Top Things to do in St. John's
Top 10 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. 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 !
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,822 reviews
The Rooms is a place for all of us: for those who live here and those who want to experience it fully. Part sanctuary, part showcase, part classroom and part playground, it’s both a destination and a journey. This is a gathering place, a creative space and a cultural centre as distinct and unique as Newfoundland and Labrador. It is our place to come together, to create meaningful and memorable experiences. It is our place to share the best of who we are.
Reviewed By Nunya-from-NS - Wick, United Kingdom
A magnificent collection of collections on a stunning site. Well signed, easily accessible, big range of exhibits. We saw WW1 exhibit, rughooking exhibit, Group of Seven exhibit, natural history exhibit, cultures of NL exhibit (very sensitively handled, bravo, and a wonderful display of local expressions!) ... and somehow we missed the David Blackwood exhibition (I'm very disappointed about this, but can't figure out how it happened). Bravo, this place is sensational!
6. Quidi Vidi Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By HESSN22 - Kingston, Canada
Great beer ... yummy wine ... fabulous ambiance ... bartenders were very knowledgeable and friendly ... cod bites from the chip wagon outside were so tasty ... highly recommend ... busy busy place ... try the 1892 or Iceberg beer ... thumbs up
7. Terry Fox Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By colleeng634 - Santa Barbara, United States
Grew up in Newfoundland & first time visiting Trey Fox Memorial....thought it was a Great Tribute & very nicely done
8. Quidi Vidi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Reviewed By 91tomh - Imbassai, Brazil
Urban pressure is on, there is no definitive division between the east end of St.John's and Quidi Vidi. It is still quaint but modernity in terms of housing etc makes it less interesting touristically every year. Brewery, handicraft outlet and restaurant aside this used to be a real fishing port. Now it is more of a yuppie port. When people complain that its cuteness doesn't cut it any more, I get it. BUT.....you gotta go there.....it is just how you get there that is the real issue. Tourists should walk there from the Signal Hill or better leave your car on Water st. St.John's and walk from the battery to Signal hill see that and continue walking on a gorgeous nature trail down from Signal Hill on a well maintained route, passing Cuckold cove, with eagles and gorgeous sea scapes, preceding down the trail to enter Quidi Vidi via the back door so to speak. Take your pictures, quaff a pint or two have a meal and then walk the easy short walk along the east side of Quidi Vidi lake and the old General Hospital back to where you started. You will love it, no trouble with car parking, great sea scapes and nature will make your day. Walking will take a couple of hours if you hurry or you can relax look at the eagles and sea birds. Go in to that restaurant, .....enjoy.
9. Jellybean Row Houses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By Sutraveling
I loved driving and walking through the village of "jelly bean houses" --- It is a must see because every picture of NL contains the images--- Color and Connection, so remarkably the trademark of the St. John's people!
10. George Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 851 reviews
The entertainment center of St. John's, offering events, nightlife and shopping.
Reviewed By Curiosity724354
Great street with live music happening and plenty of restaurants to choose from. The street wasn't as long as I expected but lots of activity as you walk along. Every city should have a George Street! Must do if you are in St.Johns.
