St. John's

Newfoundland's vibrant capital city, known for its colorful row houses, rich maritime history, and lively cultural scene. It's the gateway to the province and home to excellent museums, restaurants, and the iconic Signal Hill with panoramic views.

Things to do

• Signal Hill — Hike to the iconic hilltop landmark offering 360-degree views of St. John's harbor, the Narrows, and the Atlantic Ocean, with historical Cabot Tower at the summit.
• The Rooms — Provincial museum and art gallery showcasing Newfoundland's maritime heritage, Beothuk culture, and contemporary art in a striking clifftop building.
• Colorful Row Houses Walking Tour — Explore the whimsical pastel-painted wooden homes of the East End neighborhood, a defining feature of St. John's architecture dating back centuries.
• Cape Spear Lighthouse — Visit North America's most easterly point with dramatic coastal cliffs and a functioning lighthouse offering sweeping ocean vistas.
• Downtown Street Food and Brewery Scene — Sample local craft beers and street food along Water Street and George Street, the heart of St. John's nightlife and culinary culture.
• Pippy Park — Expansive urban park featuring hiking trails, botanical gardens, and natural forest landscape perfect for outdoor recreation.
• Johnson GEO CENTRE — Underground science museum built into bedrock showcasing Newfoundland's geological history and interactive earth science exhibits.

Food to try

• Fish and Chips — Fresh Atlantic cod battered and deep-fried, served with crispy fries and mushy peas, a quintessential Newfoundland meal found at seaside restaurants.
• Screech-in Ceremony with Dark Rum — A humorous local tradition where visitors drink a shot of local Screech rum, kiss a cod, and recite a Newfoundland phrase to earn official status as a local.
• Jiggs Dinner — Traditional boiled dinner featuring salt pork, potatoes, turnip, and cabbage, a hearty comfort food central to Newfoundland cuisine.
• Toutons — Pan-fried bread dough pockets served as breakfast or snack, often filled with salt pork and molasses for dipping.
• Seal Flipper Pie — Savory pie made with seal meat, traditionally hunted locally and representing authentic Newfoundland culinary heritage.
• Snowcrab and Local Seafood — Fresh Atlantic snowcrab and other regional seafood celebrated in upscale restaurants showcasing contemporary Newfoundland cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• St. John's Weather Changes Rapidly — Pack layers and a waterproof jacket as the city experiences unpredictable coastal weather with frequent fog, wind, and sudden rain throughout the year.
• Strong Irish Heritage and Storytelling Tradition — The city embraces Irish-Newfoundland culture through traditional music sessions, storytelling pubs, and festivals; locals value humor and tall tales as part of daily conversation.
• Colorful House Tradition Has Deep Roots — The bright painted row houses originated when fishermen painted their homes in distinct colors for easy identification from the harbor, making it a meaningful symbol of local identity.
• Access and Walkability — St. John's is a hilly city best explored on foot in the downtown core, but wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for steep streets and uneven terrain.