Top Things to do in St. John's
The 10 Best Free Things to do in St. John's, Newfoundland
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. 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.
2. Alexis Templeton Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Alexis Templeton Studio: Shop and working pottery studio. A creative space, the studio always features Alexis’ latest work as well as interesting pieces by other potters and a selection of very fine chocolate. Visit Year-round - please consult the website for current hours. 75 Quidi Vidi Rd (near the foot of Signal Hill)in St. John’s, NL. Note on Covid-19: Outside of essential workers, visitors to the province are prohibited at this time. Those with special exceptions to travel are expected to isolate for 14 days. We are happily Covid-free right now!
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. 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.
5. 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..
6. Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
A beautiful stone church built in 1847.
Reviewed By Nunya-from-NS - Wick, United Kingdom
We thought we'd wander in and enjoy this building for a bit and ended up with a thoroughly mind-blowing tour by the young man on his way studying the organ at Memorial. The history of the imagery, structure, organ and artifacts were all enthusiastically and thoroughly presented, and he left us wowed by the cathedral and the community that has invested so much in it's preservation. It was beautiful inside and out. Thank you very much, and kudos to the docent who looked after us so well!
7. 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.
8. Cabot Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
A tower built at the highest point of Signal Hill, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland and Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
Reviewed By jenniferb360 - Ottawa, Canada
We took the Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and our first stop was Signal Hill, where Cabot Tower is situated at its highest point. It was built as a monument to John Cabot’s 1497 voyage to North America and to the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. Climb the stairs for a great view of the city and harbour. There is a gift shop on the first floor, and the second floor has a section devoted to the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission of the human voice received here by Guglielmo Marconi in 1920.
9. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,400 reviews
Reviewed By T4232XIjohnb - Toronto, Canada
Cape Spear is as far east as you can go in North America and the lighthouse stands as a sentinel protecting ships from the dangerous rocky shores. Do walk up to the lighthouse to get the best views and even if the day is a foggy/cloudy one you will get a great experience with the fog horn blowing in the background.
10. Bowring Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Reviewed By Cdbt - Goulds, Canada
This is a beautiful Park to visit in St.John’s,NL. It has hiking/walking trails,duck pond,playground,Splash Pad,swimming pool,Amphitheater,open areas for picnics ,soccer field, tennis court, Skate park, and is rich in Dedication to NL History such as War Memorials. It is a place that was created in July 1914.If you visit St.John’s,NL it is a must see and a great place to spend the day with the entire family at anytime of the year...open all year long.
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