Things to Do in St. John's in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in St. John's
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage season - Signal Hill and the East Coast Trail turn brilliant orange and red by mid-October, with visibility often crystal clear on those crisp mornings before 10am when the fog burns off
- Iceberg season tail-end overlaps with early October - you might catch late-season bergs drifting down Iceberg Alley, particularly in the first two weeks. The combination of autumn colors and ice is genuinely rare
- Shoulder season pricing drops 30-40% compared to summer - hotels along Water Street that run CAD 250-300 in July drop to CAD 150-180, and you'll actually get reservations at popular spots without booking months ahead
- George Street comes alive with local energy instead of cruise ship crowds - the pub scene in October is authentically Newfoundland, with kitchen parties and traditional music sessions that feel like you've been invited into someone's living room rather than performing for tourists
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - October sits right in that transition period where you might get 18°C (64°F) and sunny one day, then 5°C (41°F) with horizontal rain the next. The local saying goes 'if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes' and it's not just cute marketing
- Daylight shrinks fast - you'll have roughly 10.5 hours of daylight by late October compared to 14+ hours in summer. Sunset hits around 6pm by month's end, which cuts into evening photography and outdoor activities more than visitors from southern latitudes expect
- Some tour operators wind down or go weekend-only - whale watching tours largely finish by early October, and several boat tour companies shift to reduced schedules or close entirely for the season. You'll need to book ahead and confirm operations are actually running
Best Activities in October
East Coast Trail Hiking
October is arguably the best month for the East Coast Trail system. The 336 km (209 miles) of coastal paths are at their most dramatic when fall colors peak against the North Atlantic backdrop. The Spout Path (5.5 km/3.4 miles return) and Sugarloaf Path (11 km/6.8 miles loop) offer that perfect combination of ocean views, autumn foliage, and cooler hiking temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F) that keep you comfortable on steep sections. The trails are noticeably less crowded than summer, and the lower sun angle creates better photography light throughout the day. That said, trails can be muddy after rain, and those 10 rainy days mean you'll want to check conditions before heading out.
Cape Spear Lighthouse Visits
As the easternmost point in North America, Cape Spear takes on a different character in October. The summer tour bus crowds disappear, leaving you essentially alone at sunrise (around 7:30am by late October) when the light hits the 1836 lighthouse. The facility stays open through October with reduced hours, and the interpretive exhibits about WWII gun batteries are actually easier to explore without jostling for space. Wind speeds average 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) but can gust much higher, so the exposed clifftop location feels properly dramatic. On clear days, you might spot whales migrating south, though sightings drop significantly compared to summer.
Quidi Vidi Village Exploration
This tiny fishing village tucked into St. John's feels particularly authentic in October when the summer day-trippers vanish. The working harbor still has fishing boats coming and going, and the village maintains that genuine outport character. Quidi Vidi Brewery operates year-round with tours available, and the 1.6 km (1 mile) walk around Quidi Vidi Lake offers excellent fall foliage views with downtown skyline backdrop. October weather means you'll want to pop into the brewery taproom to warm up, which honestly enhances the experience. The village is sheltered enough that even on blustery days, you can walk comfortably.
Signal Hill and Cabot Tower
Signal Hill becomes especially photogenic in October when fall colors blanket the hillside and the lower tourist numbers mean you can actually take photos at Cabot Tower without strangers in every frame. The historic site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal offers 360-degree views of the city, harbor, and Atlantic. October's clearer air (when it's not foggy) provides better visibility than humid summer days. The North Head Trail (2.5 km/1.6 miles) around the hill's perimeter is spectacular but exposed - wind speeds regularly hit 40+ km/h (25+ mph) at the summit. On foggy days, which happen roughly 40% of October, the hill disappears into clouds creating an atmospheric but view-less experience.
Downtown Heritage Walking Tours
October weather actually suits St. John's downtown exploration better than summer's occasional heat. The city's famous Jellybean Row houses photograph beautifully under October's softer light, and you'll appreciate ducking into the various museums, galleries, and cafes when weather turns. The downtown core is compact - about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) end to end - making it walkable even with variable weather. The Rooms provincial museum, Basilica Cathedral, and Anglican Cathedral are all within easy walking distance and provide excellent indoor options. George Street's pub culture is particularly vibrant in October when locals reclaim it from cruise ship season.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Boat Tours
This is admittedly hit-or-miss in October. The reserve, 35 km (22 miles) south of St. John's, is famous for puffins and whales, but puffins depart by late August and whale sightings drop significantly by October as they migrate south. That said, if operators are running tours in early October, you might catch migrating humpbacks and the seabird colonies still have some activity. The real draw in October is the dramatic coastal scenery without summer crowds, and the chance to see the coastline in autumn colors from the water. Tours that do run are often smaller groups with more personalized attention from guides.
October Events & Festivals
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival
Typically held in early October at various downtown venues, this festival showcases traditional Newfoundland music, storytelling, and culture. You'll hear accordion-driven jigs, sea shanties, and contemporary folk artists who've grown up in the tradition. The festival includes workshops, kitchen parties, and pub sessions that give visitors genuine access to local musical culture. Venues range from formal concert halls to intimate George Street pubs, and the festival attracts both established artists and emerging talent from across the province.
St. John's Farmers Market Harvest Season
The Lions Club Chalet Farmers Market runs year-round but October brings the harvest season peak with local root vegetables, preserves, baked goods, and crafts. It's genuinely a local market rather than tourist-focused, which means you'll see what Newfoundlanders actually buy and eat. The market runs Saturday and Sunday mornings, and it's an excellent place to pick up local jams, pickled goods, and baked items to take home. The chowder and breakfast sandwich vendors provide good warming-up options on cold October mornings.