Top St John's Historical Tours

Explore the vibrant city of St. John's, Newfoundland, starting from the cruise terminal. This tour takes you to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, and unveils the rich history of one of the oldest colonized regions in the New World, where you will walk through a historical WWII gun battery, with the chance to spot whales and seabirds. A knowledgeable local guide will share captivating stories filled with legends and personal anecdotes, showcasing the charm of Newfoundland. Enjoy stunning views at Cabot Tower and Signal Hill. Visit Quidi Vidi Village and the colorful Jelly Bean Row, alongside the Roman Catholic Basilica and downtown shops. - Discover the historical highlights of St. John's, including Cape Spear - Enjoy the commentary from a local guide with insider knowledge - Visit iconic sites like Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi Village - Experience the vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants

See the best of St. John's NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR even if you're short on time with this half-day bus tour. Cover the major attractions, such as Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi, as well as hidden gems. Add context to what you see with anecdotes and historical insights from your guide. The small group size means you can ask your guide as many questions as you like.

Discover the beauty and history of Newfoundland on this private walking tour of downtown St. John’s. Walk from Water Street to Duckworth Street to Bannerman Park and the Colonial Building. Hear stories of how the city was founded, what makes it different from other Commonwealth countries, and why the government sits on the left.

Discover Newfoundland, with Newfoundlanders! Please note that Newfoundland and New Brunswick are different places- there are two towns with similar names- St. John New Brunswick and St. John's Newfoundland. We are in Newfoundland and do not run tours in NB. Become acquainted with the city of St. John's and its surroundings, including Cape Spear, the most Easterly point in North America. Your local guide will regale you with its steeped history, legends & lore - all flavored with personal anecdotes and good humor for which Newfoundlanders are so famous. Enjoy the brilliant vistas from Cabot Tower and Signal Hill, one of the most recognizable skylines in Canada. Walk through a cliffside World War II gun battery, watch for whales and seabirds, and visit the oldest standing lighthouse in the province. Other sights include Quidi Vidi Village, Jelly Bean Row, Government House, the Roman Catholic Basilica, and an orientation of the shops and restaurants of the downtown core.

With so much to see in downtown St. John’s, as a tourist it can be tough to know where to start. Explore the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador—from the brightly colored houses of Jelly Bean Row to the stunning views of the city seen from Signal Hill—on this small-group tour of the city.

Perched above the Narrows guarding St. John’s Harbour, Signal Hill has witnessed pirate raids, imperial battles, trans-Atlantic breakthroughs, and daily cannon blasts. This GPS-guided audio guide drops those stories—plus panoramic ocean views, as you hike Newfoundland’s most iconic hill. 14 immersive stops reveal how soldiers, scientists, and local legends shaped “the City of Legends,” from the 1762 Battle of Signal Hill to Marconi’s first wireless trans-Atlantic signal in 1901. Keep the professional tour guide experience, ditch crowded tour groups, tight schedules and high prices. Enjoy anytime, not just on your booking date. Stop & start anywhere along route. The number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour to. Trust the platform with over 75 tours & 25,000+ happy customers.

Listen to a tour guide through your smartphone as you explore historic downtown St. John’s! You'll laugh, learn, and fall in love with colorful row houses, centuries-old churches, military forts, harbours, monuments & landmarks. Highlights from the 3 km route include Signal Hill, Jellybean Row, The Rooms, Government House, Colonial Building & more! Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, tour guide commentary will automatically play. Along the way, meet lively characters and special guests who bring St. John’s vibrant stories and hidden gems to life. Skip crowded tour groups, tight schedules, and high prices — enjoy the freedom of your own pace and schedule. It’s yours! Explore anytime, not just on your booking date. Stop & start anywhere along the route. Trusted by over 75 tours & 25,000+ happy customers. Book today and start your St. John’s adventure!

Experience Newfoundland's spectacular Irish Loop with a GPS-guided smartphone audio experience that transforms your drive into an immersive storytelling journey. Explore dramatic coastlines, picturesque fishing villages, and hidden viewpoints at your own pace while automatic commentary shares local history and culture exactly when you reach each location. Best of all, the tour is yours to keep, so you can enjoy it whenever you choose.

On this three-hour coastal hike, we’ll leave the city streets behind and explore the rugged beauty surrounding Signal Hill and the North Head Trail, part of the world-renowned East Coast Trail. Along the way, your guide will share the fascinating history that shaped this dramatic landscape - from military defences and wartime watchpoints to the moment that helped change global communication forever. But history isn’t the only story here. As we wind along the cliffs, we’ll also point out the plants that cling to the rocky coastline, the seabirds that call these cliffs home, and the geology that built this rugged edge of the continent millions of years ago. This tour is moderately demanding, with stairs, elevation changes, and uneven terrain, but the payoff is big: sweeping ocean views, salty air, and a deeper understanding of the place that has watched over St. John’s harbour for centuries. PLEASE NOTE: this tour is in St. John's, Newfoundland NOT Saint John, New Brunswick.

