Top Things to do in St. John's
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in St. John's That You Shouldn't Miss
Looking out over the city of St. John's, you may be reminded of a mini San Francisco (minus the cable cars). St. John's provides the ideal balance between nature and nightlife, from the East Coast Trail and its stunning scenery to the colorful entertainment district along George Street. Although it's the largest city in Newfoundland, the vibe is still very small-town. You'll feel welcome in the City of Legends!
Restaurants in St. John's
1. Fairy Door Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Children and adults alike will enjoy this enchanted woodland walk. Visit a series of whimsical fairy, elf and gnome doors scattered along a picturesque nature trail. There will be opportunities for wishmaking, leave a letter in the fairy mailbox, gather firewood for a grump gnome and more. Weather permitting a fairy storytime will conclude this enchanted adventure. Treasure bags provided (for leaving gifts for the Fairies).
2. East Coast Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 466 reviews
Explore 25 wilderness paths along North America's easternmost coastline. The East Coast Trail unites genuine wilderness hiking with richly historic communities from Topsail Beach, to Cape St. Francis, to Cappahayden. There are over 300 kilometers of developed trail to explore. The paths of the East Coast Trail take you past towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and a natural wave-driven geyser called the Spout. Experience abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world's southernmost caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-metre suspension bridge, two active archaeological dig sites, and many more attractions. While the East Coast Trail is free to hike. A $25 annual membership fee helps offset the cost of trail maintenance.
Reviewed By 990hectorv - St. John's, Canada
Gigantic spot for a picnic, a “budol fight” will be funtastic for an 8.1Kilometers "tukad-baba, baba-tukad." Worth the trail that will test your agility, endurance and mobility that equates to its easy, moderate and kind of difficult terrain for those who are not use to trudge long distances. Took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach this highlight through different grade of pathways, starting from unpaved road, muddy and stone trail, into the woods, longitudinal boardwalks to stair made of logs, etc. In total, 5 hours back and forth which includes taking a deep breath, a break and at least 3 “viewpoints.” Sweat and perspire a lot under a sultry sun, cooling off under the canopies of spruce. Tasting wild blueberries on the way was such a leisurely treat. Lucky to have the boat on the spot with bunches of people touring the rugged coastline and estuaries.
3. North Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 185 reviews
An exhilarating hike featuring rugged coastal beauty, striking views, and historic sites. This challenging trail built by Parks Canada descends 500 ft and includes a narrow coastal path along the Narrows. Caution: This trail is not maintained by the Grand Concourse Authority. Steep cliffs and hazardous sections are common throughout and caution should be exercised at all times.
Reviewed By zoller123 - Toronto, Canada
A great hike that rewards you with stunning views! If heights are a challenge for you , you might want to think twice !
4. McCarthy's Party - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 306 reviews
Since 1982, McCarthy's Party has specialized in delivering tours of Newfoundland and Labrador. Committed to providing you with an authentic experience, we offer a total immersion in the culture - Newfoundland and Labrador style. Visiting people in their homes, chatting with fishermen, enjoying teas and lunches with community groups... whale watching, puffin and iceberg sighting, experiencing the culture... learning about the way of life, the language of the sea and the songs of the ocean Our slogan "Let The Locals Be Your Guide" sums up one of the great qualities of our escorted tours. Our guides grew up in the province and are the best source for information on the culture, history, music and language that make this area so unique. They know off the beaten path locations where our groups see the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Newfoundland. Your local guide will provide you with an authentic Newfoundland experience that will be both educational and thoroughly enjoyable
5. Escape Quest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Escape Quest is a new escape room experience in downtown St. John’s! Crafted by local artists and gamers, our four interactive escape scenarios provide a thrilling combination of challenge, entertainment, and teamwork. What is an Escape Room? Escape rooms are a new form of entertainment that has caught on all over the world! Groups are sent into a room filled with riddles, puzzles, and clues. Working together, they must solve each problem in the hopes of finding a way out before they run out of time. Each success gives players a rush of excitement, but as the game goes on, the challenges get tougher. Only by working together and finding every clue can players hope to escape!
Reviewed By 162unah
I first did a couple of escape rooms (Patient 709 and Lost Colony of Atlantis) at Escape Quest back in February of 2019. This time around we did 1892. I will come back every time there is a new room to do! Every time I have been to Escape Quest the staff are consistently energetic, the rooms are engaging but not impossible to complete, and it's always a good time. I've loved puzzles and riddles and brain teasers since I was a kid and these rooms provide so many unique challenges that get your brain going. I've done these rooms with just a couple of friends each time and we always have a laugh. Super great place for an hour or two of gameplay (depending on how many rooms you book), great for team building or just having a fun night out! GO VISIT!! :) :)
6. Jack Axes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Jack Axes is St. John’s first indoor axe-throwing facility. From coast to coast, axe-throwing competitions have been taking Canada by storm. Everyone that tries their hand at throwing axe is instantly hooked. Here at Jack Axes, our aim is to provide a unique, fun, and ‘axe’-citing environment for you and your group to enjoy.
Reviewed By RobH363 - Halifax, Canada
Loved our time at Jack Axes. The instructor was super into it and helpful. The beer was tasty, and even though we couldn't take it to the court/lane, it was only a short walk to have another sip. They didn't hurry us out the door and we generally had an excellent time.
7. Just Landed Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
If you’ve never been to St.John’s NL before now’s your chance to see the sites in our unique city. Each tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy a picturesque drive, a walk in the fresh air, and a stop at a local eatery. Along the way you can listen to local music, and sample some locally made snacks, all while learning about the area. There’ll be plenty of photo stops along the way.
8. Quidi Vidi Battery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
The Battery is a majestic fort overlooking St. John's coastline and Quidi Vidi Village.
Reviewed By HighPockets21 - Shediac, Canada
This is a charming little village with very narrow streets. Drive slowly a be careful. Better yet, find a place to park if you can (very limited). and walk around. Be sure to take a tour of the Quidi Vidi Brewery and try their Iceberg beer.
9. Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Museum featuring historical and artistic artifacts pertaining to the Roman Catholic Church.
Reviewed By ramona551 - St. John's, Canada
If your into stained glass and churches then you will want to see the Bascillica..this beautiful stone building is a remarkable beauty ..the inside is a must see as the stained glass and monuments inside are breathtaking...around the back of the Cathedral on outside you can visit the holy shroud ..a remarkable must see for Catholics and people interested in religioous artifacts and history..a must see ...there is a nice terry walk from downtown St. John’s up to the basilica ..a grea5 easy at your own pace walk..
10. Signal Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,524 reviews
A hill overlooking St. John's Harbor which has been given "National Historic Site" status.
Reviewed By 992KarenH992 - Franklin, United States
Easy walk up to the top from the parking lot, 360 degree view from the top including St. John's harbor, Cape Spear Lighthouse and other parts of Avalon.
