Friendly St. John’s: A Walk through Newfoundland’s Port City

St. John’s is North America’s easternmost city and one of Canada’s oldest European settlements, dating back to 1630. On this walking tour, you’ll see how this colourful port city has centuries of maritime history in its narrow streets, lined with iconic “saltbox“ houses.

This tour begins at St John’s Convention Centre and takes you along George Street, famous for having North America’s highest concentration of pubs per square foot. You’ll also make your way down Water Street, the commercial center dating back to the 1600s. As you navigate the city’s historic center, you’ll encounter charming cafés, independent shops, and inviting breweries housed in beautifully preserved buildings that were constructed after the Great Fire of 1892.

This tour balances St. John’s fascinating history with modern cultural insights, explaining local customs like the famous “screech-in“ ceremony (where visitors become honorary Newfoundlanders) and teaching you unique local phrases to help you connect with residents. The tour concludes at the Battery Lookout, offering sweeping views of St. John’s Harbor and the perfect finale to your exploration.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• See the A TIME statue, which honors three of Newfoundland’s beloved musicians, Ron Hynes, Wilf Doyle, and Tommy Sexton
• Visit the Chinese Headtax Monument, and learn how the local government inflicted punishing taxes on early Chinese immigrants to Newfoundland
• Visit the memorials at Angel’s Corner and the St. John’s War Memorial, reflecting the city’s social history and military sacrifices
• Admire the playful bronze Our Dogs statues, which salute Newfoundland’s signature breeds in Harbourside Park
• Notice the unique architectural features of colorful saltbox houses as you wander the Battery neighborhood’s seaside pathways
• Understand why locals proudly call this “the windiest city in Canada“ and how the harsh climate shaped local culture and customs
• Experience Newfoundland hospitality at the Battery Café and Bannerman Brewing Co., where locals are “friendly to a fault“

Join me for this entertaining 75-minute stroll through St. John’s and find out why this small city at the edge of North America captures the hearts of visitors from around the world.