Newfoundland was my last stop on my Atlantic Canada solo tour. I have a detailed review, itinerary and cost breakdown of my trip linked here.Check out my post on my time in PEI here, in New Brunswick here, and in Nova Scotia here.
St. John’s is by far one of the most colourful and character-filled cities in Canada. Perched on the eastern edge of the continent, this coastal city is known for its dramatic cliffs, historic landmarks, lively harbour, and vibrant streets. From watching whales in the Atlantic Ocean to standing at the easternmost point of North America, there is plenty to experience here. If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers seven of the best things to do in and around St. John’s to help you make the most of your trip.
Table of Contents
- Why Visit St. John’s, Newfoundland
- Activity 1. Go Whale and Puffin Watching in Witless Bay
- Activity 2. Photograph the Famous Jellybean Row Houses
- Activity 3. Visit The Rooms Museum
- Activity 4. Explore Quidi Vidi Village
- Activity 5. Take in the Views at Signal Hill
- Activity 6. Stand at the Edge of North America at Cape Spear
- Activity 7. Visit Bell Island and the Iron Ore Mine
- Travel Tips for Visiting St. John’s
Why Visit St. John’s, Newfoundland
As the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America. The city is famous for brightly coloured row houses, rugged Atlantic coastline, historic maritime culture, and wildlife experiences like whale watching and puffin colonies. Whether you’re here for the scenery, history, or wildlife, St. John’s offers a unique mix of experiences that make it one of Atlantic Canada’s most memorable destinations.
Activity 1. Go Whale and Puffin Watching in Witless Bay
Newfoundland is considered one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. If you’re visiting between May and September, one of the most unforgettable experiences is a whale and puffin watching tour. Many tours depart from Bay Bulls, about 30 minutes from St. John’s. I booked my tour with Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch via Viator, which cost $125, with an extra $35 for an hotel shuttle pickup.
Each summer, humpback whales migrate to these waters to feed. During the tour you get to see humpback whales breaching or flipping their tails and also, a massive seabird colonies at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This reserve is home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America, with over 260,000 pairs of puffins nesting here every summer. The birds common there are the Murres (also called “Turrs”) and black-legged Kittiwakes. Fun fact: Puffins flap their wings up to 400 times per minute just to stay airborne. Make sure to close your mount when the boat moves closer to the birds reserve section. You do not want to know what bird poop of different species tastes like. If you are visiting Newfoundland in May or June, the Whale viewing part may instead be an iceberg tour. You’ll get to see floating icebergs from winter season as they move closer to the shore and melt away.
Activity 2. Photograph the Famous Jellybean Row Houses
One of the most recognizable sights in St. John’s (and probably one of the common pictures you’d see used to describe the city) is the famous Jellybean Row. These brightly painted homes line the streets around Duckworth Street and downtown neighbourhoods. Their vibrant colours create one of the most photogenic cityscapes in Canada. One popular theory is that sailors painted their homes bright colours so they could easily spot them through the fog when returning from sea. I believe it, because when it gets foggy in that part of the country, it gets realllyyyyyyy foggy.
Activity 3. Visit The Rooms Museum
For a deeper understanding of Newfoundland’s culture or if you are a history nerd, you should visit The Rooms. The Rooms is a combination of Museum, Art gallery and Provincial archives center. Inside, you’ll find exhibits covering Newfoundland’s history, maritime traditions, and contemporary art. The building also offers one of the best panoramic views of St. John’s harbour. There’s even a café on the fourth floor where you can grab coffee while enjoying the view.
Tip: Large backpacks aren’t allowed inside, but lockers and storage areas are available for free next to the front desk.
Activity 4. Explore Quidi Vidi Village
Just 10 minutes from downtown, you’ll find the charming fishing village of Quidi Vidi. This small harbour community feels like stepping back in time. One of the highlights here is Quidi Vidi Brewery, where you can try beer brewed with iceberg water! The village also features Artisan craft studios, Scenic harbour views, and walking paths along the water. It’s a great place to explore and take photos.
Activity 5. Take in the Views at Signal Hill
For one of the best views in the city, head up to Signal Hill. This site is famous for an important moment in communications history. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal here. At the top of the hill you’ll find Cabot Tower, built in 1897. From here, you can enjoy incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and St. John’s harbour. You can either hike up from the visitor center or drive to the parking lot near the top. Just note that the hike up from the visitor’s center is very steep and windy so going up may be a little arduous, especially if you’ve had a long day.
Activity 6. Stand at the Edge of North America at Cape Spear
Just outside the city is Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. This location marks the easternmost point in North America. Standing here, you are actually closer to Europe than anywhere else in Canada. Cape Spear is also home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland, built in 1836. During World War II, this site served as a strategic coastal defense location, and you can still see bunkers and gun batteries nearby. If you visit at sunrise, you’ll be among the first people in North America to see the sun each day.
A note of caution, if you are driving along this route very early in the morning or late in the evening, you may run into large moose on the road, so stay alert. I was hoping to do the drive up here early in the morning to see the sunrise, but I was quite nervous about running into a moose, so I went in the evening instead. Could not risk road blockage from a family of moose on my way.
Activity 7. Visit Bell Island and the Iron Ore Mine
Another fascinating excursion from St. John’s is Bell Island, known for its dramatic cliffs and mining history. The island was once home to a major iron ore mine that operated from 1895 to 1966. Visitors can explore this history at the Bell Island Mine Museum, which offers guided tours through the former underground mine. You can also explore scenic coastal areas like Grebe’s Nest.
Unfortunately, my own attempt to visit Bell Island didn’t go as planned. The ferries broke down that day and it would have taken hours to repair. But that just means I have the perfect reason to come back.
Travel Tips for Visiting St. John’s
Before visiting St. John’s, here are a few helpful tips:
- Book wildlife tours early. Whale watching and puffin tours are extremely popular during summer.
- Be prepared for windy weather. Even in summer, the Atlantic wind can still feel chilly, especially early in the season.
- Watch out for moose especially if you are driving on the backroads early in the morning or late in the evening. And don’t attempt to run over them, it won’t end well.