then, the scenery is just so dramatic and spectacular and the people so so nice, we will return some day!
Sounds like you have a fantastic trip. We hope you come back again.
Newfy is insulting to many Newfoundlanders – a term used by American servicemen “goofy Newfies” during the 2nd world war . We are Newfoundlanders !
I just spent 3 weeks Samantha in all of these places in September. We drove 4,000 miles all throughout the beautiful islands of Eastern Canada! So beautiful and such an enjoyable way to see the beginning of fall.
We just loved Newfoundland and would and do recommend it to everyone. One thing I would add is to go and stay in Twillingate!! Great article, thanks!
I attended MUN for my grad studies. I loved my stay in St. John’s, during my break, I visited few nearby cities like Carbonear and Bay Roberts.
I will certainly love to visit it again…soon.
My wife and I visited Newfoundland from California for our honeymoon seven years ago and it’s officially my favorite place that I’ve ever been. I’ve never seen any place so beautiful. St. John’s is the coolest city and it has an incredible amount of history and the people are the friendliest I’ve met anywhere. I can’t reccomend it enough, I absolutely love Newfoundland. One thing that I can’t believe this article left out is George Street. It’s party central. I think I counted 22 bars on that street and it’s probably not more than a half mile long. It’s kinda like Burbon street; no cars at night, a ton of bars, and lots of live music. The music is another one of my favorite things there; it’s really unique and fun. It’s kinda Irish but not exactly Irish. It’s great. As far as great food I highly reccomend Bacalao. It’s Newfoundland cuisine and it’s amazing. Probably the coolest thing we did was drive the Irish Loop. It’s pretty much an all day trip around the eastern part of the Avalon Penninsula. It’s one of the most gorgeous drives you can ever do; it’s right up there with the Pacific Coast Highway in California. To anyone considering a trip to Newfoundland I highly reccomend it. If you are like me you won’t want to go home.
We are going to Newfoundland in 2 weeks. I’m so excited. This information was exactly what I needed. Thank you for this and I’m sure we will have a fabulous time.
Right next to Quidi Vidi Brewery, walk up to the little fish stand for the best fish and chips I tasted during our two week visit, and it was all superior!
My family is from their and I was born there. I have been back several times , I just love everything about ST. Johns, Newfoundland. I highly recommend it for a great vacation
I came for a visit – and have stayed for 50 years. It’s that beautiful and the people are that welcoming.
Cant believe it!…you forgot to mention Bell Island and the Bell Island Mine Tour! Amazing look at the history of the iron ore mines there with a walk deep into an old mine. You can scuba dive the mines also! And no visit to Bell
Cant believe it!…you forgot to mention Bell Island and the Bell Island Mine Tour! Amazing look at the history of the iron ore mines there with a walk deep into an old mine. You can scuba dive the mines also! And no visit to Bell Island would be complete without seeing the many beautiful vista…the Bell, the Lighthouse, Lance Cove Beach….
Another treat in Newfoundland is the proximity of the islands of St. Pierre & Miquelon on the south coast, a short ferry ride from Fortune Newfoundland. You can keep your car parked in a fenced parking lot in Fortune while visiting and use taxis or bike rental to get around and enjoy French hospitality as it is a French possession. Google for more info.
I’ve paid 3 visits there.
I can’t wait to come to newfoundland this year… I’m just excited.
I have just become aware of St. John’s Newfoundland by virtue of a Netflix TV program. “Republic of Doyle.”
I have become obsessed with this area and am currently planning a visit.
Thank you, Allan Hawco (Jake Doyle)
I was born in NL Horwood left there when I was 3 years old lived in st johns until I waS 19 I then joined the Army combat airborne went to Korea after I was Discharged in St Johns they give me a ticket to bc I have being back 1 time since then and after seeing all those beautiful places I will be going home for a visit
My husband and I are planning a trip to St. John’s in the near future. I have dreamed of visiting this historic, fishing town since first reading about it to my children from Susan Wise Bauer’s book, Story of the World. The picture she painted of the diverse settlers and interesting history made it a place I knew I must someday visit. Plus, the puffins! I mean, who doesn’t want to see those cute creatures?! Looking forward to seeing the natural beauty and meeting the beautiful souls that inhabit St. John’s , Newfoundland! Thank you for this article. I am beyond excited!
We’re on our way in July. Thks for the information.
Love your article. Very useful info about Newfoundland & Labrador. We plan to go next year, 2023. Looks picture perfect. Thanks a lot.
Happy Travels everyone.
How I miss the place. We visited with a choir in 2011 for a festival. The experience was so amazing, people, culture and the whole place was so majestic. I’ll surely visit newly in the near future.
Four cousins who have not yet met, other than through online genealogy sources, will meet up for a week next summer to discover our shared ancestral roots. We’ll meet another shared cousin, a St. John’s resident, tour the Irish Loop, and specific towns of our great great grandparents. It should be quite an adventure. Can’t wait!
We just watched a Hallmark movie filmed there and fell in love with the area.
We are seniors and tired of living in WA state (western) and the politics of the USA.
What kind of issues would there be to move there?
How is the cost of living; such as leasing condos or of that type?
Perfect area from all I’ve read.
Thank you for your time.
Don
What’s the name of that Hallmark movie!?
My family immigrated here in the 1600s from Isle of Jersey, eventually moving to the US in the early 1800s. I’ll be researching my geneology to find where exactly they lived (I know they were fishermen) and hope to visit and see where my family lived.
Your guide made it so easier for me to plan the trip. Kindly advise me that what is best way to commute from airport to Blue Waterfront or Alt Hotel as map showing Blue water like an hour drive from airport. I do not drive!
We want to go on a bus trip , we are from P E I n have never been to this beautiful place of coves n bays n the friendless people in the world . We love their music n , their songs ,looking forwardn cannot waite