Wondering what to do in St. John’s? As Newfoundland’s capital city, St. John’s is full of activities that highlight Eastern Canada’s unique coastal culture, natural beauty, and wildlife.
I visited St. John’s as part of a longer road trip itinerary in Newfoundland. It quickly became one of my favourite cities in Canada, which means something coming from a born and raised Canadian! With only two days in St. John’s, I saw dozens of whales on a boat tour, hiked to the highest viewpoint over the city at Signal Hill, watched fishermen unloading their catch in Quidi Vidi, and found a hidden gem photography spot of the Battery.
In this guide, you’ll find all the details on the best things to do in St. John’s. Plus, some tips from a Canadian local to help make your trip seamless.
How to Get to St. John’s, Newfoundland?
St. John’s has an international airport to fly into. The airport is only 15 minutes from downtown. There are rental car agencies at the airport, or you can order an Uber/taxi into the town centre.
How Many Days in St. John’s?
I highly recommend spending two full days in St. John’s. You could do just one full day, but you’ll miss some of the highlights. You could also spend 3+ days in St. John’s if you like a more relaxed pace or want to add lots of hiking on the East Coast Trail.
The Best Things To Do in St. John’s
1. Take Photos on Jellybean Row
If you put “St. John’s” into Google Images, about half the photos will be of Jellybean Row. It is a small section of the city where the houses are painted in bright colours. The houses are built together in rows and are tiered up and down the city’s hilly streets.
There isn’t one street named “Jellybean Row.” It just refers to the entire hillside of streets near downtown, starting at Duckworth and heading upwards. If you type Duckworth Street into your GPS, you can just wander from there. Make sure to see Gower Street and Bond Street too.
Locals say the houses were painted that way to brighten up the foggy days that roll in from the Atlantic. My favourite part was that many of the houses have mailboxes that are made to look like a mini 4-house version of Jellybean Row.
Tip: You can visit Jellybean Row anytime, but early morning or golden hour has the best lighting to accentuate the colours.
2. Enjoy the View From Signal Hill
Signal Hill is the tallest hill that looks over St. John’s and was once used to defend the city. Signalmen used the Cabot Tower to watch the ocean and signal any potential threats approaching the city.
Today, it is the best viewpoint over St. John’s. You’ll see the harbour and its narrow passageway into the Atlantic, the jellybean rooftops of downtown, and Fort Amherst across the strait. You can climb the Cabot Tower and learn its history from the exhibits. There are also plenty of park staff wandering nearby, eager to answer questions. We had several staff members approach us asking if we wanted to know anything.
3. View The Battery from Across the Narrows
The Battery is one of the most unique neighbourhoods in St. John’s. It is made of a cluster of colourful houses built directly into the cliffs at the bottom of Signal Hill, right inside St. John’s harbour.
It’s great to walk through, but if you want to see it all together from afar, there is a hidden gem lookout point across the narrows. Head to the public dock on the opposite side of the harbour, you’ll find it as “Battery Village Lookout” on Google Maps. It’s the best spot for taking pictures of the colourful neighbourhood built into the rock.
4. Hike the North Head Trail from Signal Hill to the Battery
If you only do one hike in St. John’s, make it the North Head Trail. The trail leads from Signal Hill to the Battery, following a narrow trail on the edge of the cliff. The views over St. John’s harbour and the Atlantic are incredible.
The hike is about 1.7km and can be done in either direction, but it’s easier to hike it downwards. If you have a rental car parked at the top, you’ll need to hike it both ways. Make sure to wear good shoes because parts of the trail are steep and rocky.
5. Walk Along Water Street
Water Street is the oldest continuously used commercial street in North America. It blends old buildings with modern boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The vibe is really laid back and there are often musicians busking.
Some key spots to check out are Rocket Bakery for coffee and pastries, Heritage Shop for souvenirs, or the YellowBelly Brewery for a craft beer. Large parts of the street get closed off in summer and become pedestrian-only.
6. Go Whale Watching with Iceberg Quest
I’ve been on whale-watching tours all over the world, from Hawaii to Iceland, but the one in St. John’s was by far the best. We saw dozens of whales – some jumping out of the water, gliding nearby, and flipping their tails above the surface. It felt like every direction you looked, a whale was breaching to admire.
The waters near St. John’s are a feeding ground in summer. Between late May and August, the capelin roll in and the whales follow.
Iceberg Quest is the best company to go with. They play traditional Newfoundland music on the way out to sea and have charismatic captains who provide information and the occasional joke. Tours leave right from the harbour downtown.
Tip: Bring warmer layers because the ocean breeze can get cold, even on warm days.
7. Visit Cape Spear Lighthouse
Cape Spear is the easternmost point of North America and just a short 20-minute drive from downtown St. John’s. The point is home to the oldest lighthouse in Newfoundland, and old military bunkers and tunnels scattered around it.
