What to do and see in St. John's, Newfoundland: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

January 11, 2022 Jasper Kershner

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

50 Pippy Pl 2nd Floor, Unit 9, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 4H7 Canada +1 709-738-4453 [email protected] http://www.eastcoasttrail.com
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 466 reviews

East Coast Trail

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. Best Kind Hiking Tours

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Best Kind Hiking Tours

A hiking agency offering affordable, guided hikes in St. John's and along the East Coast Trail. All day tours include a picnic lunch and transportation from downtown St. John's. Hiking with a local guide will allow you to simply enjoy the views. Explore the stunning coastline of Newfoundland while supporting a local business!

3. Quidi Vidi Battery

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada +1 709-729-0592 [email protected] http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=3061
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

Quidi Vidi Battery

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.

4. Quidi Vidi Brewery

35 Barrows Rd, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1A 1G8 Canada +1 709-738-4040 [email protected] http://www.quidividibrewery.ca/
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 459 reviews

Quidi Vidi Brewery

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

5. Inn of Olde Pub

67 Quidi Vidi Village Rd, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1A 1E9 Canada +1 709-576-2223 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inn-of-Olde/85744610537?sk=info
Excellent
33%
Good
63%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Inn of Olde Pub

Reviewed By JonandBrenda - Logansport, United States

It's a little pub with big heart. You owe it to yourself to check it out! Quaint little pub and Linda the proprietor with her awesome stories and warm hugs for everyone.

6. Terry Fox Monument

1 Water St, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1C 1A1 Canada +1 877-363-2467 http://www.pc.gc.ca/APPS/CP-NR/release_e.asp
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 370 reviews

Terry Fox Monument

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

7. Quidi Vidi

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada +1 709-570-2038 http://destinationstjohns.com/article/the-quidi-vidi-village-experience-part-i
Excellent
52%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 623 reviews

Quidi Vidi

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.

8. Ocean Sciences Centre Marine Public Education Program

0 Marine Lab Road, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1C 5R3 Canada +1 709-864-2459 [email protected] http://www.mun.ca/osc/home/VisitorInformation-GeneralPublic.php
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Ocean Sciences Centre Marine Public Education Program

Notice: Site closed for the 2020 season due to Covid-19 restrictions OCEAN SCIENCES CENTRE, PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM Touch Tank/Seal Tours- All Ages! Come dip your hands into our salt water touch tank. Explore the underwater world of Newfoundland’s local sea creatures’ hands on! Also be sure to visit our resident harp seals Babette, Tyler, and Deane! Open June 1st-Sept. 10am-5pm daily, rain or shine 7 days a week. Free Admission! (Donations Accepted)

Reviewed By NLCan1974 - Portugal Cove, Canada

Excellent set up to teach kids and adults about some of the local sea creatures and it’s free!! Excellent that the university is able to offer this program.

9. Newman Wine Vaults

436 Water St, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1E 1B1 Canada +1 709-739-7870 http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/rhs/rs_listing/123.html
Excellent
42%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 100 reviews

Newman Wine Vaults

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.