Discover St. John's

St. John's 1

Surrounded by hills, the Atlantic Ocean and the city's historic harbour, St. John's is the oldest English-founded city in North America. A unique blend of the old and new, the city's quaint colourful homes, winding steep roads, history and eclectic architecture make this destination a pleasure for the eyes. Situated on the northeast coast of the Avalon Peninsula, the city was rebuilt over many years after fires in the 19th century destroyed the city's core and is now home to some of the most interesting historical structures and landmarks in the province, such as Cabot Tower and the Roman Catholic Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

The second largest city in Atlantic Canada, St. John's has a relatively mild winter climate and local residents surprisingly boast of their city being the cloudiest and wettest city in the country. The character of the people, the architecture and the beautiful scenery serve as a magnet bringing folks back to Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial capital year after year.

Whether on a day trip or a week-long adventure, this historic city has a variety of accommodations and activities to attract visitors of any age on any budget. Luxury hotels and a wide selection of unique bed and breakfast places are surrounded by historical sites, nature parks, churches and several art galleries and museums.

HELPFUL LINKS

Accommodation Directory - This is a complete St. John's accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

Secure Room Reservations- Check for St. John's room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.

Maps - The St. John's map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

ORIENTATION AND TRANSPORTATION

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St. John's is developed to the north and west with Signal Hill National Historic Site providing spectacular views to the east while the Southside Hills sit to the south of the city.

St. John's is accessible by car, boat and air. The Trans-Canada Highway runs east to west through the city, intersecting Route 40, which is also Portugal Cove Road, one of the main roads leading into the downtown core and to St. John's International Airport. Other main streets within the city centre are Queen's Road, Duckworth Street and Rennie's Mill Road. The airport is approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the city centre and WestJet, Air Canada, and Continental offer non-stop flights from most major cities, including Montreal, Halifax, and Toronto.

The Metrobus is the main public transportation system which takes passengers around the city and surrounding areas, including the city of Mount Pearl. There are many walking paths but because of the numerous steep streets in the city, hopping on the Metrobus or taking a cab for longer distances may be a smarter option for people with limited mobility.

Several ferries provide passenger and vehicle service connecting the island from the mainland province and is another excellent travel option. The ferries connect with two bus companies, DRL Coachlines and NewHook's Transportation bus lines. Travellers can also take either bus line from St. John's to the neighbouring city of Mount Pearl.

WHEN TO VISIT

St. John's weather has as much character as many of its charming buildings and homes, with the city leading the country as having the cloudiest, snowiest and wettest climate. This historic city has an average annual precipitation of 1,482 mm (58.4 in) and foggy days are very common. Boasting the third mildest winter climate in Canada, the city's temperature ranges from an average daily high of -2°C (28.4°F) to an average low of -8°C(17.6°F) in January. The summer months in this waterfront city are somewhat warm but remember to bring a sweater and an umbrella in the Spring, which arrives late. August is an excellent time to visit, as the city's annual Royal St. John's Regatta takes place early in the month at the Quidi Vidi Lake, when the temperature is an average high of 20°C (68 °F) and an average low of 11°C (52 °F).

ACCOMMODATIONS

Downtown Core & Surrounding Areas
Downtown St. John's lies to the north of the historic harbour where most of the touristy sites and landmarks can be seen within a four-block radius. The harbour itself is 2 km (1.2 mi) long by 0.8 km (0.5 mi) wide and can be viewed from Signal Hill. Cabot Tower is located on top of Signal Hill and is the most visible landmark in the city.

There are a few major hotels in the downtown area but bed and breakfast places are more plentiful and reasonably priced. One of the main downtown hotels is the Delta St. John's Hotel & Conference Centre. Located on New Gower Street, The Delta is one of the top four convention hotels in the province and provides all the modern amenities of a full service hotel.

If visiting for more than a few weeks at a time in St. John's visit the Hometel on Signal Hill, just off Signal Hill Road. A good alternative to a traditional hotel, this home away from home offers luxurious hotel suites and brownstone residences, complete with designer-accessorized rooms.

