Things to Do at Quidi Vidi Village

Quidi Vidi Village nestles around a sheltered inlet just 3 kilometers from downtown St. John's, its wooden fishing shacks and boat ways preserved as they appeared when the village was established in 1750. The narrow gut (inlet) provides perfect protection from Atlantic storms, and local fishermen still launch dories from the stone slip where their ancestors mended nets and processed cod for centuries. The village brewery occupies a restored heritage building, and you can sample their ales for CAD $8 (about $6) while watching traditional Newfoundland musicians who perform most evenings. The village is free to explore, with walking paths around the lake and past working fishing stages where you can smell the salt air and hear the slap of waves against weathered wharves. Visit during the annual Quidi Vidi Village Plantation in August when historical reenactors demonstrate traditional fishing and boat-building techniques.

Quidi Vidi is about a 10-minute drive from downtown St. John's - you'll head north on Forest Road and follow the signs. Parking can be tricky during peak times since the village wasn't exactly designed for modern tourism volumes. There's a small lot near the brewery, but you might end up parking along the narrow village roads. Walking from downtown is possible but involves some hills and takes about 45 minutes. Some tour companies include Quidi Vidi as part of St. John's city tours if you prefer not to drive.