Things To Do
Cafes
Best places to grab a coffee or quick treat: Bannerman Brewery, Terre Cafe, Toslow, The Parlour, The Grounds, Theatre Hill Bar + Cafe Ice cream: The Parlour
Brunch Spots
Our favourite sit down brunch spots: Terre (reservations recommended), The Grounds, Toslow, The Petty Harbour Public House Best food truck with views of the harbour: Smoodie Bowl Fish and Chips: Quidi Vidi Brewery Bakery (bagles, breads and croissants to-go): The Georgestown Bakery
Dinner Spots
Reservations recommended in advance as many of the best places tend to book up! Best dinner spots: Portage, Terre, Grotto, The Merchant Tavern, Rabble, Liv, Stella's Brassiere
Drinks/Cocktails
Beer: Bannerman Brewery, The Wharf at Quidi Vidi, Quidi Vidi Brewery Pub: Christian's (famous for their Screech-Ins!) Cocktails: Grotto, Papillion, Rabble, Terre, Portage, The Merchant Tavern, The Little Sparo, Liv, The Petty Harbour Public House, Stella's Brassiere, Theatre Hill Bar + Cafe Patios: Quidi Vidi Brewery, The Wharf, Bannerman Brewery, The Petty Harbour Public House, or anywhere along the Water Street Pedestrian Mall Best Rain Day Patios (i.e. covered/ideal for all weather conditions): Quidi Vidi Brewery, No. 4, as well as some spots along the Water Street Pedestrian Mall
Whale Watching
Whale Watching: You'll have missed iceberg season but whale watching season will be in full swing! If you're heading out to the Bonavista peninsula, save your whale watching for there. If you don't have time to leave St. John's there are plenty of tour options in the St. John's Harbour or nearby Witless bay. Quidi Vidi Charters is another option which also leaves from the city.
Hikes
Signal Hill Trail: This trail is a must do! Recommend starting on Battery Road, walking to Fort Waldegrave, taking the stairs down through the narrow houses, and onwards to the North Head Trail (approx. 1 hr loop). Sugarloaf: Recommend taking Sugarloaf trail from Quidi Vidi Gut all the way to the Bawdens Highland. Short version: turn around at Bawdens Highlands (approx 45-60 mins). Long version: continue to the gravel road, cross towards the water and continue 'til you get to the "Skerries", turning around just after the wooden bridge (approx 2 hrs). Doran’s Lane Point: A must do! Park at the end of Doran's lane in Outer Cove and take “Cobbler’s Path” trail. Keep left at the fork once the trail emerges along the coastline. Hike down to the very bottom where it turns to rock for the most epic views! This hike is about 45 mins roundtrip, plus extra time for taking in the views! Check out the East Coast Trail website for other hikes, plus info on parking and trailhead locations.
Day Trips - North
Coastal drive north of SJ: The entire coastline from St. John's to Cape St. Francis is beautiful. Take the coastline roads and stop off at The Ocean Sciences Center, Middle Cove Beach, Torbay Beach, Flatrock & Pouch Cove along the way. Take the old gravel road to the Cape St. Francis lighthouse. Doran’s Lane hike can also be found along this route. For sunset, drive along the coastline through St. Philip's, Paradise, or CBS area. Stop in at "Beachy Cove" beach along the way. Brigus/Mad Rocks: Drive out to Bay Roberts (~1 hr) for a short hike (“Mad Rocks”, approx 1 hr). Stop at the Madrock café on route to try some traditional Newfoundland toutons. Head to the Newfoundland Distillery in Clarke’s Beach for a bite/drink. Take the longer, coastal route (much prettier) & avoid the highways. Be sure to stop in the nearby picturesque town of Brigus along route. If you don’t want to go all the way to Mad Rocks, it’s worth it just to head to Brigus where there is a gorgeous lighthouse hike.
Day Trips - South
Cape Spear/Petty Harbour: Head out to the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear, followed by a drive to Petty Harbour. Check out the Zip Lining or stop in for a bite/drink at the Petty Harbour Public House. Southern Shore drive: Drive down the “Southern Shore” to Ferryland. This is a slightly longer drive but Tors Cove is a really beautiful place to stop for a look. Pack a picnic and eat it there or book out the Ferryland Lighthouse picnic in advance. There is also a great restaurant (“Fork”) located in Mobile along the way (limited hours so check in advance). There are a ton of great East Coast trail hikes in this area including “Tinkers Point Path” (two vehicles preferred for this hike- if you only have one, park at The Tors Cove end (more scenic) and walk out and back for as far as you feel).
Other Things to Check Out
The Pedestrian Mall: During the summer months, Water St. is closed off to vehicular traffic and you can explore the area by foot. Grab a drink or bite at one of the many outdoor patios. Quidi Vidi Village: Definitely make a stop at this historic fishing village found nestled within the city. Home to some spectacular hiking trails such as Sugarloaf and great places to get food or drink (Quidi Vidi Brewery or "The Wharf"). Check out the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios for local crafts/gifts. Fort Amherst: Take in spectacular views of the city. Interesting WWII ruins line the cliffs near the lighthouse where you can explore or have a picnic. Deadman's Bay Path (part of the East Coast Trail) starts in Fort Amherst and leads to Blackhead. The prettiest part is the Fort Amherst end up to the highest point and back down (est. 45 mins roundtrip, quite steep at times). George Street: Check out the nightlife on this infamous street! Stop into Christian's to get screeched in.
Other Areas of the Province to Explore
Please refer to the "Travel" page.