Offering more than pillows and pancakes, some of the best bed and breakfasts around are close to the city's historic sites and attractions such as Signal Hill, Cabot Tower, the Railway Coastal Museum and the Newman Wine Vaults Provincial Historic Site on Water Street, all definitely worth a visit.

Gower Street has several bed and breakfasts that line the street, such as the Gower Street House Downtown and the Leaside Manor. Even on a foggy day in the off-season, travellers will adore the Leaside Manor with its romantic Signal Hill luxury suite complete with a double Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, full breakfast and queen-size bed. Business travellers can stay at one of four executive apartments and single travellers will enjoy the Placentia and Jelly Bean room. Centrally placed, the Gower Street House is a short walk to live performances and shows at the L.S.P.U. Hall Theatre, a slew of different restaurants and a main business centre. Private off-street parking is available.

George Street
A busy street any time of the day or night in downtown St. John's, this cobblestone road is lined with the most bars per square foot in North America and is closed to cars for most of the day and the night for pedestrians and bar hoppers. George Street is a perfect destination for a quick stroll to a traditional pub at dinnertime or even during the wee hours of the morning.

Parallel to George Street, Queen's Road has several reasonably priced bed and breakfast places, such as the Bluestone Inn Bed & Breakfast. In the centre of downtown, this Victorian stone structure is within walking distance of many interesting areas and restaurants, including St. John's harbour and the nightlife of George Street. Just southeast of Queen's Road, the Victoria Suites can be found on picturesque Victoria Street, offering three themed-styled rooms with an amazing panoramic view from the Narrows Suite.

Water Street
One of the oldest streets in North America, Water Street is located in the city's downtown core and offers a wide range of accommodations to satisfy even the pickiest of travellers. Around the corner from the St. John's Courthouse, there are a few places to rest weary feet, including The Harbour View Inn and the Blue on Water Inn. A

	Water Street 3

variety of lures, such as coffee shops and a fish and chip restaurant also add to the charm and warmth of this street. Look for the green four-storey building to find the Harbour View Inn, a locally owned inn with a name that speaks for itself.

Positioned close to all the bars and trendy restaurants on George Street, Blue on Water is an adult-only inn with seven fully furnished rooms. Its namesake restaurant serves up local crisp cod tongues and seafood lasagna for tourists wanting a taste of true Atlantic fare.

In close proximity to the sports and entertainment centre, Mile One Stadium and City Hall, Murray Premises Hotel is located on Beck's Cove, which crosses Water Street between Queen's Road and Ayre's Cove. This restored trading house has fined-tuned some of the more important details for the traveller, such as towel warmers and electric fireplaces in each room.

The Battery
This neighbourhood was once an old fishing village and is now home to a few different types of accommodations for visitors. Known as the most easternly bed and breakfast in North America, Admiral's Adventure Bed & Breakfast On The Waterfront can be found in The Narrows of St. John's. This semi-rustic guest house provides a haven for relaxation and imagination only a 15 to 20-minute walk from the city. Spectacular views of the sea and wooden cabins give the visitor a feel for what it would be like to be an admiral on the open waters. Wear comfortable shoes on the grounds of this bed and breakfast as there are several sets of steps leading up to the main lobby. The bed and breakfast is also situated on the north end side of a trailhead, which leads to Cabot Tower.

Atlantic Puffins On The Coast 4

Also in the area, The Battery Hotel and Conference Centre provides eight rooms with pleasant harbour views and Jacuzzi tubs, 128 suites in total, plenty of free parking, a fitness centre and a great place to hold a wedding reception. Walk halfway up Signal Hill to find this hotel, a 15-minute walk to downtown or a $15-$20 taxi ride to the airport.

