How to make the most of a city break in: St Johns

With limited vacation time and an abundance of natural beauty, as well as some of the world’s most unique cities, right on our doorstep, it’s no surprise that, according to Expedia 77% of Canadian vacationers decided to holiday in the homeland.  With no borders to cross, and only travel insurance to worry about, travelling to a new province could be the easy, breezy vacation you’ve been looking for.

If you’re hoping for a short stay jam-packed with things to do then look no further. We’ve put together a ten part series guiding you on how to make the most of your weekend break in some of Canada’s coolest metropolises.

This week we look at the great fishing city: St John’s

St John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a city known through the ages for its prominence in the fishing industry. In fact, there was a time when the city made its livelihood from fishing alone. These days the city is influenced by its eclectic mix of history and a growing young population, while still retaining a wholesome, small town vibe. Most sites are in the walkable downtown core, or just outside of, making it perfect for visitors.

Jellybean Row

If you go to St John’s you can’t fail to see the colourful houses which have become an icon of the Eastern city. Contrary to popular belief, Jellybean Row is not just one street, but in fact it takes over most of the city. The crayon-coloured houses, often drawing comparison to the architecture of San Francisco, feature largely in provincial tourism ads. While it is widely thought that the bright coloured houses exist because of a traditional need, harkening back to a time when houses were brightly painted to make them visible to fishermen in foggy weather, the reality is that the idea was thought up in the 1970s to inject some life into the town, which residents happily jumped on board with.

Iceberg sighting

Perhaps one of the most alluring and unique draws to St John’s is the ability to come face-to-face with 10,000 year old icebergs making their way down “Iceberg Alley” from Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Islands. Icebergs are best viewed between late May and early June along the coast of Newfoundland, and there are plenty of boat tours that take you out to see them. If you get the timing right, you can also turn your iceberg spotting trip into somewhat of a nature trail-see if you can spot the puffins setting up nest for the summer.

If boats aren’t your thing, you may be in luck with icebergs occasionally spotted from the city, especially from Signal Hill.

Whale watching

Icebergs aren’t the only things that grace the shores of Newfoundland. In fact, the region is one of the most spectacular whale watching locations on Earth. While whale watching is available in other places, such as Vancouver, Newfoundland welcomes world’s largest population of humpback whales annually, who return to feed on capelin, krill and squid along the coast.

If you’re visiting St John’s between May and September try and sneak a peek of these majestic mammals, whether its from the deck of a tour boat, a sea kayak or even on land. Often you can spot the whales while hiking or walking alone one of the many seaside trails. Some spectacular viewing sites are Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Trinity, Cape Bonavista, Twillingate, White Bay, Strait of Belle Isle, St. Vincent's, Cape St. Mary's, Cape Race, Witless Bay, and St. Anthony.

Of course, like any aspect of nature, anything can change year to year and even if you try to time it perfectly, nature can work in unexpected ways.

Signal Hill

Signal Hill is a large city which overlooks the city, and was once home to fortresses which protected the city and its harbour. These days it remains a National Historic Site of Canada, and showcases the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Foot from 1812, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band from 1795, and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of 1917, who frequently perform displays for visitors. Just a 20 minute walk uphill from any of downtown St John’s main roads, the hill is also a great place to stop and admire the view.

Cape Spear

If you really want to be awe-struck by nature, then check out Cape Spear- the eartnermost point of Canada. Look out to the indigo ocean, with only the stark cape spear lighthouse standing in the way, Built in 1835, it is actually the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, still intact with fragments of the 19th century life of lighthouse keepers and their families. It is recognised as a National Historic Site by the Canadian Government.

Fish and Chips

Did you even go to Newfoundland if you didn’t enjoy one of its best local delicacies? Fish and chips are, unsurprisingly, one of the regions pride and joys. Partially influenced by the number of English and Irish immigrants who populated the area back in the 1700s, and of course, mostly influenced by its strong ties to the fishing history. Some of the best eateries include the Duke of Duckworth, a St Johns pub that has been open for over 25 years. It's also a great place to sit down and enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer.

For something closer to the water, try out St John's Fish Exchange kitchen, which sits right on the harbour. Although it offers the appearance of a fish market, its actually an all-round restaurant that serves up a variety of fish-based dishes, as well as some extras for those who aren’t so keen on the catch of the day.

Sample local beverages

These days St John’s has a thriving nightlife scene, with George Street being its most well known bar and pub strip. Plus the city comes alive thanks to its live music scene, with artists performing every night at bars including the Fat Cat, The Duke and CBTG’s.

Out of towners may even get the chance to take part in the of tradition of ‘kissing the cod’-a way that locals welcome newcomers into the community, albeit a very fishy way. The tradition involves a codfish as well as a type of local rum known as Screech. As you may anticipate, you will often spot a tipsy traveller stood atop a bar, reciting a limerick before literally giving the fish a peck and downing a shot of rum.

Away from quirky alcohol fuelled traditions, St John’s has its own microbrewery which is a must-see for beer lovers. Quidi Vidi Brewing, set in the historic fishing village of the same name, is a great place to stop off and see how the local golden liquid is made, before sampling some yourself.

If wine is more your thing, try the Newman wine vaults, which will give you a history lesson all about the 300-year connection between the wine produced in Portugal, aged in Newfoundland and then drank by England’s aristocracy for generations, while you sip on a full bodied glass.  

Beaches

Of course, there is no escaping the abundance of beautiful beaches on offer near to this coastal city. Just 15 minutes from the city is Topsail, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike on a sunny day. The beach also has a hiking trail, taking you along the beautiful coastline, and can last up to four hours depending how far you decide to go. Alternatively, just 10 minutes from St John’s is Middle Cove. Although this pebble beach isn't your typical day-at-the-beach spot, and you probably won’t want to be swimming it its waters, it is still a nice, secluded spot to sit back and relax.

Like any vacation, you want to make sure that the fun doesn’t stop from beginning to end. While St John’s certainly has enough to make sure you’re having a great time, one thing that could ruin your experience is any unexpected accidents, delays or losses. By investing in a good travel insurance packageyou can make sure your trip is protected no matter what.