St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

What to do in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Bowring Park

Named for the wealthy merchant family that donated the land in 1911, this park offers beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a pond that is home to swans, geese, and ducks. There is also a swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, and a lawn bowling green. This park is also home to the statue of Peter Pan, a replica of a statue in London's Kensington Gardens, which was unveiled in 1925 as a memorial to a child lost at sea.

Harbourside Park

This scenic park, opened in 1984, overlooks St. John's Harbour. It commemorates Sir Humphrey Gilbert's landing at the site in 1583 and his founding of the first overseas colony of the British Empire.

C.A. Pippy Park

Located at the city's northern limits, this enormous park offers exceptional hiking trails, camping, a golf course, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, fishing, and berry picking, and often spot moose and rabbits. Visitors have access to a convenience store and a playground. A natural heritage tour includes the world-class Fluvarium, Memorial University's Botanical Gardens, and a panoramic view of the city.

Cape Spear National Historical Site

Located on the easternmost point of land on the continent, this site is home to the Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland's oldest beacon. Visitors can see whales feeding below the cliffs and icebergs floating by.

Signal Hill National Historic Park

This is where the French and the British fought the last battle of the Seven Years' War in 1762. Visitors can see exhibits depicting St. John's history, as well as excellent views of the harbor from atop the 500-foot hill.

Scuba Diving

The ocean surrounding Newfoundland is home to thousands of shipwreck sites, amazing sea life, and the bottom of an iceberg.

The Grand Concourse Trail

This well-developed, well-marked walking trail is 62 miles long. Trails cross river valleys, parks, meadows, and sidewalks. The trails also provide excellent bird-watching.

Whale Watching

As many as 22 species of dolphins and whales are visible from St. John's coast, and humpback whales that weigh up to 30 tons come to feed along the shore. There are several tours and excursions.

Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This church is a good example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was first completed in the mid-1800s and then rebuilt after the 1892 fire. Tourists can also visit the tearoom in the crypt on summer afternoons.

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This church was built in the Romanesque style in 1855. It overlooks the older section of the city and the harbor. The neighboring Bishop's Palace features a museum with vestments and religious objects.

Government Houses

Built in the 1830s, this impressive house is the residence of the Lieutenant Governor, the Queen's representative in Newfoundland. Though the building isn't open for tours, visitors can explore the garden, and sign the guest book on the front porch. All who do will receive an invitation to the annual August garden party.

Newfoundland Museum

This museum houses three floors of displays that focus on the province's natural and cultural history, as well as changing exhibits from the museum's collection.

Shopping

St. John's has something for every shopper. Antiques run the gamut from silver to china to furniture, and numerous art galleries feature works by both prominent and up-and-coming artists. Shoppers will also find crafts, including handmade sweaters, rugs, pottery, jewelry, and more.