Cape Spear also has stunning views of the coastline, informative signs about the area, and even whales breaching offshore. There are trails winding around the cape that you can explore to see different vantage points of the coast and the lighthouse.
8. Experience the Nightlife on George Street
George Street is the place to be after dark. It has the densest concentrations of bars and pubs in St. John’s, made up of two blocks of pedestrian-only streets. George Street gets its charm from the energy of the Newfie spirit and hospitality. You can find live music at almost every bar.
Make sure to witness, or try, the famous Newfoundland “Screech In” ceremony. It’s a rite of passage in Newfoundland, where you recite a special verse, take a shot of Screech, and then kiss a fish. It’s randomly fun, hilarious, and a great representation of the Newfoundland spirit.
9. Explore Quidi Vidi Village
Quidi Vidi is a protected cove just a few minutes’ drive from downtown. It feels like you’re stepping into a completely different part of the country, and reminded me of Norway. It is a historic fishing village made of a few colourful clapboard homes, fishing huts on stilts, and boats bobbing in the water. You can always visit it as part of a tour of St John’s.
I recommend wandering around a bit and then grabbing a beer on Quidi Vidi Brewing Company’s patio. It overlooks the water, and you can often see fishermen sailing in and unloading their catch for the day in one of the stilted huts.
If you want a sit-down meal, try Mallard Cottage just up the road. It’s set in a restored 18th-century building and serves locally sourced food. It’s popular, so you need a reservation.
10. Stroll Through Petty Harbour
Just a short drive from Cape Spear, Petty Harbour is another picturesque fishing village. The town hugs a small harbour filled with boats and is surrounded by green hills and traditional homes. The entire town looks like it’s been there for generations.
It’s off the beaten path from the usual tourist activities in St. John’s, so it has an authentic charm. Walk along the streets and docks to get a feel for everyday fishing life in coastal Newfoundland.
If you’re visiting in summer, they have the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium. It’s a community-run spot with touch tanks and local marine life.
11. Take a Photography Tour of the City
St. John’s is one of the coolest cities for photography. There are hidden alleys, tons of street art, rows of colourful houses on Jellybean Row, gigantic shipping boats, random tiny fishing villages right in the city, and more.
The photography tours in St. John’s are an excellent way to not only capture great photos but also to discover some hidden gem parts of the city with a local.
12. Take a Quick Trip to Dildo
Yes, it’s a real town. The name has given the town so much fame over the years that they even put up their own Hollywood-esque sign. Aside from the silly name, the town is also stunning. It’s small with a waterfront street.
The town is an hour’s drive from St. John’s, so a great half-day trip. It has a coastal community feel and is very photogenic. Check out Dildo Brewing Company for the best patio overlooking the water, delicious craft beer, and often live music.
13. Walk a Section of the East Coast Trail
The East Coast Trail is a 336-km coastal hiking trail that hugs the edge of Newfoundland’s rugged cliffs. Two of its trailheads are right near St. John’s. Sugarloaf path leaves from Quidi Vidi, and the Deadman’s Bay Path from Fort Amherst.
These two routes have amazing cliff views, and you can often see whales offshore. The trails are well-marked and considered some of the best hiking in Newfoundland.
14. Visit the Rooms
If you’re looking to learn more about Newfoundland’s history, The Rooms is where you go. It’s a museum, art gallery, and archives under one modern-looking building that overlooks the city.
Inside, you’ll find everything from traditional Inuit and Mi’kmaq artifacts to contemporary Newfoundland art and immersive exhibits on the cod fishery and maritime life. It’s a great option for rainy days. The on-site cafe has views over St. John’s.
15. Johnson Geo Centre
The Johnson Geo Centre is a museum built right into the rock of Signal Hill. It’s part science centre, part geological deep-dive. Much of the museum is underground in 550-million-year-old bedrock. It has interactive exhibits to learn about Newfoundland’s formation, the Earth’s tectonic shifts, and even space exploration.
The museum is open from 9:30 – 5 pm every day. It’s another great rainy day activity, and especially nice if you have kids.
16. Fort Amherst
Fort Amherst is across the harbour from Signal Hill and home to Newfoundland’s first lighthouse, which was built in the 1800s. They also have concrete WWII gun emplacements in the cliffs and views of the city’s narrows.
Fort Amherst is less-visited than other activities in St. John’s, which makes it a peaceful off-the-beaten-path experience. There’s limited parking, so go early or be prepared for a short walk.
17. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Boat Tour
Just a short 40-minute drive south of the city, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve has one of the best opportunities in North America to see puffins, whales, and icebergs all in one go. The area is protected, so there is wildlife everywhere. Boat tours operate from towns like Bay Bulls and run throughout the summer months. Most tours last around 1.5 to 2 hours and depart multiple times a day, but they do fill up in peak season, so you should book in advance.
