St. John’s is more than just the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the most easterly city in North America, it holds maritime history, a vibrant “screech in” culture, and charming timeless neighborhoods. Here’s our top five things to do in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
The hub of entertainment in St. John’s is George St., which is reputed to dispense more beverage alcohol per square foot than anywhere else in North America. Travelers come to get ‘screeched in’, a tradition that involves downing shots of Newfoundland screech, or rum with 40% alcohol, doing a recitation or listening to the stories of screech, and kissing a cod! Trapper John’s Museum and Pub self-proclaims itself as the home of the screech-in, while Christian’s Pub is known to have the best screech-in ceremony. Both spots are right near George St.
Taking a stroll in Quidi Vidi Village is a must when visiting St. John’s. Transport yourself to a quainter time, as the charming fishing village seems to have withstood the test of it. Have a meal at the cozy Mallard Cottage, an 18th c. Irish-Newfoundland-style cottage, that is one of the oldest buildings in North America. Dine on award-winning food sourcing local ingredients, like Halibut, sea truffle beurre blanc, and capers, as an example.
“If you stand here, your back to the sea, the entire population of North America stretches out in front of you. And there’s nothing behind you until Ireland,” describes the Newfoundland tourism board, when speaking of the most easternly point of North America, Cape Spear. Since 1986, the Cape Spear Lighthouse has been a beacon of light for over 150 years and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province as well as a National Historic Site. It truly is a spectacular, unique landmark that is worth visiting during your trip to St. John’s.
Beginning at Duckworth St. and encompassing an entire downtown hillside, sits the colorful 1800s Victorian-style houses of Jellybean Row in downtown St. John’s. It wasn’t until the 1970s when a local heritage group started to paint the Victorian houses, and their neighbors started to follow suit, embracing the colorful paint. The rainbow neighborhood is now an iconic must-see for visitors, and a testament to the whimsical spirit of St. John’s.
Breathtaking views of the harbor and the city of St. John’s await you at the multi-cultural space, The Rooms. With the largest art and artifact collection in the area, it is a tribute to the regional people, history, and culture it’s preserving, as well as a key educational institution for those visiting the area.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus St. John’s Airport Hotel and Suites.