Things To Do
in St. John's
St. John's is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, situated on the easternmost tip of the island of Newfoundland. Known for its colorful row houses lining steep and narrow streets, St. John's is a picturesque city with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The city is also famous for its vibrant music scene, lively pubs, and annual events such as the George Street Festival and the Royal St. John's Regatta. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby rugged coastline, hiking trails, and stunning landscapes in and around St.
John's.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Signal Hill for breathtaking views of the city and coastline. Enjoy a morning hike on one of the trails that take you through the area’s rich history.
In the afternoon, head to the Quidi Vidi Village for lunch at a local café and some shopping at artisan shops. Take a stroll around the picturesque harbor and enjoy the local art.
End the day with dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk to enjoy the sunset over the harbor.
Begin your adventure with a boat tour around the coast to spot puffins and icebergs, if in season. The early morning provides a chance to enjoy the fresh sea air and dynamic marine life.
After your tour, explore Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. Take time to visit the historic lighthouse and enjoy the stunning ocean views.
Relax at a local pub for a taste of Newfoundland’s music and culture. Enjoy a hearty meal and maybe some traditional entertainment.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
- Stunning natural landscapes and proximity to the ocean.
- Friendly and welcoming community atmosphere.
- Unique historical sites such as Signal Hill and The Rooms.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and whale watching.
- Lower cost of living compared to many other Canadian cities.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
- Limited job market in certain industries.
- Higher grocery and transportation costs due to geographical isolation.
- Infrastructure may be less developed than in larger Canadian cities.
- Occasional issues with healthcare access during peak times.
- Limited availability of amenities and entertainment options compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in St. John's
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy scenic coastal views and explore historical landmarks.
Experience calm waters and picturesque surroundings.
Discover beautiful coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Witness breathtaking ocean views and explore the most easterly point in North America.
Tours
Uncover the best of St. John's with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in St. John's
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Easternmost point in North America with stunning coastal views and a historic lighthouse.
Cultural facility with an outdoor terrace providing great views of the city and the harbor.
Food in St. John's
St. John's Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting and hearty dish featuring salt beef, root vegetables, and pease pudding, often served with savory gravy. Look for it at traditional Newfoundland restaurants like The Rooms Cafe.
Must-Try!
Consisting of salted cod, hardtack, scrunchions, and drawn butter, this beloved dish can be savored at establishments like Bernard Stanley Gastropub.
A delectable dessert made with locally foraged bakeapples, a type of wild berry. Enjoy a slice at Rocket Bakery & Fresh Food.
Unique Experiences
Get to know St. John's better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located at 245 Freshwater Rd, this market offers a diverse selection of local produce, baked goods, and artisanal food products. It's a great place to discover seasonal treats and unique flavors.
Explore the vibrant food truck scene along Water Street, where you can find everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean-inspired tacos from vendors like Saucy Mouth Food Truck.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to respect the cultural traditions and customs of the people in St. John's, Canada. This can include being mindful of local Indigenous practices and observing local holidays and celebrations.
St. John's residents are known for their politeness and friendliness. It is customary to greet people with a smile and to engage in polite conversation. Being courteous and respectful in interactions is highly valued.
St. John's is known for its natural beauty, and residents take great pride in their environment. It is important to show respect for the local surroundings, including properly disposing of waste and avoiding behaviors that can harm the natural landscape.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of St. John's with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in St. John's
Ensure a smooth experience
In St. John's, Canada, tipping is common and expected in the service industry. It is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as hairdressing and taxi rides.
Payment in St. John's, Canada is primarily done using Canadian currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular. It is also common to use mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into St. John's.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit St. John's as the city comes alive with blooming flowers and milder temperatures. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, with daytime temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. It's a wonderful time to explore the city's parks and gardens, and enjoy outdoor activities before the peak tourist season.
Summer is the peak tourist season in St. John's, with the city bustling with festivals, events, and outdoor adventures. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It's the perfect time to explore the rugged coastline, go whale watching, and experience the vibrant culture of the city.
Fall in St. John's is a beautiful time as the foliage turns into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold. The temperatures start to cool down, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, and it's a great time for hiking, scenic drives, and enjoying the local harvest festivals. It's also a good time to spot migrating birds and enjoy the tranquility of the city before winter sets in.
Winter in St. John's brings snowy landscapes and a magical winter wonderland. The temperatures can range from -5°C to 0°C, and it's a great time for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The city's vibrant culture continues indoors with cozy pubs, live music, and cultural events, making it a unique and charming time to visit.
St. John's at Night
Hiking in St. John's
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A historic site with panoramic views of St. John's and the Atlantic Ocean, offering several hiking trails of varying difficulty.
A scenic trail that runs along Quidi Vidi Lake and through picturesque Quidi Vidi Village, ideal for a relaxed hiking experience.
The easternmost point in North America, featuring coastal trails with stunning views and a lighthouse. Perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Located within the city limits, Pippy Park has numerous trails for hiking and walking, surrounded by dense forest and scenic landscapes.
A network of trails that provide access to beautiful woodlands and waterways, suitable for various levels of hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into St. John's through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach St. John's by plane.
The primary airport servicing St. John's and the surrounding areas, providing international and domestic flights.
Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this major international airport is approximately 400 km away from St. John's and serves as a key hub in Atlantic Canada.
Situated in Moncton, New Brunswick, this airport is about 600 km from St. John's, offering domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, around 260 km from St. John's, this airport also supports international flights.
Roughly 760 km away, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, it serves primarily domestic routes with some international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in St. John's, comprising a significant majority of the population, primarily of European descent.
Includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, representing a smaller yet important demographic aspect of the population.
A growing demographic group in St. John's, consisting of various communities including Chinese, Indian, and others.
Includes individuals of African descent, contributing to the cultural richness of St. John’s.
A smaller demographic group that includes individuals from Latin American countries.
Encompasses a variety of smaller ethnic groups, including those from the Middle East and other regions.
The Soul of St. John's
Discover the essence of St. John's through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is one of the most popular sports in St. John's, with a strong local culture surrounding ice hockey and many youth leagues and community teams.
Soccer has grown in popularity in St. John's, with numerous clubs and teams catering to various age groups and skill levels.
Rugby is a vibrant part of the sports scene in St. John's, with local clubs and a enthusiastic community of players and supporters.
Baseball is played at various levels in St. John's, including youth leagues and adult recreational leagues, making it a popular summertime activity.
Basketball is widely played among youth and adults in St. John's, with many schools and community organizations facilitating leagues and tournaments.
Running events and clubs are prevalent in St. John's, with various races, fun runs, and marathons attracting participants throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. John's.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in St. John's offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as the vegan curry at The Adelaide Oyster House and the veggie burger at Manna European Bakery & Deli.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find an array of gluten-free items at Rocket Bakery & Fresh Food, including gluten-free breads and pastries, ensuring they can savor local flavors without worry.