Newfoundland: St. John's & The Avalon Coast

Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT), pick up your rental car, and head to your hotel in the colorful downtown.

Spend the afternoon easing into your vacation and getting lost in the narrow, hilly streets. This is your chance to really soak up the atmosphere. Seek out the iconic “Jellybean Row” houses—a vibrant spectacle of brightly painted Victorian homes.

Dedicate your day to exploring St. John's. Drive up to Signal Hill National Historic Site. This is a can’t-miss experience. Take the time to explore the trails and pathways that wind along the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Narrows and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also learn about the hill’s military history. A notable experience here is the Signal Hill Tattoo, a summer-only reenactment with military music and drills—check if it’s running during your visit!

In the afternoon, head to The Rooms—Newfoundland provincial museum, art gallery, and archives. The building itself is beautiful, and the exhibits offer a deep dive into the province’s culture, history, and natural history. It’s a perfect way to spend a few hours, especially on a foggy day.

Head east to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. Arriving at dawn to watch the first sunrise on the continent is a truly magical experience—it is definitely worth getting up early for. You can also explore the historic lighthouse and the remains of the WWII coastal defense battery.

In the afternoon, drive south to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for a boat tour. From mid-June to August, this is a spectacular place to see thousands of puffins, as well as murres, kittiwakes, and other seabirds. You’ll also have a very good chance of spotting humpback whales! I recommend both O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours and Molson’s Puffin & Whale Tours.

Visit the fishing village of Quidi Vidi, just a short drive from downtown St. John's. Pronounced “Kwit-ty Vid-dy,” this picturesque place is a favorite among artists and photographers. You can wander the narrow streets, admire the colorful fishing boats in the rustic harbor, and browse the local artisan shops at the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios. Here, you can watch local artists at work.

In the evening, head to the George Street and make your way to a pub, like Christian’s Pub, for a traditional “Screech-In” ceremony. This quintessential Newfoundland rite of passage involves a shot of Screech rum (it’s gross but you have to do it), a bit of local folklore, and—the main event—kissing a codfish (again, gross but a must). It’s a hilarious and memorable way to become an honorary Newfoundlander!

Before you head to the airport, consider picking up some last-minute souvenirs. The Heritage Shop on Water Street is a great choice, as all proceeds support local historic sites. You’ll find a wide range of local books, crafts, and food products. Another fun spot is The Tickle Trunk, which has a variety of Newfoundland-themed apparel and gifts.

Finally, drive back to St. John’s International Airport (YYT) for your flight home.