CanadaSt. John's
St. John's
Destination

St. John's

St. John’s is the vibrant, historic capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, a ruggedly beautiful city perched on the steep, rocky slopes of the Avalon Peninsula. As the oldest English-founded city in North America, it hugs a dramatic, deep-water natural harbor accessed via a narrow, cliff-walled passage known as "The Narrows." The city is globally recognized for its iconic "Jellybean Row"which is a cascading kaleidoscope of brightly colored Victorian row houses that climb the steep hilly streets, contrasted against the deep blue of the North Atlantic. Guarding the harbor entrance is the majestic Signal Hill, offering sweeping views of the ocean, where massive icebergs and migrating humpback whales drift along "Iceberg Alley." Beyond its striking geological frame, St. John’s is home to one of the most culturally distinct communities in North America. Heavily influenced by its deep Irish, English, and maritime heritage, the city possesses a legendary reputation for warmth, storytelling, and musicality. The streets hum with live folk music, while historic George Street offers an energetic pub scene. From cozy kitchen parties and traditional cod-kissing ceremonies to contemporary restaurants utilizing wild-foraged boreal ingredients, St. John’s is a deeply soulful, salt-of-the-earth destination where historic charm and rugged wilderness meet.

Places to stay in St. John's

Quick facts about St. John's

Local weather

overcast clouds
2°-4°

overcast clouds

Monbroken clouds
8°5°
Tuescattered clouds
7°2°
Wedclear sky
4°2°
Thulight rain
9°3°
Friovercast clouds
10°10°

General info

Time zone

Newfoundland Standard Time (NST), UTC -3:50

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Official languages

English

Best time to visit

JUN-AUG

Recommended trip duration

3 days

FAQs about St. John's

Yes, absolutely. It offers a spectacular, colorful combination of deep maritime history, unparalleled coastal hiking, world-class whale and iceberg watching, and exceptionally warm, welcoming hospitality.

Two to three days are perfect to explore the historic downtown, visit Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and experience local dining; five to seven days are ideal if you plan to road-trip the surrounding bays of the Avalon Peninsula.

The colorful "Jellybean Row" houses, Cabot Tower atop Signal Hill, Cape Spear (the easternmost point of North America), and its lively, pub-filled nightlife on George Street.

Yes, St. John’s is exceptionally safe with low crime rates, and locals are globally renowned for being incredibly helpful and friendly to travelers.

  • The weather is famously unpredictable and shifts in minutes; locals live by the phrase, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."
  • St. John's operates on its own unique half-hour time zone, which can easily confuse digital calendars and flights if not paid attention to.
  • Renting a car is almost mandatory for sightseeing, as public transit does not reach key coastal highlights like Cape Spear or Witless Bay.
  • The city is built on a steep, continuous hill sloping down to the harbor; exploring downtown on foot requires a good level of leg stamina.
  • A "Screech-In" is a real, highly popular, and lighthearted local pub initiation that involves reciting local vows, drinking Jamaican screech rum, and kissing a frozen codfish.
Neomaxer on the go

Download the Neomaxer App

Your travel companion, now in your pocket.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Scan to download the Neomaxer app
Scan to
download