St. John’s, Newfoundland, is where the Atlantic first meets Canada — a place where dramatic cliffs, centuries-old lighthouses and cheerful row houses paint a picture unlike anywhere else. As North America’s oldest city, it’s rich with maritime heritage, Celtic influences and a welcoming spirit. Whether you’re chasing iceberg sightings, diving into local folklore or just wandering its hilly streets, St. John’s feels both refreshingly offbeat and deeply authentic.
Where to stay
From cozy B&Bs in historic row houses to upscale hotels overlooking the harbour, the city of St. John’s offers a wide range of accommodations. The Murray Premises hotel promises both. Boasting 69 waterfront rooms in the province’s oldest collection of mercantile buildings, the national historic site embodies old world charm with new world comfort.
What to do
A trip to the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador is not complete without hiking the iconic Signal Hill. Five trails ranging from easy to difficult show panoramic views of the city, ocean and if you are lucky, creatures that call the region home. In the summer months, visitors can participate in accessible guided history tours or fire the noon day gun, which is a real cannon that was formally used by the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve.
Wind your way down the charming coastal roads to Cape Spear Lighthouse, North America’s most easterly point of land. It is also home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering a glimpse into the lives of the 19th century lighthouse keepers and their families. Long-haired lassies be warned, while the photo capture moments are one-of-a-kind, the point can experience up to 40 km/h winds. Hair ties and scarves encouraged for those trying to avoid a wind-blown do.
What to eat
Ten minutes outside St. John’s city-centre, and a convenient five-minute jaunt from the Signal Hill visitor centre sits one of North America’s most historic fishing villages. Quidi Vidi (pronounced kiddy-viddy) was first used as a cod fishery as early as the 1600s. Today, it is home to one of the most beautiful taprooms in the country. A pint and seafood chowder taste that much more delicious alongside ocean waves and sky-high cliffs.
For a bustling city spot with locally inspired cocktails and the freshest catches you can find, Fish Exchange delivers. Steps away from the Murray Premises, Fish Exchange was the backdrop to many moments in Canadian history.
Where to shop
Browse local shops along Water Street and Duckworth Street for handcrafted jewelry, Newfoundland-themed apparel, and Indigenous art. Pick up locally made soaps and knitwear at the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation or stop by Posie Row for quirky gifts and artisan goods.
Before you go
Weather in Newfoundland can be unpredictable — layers and waterproof gear are key.
‘Newfie’ slang is also no joke. Learn a few local terms ("b'y" and "yes b’y" go a long way) and prepare for early sunrises in summer.
From the airport, it's a 15-minute taxi or car ride downtown; however, locals recommend renting a car to experience the area. Having a car also allows visitors to explore the road — or seas — less travelled by experiencing the ferry to Port aux Basques, which is home to quintessential small-town Atlantic Canada charm.
How to get there
This summer, WestJet is connecting the country to St. John’s International Airport (YYT) through four nonstop routes from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Winnipeg.