St. John's

Travel Guide

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

The ample dining options and captivating 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
I. love. Lester's Farm. It brings colour and joy to even the coldest and dreariest July winter days

West End

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

West End
Cabot Tower featuring general coastal views and landscape views

Quidi Vidi

You'll enjoy the parks and historic 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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Central

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

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

-2017

The Battery

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in The Battery and surrounding area, you can visit Signal Hill National Historic Site and Cabot Tower.

The Battery
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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
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 P5,612 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
P5,612
P6,771 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 5 - Apr 6
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! (1,823 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
Jag Boutique Hotel
4.5 out of 5
115 George Street West, St. John's, NL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,572 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P5,572
P6,631 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,271 reviews)
"Great valet parking"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Jag Boutique Hotel
The Murray Premises Hotel
The Murray Premises Hotel
3.5 out of 5
5 Becks Cove, St. John's, NL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,420 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P5,420
P6,450 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,174 reviews)
"All was good except the je fridg not working in my room 303"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

The Murray Premises 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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
"As expected"

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
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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