St. John’s, Newfoundland is an adventure just waiting to be discovered. This hilly city is bursting with beautiful nature spots, amazing food and ocean views. The locals are super friendly, and each neighbourhood is unique. Planning a visit? Make sure to add these tips to your list! —Amanda Nunes
Stay: Kick up your heels in the heart of downtown at the Sheraton Hotel. This centrally located spot has rooms with beautiful views and comfortable beds. This is a pet friendly hotel, so feel free to bring your fluffy friend along. 115 Cavendish Square, St. Johns, NL, 844-279-4436. www.sheratonhotelnewfoundland.com
Savour: Grab a cup of coffee and a treat (Nutella stuffed brown butter cookie, anyone?) from Fixed Coffee Bar. Craving weekend brunch? Head to Hungry Heart Café for a healthy, filling breakfast with delicious homemade preserves and baked goods. This café has heart- all proceeds go towards funding employment training for vulnerable adults. 142 Military Road, St. John’s, NL www.hungryheartcafe.ca
Image: Hungry Heart Café
Do: Visit Cape Spear to plant your feet in the easternmost point in Canada and North America, and to see the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. Feeling nautical? Get on a boat and go on a whale watching tour with O’Brians Whale and Bird Tours (Adult: $58, child $25). Witless Bay is home to half a million Atlantic puffins and other seabirds. Take in the beautiful rocky cliffs and spot a humpback whale or two as you listen to traditional Newfoundland tunes. Our boat guide even sang! 22 Lower Rd, Bay Bulls, NL, 709-753-4850. www.obriensboattours.com
See: Take a stroll and marvel at the brightly painted Victorian houses. The famed Jellybean Row doesn’t actually exist, but refers to all of the coloured houses in town. The best street to see them is Gower Street. When you’re done, take a hike and climb to the top of Signal Hill for unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city. This National Historic Site has defended the St. John’s harbour since the 17th century. Cabot Tower, Signal Hill NHS, NL, 709-772-5769. www.historicsites.ca
Don’t miss: Where else can you have a picnic at a lighthouse? Just outside of St. John’s, Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics can’t be missed. After a short hike to the lighthouse, you’ll be treated to a picnic basket filled with all the trimmings. Everything is prepared fresh at the lighthouse (including their amazing molasses oatmeal bread) and they even provide the picnic blanket for you to sit on and enjoy your meal! The lighthouse is a one-hour drive from St. John’s, about 80 kilometres south on Route 10. Ferryland, NL, A0A 2H0, 709-363-7456. www.lighthousepicnics.ca
Dine: Raymond’s Restaurant has been voted Canada’s best restaurant, and we can see why. The menu is prix fixe, and changes daily. Dishes use local and foraged produce and meats, and plates are expertly prepared. The restaurant has a romantic vibe, making it perfect for a date. Be sure to book in advance, they fill up quickly! 95 Water Street, St. John’s, NL, 709-579-5800. www.raymondsrestaurant.com
Image: Paul Bouzane
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