Things to Do in St. John's in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in St. John's
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodations run 30-40% cheaper than summer peak, with downtown hotels typically CAD 120-180 versus CAD 200+ in July. Book 4-6 weeks out for best rates on Signal Hill area properties.
- Iceberg season officially ends in July, but November marks the start of dramatic winter coastal scenery without the brutal January-February deep freeze. You get moody Atlantic storms and fog rolling through the Narrows without needing extreme cold weather gear yet.
- George Street pub scene hits its stride with locals back from summer fishing seasons and university students settling in. Thursday through Saturday nights see genuine Newfoundland kitchen parties, not just tourist-focused entertainment. Cover charges stay reasonable at CAD 5-10.
- November catches the tail end of storm-watching season at Cape Spear and Signal Hill. The Atlantic puts on proper shows with 4-6 m (13-20 ft) swells crashing against North America's easternmost point, and you'll actually have the trails mostly to yourself on weekdays.
Considerations
- Weather genuinely swings wildly in November. That 15°C (59°F) high might happen on November 2nd, then you're looking at 3°C (37°F) and sideways rain by November 15th. Pack for four seasons because you'll likely experience three of them in a week.
- Daylight becomes legitimately short. Sunset hits around 4:45 PM by late November, which cuts into outdoor exploration time considerably. If you're planning coastal hikes or photography, you're working with maybe 9 hours of usable light, and that's assuming the fog cooperates.
- Several seasonal attractions close or run reduced schedules. Many boat tours shut down entirely after October, and some hiking trails in provincial parks close for maintenance. The tourist infrastructure definitely shifts into local mode, which is authentic but means less hand-holding.
Best Activities in November
Signal Hill and Battery Coastal Hiking
November weather actually makes Signal Hill more dramatic than summer ever manages. The fog rolls through the Narrows in thick banks, and when it clears for those 20-minute windows, the visibility stretches forever across the Atlantic. The North Head Trail and Ladies Lookout Trail stay accessible through November, though they can get icy on the exposed sections. Winds regularly hit 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph), which sounds intense but that's exactly what makes the experience memorable. You're basically guaranteed to have the trails to yourself on weekday mornings. The 1.6 km (1 mile) North Head loop takes about 45 minutes in November conditions versus 30 in summer because you're moving carefully on potentially slick boardwalks.
Downtown Heritage Walking Routes
November is actually ideal for exploring Jellybean Row and the downtown historic district because you're not overheating while climbing those ridiculous hills. The 70% humidity feels completely different at 8°C (46°F) than it does in summer. Water Street, Duckworth Street, and the residential streets climbing up to Military Road are best tackled in 2-3 hour walking sessions. The light in November has this particular quality that makes the colorful row houses pop against grey skies. Most heritage buildings downtown stay open through November, including The Rooms museum and Commissariat House. The Anglican Cathedral and Basilica both welcome visitors during daylight hours. Plan walking tours for midday, roughly 11 AM to 3 PM, when you've got the best light and temperatures peak.
Traditional Music Sessions and Kitchen Parties
November marks when the music scene shifts from tourist-oriented performances to genuine local sessions. George Street venues host traditional Newfoundland music Thursday through Saturday, with sessions typically starting around 9 PM and running past midnight. The Rooms museum runs evening cultural programs some Fridays in November featuring local musicians and storytellers, usually CAD 15-20 admission. The authentic kitchen party experience happens at smaller venues where locals actually gather, not the larger George Street clubs that cater to cruise ship crowds in summer. November's the month when you're most likely to end up in a proper session where someone's uncle pulls out a accordion and half the bar knows the words to The Star of Logy Bay.
Cape Spear Storm Watching
Cape Spear in November delivers the Atlantic Ocean at its most dramatic. This is North America's easternmost point, and November storms regularly produce 4-6 m (13-20 ft) swells that crash against the cliffs with genuine force. The lighthouse grounds stay open year-round during daylight hours, though the interior closes for the season in October. November weather means you might drive out in fog so thick you can barely see the road, then have it lift for 30 minutes of crystal clarity before closing in again. The 15-minute drive from downtown becomes an experience in itself. Bring binoculars because if you're lucky with timing, you might spot humpback whales on their late migration south, though sightings drop significantly compared to summer months.
The Rooms Museum and Cultural Exhibits
November is prime museum weather in St. John's, and The Rooms is the province's flagship cultural institution. The building itself sits on a hill with panoramic views across the harbor and Narrows, which look spectacular on those clear November days. The permanent collection covers 9,000 years of Newfoundland history, from Indigenous peoples through fishing culture to contemporary art. Special exhibits in fall 2026 will likely focus on maritime heritage, as November programming typically emphasizes the province's connection to the sea. Plan 2-3 hours minimum, though you could easily spend a full afternoon here. The cafe on the top floor serves decent lunch with those harbor views, worth building into your visit.
Local Brewery and Distillery Tastings
St. John's has developed a legitimate craft brewing scene over the past decade, and November is when locals actually frequent these spots rather than tourists. Quidi Vidi Brewery, Yellowbelly Brewery, and Landwash Brewery all offer tours and tastings year-round. The tours run 45-60 minutes and include 4-5 samples, typically CAD 15-25 per person. Port Rexton Brewing has a downtown tasting room that's worth visiting. Newfoundland Distillery Company produces aquavit and other spirits using local ingredients, with tastings available most afternoons. November means you're tasting alongside locals who can actually tell you which brews are worth taking home. The vibe is genuinely casual, and staff will talk your ear off about brewing techniques if you show interest.
November Events & Festivals
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
November 11th sees significant commemorations at the National War Memorial on Water Street and at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial interpretation center. Newfoundland has deep military history, particularly tied to World War I, and locals take Remembrance Day seriously. The downtown ceremony typically draws several thousand people despite weather, starting at 10:45 AM. This is a genuinely moving cultural experience if you're in town on November 11th, showing a side of Newfoundland identity that goes beyond the jovial pub culture tourists usually encounter.