18. Shakespeare by the Sea
If you’re visiting St. John’s in July and August, you absolutely need to check if Shakespeare by the Sea is running. It’s a local theatre company that puts on classic plays in open-air settings around the city. Some are in Battery Park and on the cliffs near Signal Hill.
People spread blankets on grassy hillsides with the ocean on one side and talented local actors quoting Shakespeare on the other. Check their website for the current schedule and locations.
19. Visit Harbourside Park
Sometimes the best city moments are the simple ones, like grabbing a coffee and relaxing in Harbourside Park. The park is on Water Street near the harbour. It overlooks the water, and you can watch the giant shipping boats at work nearby. There are two life-size bronze Newfoundland dog statues. It’s a great spot to slow down and relax.
20. Wander the Memorial University Botanical Gardens
The Memorial University Botanical Garden is a peaceful and underrated gem in St. John’s. It’s made up of themed gardens, forest trails, and even a few ponds where you can spot frogs or turtles.
If you’ve been out hiking or whale-watching, this is a lovely way to balance your itinerary with something slower-paced. There are interpretive signs along the paths, and the trails are easy to walk. It’s family-friendly, photo-worthy, and a great spot for nature lovers looking to unwind.
21. Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Even if you’re not usually drawn to religious buildings, the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is worth a peek. It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the city, and walking inside feels like stepping into another century.
The church has Gothic Revival architecture with soaring ceilings, stone columns, and gorgeous stained glass. It’s right in the downtown area, so super easy to visit while you’re exploring Water Street or heading to The Rooms. If you enjoy history, architecture, or just a quiet break from sightseeing, this is a nice detour.
22. Railway Coastal Museum
The Railway Coastal Museum is located in the former Newfoundland Railway station. Today, it is a museum that covers the story of the province’s old train and coastal boat services, which were how people got across the country before highways existed.
The exhibits are surprisingly engaging, especially the stories of how remote communities were once connected by rail and ferry. It’s a quick visit (you won’t need more than an hour), and it’s located right near the waterfront, so it’s easy to include in a downtown day.
23. St. John’s Farmers’ Market
If you’re in town on a Saturday, make your way to the St. John’s Farmers’ Market. It has a lively community feel and sells local crafts, handmade goods, baked treats, hot meals, and more. It’s a great way to support local while getting a feel for everyday life in the city. The market is held indoors at the Community Market Building, which makes it a reliable stop, rain or shine.
24. Take a Food and Brewery Tour
A guided food and brewery tour introduces you to traditional Newfoundland dishes, creative modern cuisine, and the ever-growing craft beer scene. Think cod tongues, toutons, moose sausages, iceberg beer, and more, all served with local charm. These tours often include places you might not discover on your own, so it’s a fantastic way to go beyond the guidebook while giving your taste buds a treat. Plus, you’ll be guided by a local, so you get to learn about the city’s culture directly from the source.
25. Go fishing
Fishing is a huge part of Newfie culture. If you like to fish or want to try something new, you can join a fishing tour with real local fishermen. Cod fishing, in particular, is a local favourite, especially during the short recreational season known as the “food fishery.” Many local operators have half-day tours with all gear included, and they’ll even fillet your catch for you.
26. Kayaking along the coast
St. John’s has a stunning coastline of rugged cliffs and lookout points. We’ve talked about a lot of ways to see it from above, but kayaking gets you right on the water to see it from a fresh perspective. There are guided tours for all experience levels, often launching from spots like Quidi Vidi or nearby coastal towns like Bay Bulls. You get close to sea caves and hear stories of shipwrecks and sea legends.
Combining St. John’s with Other Newfoundland Destinations
St. John’s is an incredible standalone destination. However, if you have a week (or more) in Newfoundland, I highly recommend venturing beyond the city limits. Newfoundland is vast, rugged, and wildly beautiful, with each region offering something completely different. Here are a few of my favourite spots to pair with St. John’s:
Located about 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive from St. John’s, the Trinity-Bonavista loop has jagged sea cliffs, puffin colonies, and adorable towns filled with heritage buildings. The Skerwink Trail in Trinity is one of the top hikes in Canada. I recommend a couple of days to see the area in depth.
Gros Morne National Park
I travelled all the way to Newfoundland to see Gros Morne National Park. You can road trip it from St. John’s, which takes about 7 – 8 hours, or take a short domestic flight into Deer Lake. There are fjords at the Western Brook Pond, exposed sections of the Earth’s mantle, moose and seals, and so many other activities in Gros Morne. I spent 4 full days in Gros Morne and fell so deeply in love with this underrated province.
Twillingate
Twillingate is known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World.” It’s a small town about 5 – 6 hours from St. John’s, packed with hiking trails, colourful fishing huts, and lighthouses. If you’re hoping to see icebergs in Newfoundland, this town is your best bet.
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wonderful wanderlust list! thanks for the inspiration!