St. John's

Travel Guide

St. John\'s
St. John\'s featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a coastal town
Photo provided by Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
St. John\'s which includes a coastal town and rocky coastline
St. John\'s which includes rugged coastline, a coastal town and general coastal views

Find the "City of Legends" at Canada's easternmost point. Explore its dramatic iceberg-spotted coast and enjoy its distinctly artistic atmosphere.

St. John's locals pride themselves on their city's artistic flair and the stunning natural attractions that surround them. The city was first settled by Europeans around the beginning of the 16th century. Fertile fishing grounds and a pivotal trading location has meant that St. John's has grown to a population of around 100,000 inhabitants today.

Begin your sightseeing with a stroll along Water Street in downtown St. John’s. This thoroughfare, believed to be one of the oldest in North America, has the city’s Visitor Information Centre and plenty of places to dine and shop. At the southern end of the street, you’ll find the Railway Coastal Museum. Browse its exhibits that tell the story of Newfoundland's century-old railway and shipping services. 

Head north along Water Street and turn into Duckworth Street to reach The Rooms, an important cultural space that brings together a museum, gallery and archives. Just a few minutes’ walk from here is the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The city’s other major religious building is the Roman Catholic Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. 

See where some of the stone that was used to build the basilica came from at Signal Hill. Admire sweeping views from this landmark of communications and military history. Nearby, learn about the geology of the area at the Johnson GEO Centre. Find out what native flora and fauna grows and lives in this part of the world at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Botanical Garden.

Experience nature in a more wild setting as you tour the waters on a boat trip. Spot humpback whales swimming between dramatic icebergs. You can also look for whales on land at the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, located at the most easterly point of land in North America. The Visitor Centre at the restored lighthouse has exhibits on the history and traditions of lighthouse keeping. 

Venture farther afield with a visit to the village of Quidi Vidi, a quaint fishing settlement. You can reach Quidi Vidi via the Grand Concourse, 75 miles (120 kilometers) of walking trails that links St. John’s to surrounding villages and attractions.

St John's city center is a 10-minute drive from its international airport. Get around town using taxis or the local metro bus service.

Where to stay in St. John's

Johnson Geo Centre

Downtown St. John's

4.5/5(1,006 area reviews)

Historic core meets business hub, this area boasts office buildings, hotels, and a vibrant entertainment scene. Discover local art galleries, bookstores, and The Rooms cultural facility, while enjoying unique shopping experiences.

Downtown St. John's
Cabot Tower featuring general coastal views and landscape views

Quidi Vidi

Discover "The Gut" harbor and Quidi Vidi Lake in this charming area, where you can visit the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company and Village Artisan Studios. Explore the Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historic Site and dine at the restored Mallard Cottage.

Quidi Vidi
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Central

While Central isn't home to many top sights, Mile One Centre and George Street are some notable places to visit nearby.

Central
I. love. Lester's Farm. It brings colour and joy to even the coldest and dreariest July winter days

West End

5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Village Shopping Centre and Lester's Farm Market.

West End
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Churchill Park

While there might not be top attractions in Churchill Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Confederation Building and Suncor Energy Fluvarium.

Churchill Park
Neighbourhood built on the slopes of Signal Hill overlooking St. John's Harbour

-2017

The Battery

Perched on the slopes of Signal Hill, this picturesque area boasts steep inclines and vibrant houses. Explore Chain Rock, a historic landmark, and enjoy captivating harbor views.

The Battery
Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John's, NL
The price is CA $199 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
CA $199
CA $244 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2025

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG
Jag Boutique Hotel

Jag Boutique Hotel

4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
The price is CA $249 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
CA $249
CA $296 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,509 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay. Within walking distance of the pedestrian mall and George Street. And offers valet parking."

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Jag Boutique Hotel
Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel

Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel

3.5 out of 5
227 Kenmount Road, St. John's, NL
The price is CA $251 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $251
CA $301 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,033 reviews)
"Unique hotel. Staff were excellent. Breakfast in the brewery restaurant was very very good."

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 2025

Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Water Street and HarborGate Condos

Water Street and HarborGate Condos

4 out of 5
204 Water Street, St. John's, NL
Stay at this 4-star condo in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
"good"

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>

Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>

St. John's
Stay at this apartment in St. John's. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions The Rooms and Port of St. John's are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
"Place was great nice and large. Close to lots of restaurant and sights. Place needs some TLC. We had a very hard time opening and closing our door to the room so we felt a bit unsafe with it. They definitely need to do some work on the door and lock."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>
Harbourfront Downtown home with Hot Tub!

Harbourfront Downtown home with Hot Tub!

St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Port of St. John's and George Street are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"What a beautiful spot. It must be the most scenic VRBO in all of St John's. Private, quiet and charming. The hot tub is an added luxury! We had 3 nights here and found the location very convenient. Wonderful host."

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2025

Harbourfront Downtown home with Hot Tub!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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