St. John's Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 kilometres) of walking trails that links St. John’s to surrounding villages and attractions.

St John's city centre 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(7 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 Lester's Farm Market are top sights worth seeing.

West End
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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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Churchill Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Churchill Park and surrounding area, you can visit Confederation Building and Suncor Energy Fluvarium.

Churchill Park
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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
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 £137 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
£137
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Food was good, beds were comfortable, clean rooms"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 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 £203 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£203
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,557 reviews)
"Wonderful experience"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 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 £160 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
£160
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,063 reviews)
"We stay there everytime we visit St. Johns. Quiet area and easy access to all amenities."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"Perfect accommodation, within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife and St John's cultural sights. Lots to see and do. The condo was beautifully decorated and well equipped. The communication from Earl was excellent both about the accommodation and the area."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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, Newfoundland & Labrador
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! (104 reviews)
"This was our first VRBO experience… we couldn’t have been more pleased. Any questions or concerns I might have had were immediately answered by Kathie … she was very helpful. The suite was comfortable, had all the amenities as advertised. We were very impressed and I would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Downtown Executive Best View, Fireplaces, Apartment#3<br>
Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite

Jelly Bean Row - Upper Suite

St. John's, NL
Stay at this holiday home in St. John's. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (9 reviews)
Beautiful rental and convenient location
"Booking and communication with host was so easy. Everything was ready when we arrived. The place is amazing inside. Very cozy! Very clean, bright, spacious, has all the amenities you need. We stayed for 10 days and loved having a laundry and fully equipped kitchen, plenty of linens. Temperature was ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

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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