Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
30/07/2025
Hyukman Kwon, Pexels
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a vibrant and historic city that blends big-city amenities with small-town charm, making it a unique North American destination. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring its rich history and colorful architecture to engaging with local culture and enjoying natural landscapes and wildlife.
George Street is a key area for nightlife and entertainment, featuring numerous bars, pubs, and live music venues, and hosts the annual George Street Festival. Quidi Vidi Village, a short walk from downtown, offers a quaint fishing village atmosphere with a popular brewery for sampling local craft beers. Downtown St. John's, including Water Street and Duckworth Street, is also bustling with shops, restaurants, and pubs, providing opportunities to socialize.
Top 6 Things to do in St. John's
St. John's offers a blend of historical exploration, unique cultural experiences, breathtaking natural scenery, and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
1. Signal Hill National Historic Site
Explore this iconic landmark with panoramic views of St. John's and the Atlantic Ocean. Discover Cabot Tower, where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received. The area offers various hiking trails, including the North Head Trail, which provides stunning coastal views. Plan to spend 1 to 3 hours here.
Cost: Admission is free for youth 17 and under, and 50% off for ages 18-24 until September 2, 2025. Otherwise, generally free to access the grounds.
Transport: Located a short distance from downtown, Signal Hill can be reached by walking (approximately 34 minutes, including steep inclines), taking the Metrobus line 15 (9 minutes, $2-3 CAD), or a taxi (5 minutes, $9-12 CAD).
2. Cape Spear National Historic Site
Visit the most easterly point in North America, offering dramatic ocean views and two historic lighthouses, including the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. You can also explore the remnants of a WWII battery. It's recommended to spend at least a couple of hours here.
Cost: Admission to the site is generally free.
Transport: Cape Spear is about 16 km from St. John's. It can be reached by taxi (17 minutes, $30-40 CAD one-way), driving (17 minutes, $4-5 CAD for gas), or by joining a guided bus tour which often includes other St. John's highlights (from $55 CAD).
3. Whale and Puffin Watching Tour
Embark on a boat tour to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to North America's largest Atlantic Puffin colony and a prime location for spotting humpback whales. Tours often include views of icebergs during certain seasons. Many tours also offer a 'Screech-In' ceremony on board, a fun tradition to become an honorary Newfoundlander. Whale season typically peaks from mid-June to mid-August, and puffins nest from May to mid-September.
Cost: Tour prices vary by operator and duration, ranging from approximately $90 to $150 CAD per person for a 1.5 to 2-hour tour.
Transport: Many boat tours depart from downtown St. John's, within walking distance of hotels. Some operators, especially those departing from Witless Bay (about 30 minutes south of St. John's), offer shuttle services from St. John's hotels for an additional fee (e.g., $35 CAD per adult).
4. The Rooms
Immerse yourself in Newfoundland and Labrador's history, heritage, and art at The Rooms. This provincial museum, art gallery, and archives offers engaging exhibits and unparalleled views of St. John's harbour. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the collections.
Cost: Adult admission is $12 CAD. Free admission is offered to Indigenous Peoples, youth 17 and under (until September 2, 2025), and students with valid ID on Fridays. Free admission is also available on the first Wednesday evening of every month (5-9 pm).
Transport: The Rooms is centrally located at 9 Bonaventure Avenue. It's accessible by Metrobus routes 2, 10, and 15, or a short taxi ride from downtown (costs vary). On-site parking is available for $2 CAD per hour.
5. Explore Quidi Vidi Village
Discover the charm of Quidi Vidi, a picturesque historic fishing village located within St. John's. Often called 'The Gut,' it features colorful houses, a popular craft brewery, and local artisan studios. Enjoy a leisurely walk, soak in the quaint atmosphere, and perhaps sample local craft beers.
Cost: Exploring the village is free. Costs for brewery tours or purchases at craft studios vary. Brewery tours typically involve tasting fees.
Transport: Quidi Vidi Village is a short walk from downtown St. John's. Taxis are also an option. Some city tours include a stop here.
6. Visit Johnson GEO CENTRE
Delve deep into the Earth's history at the Johnson GEO CENTRE, cut from the ancient rock of Signal Hill. This science interpretation center features interactive exhibits on geology, space exploration, and Newfoundland's natural resources. It's an engaging and educational experience for all ages, with a dedicated kids' area.
Cost: Adult admission is $12 CAD, with discounts for seniors and students ($9 CAD), and youth ($6 CAD). Children under 5 are free.
Transport: Located on Signal Hill Road, the Johnson GEO CENTRE is accessible by walking uphill from downtown (about 1.5 km), by Metrobus routes towards Signal Hill (bus stop near the base), or by taxi (estimated $10-20 CAD from downtown). On-site parking is available, which may incur a fee.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
