48 Hours in St John’s, Newfoundland: Finest Issues to Do

St John’s, Newfoundland, is perched on the very fringe of North America. This pleasant metropolis presents a novel mix of maritime heritage and breathtaking but accessible coastal landscapes.

Finest identified for vibrant downtown homes and one of the crucial naturally sheltered harbours on this planet, St John’s has rather a lot to supply guests, together with a number of the finest city mountain climbing we’ve ever discovered!

JR and I lately spent nearly 10 days in St John’s and one other week exploring the close by East Coast Path. We realise, nevertheless, that most individuals have a lot much less time to spend in St John’s – probably two or three days on the most.

This submit is for you! I’m going to share an entire two day St John’s itinerary, with all the finest issues to do. On the finish, I’ll additionally inform you about different choices in addition to another nice actions for a 3rd (or fourth!) day.

Printed July 2024. The island of Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) is the normal territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq.

This submit consists of some affiliate hyperlinks – in case you make a purchase order by way of certainly one of these, we might obtain a proportion of the sale.

48 hours in St John’s, Newfoundland: Day 1

This two day St John’s itinerary has been designed for guests with no automobile.

Earlier than visiting St John’s, I learn so many guides that concerned driving everywhere in the Avalon Peninsula.

We flew to Newfoundland from BC and determined to not rent a automotive after being quoted $600+ for simply three days (!) Don’t have any worry, it’s simple to discover one of the best of St John’s with no automobile.

In case you do handle to get automotive rent deal or have your personal automobile with you, learn the devoted driving part as properly.

This itinerary was additionally made with mountain climbing in thoughts. In case you don’t take pleasure in mountain climbing a lot, no drawback! The entire talked about locations will be accessed by the St John’s Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus.

Prime tip: When planning your time in St John’s, I might look to the climate forecast first. Sure, the circumstances can change rather a lot (and rapidly!) on this space of the world however let the climate dictate a few of your plans. Fog is widespread within the morning, so if thick fog is forecast, don’t head out on a hike till later within the day. I’ve recommended some wet day concepts within the ‘extra nice issues to do’ part.

Morning

Begin your St John’s expertise with a visit to North America’s most easterly level – Cape Spear! In case you are an early chook, watching dawn right here can be an unforgettable expertise.

Fog forecast this morning? Save Cape Spear for later within the day. You gained’t get to see a lot in any other case!

To get to Cape Spear, name an Uber (round $30 a technique) or use the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus ($55/grownup for 48 hours). The journey takes round half-hour.

Cape Spear is host to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador (1836). Take within the views, maintain a watch out for whales (we noticed humpbacks!) and luxuriate in being on the most excessive fringe of Canada.

Into historical past? Go contained in the historic lighthouse (admission charge) or discover the underground stays of a Second World Conflict coastal protection battery. An on-site cafe serves up sandwiches and basic Newfoundland dishes.

Lengthen your go to with a hike in direction of North Head. A part of the for much longer East Coast Path, this principally flat path stays parallel to the ocean and results in a hill with nice views of the Cape Spear Lighthouse and the shoreline to the south.

The space is 10km return to the top of the path at North Head (permit 3 hours for that) however I’d recommend beginning the stroll and turning round at your leisure.

Afternoon and night

Again in St John’s, spend your afternoon exploring downtown. Begin with a go to to Jellybean Row. The title refers back to the vibrant Victorian-era row homes that may be discovered on lots of St John’s hilly streets.

We discovered a few of our favorite homes on Gower Road, not removed from the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (one other constructing to admire). My finest recommendation, nevertheless, can be to only wander and get a little bit misplaced.

Head right down to Water Road afterwards, with a cease at Harbourside Park. As you could guess, the park presents some beautiful views of the harbour in addition to numerous intrepretive shows about Newfoundland’s ‘founding’ and Newfoundland canines.

From late June to early September, Water Road from Adelaide Road to Prescott Road is pedestrianised from midday to midnight (no automobiles). This makes for an exquisite strolling expertise.