Quidi Vidi
At the base of Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi (pronounced Kiddy Viddy), is a historic fishing village on the east end of the city. The village is home to the Quidi Vidi Battery Fort, a Provincial Historic Site and a local microbrewery. Originally built in 1762 by the French when they captured St. John's in the war of 1812, the fort was rebuilt and restored several times from 1780 to 1967. The nearby Quidi Vidi Lake hosts the annual St. John's Regatta in August. Roam the narrow streets to find the Mallard Cottage, a registered heritage structure located approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) from the Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel. Another place to stay overnight is the Oh What a View! Bed and Breakfast, located on Signal Hill Road.

Churchill Square & Military Road
Within walking distance to C.A. Pippy Park and the Memorial University of Newfoundland Campus, west of downtown St. John's, Churchill Square is a main shopping area on Elizabeth Avenue. On this same stretch, which intersects Portugal Cove Road to the east, there are a few places to stay. One of them, Guv'Nor Inn, can be found off Route 40, a major route that passes by St. John's International Airport.

There are at least five bed and breakfast choices on Military Road, situated along the edge of Bannerman Park, within walking distance to the harbour via Duckworth Street and Water Street. The Roses Bed & Breakfast is a Victorian 1903 duplex with 11 large rooms. Visit the nearby Commissariat House, the Roman Catholic Basilica of St. John's the Baptist, the Basilica Cathedral Museum and one of the oldest wooden churches in St. John's, Garrison Church. The Banberry House and the Park House Bed & Breakfast are also good choices found on Military Road.

The Travellers Inn is a good bet for eco-conscious travellers. The inn's culture focuses on integrating environmental management practices and won an environmental award in 2006. The inn is based within walking distance to Avalon Mall, the largest shopping mall on the island and a 10-minute drive from the city centre. The inn's six meeting rooms offer space for up to 100 business guests.

Airport
There are several major hotel chains within a few miles of St. John's International Airport. Book a night or two at the Comfort Inn Airport Hotel, within minutes, 1.5 km (0.93 mi), from the airport. Parking is free at the hotel for a week and an additional fee for each night after that. The Holiday Inn is ideal for business travellers as the hotel is also within minutes of the airport. Golfers and nature lovers will also enjoy this hotel for its close proximity to a major park and several golf courses.

Also close to the airport is the Ramada Hotel, a short drive or challenging bike ride to both Pippy Park and the smaller Mundy Pond Park. A major shopping area, Avalon Mall, is also nearby. The hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the airport, free parking, and spacious rooms complete with a range of amenities, including same-day laundry facilities.

The Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel is a little further out but worth the 5 km (3 mi) commute from the airport for the spectacular views of the harbour. There is no shuttle service but several car rental agencies, including Budget Rent a Car or a 15-minute cab ride, are excellent options to consider. Feeling peekish? Stop in for a hearty breakfast at Zachary's Restaurant, a 2-minute walk from the hotel grounds.

Hostels/Campgrounds
For those who want a real rugged outdoorsy or no-frills vacation spot, a campground site and a hostel are both close enough to see the main tourist interests and activities that this historic city has to offer. The C.A. Pippy RV Park site is found on Higgins Lane in a 1375.9 ha (3400 acre) park. An ideal camping spot, this campground has a mini-golf, a 9-hole and an 18-hole golf course. At the main entrance to the park, bring the kids to the Fluvarium, a fun and interactive environmental education centre.

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Another affordable and convenient option for exploring the city's rich culture is to stay at the Downtown Hostel on Young Street. Stay in this character building, which is only a five to 10 minute walk to downtown St. John's.

Vacation Home Rentals
A rental cottage in the historic downtown core, Victoria House on Victoria Street, is a Victorian-era building located across the street from the L.S.P.U. Hall Theatre in downtown St. John's. This cosy three-bedroom cottage has on-site parking for two cars, three fireplaces and is close to other must-see attractions, such as the Roman Basilica and the Johnson Geo Science Centre. Walk to art galleries and shops or stop in at the many restaurants and bar choices on nearby George Street.

1. View of St. John's; St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
2. Signal Hill National Historic Site; St.John's, Newfoundland, Canada
3. Water Street; Popular street in the centre of downtown St. John's; St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
4. Puffins; St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
5. Coast Road; St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada