St. John's International Airport

Colorful, rugged, and wildly Atlantic — Canada's oldest city awaits.

St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, sits on the far eastern edge of North America and is widely considered one of Canada's most distinctive cities. Its hillside rows of vibrantly painted Victorian rowhouses, known as Jellybean Row, give it an instantly recognizable character, while its deep harbor has shaped centuries of fishing and maritime history.

The city is famously friendly, with a lively pub culture centered on George Street — one of the highest concentrations of bars per capita in North America. Local culture is steeped in Celtic-influenced folk music, unique dialect, and a fierce pride in Newfoundland identity. Visitors often find the locals, called Newfoundlanders or 'Newfies,' to be among the warmest hosts anywhere in Canada.

Surrounding the city, dramatic coastal landscapes offer hiking trails along sea cliffs, chances to spot icebergs in spring, and frequent whale sightings in summer. Despite its remote feel, St. John's is a fully modern city with excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and a growing arts scene.

• •Signal Hill National Historic Site — iconic hilltop where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.
• •Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve — breathtaking seabird colony on dramatic sea stacks.
• •The Rooms — provincial museum and art gallery with outstanding local history and culture.
• •Jellybean Row — photogenic street of brightly painted historic rowhouses.
• •George Street — legendary entertainment strip packed with bars and live folk music.
• •Quidi Vidi Village — charming historic fishing hamlet with a beloved local brewery.

Getting around: St. John's has no rail service; the primary public transit option is Metrobus, which covers most of the city but runs infrequently in outer areas. Taxis are widely available and affordable for short trips, while rideshare apps like Uber also operate in the city. Renting a car is strongly recommended for exploring the surrounding coastline and natural attractions beyond the downtown core.

Best time: Late June through September offers the mildest weather, best whale-watching, and peak iceberg season in late spring to early summer.

Local food: Try fish and chips made with fresh local cod, toutons (pan-fried bread dough with molasses), Jiggs' dinner (salt beef and root vegetables), and a pint of Quidi Vidi brewery's iconic Iceberg beer.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.