Discover St. John's, Newfoundland: A Maritime Gem

St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland, is a city with a rich maritime history and a vibrant harbor at its heart. As the oldest European-founded city in North America, it has been a hub for fishing vessels since the 1500s. Today, St. John's is known for its "Jellybean Row" of colorful houses and a variety of attractions that showcase its unique history and natural beauty.

For more information on the top attractions in St. John's, visit here. And for accommodation options, check out Where to Stay in St. John's.

1. Signal Hill National Historic Site & Cabot Tower

Signal Hill offers panoramic views of St. John's and the sea. Visitors can explore the history of the site at the Visitor Centre, the 1700s Queen's Battery, and Cabot Tower, which commemorates John Cabot's voyage and Marconi's first transatlantic wireless broadcast. The summer Signal Hill Tattoo features military reenactments.

Address: 230 Signal Hill Road, St. John's, Newfoundland

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/signalhill

2. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, features Newfoundland's oldest lighthouse and the restored keeper's house. Visitors can also explore Fort Cape Spear from World War II and enjoy whale and iceberg spotting.

Address: Blackhead Road, Blackhead, Newfoundland

Official site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nl/spear

3. The Rooms

The Rooms is a cultural facility that houses the Provincial Museum, Archives, and Art Gallery. It offers interactive exhibits, traditional music, and art workshops, with an observation deck for harbor views.

Address: 9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland

Official site: https://www.therooms.ca/

4. Quidi Vidi

Quidi Vidi is a picturesque fishing village that's home to local artisans and the historic Quidi Vidi Battery. It's also the site of the annual St. John's Regatta on Quidi Vidi Lake.

5. Maritime Music on George Street

George Street is the heart of St. John's music scene, featuring Maritime Music and various festivals. It's a hub of activity with no set closing hours.

6. Hike the East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail offers over 300 kilometers of scenic paths along Newfoundland's coastline, with access to fjords, sea stacks, wildlife, and historical sites.

Official site: http://eastcoasttrail.ca

7. The Harbor and Water Street

Water Street, North America's oldest main street, is lined with historic buildings like the Murray Premises and offers views of the harbor and local landmarks.

8. Johnson GEO Centre

The Johnson GEO Centre takes visitors into Signal Hill's geologic past with interactive exhibits on Earth's history, space exploration, and Newfoundland's geology.

Address: 175 Signal Hill Road, St. John's, Newfoundland

Official site: https://www.geocentre.ca/

9. Basilica of St. John the Baptist

This Roman Catholic basilica is a National Historic Site with a Latin cross design and twin towers. It features a gold leaf ceiling and significant statues.

Address: 200 Military Road, St. John's, Newfoundland

Official site: http://www.thebasilica.ca

10. Puffin and Whale Watching

Newfoundland's coast is a prime location for puffin and whale watching, with numerous seabirds and marine mammals attracted by the abundant fish.

11. Memorial University Botanical Garden and Pippy Park

The MUN Botanical Garden in Pippy Park features themed gardens and trails, while the Fluvarium offers underwater views of aquatic life.

Address: 306 Mt. Scio Road, St. John's, Newfoundland

12. Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The Anglican Cathedral, a National Historic Site, is an example of neo-Gothic architecture with a richly furnished interior.

Address: 16 Church Hill, St. John's, Newfoundland

Official site: http://www.stjohnsanglicancathedral.org

13. Explore Bell Island

Bell Island is accessible by ferry and offers unique geology, historical mine tours, and scenic cliffs and sea stacks.

14. Salmonier Nature Park

Salmonier Nature Park, a short drive from St. John's, features native wildlife in natural habitats and focuses on education and rehabilitation.

Address: Salmonier Line, Holyrood, Newfoundland

Official site: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ffa/wildlife/snp/

Where to Stay in St. John's for Sightseeing

Luxury & Mid-Range Hotels:

• For modern luxury, consider the Alt Hotel St. John's or the historic Murray Premises Hotel.
• The rock-themed boutique JAG and the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland offer premium amenities and harbor views.
• Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland provides family-sized rooms and convenient parking.

Budget Hotels:

• The DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview and Ramada by Wyndham St. John's offer updated rooms and amenities.
• For a historic setting, the Rendell - Shea Manor provides a cozy atmosphere.