St John's (Newfoundland) holidays
Wild and windswept, Newfoundland’s largest city has a craggy coastline and crashing waves. Yet at its heart St John’s retains a small-town feel. The locals’ ancestral Irish lilt, coupled with a high density of pubs, makes George Street reminiscent of Dublin’s Temple Bar. And with its own time zone, Newfoundland truly jigs to the tune of its own fiddle. Discover its charm on a holiday to St John’s.
St John's, Newfoundland holiday highlights
© Michael Winsor
Whale watching
Every year 10,000 whales migrate north via Newfoundland, making this one of the best places on Earth to see these massive mammals. Humpbacks, minkes and orcas are just some of the breeds you might spot on your St John’s holiday. Catch them between May and September, getting up close and personal by cruise or kayak.
Incredible icebergs
It was Newfoundland that received the Titanic’s first distress signal back in 1912. Come spring, hundreds of icebergs drift south from Greenland through Iceberg Alley. Learn to identify each by its unique characteristics, be that blue with age or flat like a tabletop. Stay safe by admiring these behemoths on an official boat, kayak or photography tour.
Where to stay
Head for the Historic District, where historic inns and upscale boutique hotels nestle amid oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. This area is conveniently within strolling distance of the shops, bars and restaurants of the main drag. Or you can book a luxury golf stay at one of the oceanfront resorts in nearby Ponte Vedra.
St John's, Newfoundland: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
Canadian dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-3:30 (NST) and UTC-2:30 (NDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
/
Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in St John's, Newfoundland
© Barrett & MacKay Photo
Places to eat
For centuries, cod fishing has lured everyone from the British to the Basques to Newfoundland. Feeling adventurous? Try the fried cod tongues. Mallard Cottage in quaint Quidi Vidi is considered one of the best restaurants in Canada; try local favourites with a contemporary twist or warm up with a hearty moose stew after a day out at sea.
Beaches
Access the East Coast Trail from St John’s to enjoy hundreds of miles of coastal wilderness along the Atlantic Ocean. One dramatic sight includes ‘The Spout’, a natural geyser caused by waves forcing water through the rocks. Look for bald eagles nesting on sea stacks and the continent’s largest population of puffins.
Nightlife
Follow the sound of live music to George Street, where you’ll hear sea shanties being sung in bars. Start your night with a bottle of local Quidi Vidi Iceberg Beer while you listen to tales of Newfoundland’s maritime past. From there, take part in the Screech-In ceremony, a tourist rite of passage that includes smooching a frozen cod in order to be declared an honorary ‘Newfie’.
FAQs about St John's, Newfoundland holidays
February brings the coolest conditions for a St John's, Newfoundland holiday. Plan your trip then and you'll find lows of -7ºC (19ºF).
While on your trip to St John's, Newfoundland, you'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) for everything you buy. It may be helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any hassles with payments.
The wettest month is January, which gets an average rainfall of 15 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your St John's, Newfoundland trip — there's still loads to do indoors like browsing shops, exploring museums, or checking out cosy cafes.
With temperatures hitting highs of 20ºC (68ºF), August is the hottest month in St John's, Newfoundland.
St John’s, Newfoundland is at the mercy of the Atlantic’s whims. Drive carefully through fog and avoid cliffs during storms. Nothing will ruin your St John’s holiday like a moose through the windshield, so take care and avoid driving in the dark if possible.
The ideal length of your trip to St John's, Newfoundland depends on your starting point and what you want to do. Don't have far to travel? Three to five days is perfect if you're looking for a quick escape. If you're making a longer journey, consider booking for at least a week. This will give you enough time to visit places outside the city or simply explore at a pace that suits you.
While on your city break in St John's, Newfoundland, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English.
Save money on your St John’s, Newfoundland holiday by observing whales and icebergs from the shore. The city’s dramatic coastline has numerous hiking trails, none of which cost a penny to enjoy. Don’t miss Signal Hill to appreciate the wonder of the first wireless transatlantic message.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in St John's, Newfoundland. From Signal Hill to The Rooms and more, there's no shortage of reasons to book a trip.
Icebergs drift south from spring onwards. While no one comes to St John’s, Newfoundland for warm weather, summer brings other highlights like whale watching, beach cookouts and cocktails chilled with chipped iceberg. Find cheaper flights and hotels to St John’s during the low season when snowshoeing to the pub is an option.
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
How to get a flight upgrade
How to search for multi-city flights on Skyscanner
Plan your holiday to St John's
Cheap holidays to dream destinations
Other travellers love these package holiday hotspots. Take your pick of what’s popular.
Costa Blanca
From Benidorm to Alicante, savour the sun, sea, and vibrant Spanish culture.
Lanzarote
Hike through volcanic landscapes, relax on golden beaches and enjoy the laid-back Canarian vibe.
Tenerife
From the majestic Mount Teide to sunny beaches, there's adventure and relaxation here in equal measure.
Ibiza
Dance the night away and soak up the sun on the island of eternal party and pristine beaches.
Antalya
Discover ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and the warm welcome of Turkey's Mediterranean gem.
Majorca
Experience the perfect blend of stunning beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.
Malta
Step back in time with ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
Algarve
Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, charming villages, and world-class golf in Portugal's southern paradise.
Marrakech
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours, bustling markets, and rich history of this ancient city.
Costa del Sol
Relax on sunny beaches, explore charming towns, and savour the flavours of Andalusia.
Dubai
Experience luxury and adventure in the city of skyscrapers, deserts, and world-class shopping.
New York
Discover the energy of the Big Apple, from iconic landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods.
Costa Blanca
From Benidorm to Alicante, savour the sun, sea, and vibrant Spanish culture.
Lanzarote
Hike through volcanic landscapes, relax on golden beaches and enjoy the laid-back Canarian vibe.
Tenerife
From the majestic Mount Teide to sunny beaches, there's adventure and relaxation here in equal measure.
Ibiza
Dance the night away and soak up the sun on the island of eternal party and pristine beaches.
Antalya
Discover ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and the warm welcome of Turkey's Mediterranean gem.
Majorca
Experience the perfect blend of stunning beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.
Malta
Step back in time with ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.
Algarve
Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, charming villages, and world-class golf in Portugal's southern paradise.
Marrakech
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours, bustling markets, and rich history of this ancient city.
Costa del Sol
Relax on sunny beaches, explore charming towns, and savour the flavours of Andalusia.
Dubai
Experience luxury and adventure in the city of skyscrapers, deserts, and world-class shopping.
New York
Discover the energy of the Big Apple, from iconic landmarks to vibrant neighbourhoods.
