St. John’s City Attractions: A Guide for Travelers

Signal Hill National Historic Site

Signal Hill is a hill overlooking the city and the harbor of St. John’s. It is a national historic site that commemorates the role of St. John’s in the defense of Canada and the Atlantic region, as well as the first transatlantic wireless communication by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901. Signal Hill offers stunning views of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding islands. You can also visit the Cabot Tower, a castle-like structure that was built in 1897 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland. The tower houses a museum that displays exhibits and artifacts related to the history of Signal Hill and the development of wireless communication. You can also enjoy guided tours, hiking trails, picnic areas, and seasonal events at Signal Hill.

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Cape Spear is the easternmost point of North America, located about 15 kilometers from St. John’s. It is home to the Cape Spear Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador. The lighthouse was built in 1836 and operated until 1955, when it was replaced by a modern tower. The original lighthouse has been restored and opened to the public as a national historic site. You can visit the lighthouse keeper’s residence, which showcases the life and work of the lighthouse keepers and their families in the 19th and 20th centuries. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline. Cape Spear is also a great place to watch whales, seabirds, and icebergs, depending on the season.

The Rooms

The Rooms is the provincial museum, art gallery, and archives of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is housed in a striking modern building that overlooks the city and the harbor of St. John’s. The Rooms features exhibits and collections that showcase the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of the province. You can learn about the history, geography, wildlife, and people of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as admire the works of local and national artists. The Rooms also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. You can also visit the cafe and the gift shop, which offer local products and souvenirs.

Quidi Vidi Village

Quidi Vidi Village is a quaint fishing village located in a scenic cove near St. John’s. It is one of the oldest and most charming communities in the city, with colorful houses, boats, and docks. Quidi Vidi Village is a popular spot for visitors who want to experience the authentic and relaxed atmosphere of a coastal village. You can stroll along the waterfront, visit the local shops and galleries, or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or pubs. Quidi Vidi Village is also home to the Quidi Vidi Brewery, the largest craft brewery in Newfoundland and Labrador. You can take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their award-winning beers, such as the Iceberg Beer, which is made with water from icebergs.

George Street

George Street is the main entertainment district of St. John’s. It is a pedestrian-only street that runs for two blocks between Water Street and New Gower Street. George Street is famous for its high concentration of bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues, making it the nightlife hub of the city. George Street is also the venue for several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the George Street Festival, the Mardi Gras Festival, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Whether you are looking for a casual drink, a lively dance, or a live show, George Street has something for everyone.

Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Basilica of St. John the Baptist is the Roman Catholic cathedral of St. John’s. It is a majestic and imposing structure that dominates the skyline of the city. The basilica was built between 1839 and 1855, and is one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Canada. The basilica features a twin-towered facade, a vaulted nave, stained glass windows, marble altars, and ornate carvings. The basilica is also the resting place of several prominent figures in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, such as Bishop Michael Fleming, who initiated the construction of the basilica, and Sir Thomas Nangle, who served as the chaplain of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. The basilica is open to the public for tours, services, and concerts.

East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail is a hiking trail that stretches for over 300 kilometers along the eastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula, from Cape St. Francis to Cappahayden. The trail passes through some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in the province, such as cliffs, coves, forests, wetlands, and islands. The trail also offers opportunities to see wildlife, such as whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and moose. The trail is divided into 26 sections, each with its own difficulty level, length, and attractions. Some of the most popular sections include the Sugarloaf Path, which leads to the Signal Hill National Historic Site, the Cape Spear Path, which leads to the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, and the Spout Path, which features a natural geyser that sprays water up to 20 meters high. The East Coast Trail is a must-do for hikers and nature lovers who visit St. John’s.

Johnson Geo Centre

The Johnson Geo Centre is a geological interpretation center that explores the natural history of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the planet Earth. The center is located on Signal Hill, and is partly built underground, using the natural rock as its walls. The center features exhibits and displays that cover topics such as plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, fossils, minerals, glaciers, and space. You can also see real specimens of rocks, meteorites, and dinosaur bones, as well as interactive models and simulations. The center also has a 3D theater, a gift shop, and a cafe.

Water Street

Water Street is the oldest street in North America, dating back to the 16th century. It is the main commercial street of St. John’s, and is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Water Street is a great place to shop for local and unique products, such as crafts, jewelry, books, clothing, and souvenirs. You can also find some of the best dining options in the city, ranging from traditional Newfoundland cuisine to international flavors. Water Street is also a cultural hotspot, with several art galleries, museums, and theaters. You can enjoy the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Water Street, and discover the history and charm of St. John’s.

Bowring Park

Bowring Park is a public park located in the west end of St. John’s. It is one of the most beautiful and popular parks in the city, with over 200 acres of green space, gardens, ponds, and trails. Bowring Park is a great place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy some recreational activities. You can also visit some of the attractions in the park, such as the Peter Pan statue, which was donated by Sir Edgar Bowring in 1925, the Caribou monument, which honors the fallen soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, and the Bungalow, which is the oldest building in the park and serves as a museum and a tea room.

Conclusion

St. John’s is a city that offers a variety of attractions for travelers of all interests and tastes. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, from cultural venues to lively bars, from quaint villages to modern malls, St. John’s has something for everyone. St. John’s is a city that will surprise you, delight you, and make you fall in love with it. If you are planning to visit St. John’s, make sure to check out some of the attractions that we have listed in this article, and discover the beauty and charm of this amazing city.