Things to Do at The Rooms

The Rooms sits atop Signal Hill like a modern fortress, its angular red walls and copper roof creating a striking contrast with the historic stone buildings below. Opened in 2005, this cultural complex houses Newfoundland's provincial archives, art gallery, and museum in a building designed to echo the traditional fishing "rooms" (stages) that once lined every harbor. Inside, the museum's exhibitions chronicle 10,000 years of human presence in Newfoundland, from Maritime Archaic peoples to contemporary artists, with artifacts ranging from Beothuk tools to contemporary sculptures. General admission costs CAD $7.50 (about $5.50) for adults, and the fourth-floor gallery offers spectacular views across St. John's harbor through floor-to-ceiling windows. Visit mid-week when you can linger in the quiet galleries and engage with knowledgeable docents who share stories not included in the standard displays.

The Rooms sits right in downtown St. John's on Bonaventure Avenue, about a 10-minute walk uphill from Water Street. If you're driving, there's paid parking on site, though it fills up during peak tourist season. The building is actually built on the site of old Fort Townshend, so you're walking in historical footsteps. Most downtown hotels are within easy walking distance, and it's a pleasant stroll through some of St. John's most colorful neighborhoods - just be prepared for the hills.