Known for its candy-colored houses (affectionately known as Jellybean Row) and thriving music scene, St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq peoples. The picturesque downtown overlooks St. John’s Harbour, which is filled with tugboats, yachts, and fishing boats. The list of things to do in St. John's includes listening to rowdy Newfoundland folk music in the bars on George Street, visiting nearby landmarks such as Signal Hill and Fort Amherst, or taking a whale-watching tour of the surrounding waters.
The best time to visit St. John's is from late spring through summer (May–August). In May and June, you can spot icebergs drifting along the coast, while July and August are prime time for whale-watching—and a chance to experience the city at a warm 67° (19°C). Puffins can be seen as early as mid-May and as late as September. A good time to visit is during the George Street Festival, which runs for six days in the first week of August and is celebrated with excellent food and diverse music.
The downtown core is built for walking, and the Metrobus system connects the city to the surrounding municipalities for quick day trips. A car is definitely helpful for checking out the parks and quaint fishing villages located around St. John’s, while guided boat tours can get you out on the water for close-up views of whales, puffins, and icebergs.
For live music every night and tasty pub food, check out Shamrock City Pub on Water Street. You can learn the words to classic folk songs while enjoying a menu that features hearty moose burgers and cod tacos, a twist on one of the province’s most famous ingredients. Later, you can pop over to Christian’s Pub around the corner to be "screeched-in"—a cheeky initiation involving Jamaican rum and a welcoming codfish.