Take your time looking the impartial boutiques for presents and native artwork, try the grand structure of the Supreme Court docket constructing or contemplate stopping for a drink at one of many road patios.

Later, take pleasure in dinner (try our really helpful spots) after which catch some reside music on George Road. After all, there’s additionally the choice to get screeched in as properly!

48 hours in St John’s, Newfoundland: Day 2

Prepared for one more day of exploring the St John’s? Right here we go!

That is the precise plan we had for my birthday in St John’s and it proved to be a very enjoyable day. Once more, in case you’re not into mountain climbing, plan to take the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to Sign Hill and Quidi Vidi.

Morning

At this time begins with a stroll to the Battery, a picturesque neighbourhood that sits on the sting of the harbour and slightly below the slopes of Sign Hill.

From right here, there are two mountain climbing routes. The best route is to hike uphill to Deadmans Pond by way of the St John’s Harbour Lookout after which alongside the paved footpath to Sign Hill Nationwide Historic Website.

For a extra fascinating however difficult expertise, proceed to the top of Outer Battery Street and begin the North Head Path. This 1.7km lengthy path follows the sting of the cliffs beneath Sign Hill to the headland on the finish.

The path is slender general and options boardwalk sections with picket steps. Some sections are rocky.

There may be one very slender space with a series to carry onto. Though this will likely sound intimidating, it’s brief (lower than 20m) and over in a short time.

The views of the harbour ‘Narrows’ and Fort Amherst are properly well worth the effort. The finale includes climbing many units of stairs, some steep.

Though it might sound simpler to go down slightly than up, we met fairly a number of individuals who felt unsteady after descending so many stairs!

On the prime of the final set of stairs is the Cabot Tower, an octagonal constructing constructed in 1898 (free entry). The primary trans-Atlantic wi-fi message was obtained by Guglielmo Marconi at a place close to the tower.

The Queen’s Battery Barracks is a brief stroll away, with Sign Hill Customer Centre (admission charge) shut by as properly.

Afternoon

The mountain climbing is just not over but! Return to the Cabot Tower and observe the indicators for the Girls Lookout Path.

This simple 1.2km lengthy path first climbs as much as a viewpoint earlier than descending to Quidi Vidi Village. Search for nesting bald eagles on the cliffs whereas admiring the views of Cuckholds Head and the Quidi Vidi Harbour.

Upon reaching the village, head to the Quidi Vidi Brewery for some beers and meals on their scenic patio. I really like bitter craft beers and Quidi Vidi undoubtedly delivered. The in depth beer menu has one thing for many tastes, nevertheless.

The brewery can get very busy. In the course of the summer season months, there may be an assortment of meals vehicles on the close by Quidi Vidi Outside Meals Market. Head to the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios for a browse afterwards.

The principally flat paved stroll again to downtown St John’s is 2.5km from Quidi Vidi Village. It passes proper previous Mallard Cottage, one of many oldest residential constructions within the metropolis.

Extra nice issues to do in St John’s

As talked about, we spent nearly 10 days exploring St John’s. There are solely so many locations I might squeeze right into a two day itinerary with out it feeling overwhelmed!

Listed below are some extra of our favorite actions within the St John’s space:

• The Rooms – unbelievable artwork gallery and museum mixture showcasing native tales, historical past and wildlife. We spend three satisfying hours right here. An incredible choice for wet or foggy days. If sunny, the views of town and harbour are glorious too.
• Terry Fox Monument – Discover the start line of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope on the northern aspect of Water Road. It’s not notably properly signed however well worth the effort to search out.
• Sugarloaf Path – On the lookout for a difficult half day hike expertise? Head to the Sugarloaf Path, which is a part of the East Coast Path. Take an Uber to the trailhead on the Ocean Sciences Centre and hike 8.8km again to Quidi Vidi Village. Epic views await. Extra particulars in our ECT information.
• Cape Spear Path – For a full day hike, contemplate the Cape Spear Path. Additionally a part of the ECT, the 15.4km lengthy path travels between Maddox Cove (close to Petty Harbour) to Blackhead (simply west of Cape Spear). Each trailheads are Uber accessible. Once more, extra particulars in our ECT information.

