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6 Must-See Sights in St John’s, Newfoundland

St John’s is the Capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also the province’s largest city with a population of around 100,000. That number doubles if you consider the surrounding communities. There is so much to see and do in St John’s, Newfoundland! I enjoyed my visit, and I hope you will too!

View of buildings on the side of a cliff beside the harbour

Must-See Sights in St John’s, Newfoundland

While St John’s is small in size, it is big in WOW! Check out these 6 must-see sights:

  1. Cape Spear. Cape Spear is home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland as well as a World War II fort. This historic site is also the easternmost point in North America.
    Lighthouse at Cape Spear near St Johns, Newfoundland
    Cape Spear Lighthouse

    A lighthouse next to the ocean at Cape Spear, Newroundland
    The Easternmost Point at Cape Spear
  2. The Rooms. The Rooms is a two-in-one attraction. It is half art gallery and half historical museum. It features a variety of well preserved artifacts which tell the story of Newfoundland’s rich history. The Rooms Cafe with its wall of windows is a great place to enjoy a meal while overlooking St John’s Harbour.

    A building in St John's, Newfoundland which houses the Rooms museum and gallery.
    The Rooms
  3. Signal Hill. Signal Hill overlooks the narrow entry into St John’s Harbour. This historic spot has a rich past. In addition to Cabot Tower, there are cliffside hiking trails to explore.
    View of the narrow entrance to St John's Harbour from Signal Hill
    View from Signal Hill of Harbour Entrance

    Castle style tower on top of Signal Hill in St John's, Newfoundland
    Cabot Tower on Signal Hill
  4. The Harbour. St John’s Harbour is the perfect safe haven for marine vessels. One look at the geography of St John’s Harbour, and it is easy to see why it is significant. One of the best ways to experience it is to go on a boat tour.
    View overlooking St John's Harbour. The city of St John's, Newfoundland surrounds the harbour.
    St. John’s Harbour from Signal Hill

    View of a hill overlooking the harbour with brightly colored buildings beside the water.
    View of Signal Hill from St. John’s Harbour
  5. The Jellybeans. Jellybeans is the nickname of the rows of brightly painted wooden homes in downtown St John’s. These colorful structures can make even a gray day feel bright.

    Three residences in St John's, Newfoundland in bright colors.
    Brightly Colored “Jellybeans” Line the Streets of St John’s
  6. Quidi Vidi. Quidi Vidi is a neighborhood in St John’s, Newfoundland. It features a lake as well as a harbour of the same name. This picturesque community is home to a craft guild where you can purchase crafts from local artisans. In addition, you’ll find eateries and Newfoundland’s largest microbrewery.

    View of a small harbour with a boat on the water and brightly colored buildings surrounding the harbour.
    View of Quidi Vidi Harbour

St John’s, Newfoundland is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. St John’s is a great place to start your Newfoundland adventure! This city’s rich history and unique charm offer the traveler a unique and unforgettable experience.

Looking for a place to stay in St. John’s? We stayed in the Fairfield Inn & Suites. I’d happily stay there again!

For more information about Newfoundland, check out 7 Reasons to Add Newfoundland to Your Bucket List.

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