Things to Do in St. Johns in April

April Weather in St. Johns

26°C (79°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through Trinity Bay with 90% sighting success rates from mid-April through May, compared to 30% in summer months
Shoulder season pricing saves 40-50% on accommodations compared to summer peak, with hotels averaging CAD $120-180 instead of CAD $250-400
Iceberg season begins - massive bergs drift south along the coast, visible from Signal Hill and Cape Spear without crowds that arrive in June
Local spring festivals and events kick off, including the annual Folk Arts Society concerts and brewery tours before tourist season overwhelms venues

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) within hours - pack layers as locals do since morning frost can become afternoon warmth
Many hiking trails remain muddy or snow-covered, particularly East Coast Trail sections above 150m (492 ft) elevation stay impassable until May
Shorter daylight hours with sunset around 7:30pm limits evening outdoor activities compared to summer's 9:30pm sunsets

Best Activities in April

Trinity Bay Whale Watching Tours

April marks the peak of humpback migration when whales feed in Trinity Bay before heading to Arctic waters. Water temperatures of 2-4°C (36-39°F) concentrate krill, guaranteeing spectacular breaching displays. Tours run in heated boats with 90% success rates versus 30% in crowded summer months.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for prime morning slots (9-11am) when seas are calmest. Tours typically cost CAD $75-95 for 3-hour excursions. Look for operators with heated cabins and hydrophones for whale songs. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

April's crisp 15-20°C (59-68°F) temperatures are perfect for exploring Water Street and the Rooms museum district. Spring light creates ideal photography conditions for colorful row houses, and you'll avoid summer's tour bus crowds while still having full daylight until 7:30pm.

Booking Tip: Self-guided audio tours cost CAD $15-25 and run year-round. Guided heritage walks typically cost CAD $35-50 for 2-hour tours. Book morning tours (10am-12pm) before afternoon rain showers that occur 3-4 days per week in April.

Avalon Peninsula Iceberg Viewing

Massive icebergs begin their southward drift in April, visible from Signal Hill and Cape Spear with binoculars. The bergs are larger and more numerous than later season fragments, some reaching 100m (328 ft) high. Cool temperatures mean comfortable hiking to viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Iceberg tracking apps and local radio provide daily locations. Guided iceberg tours by boat cost CAD $60-85 for 2-hour trips when sea conditions permit. Book flexible tours with weather guarantees since April seas can be rough 40% of days.

Craft Brewery and Distillery Tours

April launches spring beer releases and seasonal spirits before tourist crowds arrive. Local breweries like Yellowbelly and Landwash offer intimate tastings in cozy settings perfect for cool April evenings. Many pair with traditional Newfoundland foods unavailable in summer tourist menus.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost CAD $25-40 including tastings. Book weekend afternoon tours (2-5pm) to avoid work crowds. Many offer food pairings for additional CAD $15-25. See current availability in booking section below.

Quidi Vidi Village and Battery Exploration

This historic fishing village is stunning in April when morning mist clings to the harbor and colorful boats prepare for fishing season. The village brewery offers spring tastings, and the 1762 battery provides iceberg viewing without summer parking chaos.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Guided cultural tours typically cost CAD $30-45 for 90-minute walks. Visit midday (11am-2pm) for best lighting and minimal crowds. Parking is free and abundant in April versus impossible summer access.

Indoor Cultural Attractions

April's variable weather makes indoor attractions like The Rooms provincial museum and Newman Wine Vaults ideal backup plans. These heated venues offer deep Newfoundland history and culture perfect for rainy afternoons that occur 10 days monthly in April.

Booking Tip: The Rooms costs CAD $12 adults, free for students. Newman Wine Vaults tours cost CAD $20-30 including tastings. Book afternoon time slots (1-4pm) as backup plans for rainy days. Both offer excellent gift shops for unique local items.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Folk Arts Society Spring Concert Series

Local traditional music performances featuring fiddle, accordion, and storytelling in intimate venues before summer festival crowds. Authentic Newfoundland culture with kitchen parties and sea shanties.

Early April

St. John's Farmers Market Spring Opening

Weekly Saturday market returns with local crafts, preserves, and early spring produce. Features traditional foods like toutons, fish cakes, and locally roasted coffee in heated indoor venue.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - sidewalks can be icy in early morning and muddy trails are common throughout April

Layered clothing system: base layer, insulating fleece, and waterproof shell jacket for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings

Warm waterproof gloves - essential for whale watching boats where wind chill drops temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) below air temperature

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index 8 reflects strongly off remaining snow patches and ocean surfaces

Compact umbrella plus rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and occur 10 days in April

Warm hat and scarf for early morning and evening - temperatures drop quickly after sunset around 7:30pm

Non-slip shoe grippers or yaktrax for icy morning sidewalks, especially around downtown historic areas

Power bank for phones - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster during outdoor activities

Binoculars for whale and iceberg viewing - rental options are limited and expensive at CAD $25-35 daily

Thermal underwear for boat tours - ocean temperatures remain near freezing, making wind chill significant factor

Insider Knowledge

Check Trinity Bay whale reports on local radio VOCM (590 AM) each morning - captains share real-time locations and conditions that tour operators won't have until afternoon

Download the Iceberg Finder NL app before arriving - provides GPS coordinates updated by helicopter surveys, letting you chase the best bergs locals see

Book accommodations downtown within 6 blocks of Water Street - April's unpredictable weather makes walking distance to restaurants and indoor attractions crucial when driving becomes difficult

Visit grocery stores like Dominion or Sobeys for traditional Newfoundland foods like bottled moose, seal flipper pie, and screech rum at local prices versus tourist markup of 200-300% in gift shops

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only light spring clothing - April mornings can hit 2°C (36°F) with frost, requiring winter layers that tourists underestimate

Booking rigid outdoor itineraries - weather changes force plan modifications 60% of days, so maintain flexible schedules with indoor backup options

Expecting summer trail conditions - East Coast Trail sections above 150m (492 ft) elevation remain snow-covered and dangerous until late April or May