Guidebook for St. John's
Arts & Culture
Each weekday in August, Other Women Walk is a 1 hour historical walking tour around Bannerman Park and area. It looks at the period leading up to the Women's Suffrage vote as told by women on the margins. (It's a White Rooster Theatre production, written and directed by your host, Ruth Lawrence.) Suggested donation of $10 cash at the show, $5 under 12 yrs. Starts at the corner of Rennie's Mill and Circular Roads, at the corner of Bannerman Park.
https://www.otherwomenwalk.com/
Rennies Mill Road
Rennies Mill RoadEach weekday in August, Other Women Walk is a 1 hour historical walking tour around Bannerman Park and area. It looks at the period leading up to the Women's Suffrage vote as told by women on the margins. (It's a White Rooster Theatre production, written and directed by your host, Ruth Lawrence.) Suggested donation of $10 cash at the show, $5 under 12 yrs. Starts at the corner of Rennie's Mill and Circular Roads, at the corner of Bannerman Park.
https://www.otherwomenwalk.com/
The provincial archives and museum are also housed in this stunning, modern building near the Basillica. Best view of the harbour from the atrium and cafe. Secret: You don't have to pay admission to go to the cafe and you can still take in the great views from the windows. The art gallery hosts the finest exhibits, and the archives holds a treasure trove of research. This place is a MUST for any traveler.
191 recommandé par les habitants
The Rooms
9 Bonaventure AveThe provincial archives and museum are also housed in this stunning, modern building near the Basillica. Best view of the harbour from the atrium and cafe. Secret: You don't have to pay admission to go to the cafe and you can still take in the great views from the windows. The art gallery hosts the finest exhibits, and the archives holds a treasure trove of research. This place is a MUST for any traveler.
An historic theatre in the heart of downtown, 6 nights a week (and sometimes on its dark day, Monday, too) Excellent low prices. Home to RCA Theatre, you can also see work by White Rooster, Artistic Fraud, Persistence and other companies here. The Hall hosts film, dance, and other nationally renowned festivals as a venue through the year - the Nickel Independent Film Festival (June), Festival of New Dance (Oct), St. John's International Women's Film Festival (Oct) and a host of music festivals as well as unique, one night only events. Call the Hall at 709 753 4531 or go to rca.nf.ca to book tickets.
Special Note:
In July/Aug 2019, a new musical No Change In The Weather, plays here. Directed by your host, Ruth Lawrence, it features some of our best actors, singers, designers, and musicians. Book your tickets early for this one before it heads out on a Canadian Tour this fall.
21 recommandé par les habitants
The LSPU Hall (Resource Centre for the Arts)
3 Victoria StAn historic theatre in the heart of downtown, 6 nights a week (and sometimes on its dark day, Monday, too) Excellent low prices. Home to RCA Theatre, you can also see work by White Rooster, Artistic Fraud, Persistence and other companies here. The Hall hosts film, dance, and other nationally renowned festivals as a venue through the year - the Nickel Independent Film Festival (June), Festival of New Dance (Oct), St. John's International Women's Film Festival (Oct) and a host of music festivals as well as unique, one night only events. Call the Hall at 709 753 4531 or go to rca.nf.ca to book tickets.
Special Note:
In July/Aug 2019, a new musical No Change In The Weather, plays here. Directed by your host, Ruth Lawrence, it features some of our best actors, singers, designers, and musicians. Book your tickets early for this one before it heads out on a Canadian Tour this fall.
Check listings to see what's on but this is a great spot for local and visiting shows.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Holy Heart Theatre
55 Bonaventure AveCheck listings to see what's on but this is a great spot for local and visiting shows.
A basilica may seem an odd spot for Culture but this is St. John's. Don't miss a trip to this wonderful grand church. They have a museum with special events, and if you can catch Paul Rowe's Fleming, this short play is wonderful. It plays at 1 pm in August but check at the Cathedral for details.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
200 Military RdA basilica may seem an odd spot for Culture but this is St. John's. Don't miss a trip to this wonderful grand church. They have a museum with special events, and if you can catch Paul Rowe's Fleming, this short play is wonderful. It plays at 1 pm in August but check at the Cathedral for details.
