Where to stay

Most of St. John's hotels are clustered by the harbor and waterfront in Downtown St. John's, the best neighborhood for sea views and soaking up the delightful small-city atmosphere. Amid its colorful clapboard houses and quaint streets are some great places to stay, including historic inns as well as snazzy new boutique hotels that are still in keeping with traditional architecture. It's a short walk from here to Quidi Vidi, St. John's fishing-village-within-a-city which gives a glimpse at the town's past, although accommodations here are limited. For more of a local feel, head inland towards the mostly residential neighborhood of Georgestown.

Reserve a hotel in Downtown St. John's for a trip focused on the city's celebrated dining scene. Foraging, fishing, and hunting underpin many menus, with local restaurants regularly making lists of Canada's best. For those willing to travel further afield, there are some fantastic places to eat across the headland in the twin villages of Portugal Cove - St. Philips, including Landings Seafood House on the fishing wharf for mouthwateringly-fresh seafood. For those looking for the perfect sundowner, a visit to the taproom at Quidi Vidi Brewing is an essential stop to sample their signature Iceberg Beer and other craft brews. Mount Pearl, a city-suburb to the south, has some great local spots to dine, as well as more affordable accommodations. 

Even in in Downtown St. John's nature is never far away. Reserve a room here and there's plenty to discover on foot, from walking the steep streets of the Battery, to whale-spotting from Signal Hill, all while taking in the sea air. For seriously scenic hikes without leaving the city, look at hotels closer to the airport near Pippy Park and the Botanical Garden; what they lack in proximity to St. John's superb restaurants they make up for in nature trails, green space, and campgrounds. It's also well worth an early start one day to watch the sunrise from Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. Be sure to book a hotel with ample parking if you're coming with a car and plan to explore solo.