One of the great things about exploring St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, is that you don’t need a car to get around this quaint town. Most of the interesting sights to see are within about a few blocks.
I quickly learned if you do drive a car be sure you have a good GPS because there are a lot of one-ways and streets that change names. Also be sure to have some Canadian quarters handy so you can pay the street meters. You’ll also want your camera because the rows of colorful houses make great photos!
I had two days in St. John’s and on my first day I was lucky to have Lorraine McGrath as my guide. She’s a local who has worked with Canadian tourism for years and has more than a decade of experience working as a guide. While I had a list of places I wanted to see Lorraine also made sure t show me a some hidden gems so I could get a real feel for what St. John’s and Newfoundland was all about. Her passion for this province made the experience truly special.
Because there’s so much to talk about and a hiking trail is calling my name I’m just going to list some highlights here and then give more details in future blogs.
Top Things to See in St. John’s Area
Signal Hill Historic Site
Signal hill is a great place to start your touring in St. Johns because from this historic hill you get a fantastic view of St. John’s and The Narrows, the tiny entrance into St. John’s Harbour. For all you cell phone fanatics this is also where the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901 was sent.
The Johnson GEO Centre
Built into the rocks of Signal Hills this world class geological centre is a must see. Kids especially love the interactive exhibits. There are five hiking trails, rock gardens and a Newfoundland heritage garden, just to name a few highlights.
The Rooms
Right in down town St. John’s, The Rooms, is a place where you can learn all about the history of Newfoundland so you’ll understand the town you’re exploring and the people you are meeting. There is also a great art gallery here along with three floors of exhibits that change out regularly so there’s always something new to see.
Water Street
Known as the oldest commercial street in North America a stroll down this St. John’s street will give you a mix of old and new. Here you’ll find everything from interesting shops and restaurants to more commercial stores where the locals shop.
George Street
If you love music this is the place to come! Newfoundlanders are known for their music that has a bit of Irish flare. On George street you’ll literally find one pub after another. This street really gets rocking after the sun goes down and is the place to be if you’re looking to sip some Newfoundland beer and munch on some authentic fish and chips.
Unique Cuisine
You can probably guess fish and chips are the popular meal of choice here but you can also find some great cuisine options if you walk along Duckworth Street. For awesome Japanese try Bashos ( don’t miss the iceberg martinis made with ice from a real iceberg). Other favorite restaurants to try include: Indian Gate ( Indian), Follys ( Pizza), Blue on Water ( Seafood), Bacallo (Local Game).
Cape Spear
This is a personal favorite spot and where you’ll find one of the oldest lighthouses in Newfoundland. This is also where you can stand and say you are standing on the eastern most tip of North America. The views are stunning and there are miles of walking trails right along the water and cliff if you’re a hiker.
Petty Harbour
Just a few minutes from St. Johns is the picturesque fishing town of Petty Harbour. If you really want to get a taste of what Newfoundland is all about talk to the fisherman whose families have lived here for generations. Bring your camera, everything here looks like a postcard!
Quidi Vidi
Quidi Vidi ( pronounced Kiddy-Viddy) is a small, cute fishing village in walking distance of downtown St. John’s. You can have guides dressed in period costumes walk you around or tour on your own. This is where you’ll find North America’s oldest cottage ( now a gift store) and a local brewery that you can tour.
Middle Cove Beach
This is where the locals go to the beach and it’s just a few minutes drive outside of St. John’s and it’s also where you can find your lucky rock. The beach is more rocky than sandy and the story goes if you find a rock with a white line all the way around it, it will bring you luck. If you find one with two lines around it your double your luck. I couldn’t pass up this stop! I found a rock with two lines. I knew I loved Newfoundland!
Keep an eye on this TRAVEL THERAPY blog as I’ll have much more on these top Newfoundland places to visit.
Next stop is Bay Bulls where I’ll be staying in a Bed & Breakfast right on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean called The Bread and Cheese Inn!
For more on Newfoundland and Labrador go to: www.newfoundlandandlabrador.com
