Discovering St John’s at the edge of Canada

St. John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America, a city where every cliff side and cobblestone street tells a story. When your cruise ship enters “The Narrows”, the slim, dramatic passage between towering rock walls, you are entering one of the best-sheltered natural harbours in the world. If you are planning a day at this port, here is a more detailed look at the primary destinations that define the city’s unique character.

Signal Hill and Cabot Tower

Signal Hill serves as the city’s crown jewel and its most significant military landmark.

This site was the stage for the final battle of the Seven Years’ War in 1762, where British forces captured the hill from the French. The iconic Cabot Tower was built much later, in 1897, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s arrival and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Inside the tower, you can explore exhibits on the history of flag signaling and Guglielmo Marconi’s 1901 achievement of receiving the first-ever transatlantic wireless signal. Outside, if you visit during the summer, you can witness the Signal Hill Tattoo, where re-enactors in 19th-century uniforms perform military drills and fire cannons.

Cape Spear Lighthouse

Located about 15 minutes from downtown, Cape Spear is a site of literal extremes.

This is the easternmost point of North America. Standing on the wooden boardwalks here, you are closer to Ireland than you are to Vancouver. It is the first place on the continent to see the sunrise every morning.

You will find two lighthouses here. The historic 1836 structure is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and has been restored to show how the Cantwell family, who served as keepers for generations, lived in the 19th century. Nearby stands the modern, automated tower that still guides ships into the St. John’s harbour today.

During World War II, Cape Spear became a strategic defense point known as Fort Cape Spear. You can still explore the concrete bunkers and see the massive “disappearing guns” that were placed there to protect the coastline from German U-boats.

The Rooms and the Basilica

These two massive structures dominate the St. John’s skyline, sitting side-by-side on the highest ridge above the city.

This cultural center is built on the ruins of an 18th-century fort. It is a “one-stop shop” for Newfoundland culture, combining the provincial museum, art gallery, and archives. The architecture itself is meant to resemble a “fishing room,” the traditional waterfront buildings where cod was processed. If you’re a fan of your history and museums, this is a must stop.

Just steps away is the Basilica, completed in 1855. At the time of its construction, it was the largest church building in North America. It is famous for its twin towers and its “Great Bell,” which weighs two tonnes and can be heard throughout the city.

Quidi Vidi Village

Commonly referred to by locals as “The Gut,” Quidi Vidi is a remarkably well-preserved fishing village that sits within the city limits but feels like a rural outport.

The Quidi Vidi Village Plantation is a craft center where you can meet local artisans, weavers, potters, and printmakers, and buy unique souvenirs directly from the source.

The village is home to the Quidi Vidi Brewery. Their most famous export is Iceberg Beer, which is famously brewed using water harvested from 20,000-year-old icebergs that drift past the coast in the spring.

Downtown

Downtown St. John’s is surprisingly walk-able but very steep.

Often cited as the oldest commercial street in North America, Water Street is lined with heritage buildings that now house upscale boutiques, cozy cafés, and lively pubs.

Jellybean Row is the nickname for the entire downtown core where Victorian-era row houses are painted in a “riot of colors.” The tradition is said to have started so that returning fishermen could spot their own homes through the thick Atlantic fog.

People of St John’s

The people of St. John’s, Newfoundland, are known for their resilience, distinct cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, with a population of approximately 115,000 in the city. Primarily of British, Irish, and increasingly, diverse backgrounds, residents often share a deep connection to the ocean, vibrant traditions, and a unique, welcoming, and humorous, “city of legends”. While English is the predominant language, it is spoken here with a distinct Irish twang – very different from the mainland Canadian accent. The music of the region is also very heavily influenced by Irish roots and seafaring tales.