Destination Guide

    St. John's

    St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador and the province's main arrival point. Downtown is compact and walkable, built on steep streets above the harbour. Our Queens Hall is a luxury downtown vacation rental within walking distance of it.

    Around the harbour

    Signal Hill overlooks the Narrows, the entrance to St. John's harbour, and the North Head Trail runs from the hill down toward the waterfront — a rewarding walk, but with exposed sections and steps. Cape Spear, the easternmost point of Canada, is a short drive out of the city and a popular spot early in the morning. Quidi Vidi is a small harbour village inside the city with a brewery and a working waterfront.

    Downtown, music and food

    George Street is the best-known strip for live traditional and contemporary music, and it is busiest late in the evening. Water Street and Duckworth Street hold most of the restaurants, galleries and shops. Local dishes worth trying include toutons, jigg's dinner and seasonal seafood such as snow crab and cod. Menus, hours and seasonal openings change frequently — check current listings on Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism.

    Getting around

    • • Downtown is walkable, but the hills are steep — pack real shoes.
    • • Street parking downtown is limited and metered in places; check signage.
    • • A car is useful for Cape Spear, Petty Harbour and trips outside the city.
    • • Coastal fog and wind can arrive quickly; a windproof layer is more useful than an umbrella.

    Hiking near the city

    The East Coast Trail runs along the coastline south and north of St. John's, with sections that can be walked in a half day. Conditions and closures are posted by the trail association — check eastcoasttrail.com before heading out.

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