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 further 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Central

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

Central
Default Image

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
Default Image

Airport Heights

When in Airport Heights, you can plan a visit to Admirals Green Golf Course and Suncor Energy Fluvarium, 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
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! (1,638 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, big bathroom, lovely view from the bar."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Jag Boutique Hotel
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 Rp1.939.661 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.939.661
Rp2.389.430 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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)
"This is very little information about amenities and how to use them. Check-out time isn’t posted anywhere. Pool hours. Directions to the pool. What TV stations are available. How to use the key card. Why not hand out a leaflet at check-in? I can’t remember what the check-in person said. I couldn’t ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Centre by IHG
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 Rp1.838.930 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp1.838.930
Rp2.226.277 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,103 reviews)
"Room was comfortable. Most of the staff were very polite and helpful. Internet access was good. Convenient - about 10 minutes by car from airport and downtown, near mall. 24 restaurant on-site which is helpful for late-night arrivals and early departures."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
"Earl was great about getting back to us quickly and with great recommendations for hikes and restaurants."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
South Beach Residences

South Beach Residences

3 out of 5
221 Duckworth St, St. John's, NL
Stay at this 3-star apartment in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cable TV channels. Popular attractions The Rooms and Port of St. John's ...
South Beach Residences
Premiere Suites - St. John's Signal Hill

Premiere Suites - St. John's Signal Hill

3.5 out of 5
22 St. Joseph's Lane, St. John's, NL
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in St. John's. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of St. John's and The Rooms are ...
"The room was well layed out with modern decor that gave it a welcoming feel. Really enjoyed our stay!!!"

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2018

Premiere Suites - St. John's Signal Hill
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do