St. John's Travel Guide

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

5/5(4 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown St. John's. A stop by George Street or Atlantic Place might round out your trip.

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

Quidi Vidi

You'll enjoy the parks and historical sites in Quidi Vidi. You might want to make time for a stop at Quidi Vidi Lake or Signal Hill National Historic Site.

Quidi Vidi
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West End

If you're spending some time in West End, Village Shopping Centre and Bowring Park are top sights worth seeing.

West End
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The Battery

When in The Battery, you can plan a visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site and Cabot Tower, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Battery
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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
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Airport Heights

When in Airport Heights, you can plan a visit to Suncor Energy Fluvarium and Admirals Green Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Airport Heights
Jag Boutique Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
The price is AU$170 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
AU$170
includes taxes & fees
6 Feb - 7 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,206 reviews)
Night away
"Amazing night!! Amazing restaurant, Exile! Great food ,drinks,service and prices!! Had trouble getting out of bed it was so comfortable!! Our 5th stay and not our last!!"

Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025

Jag Boutique Hotel
The Murray Premises Hotel
The Murray Premises Hotel
3.5 out of 5
5 Becks Cove, St. John's, NL
The price is AU$149 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
AU$149
includes taxes & fees
2 Feb - 3 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,114 reviews)
"Had a jet tub, and top floor feels like your in a cabin. Only downfall is there was a snowplow all night which woke us uo a couple times. Will be solved by earplugs next visit. Highly recommend!!"

Reviewed on 30 Jan. 2025

The Murray Premises Hotel
Alt Hotel St. John's
Alt Hotel St. John's
3.5 out of 5
125 Water Street, St. John's, NL
The price is AU$170 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
AU$170
includes taxes & fees
7 Feb - 8 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Restaurant was closed"

Reviewed on 28 Jan. 2025

Alt Hotel St. John's
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 St. John's Courthouse ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (135 reviews)
"As expected"

Reviewed on 21 Jan. 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
Adorable house w Hot Tub!
Adorable house w Hot Tub!
St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Wesley United Church and Waterford River ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"The property was absolutley perfect for what was needed. Very clean and located in a quiet neighborhood. Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 17 Jan. 2025

Adorable house w Hot Tub!
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Popular attractions George Street and Port of St. John's are located nearby.
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite
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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