LIVELY BY NATURE

Cruise to St. John's, Newfoundland

Set against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic sea, St John's is defined by animated locals, colourful houses and its own brand of folk music. In the capital of Newfoundland – the island of fishing villages, kitchen parties and bakeapple jam – you can marvel at historic landmarks dating back to John Cabot's voyage in 1497, before you hit the town to join in the lively pub scene. Hungry for nature? Cruise to Newfoundland to hike the 130 kilometres of walking trails, or hit the waters outside the harbour to catch a glimpse of icebergs and humpback whales.

National Language English

Currency Accepted Canadian dollar (CAD)

Things To Do in St John's

A humpback wale splashing its tail

Hit the Bay

Icebergs, humpback whales, puffins... Get out onto the Bay for an exhilarating tour of aquatic life. Or tour the islands that make up the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where you'll see birds galore, including black-legged kittiwakes, common murres and the largest puffin colony in North America.

View of St. John's harbor through some trees from Signal Hill

Put On Your Walking Shoes

It's a hilly affair, whether you choose to hike the trails or the streets – St John's boasts over 120 kilometres of walking trails within city limits. Marvel at the ancient rock cliffs that rise from the St John's harbour, or amble along the North Head Trail and pick wild blueberries at Signal Hill.

Quench Your Thirst

You're in for a toe-tapping good time if you head to historic city centre St John's. You'll find over two dozen pubs, clubs and bars on George Street. Locals keep the party alive while you get down to an Irish jig, the blues, dance music, country or good old rock n' roll.

Local Cuisine

Newfoundland cuisine is in a category of its own, with unique items like scrunchions (crispy pork rinds) and toutons (fried dough served with mollasses). Try braised rabbit fritters or local blue mussels. Head to the Quidi Vidi district, where you'll find a local farm-to-table restaurant and a brewery featuring lager made from 25-thousand-year-old icebergs.

Shopping

Head to Water Street and take a piece of St John's with you. Heritage Shop goodies include labradorite jewellery, carvings, knitwear and preserves. Get onboard Canada cruises and make your way to Quidi Vidi and check out the Plantation, a destination shopping experience where you can visit artisans in their studios as they work and sell their wares.