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St. John's

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Landmark
—°10
St. John's (Canada)

Weather…

St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a city of extremes, holding the title of the easternmost city in North America and one of the oldest settlements on the continent. Its harbor is a marvel of geography, a deep-water basin hidden behind high cliffs and accessed only through the narrow rocky opening known as the Narrows. The city is famous for its bustling streetscape, particularly the 'Jellybean Row' houses whose brilliant reds, blues, and yellows paint a cheerful picture against the often-foggy Atlantic backdrop. History was made on Signal Hill in 1901 when Guglielmo Marconi received the first transshipment of wireless radio signals across the Atlantic, forever changing global communication. For centuries, St. John's was the epicenter of the North Atlantic cod fishery, a heritage that remains visible in its architecture and maritime industries. Today, it is a bustling hub of offshore energy and ocean technology, balanced by a legendary cultural life centered on George Street’s pubs and folk music. The local population is celebrated for its warm humor and unique dialect, rooted in centuries of isolation and a deep connection to the sea. The rugged coastline surrounding the city gives a front-row seat to passing icebergs and migrating humpback whales, making it a premier destination for nature lovers.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-2-1148141613951
Rain mm1271051179090869390104131128140

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
St. John's is a lively capital city that can be visited year-round. Most historic sites and downtown areas are accessible on foot, with many outdoor attractions exploring the harbor and hills.
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Typical hours
Opening hours for attractions vary by season; most are open daily during summer. Museums and historic sites typically have reduced hours in winter.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed in public areas of the city. Some historic buildings and museums may restrict the use of flash.
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Time needed
Allow at least two full days for a first visit to the city. To also explore Signal Hill and Cape Spear, three days are recommended.
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Combine with
Combine your city visit with a trip to Signal Hill for great views. Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America, is also a short drive away.
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Getting there
Fly into St. John's International Airport (YYT) and rent a car for getting around. The downtown area is compact and walkable.
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Insider tip
Stroll along Water Street to discover colourful architecture and local shops. Book a hike up Signal Hill at sunrise for unforgettable views.

History & landmarks

Discovery Era

1497

Geography

Coordinates
47.56150, -52.71260

Facts

  • Easternmost city in North America
  • Oldest English-founded city in North America (1497)
  • Site of the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901
  • Famous for the brightly colored houses of 'Jellybean Row'
  • Capital of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Home to the historic Cabot Tower on Signal Hill

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Signal HillSignal Hill4 km · NExplore →
Port of St. John'sPort of St. John's4 km · WExplore →
Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer CoveLogy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove6 km · NEExplore →
TorbayTorbay7 km · EExplore →
Mount PearlMount Pearl8 km · SExplore →
BaulineBauline16 km · SEExplore →
ParadiseParadise20 km · SExplore →
Witless BayWitless Bay23 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. John's (10)

Trans-Canada Highway Zero Km

Starting point of the Trans-Canada Highway, mile zero, in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Compass Rose

Compass rose monument in St. John's, Newfoundland, symbolizing seafaring.

Majestic Theatre

Performing arts building in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Gower Street United Church

Church in St. John's, a Registered Heritage Structure.

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Newman Wine Vaults🏛 museum

Historic wine vaults in St. John's, Newfoundland, now a museum.

The Rooms🏛 museum

Art gallery, provincial archives and museum in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Cathedral in St. John's, Newfoundland, seat of the Anglican diocese.

The Leyton Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Fort Townshend National Historic Site of Canada

Former fort in St. John's, now a National Historic Site of Canada.

Apothecary Hall🏛 museum

Historic pharmacy building in St. John's, a Registered Heritage Structure.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous sight in St. John's?
Signal Hill gives panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
Why are the houses so colorful?
The houses, known as Jellybean Row, were painted brightly to be more visible in foggy weather.
What is a typical Newfoundland dish?
Fish and Brewis, a traditional dish made from salted cod and hard bread.
What is the weather like in St. John's?
It is often windy and foggy; the weather can change drastically several times a day.
When can you see icebergs?
The best time is late spring and early summer, especially in May and June.
St. John's: where is it located?
St. John's is located in Canada.
St. John's: what is there to see?
Highlights include Trans-Canada Highway Zero Km, Compass Rose, Majestic Theatre.
St. John's: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
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History & landmarks

Signal Hill — St. John's (Canada)
Signal Hill
Site of the reception of the first transatlantic wireless signal.
Gros Morne — St. John's (Canada)
Gros Morne
National park in Newfoundland
Charlottetown — St. John's (Canada)
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and is known as the "Birthplace of Confederation".
Halifax — St. John's (Canada)
Halifax
Capital of Nova Scotia
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse — St. John's (Canada)
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
An iconic lighthouse on the coast of Nova Scotia.
Hopewell Rocks — St. John's (Canada)
Hopewell Rocks
Known for its unusual rock formations shaped by tidal erosion.
Bay of Fundy — St. John's (Canada)
Bay of Fundy
Known for high tides
Fredericton — St. John's (Canada)
Fredericton
Capital of New Brunswick

More places

L'Anse aux Meadows — St. John's (Canada)
L'Anse aux Meadows
Archaeological site of a Viking settlement in Newfoundland.
Fortress of Louisbourg — St. John's (Canada)
Fortress of Louisbourg
18th-century French fortress on Cape Breton Island.
Port of Halifax — St. John's (Canada)
Port of Halifax
Strategically important deep-water port on the Atlantic.
Plains of Abraham — St. John's (Canada)
Plains of Abraham
Site of a pivotal battle between the French and British.
Quebec Maple Syrup — St. John's (Canada)
Quebec Maple Syrup
The world's leading producer of authentic maple syrup.
Baffin Island — St. John's (Canada)
Baffin Island
Canada's largest island, located in the Arctic.
Rideau Canal — St. John's (Canada)
Rideau Canal
Historic waterway connecting Ottawa and Kingston.
Algonquin Provincial Park — St. John's (Canada)
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario's oldest provincial park, featuring dense forests.