Your guide to St John's

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Wild and windswept, Newfoundland’s largest city has a craggy coastline and crashing waves. Yet at its heart St. John’s retains a small-town feel. The locals’ ancestral Irish lilt, coupled with a high density of pubs, makes George Street reminiscent of Dublin’s Temple Bar. And with its own time zone, Newfoundland truly jigs to the tune of its own fiddle. Our St John's travel guide covers it all.

Michael Winsor

St John's highlights

Whale watching

Every year 10,000 whales migrate north via Newfoundland, making this one of the best places on Earth to see these massive mammals. Humpbacks, minkes and orcas are just some of the breeds you might spot on your St. John’s visit. Catch them between May and September, getting up close and personal by cruise or kayak.

Incredible icebergs

It was Newfoundland that received the Titanic’s first distress signal back in 1912. Come spring, hundreds of icebergs drift south from Greenland through Iceberg Alley. Learn to identify each by its unique characteristics, be that blue with age or flat like a tabletop. Stay safe by admiring these behemoths on an official boat, kayak or photography tour.

Where to stay

Head for the Historic District, where historical inns and upscale boutique hotels nestle amid oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. This area is conveniently within strolling distance of the shops, bars and restaurants of the main drag. Or you can book a luxury golf stay at one of the oceanfront resorts in nearby Ponte Vedra.

St John's: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	Canadian dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-3:30 (NST) and UTC-2:30 (NDT)
High season	July - August
Low season	January - February

Things to do in St John's

Places to eat

For centuries, cod fishing has lured everyone from the British to the Basques to Newfoundland. Feeling adventurous? Try the fried cod tongues. Mallard Cottage in quaint Quidi Vidi is considered one of the best restaurants in Canada; try local favorites with a contemporary twist or warm up with a hearty moose stew after a day out at sea.

Beaches

Access the East Coast Trail from St. John’s to enjoy hundreds of miles of coastal wilderness along the Atlantic Ocean. One dramatic sight includes a natural geyser, where waves cause water to spout high into the air. Look for bald eagles nesting on sea stacks and the continent’s largest population of puffins.

Nightlife

Follow the sound of live music to George Street, where you’ll hear sea shanties being sung in bars. Start your night with a bottle of local Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer while you listen to tales of Newfoundland’s maritime past. From there, take part in the Screech-In ceremony, a tourist rite of passage that includes smooching a frozen cod in order to be declared an honorary ‘Newfie.’

FAQs about visiting St John's

What is the coldest month in St John's?

February brings the coolest conditions in St John's, Newfoundland. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of 19°F.

What currency is used in St John's?

While on your stay in St John's, Newfoundland, you'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) for everything you buy. It may be helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any hassles with payments.

What is the rainiest month in St John's?

The wettest month is January, which gets an average rainfall of 5.8 inches. But don't let that take the shine off your St John's, Newfoundland trip — there's still loads to do indoors like browsing shops, exploring museums, or checking out cozy cafes.

What is the hottest month in St John's?

With temperatures hitting highs of 68ºF, August is the hottest month in St John's, Newfoundland.

Is it safe to visit St John's?

St. John’s, Newfoundland is at the mercy of the Atlantic’s whims. Drive carefully through fog and avoid cliffs during storms. Nothing will ruin your St. John's trip like a moose through the windshield, so take care and avoid driving in the dark if possible.

How many days do you need for a trip to St John's?

The ideal length of your stay in St John's, Newfoundland depends on your starting point and what you want to do. Don't have far to travel? Three to five days is perfect if you're looking for a quick escape. If you're making a longer journey, consider booking for at least a week. This will give you enough time to visit places outside the city or simply explore at a pace that suits you.

What language is spoken in St John's?

While on your city break in St John's, Newfoundland, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English.

How expensive is a trip to St John's?

Save money on your St. John's, Newfoundland trip by observing whales and icebergs from the shore. The city’s dramatic coastline has numerous hiking trails, none of which cost a penny to enjoy. Don’t miss Signal Hill to appreciate the wonder of the first wireless transatlantic message.

Is St John's a good place to visit?

You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in St John's, Newfoundland. From Signal Hill to The Rooms and more, there's no shortage of reasons to book a trip.

When is the best time to visit St John's?

Icebergs drift south from spring onwards. While no one comes to St. John’s, Newfoundland for warm weather, summer brings other highlights like whale watching, beach cookouts and cocktails chilled with chipped iceberg. Find cheaper flights and hotels to St. John’s during the low season when snowshoeing to the pub is an option.