 The City of St. John’s is the economic and cultural centre for the province and offers a natural environment, clean air, safe streets and all the amenities of a larger city with a European flavour. Our rich history and culture and "small town" quality of life make St. John’s a pleasure to visit. Many are surprised to learn that St. John's has the third most temperate climate in Canada (behind Victoria and Vancouver).
For over 500 years St. John’s has been visited by explorers and adventurers. St. John's has a rich and colourful history and offers an enticing combination of old world charm, unique architectural, historic and natural attractions, and is located in close proximity to spectacular coastlines, historic villages and a diverse selection of wildlife.
Visit Signal Hill and Cape Spear National Historic Sites  A stay in St. John’s would not be complete with a visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site - overlooking the harbour where as early as 1704 signal flags were flown from this site to inform merchants of the approach of ships, whether hostile or friendly. Signal Hill has been the site of countless military endeavours over the centuries, and in 1901 was on the receiving end of the first transatlantic wireless signal by Marconi. As well, Cape Spear National Historic Site is the most easterly point in North America, with its breathtaking coastal scenery and the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland which has been fully restored; well worth a visit.
Tour our waters for a whale of a time  A boat tour to see humpback and minke whales, fin, sperm, blue, pothead, sei and right whales can be done with tour boat operators from St. John’s harbour or Bay Bulls, just outside the city. As well, icebergs, in season, can be seen from vantage points within the city and from tour boats. Just outside the city limits a marine bird sanctuary comes alive with seabirds and other marine life during the summer months.
The Fluvarium  The only public Fluvarium in North America where one can view Brook and Brown Trout in their natural habitat.
Johnson GEO Centre
 A geological interpretation centre built mainly below ground that permits interpretation of interesting geological features on the natural rock walls, which will remain exposed in the exhibits area and tells the remarkable story of the geological history of Newfoundland and Labrador, extending back for an incredible 3.7 billion years!
The Rooms
 A state-of-the-art cultural centre that preserves and protects the province's heritage, history and culture, The Rooms houses the Newfoundland Museum, Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Memorial University's Botanical Garden  Memorial University's Botanical Garden covers 45 hectares of land close to the heart of St. John's. It is unusual in its dual purposes of botanical garden and natural reserve. The flower gardens include a rock garden, peat and woodland beds, cottage garden, perennial garden, rhododendrons and a display of Newfoundland heritage plants.
Come to the oldest sporting event in North America  The Royal St. John’s Regatta, dating back to 1826, is the oldest continuing sporting event in North America and is attended by 40,000 people annually. It is held on Quidi Vidi Lake on the first Wednesday of August, weather and winds permitting. Six member crews, coxswained, use fixed-seat racing shells to compete in races throughout the day.
Kick up your heels on George Street  George Street, in downtown St. John’s, is the focal point of the City of St. John's nightlife. The pubs and taverns lining this historic street offer everything from traditional Newfoundland and Irish music to the latest rock music. Noted for the ability to have fun, music and dancing has been an integral part of life for George Street.
Newfoundland in its 500 years of history has always been noted for the ability to have fun. Music and dancing has been an integral part of a life that depends heavily on the natural resources of the province. So for almost all of the 500 years the nightlife has been a lively experience.
Each summer at the end of July, the bars of George Street host a week-long party with a street festival featuring all types of music from traditional to rock and everything in between. As well, the city is the host to countless other festivals including the Folk Festival held in Bannerman Park, and the Busker Festival where you’ll see street performances such as juggling, acting, acrobatics, magic, dance and more!
St. John’s is also a city of firsts. In December 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless transmission on Signal Hill. On June 14, 1919 Alcock and Brown left St. John's and successfully completed the first transatlantic flight landing in Clifden, Ireland some 16 hours later. St. John’s is also the first to see the sun rise in North America.
There is no other city like it in North America, so come sit a spell and enjoy all we have to offer. Our home is your home.
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