• Quidi Vidi Lake – If the paths talked about sound a little bit too troublesome, head to Quidi Vidi Lake for a flat, easygoing stroll. The 4km lengthy round path follows the sting of the lake, with broad gravel paths and a few brief boardwalk sections.
• Mile 0 of the Trans Canada Freeway – Small roadside monument to the beginning (or finish) of the Trans Canada. Value a fast cease for photographs and reflection.
• Colonial Constructing and Bannerman Park – Giant grassy park surrounding nineteenth century Colonial Constructing that after housed the native authorities. Remember to get some tasty gelato from The Parlour reverse!
• Authorities Home grounds – One other stunning park that includes statues, monuments and planted bushes with views of the western aspect of town.
• Escape Quest – A very good choice for wet days in St John’s! Regionally owned and designed escape rooms.

Much more St John’s sights

Different worthwhile locations we didn’t get to expertise embody:

• Fort Amherst – Heritage lighthouse overlooking the Narrows. Nice views and entry to the East Coast Path. Parking will be troublesome.
• Johnson Geo Centre – This spectacular museum is constructed into the encompassing rock and showcases the geological historical past of the world (permit 2 hours).
• Commissariat Home, Provincial Historic Website – 200 yr outdated constructing previously used because the British provide officer’s home and workplaces.
• Newman Wine Vaults – One of many oldest standing constructions in St. John’s, these brick and stone vaults have been used to age port
• Railway Coastal Museum – Railway artifacts and historical past within the outdated railway station constructing (1903).
• Trans Canada Path Zero KM marker – Positioned very near the Railway Coastal Museum, this monument marks the beginning (or finish) of the unbelievable Trans Canada Path

Driving concepts

When you have a automobile, contemplate a day puffin/whale watching tour from Bay of Bulls (half-hour south) earlier than or after a visit to Cape Spear.

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is positioned simply offshore and is house to the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in North America (260,000 pairs).

Although it was windy that day, I liked our tour with O’Briens, which featured sea shanty sing-alongs and the possibility to get Screeched In. We noticed humpback whales in addition to 1000’s of puffins.

If boats aren’t your factor, make a journey to Petty Harbour as an alternative. This picturesque  fishing village is properly value a brief wander. It hosts a extremely rated restaurant (Chafe’s Touchdown) and a ‘mini’ aquarium.

Sign Hill will be accessed by automobile. There are two parking heaps with the one subsequent to the Cabot Tower being the busiest.

Take into account mountain climbing the North Head Path as a loop (go clockwise to go down the steep stairs, counter-clockwise to go up). Discover the Cabot Tower earlier than or after.

Parking in Quidi Vidi will be difficult, particularly on weekends (seek the advice of this map first). After exploring the village, drive north to Center Cove Seaside. This scenic roadside spot is surprisingly peaceable.

Time dependent, proceed to Flatrock to go to Our Girl of Lourdes Grotto and see the Whirly Pool Falls (brief rocky path). Final cease of the day is fairly Pouch Cove.

The place to eat and drink in St John’s, Newfoundland

Travellers are spoiled for selection for foods and drinks whereas in St John’s. In any case, town is thought for having essentially the most variety of bars per capita in all of Canada!

With that in thoughts, there are most likely extra excessive finish choices than you could initially suppose. That’s notably true in case you like seafood. There are various eateries that go far past the usual fish and chips.