Discover Newfoundland your way with this bundle of 3 self-guided, GPS-based audio tours—perfect for curious travelers who love freedom and flexibility. Two Walking Tours: St. John's & Signal Hill. Turn your phone into a personal guide as you wander the colorful streets of North America’s oldest city and explore the legendary Signal Hill. Includes 50+ narrated points of interest filled with local history, culture, and hidden gems. Irish Loop Driving Tour. Cruise along scenic coastlines, through rolling hills and charming villages shaped by Irish heritage, early explorers, and Indigenous history—with over 60 fascinating stops. Just walk or drive—your guide jumps in automatically with stories as you go, using a live GPS map. No data or set schedule needed! Go at your own pace, stop wherever curiosity calls, and enjoy the freedom to explore like a local. Join 25,000+ happy travelers and see why we’re trusted across 75+ tours!

Take a run ‘Up’ the Southern Shore as we wind along the pretty coastal roadways that connect the outport fishing communities along Newfoundland’s Irish Loop. This is a beautiful drive along the coast with architecture and development that reflects an era of opulence thought unimaginable for this period in North American history. We’ll meet fascinating characters, visit small fishing communities, and absorb the magnitude of luxury items discovered at the Colony of Avalon archeological site.

Let’s take a drive and visit the many pretty outport communities that sprinkle the shores of Conception Bay; a region teeming with amazing stories about ancient pirates, WW2 submarine attacks, the dawn of transatlantic aviation, arctic exploration, and North America’s first European colony. This is a true Newfoundland experience that everyone who comes from away will embrace. Great times, great people, and great food await. *Please Note: The lunch is soup, with fish cakes, and a dessert. If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know and we will accommodate you*

Water Street: Possibly the oldest continuously operating commercial street in North America has been the centre of life and commerce in St. John’s since Europeans first arrived in this harbour. Join us on this “for everyone” fully accessible 90 minute tour (no hills or stairs!) for an entertaining and informative introduction to St. John’s along one of North America’s most historic streets. Explore with us as we uncover the past and reveal the present of the street that was once the centre of one of the world’s largest and most important fisheries. PLEASE NOTE: this tour is in St. John's, Newfoundland NOT Saint John, New Brunswick.

This three-hour bus tour from ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, showcases the Northeast Avalon region's rich history and natural beauty. Explore charming coastal towns, immerse yourself in Newfoundland's history, and experience unparalleled natural landscape that makes this region so captivating. Your knowledgeable local guide shares insight into the history, culture, and natural wonders of the Northeast Avalon, making this a truly enriching experience. Plenty of stops along the way! Please check in with our staff prior to departure at the Legend Tours gift shop (see meeting location below).

Increase your odds of spotting wildlife, and do so in comfort, on this cruise through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve aboard Newfoundland's largest, most comfortable catamaran. Aboard a spacious catamaran with ample viewing areas, look for puffins from mid-May to mid-September and whales from mid-June to mid-August, with icebergs visible in May and June. Enjoy live commentary about local wildlife and heritage as you explore Iceberg Alley and its diverse seabirds.

Explore St. John’s, North America’s easternmost city, on this 75-minute walking tour. Starting at the Convention Centre, stroll lively George Street and historic Water Street, lined with colorful saltbox houses, cafés, and breweries rebuilt after the 1892 fire. Learn about local customs like the “screech-in” and unique Newfoundland phrases. Highlights include: The A TIME statue Chinese Headtax Monument Angel’s Corner, War Memorial and Our Dogs statues in Harbourside Park. Walk seaside paths through the Battery neighborhood, ending at the Battery Lookout with stunning harbor views. Along the way, discover how the city’s weather and history shaped its culture and experience the warm hospitality that makes St. John’s unforgettable.

This tour offers the unique opportunity to learn about St. John’s history from a guide connected to the “Come From Away” musical. Visit iconic places including Cape Spear, Signal Hill, Petty Harbour, and more. Your guide can answer any of your questions and provide recommendations for more hidden gems to see during your time in St. John’s.

Ideal for first-time visitors looking to make the most of their trip, you can explore a variety highlight in St. John's during this comprehensive walking tour, led by a professional guide. Discover charming spots while learning fascinating facts and legends about one the oldest cities in North America. From the historic Water Street to tales hidden down small streets, buildings, and corners, have fun while uncovering the local lifestyle.

Experience Newfoundland with an award-winning, locally owned tour company that has been creating unforgettable travel experiences since 1993. Our tours go beyond sightseeing by combining breathtaking scenery with authentic Newfoundland culture, history, and hospitality. Travel with knowledgeable local guides and, on select departures, enjoy live storytelling, traditional music, and performances by professional Newfoundland entertainers, bringing the province's rich heritage to life. Visit Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Village, and Cape Spear—the easternmost point in North America—while experiencing the warmth, humour, and traditions that make Newfoundland one of the world's most welcoming destinations. With exceptional service, comfortable transportation, and decades of experience, we deliver an authentic Newfoundland experience you'll remember long after your visit.