St. John's

Overview

You’ll feel at home the moment you land in St. John's, yet this city is also one of the most dramatic and captivating places to visit in Canada. You’ll see spectacular seascapes, incredible glacier-carved fjords, pristine wilderness and magnificent waterfalls in this you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it location.

The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s is also the most easterly city in Canada, with a distinct history and natural beauty beyond compare. Take a drive along the coastline for blue ocean and iceberg views, or hike a section of the East Coast Trail. Then visit Conception Bay to see sunken ships and waterfalls – a true photographer’s haven.

In addition to its unique landscape, this quaint yet bustling city is probably equally well known for the just over 100,000 residents who are among the friendliest and most welcoming in Canada. Just take a walk down Water or Duckworth Street and chat with the local boutique and restaurant owners, and you’ll have made new friends in no time.

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Destination Basics

Culinary Scene

St. John's has over 300 restaurants offering up every type of cuisine – from fine dining to casual and fast food. Enjoy a wealth of excellent seafood and locally caught wild game, including pan-fried cod, moose burgers, bacon-wrapped scallops, seafood chowder and stuffed Atlantic salmon. End your night on George Street, legendary for its lively bars. There, you’ll find local music rich in Irish tradition and Celtic ambience, still popular despite being brought here centuries ago by the province's first settlers.

What Makes it Different?

In the summertime, you’ll find lively outdoor entertainment and festivals on every street corner. Don't miss the Royal St. John's Regatta – the oldest annual sporting event in North America. And of course, there’s also the George Street Musical Festival – the largest and longest running annual music festival in Newfoundland and Labrador, leading up to the Regatta.

With traditions and ceremonies abound, let the people of St. John's show you a great time, and discover what it really means to “kiss the cod”. You’ll be hooked.

Before you go, visit the Terry Fox Monument located behind the St. John’s Port Authority building, near where Fox first dipped his artificial leg in the water of St. John’s Harbour at the start of his historic run.

Climate

Known for its clean sea air, St. John’s has a temperate climate that rarely sees extreme weather. Winter temperatures here generally hover around the 0 C mark, but do pack a jacket for the cool breezes near the water’s edge – and for any snowboarding, skiing or other outdoor pursuits.

Average summer temperatures are mild, typically around 16 C. However, warm temperatures do regularly climb as high as 25 C. But be sure to keep a jacket with you for when it cools down at night.

Spring and fall are also mild in St. John’s (and Newfoundland and Labrador on a whole) so simply bring clothes that fit the activities you have planned. And of course, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings.