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 featuring 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, Newman Wine Vaults and Mile One Centre 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
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 WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,591 reviews)
"Hotel was clean, and beds were comfortable. Front desk staff was polite, friendly and very helpful. I will definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 6 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 AU$260 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$260
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Great location. Two areas where we needed front desk staffs help: getting a microwave to our room -we were there 4 nights and never got it. Managed without. 2nd - Front desk staff said they had change for laundry. On Sunday aftn went to ask for change - they didn't have any and didn't know where ..."

Reviewed on 4 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 AU$212 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$212
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,078 reviews)
"Id stay there again."

Reviewed on 4 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions George Street and The Rooms are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (159 reviews)
"Fantastic location! A 10 to 15 min walk into town, and central for many tourist sights of St Johns. The property manager was very accessible and gave us ideas for walking tours as well as places to go with our rental car. The place was very clean with all of the amenities. A very comfortable stay ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Water Street and HarborGate Condos
Harbourfront Downtown home with Hot Tub!

Harbourfront Downtown home with Hot Tub!

St. John's
Stay at this vacation home in St. John's. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Port of St. John's and George Street are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"What a beautiful place to stay in St.John’s! With amazing views out every window, it was a quiet and serene spot to come home to after a busy day of sightseeing. The beds were super comfortable, the hot tub was relaxing and we couldn’t have enjoyed our time more :)"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Harbourfront Downtown home with Hot Tub!
Downtown Executive w Fireplace & Location

Downtown Executive w Fireplace & Location

St John's
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (119 reviews)
A great stay!
"A wonderful location with great walking access to downtown. Clean and spacious!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Downtown Executive w Fireplace & Location
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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