Things to Do in St. John's

About St. John's

St. John's sits at the edge of North America, and you can feel the full weight of maritime Canada here—nothing softened, nothing packaged for tourists. The harbor has pulled in sailors for over 500 years. Row houses in bright colors climb the steep hills, their paint peeling just enough to show decades of fog and Atlantic storms. Fishing traditions are old. The arts scene is new. They coexist in warehouses that smell like salt and sawdust. The culture goes deep—fiddle music leaks from pubs, locals talk like you're already friends, and you can drive from downtown to raw coastline in under ten minutes. You won't just see Newfoundland here. You'll eat fish and chips while someone tells you a story their grandfather told them, and the whole place will get under your skin before you realize it happened.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a car for maximum flexibility exploring the Avalon Peninsula. Downtown St. John's is walkable, but steep hills can be challenging. Metrobus provides city transit for $2.50 CAD. Book early for seasonal ferry connections to other provinces via Marine Atlantic.

Money: Canadian dollars only; credit cards widely accepted. Tipping 15-18% at restaurants is standard. ATMs abundant downtown but scarce in rural areas. Expect higher prices than mainland Canada due to shipping costs, especially for groceries and gas.

Cultural Respect: Newfoundlanders are famously friendly—embrace conversations and storytelling. Don't rush interactions; locals value genuine connection. Learn basic Newfoundland expressions like 'stay where you're to' (wait here). Respect fishing communities and private property along coastal areas.

Food Safety: Tap water is excellent and safe. Try local specialties: fish and chips, cod tongues, and Jiggs dinner. Toutons (fried bread) are breakfast staples. Most restaurants maintain high standards; seafood is incredibly fresh. Book popular spots like Raymonds well in advance.

When to Visit

St. John's experiences a maritime climate with distinct seasonal personalities. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather with temperatures ranging 15-20°C (59-68°F), though rain is frequent with 90-100mm monthly precipitation. This peak season sees accommodation prices increase 40-60% higher, but rewards visitors with 16+ hours of daylight, whale watching opportunities, and festivals like the St. John's Regatta (first Wednesday in August, weather permitting). Fall (September-October) brings impressive autumn colors, cooler temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F), and moderate rainfall around 100-130mm monthly. Prices drop 20-30% while weather remains pleasant for hiking and sightseeing. Winter (November-March) is harsh with temperatures from -5 to 5°C (23-41°F), heavy snowfall, and frequent storms, but offers 50-70% lower accommodation rates and authentic local culture without crowds. Spring (April-May) sees gradual warming from 5-12°C (41-54°F) with high precipitation (100-120mm monthly) but emerging wildlife and shoulder-season pricing 30% below peak. Photography ensoiasts should visit during dramatic fall storms, while families prefer the reliable warmth of July-August despite higher costs and crowds.