Breweries and taprooms

• Bannerman Brewing Co – Hip brewery with a sunny streetside patio on the northeastern aspect of downtown. Whereas they sadly don’t supply flights of beer, they gained me over with the flavourful Thai meals as an alternative!
• Brewdock – On a scorching day, (and sure, it does occur in St John’s!), look no additional than the Brewdock taproom. They’ve a splendidly shady patio and beer slushies. We didn’t strive the meals however count on pub staples.
• YellowBelly Brewery – Outstanding, centrally positioned characterful spot serving native seafood and basic pub dishes. If it’s a night drink you’re after, ask to take a seat within the decrease degree ‘Underbelly’ speakeasy (so atmospheric!)
• Quidi Vidi Brewery – This harbourside brewery in Quidi Vidi Village was once a fish plant. Now it hosts a stupendous patio and a very good craft beer menu. The meals is nice too, with the wealthy chowder being a spotlight. We additionally liked the very crispy fish and chips.

Pubs and eating places

• The Duke Of Duckworth – The informal pub has the status amongst locals as being one of the best place on the town for fish and chips. And sure, it’s completely true! Count on crispy, gentle batter and superbly flaky cod. Native beers can be found too.
• Saltwater – St John’s has loads of upscale seafood targeted eating places, with Saltwater being an excellent instance. We loved the double lobster roll dish in addition to lobster risotto. The patio is a winner too.
• The Gypsy Tea Room – For a extra degree mixture of seafood and land dishes, try this excessive finish but approachable restaurant. Take into account the Crusted Cod for a break from fish and chips. The service is prime notch.

• O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub – Stay music is on supply at O’Reilly’s each night time of the week ($7 cowl). Whereas we didn’t eat there, I’ve heard that it is a good place to go for conventional dishes similar to Jiggs Dinner (corned beef, potatoes, greens and dumplings).
• LIV – This stylish bar is just not solely excellent for cocktail night time however the Asian impressed menu is spectacular too. I had one of the best non-fried cod of our journey right here! The atmosphere is on the loud aspect so maintain that in thoughts.
• Ethiopian Delicacies Plus – For one thing a little bit totally different, do this common restaurant and take out. We liked the beneficiant mixture platters with barely bitter, fluffy Injera flatbreads.

Cafes and outlets

• Bagel Cafe – This enjoyable spot is one thing of a St John’s establishment. We have been really helpful to return for lobster (dinner solely) however its higher identified for hearty breakfasts and conventional dishes like toutons (fried dough served with molasses).
• Halliday’s Meat Market – Not a restaurant, however in case you have a kitchen obtainable to you whereas staying in St John’s, head to Halliday Meat Market. This 110 yr outdated household enterprise makes one of the best white and black pudding round.

The place to remain in St John’s, Newfoundland

The Alt is my frontrunner for St John’s finest resort. Trendy but welcoming, the thoughtfully designed rooms have every thing you want and options you didn’t know you needed.

The situation is right – simply on the sting of the pedestrianised part of Water Road and a brief stroll from in every single place else. Some rooms have stunning harbour views.

We stayed on the Sheraton Resort for 4 nights, primarily for a convention. Positioned within the northeastern finish of downtown, it’s a good midway level between the busiest a part of downtown and Quidi Vidi Village. For that cause, the resort can be very quiet.

In case you want more room, I’d extremely advocate this Quidi Vidi Cottage Airbnb. We stayed right here as a gaggle of three and suited our wants completely – two bedrooms, two bogs, two dwelling areas and a spacious kitchen.

Located in an analogous space because the Sheraton, the Cottage presents good entry to downtown in addition to the Sign Hill trails and Quidi Vidi Village.

On a funds and never staying in St John’s over a weekend? I’d advocate trying out the centrally positioned Duckworth Inn.

Whereas we actually favored our spacious and properly geared up en-suite room, we didn’t get a lot sleep because the surrounding space is fairly noisy on weekend nights. I’d nonetheless advocate it for weekdays.

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Monitor Journey, Gemma is happiest when mountain climbing on the path or planning the subsequent massive journey journey. JR and Gemma are at the moment based mostly within the stunning Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada