About
St. John's is a coastal city in Canada, the capital and largest urban centre of Newfoundland and Labrador. It sits on the eastern edge of North America, and its harbour and streets give a clear sense of the island's maritime character.
What to expect
The city is known for its colourful row houses, which line many of its hillside streets and make walking through the older neighbourhoods a pleasure in itself. Stroll without a fixed plan and the view of the harbour keeps appearing between the buildings.
St. John's is also one of the oldest cities in North America, so its historic sites are a major reason to visit. Exploring them alongside the row houses gives a good picture of how the city has grown over the centuries.
Planning your visit
- Walking: The downtown and older residential streets are best explored on foot, with plenty of corners to stop and look around.
- Coastal setting: The waterfront is central to the city's identity, and time near the harbour is well spent.
- Historic sites: Set aside time to visit the heritage locations that reflect the city's long history.
- Regional base: As the provincial capital, St. John's is a natural starting point for discovering the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Whether you come for a short city break or as a base for wider travel, St. John's offers a compact, characterful place to spend your time on Canada's Atlantic coast.
