If you’ve ever looked at a map of Canada and thought, “What even is all the way out there?” – this post is for you.
St. John’s, Newfoundland is the kind of place people often treat like a layover. Three days is considered “a long time” to stay. Most tourists breeze through, ticking off lighthouses and Signal Hill before heading west to Gros Morne. But after just a few days here, I found myself daydreaming about coming back for a whole summer. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a parallel version of Canada.
I visited in July on a 10-day family trip across Newfoundland. We rented a car (more on that later), and spent our first three days exploring the city. Whales breaching at Cape Spear, rainbow houses clinging to cliffside streets, WWII gun batteries just… sitting there. St. John’s has a depth and quiet weirdness you don’t find in other coastal cities.
Here are some ideas of what to do in St. John’s.
1. Stand at the edge of the continent at Cape Spear
Cape Spear is only a 20-minute drive from downtown, but the winding, hilly road makes it feel like you’re being slowly peeled away from the city. By the time you arrive, you’re standing on the easternmost point in North America, staring out into the Atlantic with nothing but ocean between you and Ireland.
There’s an old red-and-white lighthouse here, a small museum inside the keeper’s home, and a World War II gun battery carved into the cliffs. You can walk through the bunkers and lookout stations, imagining this place lit up in wartime. We got super lucky with blue skies.
2. Hike the trails around Signal Hill
Most people come to Signal Hill for the view – and fair enough, it delivers. You’ll see the city on one side, the Atlantic on the other, and the harbor curving in like a postcard. But if you’ve only come for the Cabot Tower, you’re missing the best part: the trails.
Signal Hill is crisscrossed with walking trails that let you experience the coastline at its most dramatic: cliffs, seabirds, the open Atlantic. In the summer, there’s a good chance you’ll see whales too – we did, more than once.
We hiked the Ladies’ Lookout Trail, which winds along the ridge with ocean views on both sides. It’s listed as moderate, but expect some uneven footing and short, steep sections. It felt just adventurous enough without being exhausting – perfect for our group, and absolutely worth it for the views.
There are several other trail options too, from the easy Burma Road Trail to the more intense North Head Trail, which hugs the cliffs from The Battery up to the summit.You can find the full trail descriptions here on the Parks Canada site.
3. Explore Quidi Vidi (and grab a beer while you’re at it)
Quidi Vidi is technically part of St. John’s, but it feels like its own small pocket of the city – all sloped roads, working boats, and salt-worn homes clustered around the harbor.
You can spent a slow afternoon here, wandering the waterfront, poking around artisan shops, and eventually grabbing a pint at Quidi Vidi Brewery. If you’re lucky, there might be live music playing. If you’re not, the view alone is worth it.
Parking is a bit of a mess – narrow streets, dead ends, and no real signage – but there are larger lots on the edge of the neighborhood. It’s easier to park and walk in than try your luck navigating the core.
There’s a nearby trailhead if you want to turn this into a longer stop, but even with just an hour or two, Quidi Vidi is a nice break from the downtown pace.
If you’re not renting a car but still want to visit Cape Spear, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi, and see the iconic jellybean houses, this guided tour is a convenient way to hit all the major spots without relying on taxis. It includes transportation and runs as a small group. I’d still recommend having a car if you plan to explore outside of St. John’s but if you’re staying in the city, this is a much better option than piecing it together by cab.
4. Walk through Harbourside History and the Newfoundland War Memorial
Right in the heart of downtown is Harbourside Park, and tucked into it is one of the most understated and important sites in the city: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s one of only two in Canada (the other’s in Ottawa), and it’s here because Newfoundland wasn’t part of Canada during World War I.
Beside it stands the Newfoundland and Labrador National War Memorial, a statue that anchors the space with a gravity you don’t expect in such a small city. Take a minute to walk the perimeter, read the plaques, and notice how many names are listed.
You don’t need long here – 15 minutes, maybe – but it’s a quiet reminder that Newfoundland’s history doesn’t always line up neatly with Canada’s. And that’s part of what makes being here so interesting.
5. Visit The Rooms Museum
Perched above downtown with floor-to-ceiling windows and sharp modern lines, The Rooms is hard to miss and it’s probably the best place to get a deeper sense of what makes Newfoundland, well, Newfoundland.
Inside, you’ll find galleries covering Indigenous histories, contemporary Newfoundland art, and rotating exhibits that dig into the province’s complicated relationship with Canada. There’s also a large archival section if you’re the kind of traveler who loves old documents and local lore.
Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, The Rooms is worth considering especially on a foggy day. And the café at the top has one of the best panoramic views of the city.
6. Wander through Jellybean Row
You’ve probably seen the photos – rows of bright, tightly packed houses stacked along hilly streets. But there’s no single “Jellybean Row” to plug into Google Maps. These homes are scattered across the downtown core, and spotting them as you walk around is half the fun.
Some are beautifully restored, others are a little weathered, but they all give St. John’s that distinctive look you don’t really find anywhere else in Canada. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to photograph them when the light’s soft and the streets are quieter.
We didn’t stay in one, but if you’re booking an Airbnb, you can absolutely find a jellybean-colored home to sleep in. And if you just want to walk, start near Gower Street and meander from there. There’s no official route – just streets that turn into stairs, unexpected views, and the sense that the whole city is layered into a hillside.
7. Take a puffin or whale watching tour
If seeing whales or puffins is on your list and you’re not the type to sit around scanning the ocean for an hour (no shade – we did that too), booking a tour is a solid move. Most leave from Bay Bulls or Witless Bay, both about 30 minutes south of St. John’s.
Summer is peak season for both species, with puffins nesting from May to early August and whales passing through in June and July. Expect a couple of hours on the water, sea cliffs, and the kind of commentary that ranges from deeply informative to charmingly chaotic depending on your boat captain.
If you don’t have a car, many of the tours offer pickup from downtown.
If you want to maximize your chances of seeing both puffins and whales in one trip, this boat tour out of Bay Bulls is a solid option. It runs in peak season, includes hotel pickup, and keeps the group size small enough to not feel like a ferry. Bring layers — it gets windy even in summer.
8. Ferryland Lighthouse on the Irish Loop drive
If you’ve got a car and half a day to spare, Ferryland Lighthouse is worth the detour. It’s about 1 hour 15 minutes south along the Irish Loop, and you’ll need to walk 25 minutes from the town to reach the lighthouse (or pay $5 for a ride).
The big draw here is the picnic, you can preorder a basket and eat on the cliffs with a front-row view of the Atlantic. We didn’t, but it still ended up being one of our favorite stops. The weather was perfect, and we sat on the rocks watching whales breach below us. It felt like one of those moments you couldn’t plan if you tried.
9. Browse indie shops and art galleries
Downtown St. John’s has just the right number of shops to make aimless wandering feel productive. Posie Row is a great place to start – a multi-level shop packed with locally made art, stationery, jewelry, and things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them.
There are a few small galleries in the area too, including one near the JAG hotel that features some of Newfoundland’s best contemporary artists. None of it feels over-curated or overly touristy – just small, local spaces doing their thing.
If you’re looking for gifts that aren’t screen-printed moose hoodies or ceramic puffins, this is where you’ll find them.
10. Visit the Saturday Farmers Market
The St. John’s Farmers Market isn’t huge, but it’s one of the best ways to see what locals are making, cooking, and growing. It runs year-round on Saturdays, and while the name suggests produce, you’re more likely to find food stalls, crafts, and community vibes especially earlier in the summer before the growing season really kicks in.
Think Nigerian street food, fancy grilled cheese, Syrian pastries, waffles, Taiwanese snacks – and that is just a handful of the options. You don’t need a full morning for this, but it’s a fun stop if you’re in town on a Saturday and want to see a different side of the city. Come hungry.
11. Take a day hike: Cuckold’s Cove, La Manche, or Petty Harbour
If you’re craving a stretch of your legs beyond Signal Hill, there are plenty of quick hikes just outside the city that give you that big Newfoundland scenery without the long drive.
- Cuckold’s Cove Trail: Short and close to downtown, this one winds along the coast with great ocean views. A solid option if you’re short on time but still want to feel like you’ve earned your dinner.
- La Manche Suspension Bridge: About an hour’s drive from St. John’s, this is more of a short scenic walk than a full hike — but the bridge and the views make it worth the detour.
- Petty Harbour: Less a formal trail, more a place to drive through, stop for fish n’ chips, and take in the rugged coastal setting. Great for a low-effort scenic outing.
12. Try the best fish n’ chips in town
Newfoundland takes its fish n’ chips seriously and so do the tourists. Ask around, and you’ll hear about Duke of Duckworth almost immediately. It’s fine. The portions are big, the batter’s crisp, but it’s not the life-changing experience some make it out to be.
If you want something a little more scenic (and, in my opinion, better), head to By the Beach in St. Philip’s. You can eat right by the ocean, and the drive alone makes it feel like more of an outing. Keith’s in Petty Harbour is another good option if you’re heading that way for a hike or a drive.
It’s one of those meals where context matters – the salt air, the road trip feeling, the paper takeout box – all of it adds up. Just don’t be afraid to skip the most hyped spot.
13. Taste test local brews at Quidi Vidi, Yellowbelly, or Bannerman
Newfoundland’s craft beer scene isn’t huge, but what it lacks in scale it makes up for in atmosphere. If you’re already in Quidi Vidi, the brewery there is an easy pick — tucked right into the harbor with a solid beer lineup and a great view. Sometimes there’s live music, sometimes it’s just quiet, but either way it’s a good stop.
Yellowbelly Brewery, downtown on Water Street, is housed in a historic building with stone walls, multiple floors, and a downstairs spot called The Underbelly where they host trivia nights and serve pub food. If you’re going out on a weeknight, check their events.Bannerman Brewery is a more modern space near the park, with cleaner lines, seasonal beers, and a slightly younger crowd. Each one has its own vibe – worth trying more than one if you’re into it.
Where to Eat and Drink in St. John’s
St. John’s punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Whether you’re into moody cafes, multi-course dinners, or casual spots with ocean views, there’s a lot to eat for a city this size.
Brunch
- Mallard Cottage: A classic. Rustic, local, always busy.
- Grounds Café: A little further out, but worth the drive.
- Bernard Stanley’s: Solid brunch spot right in town.
Dinner
- Portage: New Canadian with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Merchant Tavern: Chic but not stuffy.
- Chinched: Charcuterie, cocktails, and the kind of menu that rewards indecision.
- Basho: If you’re feeling fancy – the dry-aged steak is the standout.
Bakeries & Coffee
- Toslow: Go for coffee, stay for the natural wine selection.
- Postmasters Bakery: Also does a pop-up out by Cape Spear.
- Levain and Old Dublin: Good pastries, local crowd.
Nightlife
- If you’re going out, George Street is where the action is – bars here stay open until 3am.
- Live music? Try Greensleeves, O’Riellys, or Broderick’s.
- Trivia or a quieter pint? Head to Yellowbelly or The Underbelly.
Bonus: If you’re feeling brave (or just want a story), you can get screeched in at Christian’s Bar on George Street. Call ahead to book – and yes, you’ll have to kiss the cod.
Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your google account.
If St. John’s is part of a bigger Canada itinerary, and you’re passing through Ontario, I’ve also put together a guide to things to do in Toronto to maybe offset the cost of flying into the east coast.
Getting Around + Renting a Car in Newfoundland
If you want to explore beyond downtown St. John’s – and you should – renting a car is pretty much essential. Public transit is limited, and while taxis or Ubers work in a pinch, they won’t get you to Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, or anywhere beyond the city limits without adding up fast.
Most major rentals are based at St. John’s International Airport, and you can pick up a car right after landing. There are a few local rental shops downtown too, but airport pickup is usually the most convenient unless you’re staying car-free for a few days first.In summer, expect prices to hover around $70–$100/day. Booking in advance is key – especially in peak months like July when inventory runs low and prices spike.
💡 We used Discover Cars to compare prices and pick the cheapest option – it scans both big-name and local rental companies so you don’t have to check every site manually.
Where To Stay In St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Sea View | Alt Hotel has modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a front-row view of the harbor.
Downtown Boutique | Blue on Water is small hotel in a historic building, right on Water Street, with a restaurant downstairs. JAG Boutique Hotel is music-themed, centrally located, and an easy walk to George Street.
Apartment Stay | Water Street Condos. Apartment-style rental with a kitchen — ideal for longer stays or more flexibility.
What to Do After St. John’s
Three days in St. John’s gives you a good introduction to Newfoundland — the history, the color, the whales. But the island doesn’t really open up until you hit the road.
From here, we drove west toward Gros Morne National Park, stopping in Gander and Twillingate along the way. The contrast between the coastal capital and the quiet, rugged interior makes the trip feel like two different provinces stitched together. If you’re doing a full island road trip, renting a car is worth it just for the flexibility to stop wherever the road looks interesting.
If you’re planning a longer trip, don’t miss our post on hiking the Long Range Traverse – one of the most beautiful (and underrated) multi-day treks in Canada. And if you want to build out your full route, we’ve shared our tips in a complete Newfoundland itinerary that includes driving times, best overnight stops, and where to find actually good roadside meals.
St. John’s is just the start – but it’s one worth slowing down for.