Again, this church offers some distinctive cultural highlights and it's the starting point for Dale Jarvis' Haunted Hike evening tours. Other special events too. In fact the churches in downtown are just as likely to be hosting The Once concerts as their regular services.
Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
16 Church HillAgain, this church offers some distinctive cultural highlights and it's the starting point for Dale Jarvis' Haunted Hike evening tours. Other special events too. In fact the churches in downtown are just as likely to be hosting The Once concerts as their regular services.
A former United Church, it's now home to First Light, an indigenous friendship organization that hosts and promotes concerts and special events all year long. (They also have a great catering service!)
Cochrane Centre
42 Bannerman StA former United Church, it's now home to First Light, an indigenous friendship organization that hosts and promotes concerts and special events all year long. (They also have a great catering service!)
Good Coffee & Small Cafes
Fairly close by and directly across the street from the LSPU Hall is this great local franchise. There's also a location on Elizabeth Ave. Great service. Excellent breakfast sandwich (all day) in a city where a good but simple breakfast isn't easy to find. Good sandwiches and treats. Great coffee and tea.
Jumping Bean, Atlantic Place
215 Water StFairly close by and directly across the street from the LSPU Hall is this great local franchise. There's also a location on Elizabeth Ave. Great service. Excellent breakfast sandwich (all day) in a city where a good but simple breakfast isn't easy to find. Good sandwiches and treats. Great coffee and tea.
They do gluten free and dairy free options. Run by a Peruvian and Nflder couple. It's a lovely and busy spot! You're welcome to read here among the regulars.
23 recommandé par les habitants
Georgestown Cafe and Bookshelf
73 Hayward AveThey do gluten free and dairy free options. Run by a Peruvian and Nflder couple. It's a lovely and busy spot! You're welcome to read here among the regulars.
Always busy, this is an amazing neighbourhood bakery that specializes in Montreal style bagels and croissants. Get there early most days.
52 recommandé par les habitants
Georgestown Bakery
60 Hayward AveAlways busy, this is an amazing neighbourhood bakery that specializes in Montreal style bagels and croissants. Get there early most days.
Vegan restaurant. Good prices, great for sharing. Very friendly service
23 recommandé par les habitants
Peaceful Loft
250 Duckworth StVegan restaurant. Good prices, great for sharing. Very friendly service
Middle Eastern dishes include an Arabian Salad, Falafel, Hummous, Shawarma. Good prices and delicious.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Mohamed Ali
177 Duckworth StMiddle Eastern dishes include an Arabian Salad, Falafel, Hummous, Shawarma. Good prices and delicious.
At the top of my street and to the left on Military Rd is an excellent place for homemade ice cream, sorbetto, coffee and baked treats. Highly recommended, especially for the sorbet and ice cream!
14 recommandé par les habitants
The Parlour Gelato + Coffee
85 Military RdAt the top of my street and to the left on Military Rd is an excellent place for homemade ice cream, sorbetto, coffee and baked treats. Highly recommended, especially for the sorbet and ice cream!
Open well into the evening, this coffee shop is just a couple minutes walk towards the Sheraton Hotel. It serves light meals (soups, sandwiches, sweet treats) and very good coffee and tea. Always bustling, tons of windows, great atmosphere.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Coffee Matters
1 Military RdOpen well into the evening, this coffee shop is just a couple minutes walk towards the Sheraton Hotel. It serves light meals (soups, sandwiches, sweet treats) and very good coffee and tea. Always bustling, tons of windows, great atmosphere.
A fabulous spot, always busy. Some days feature free music sessions with excellent local musicians. They serve simple lunches and amazing baked goods. Their coffee and tea is great, their staff are lovely!!!!
78 recommandé par les habitants
Rocket Bakery
294 Water StA fabulous spot, always busy. Some days feature free music sessions with excellent local musicians. They serve simple lunches and amazing baked goods. Their coffee and tea is great, their staff are lovely!!!!
Owned by a Taiwanese couple, you could likely order everything on the food menu for under $40. It's an inexpensive and great spot to eat. All vegetarian and vegan. Their tea selection is pretty great. Hot and cold simple options.
Formosa Tea House
117 Long's HillOwned by a Taiwanese couple, you could likely order everything on the food menu for under $40. It's an inexpensive and great spot to eat. All vegetarian and vegan. Their tea selection is pretty great. Hot and cold simple options.
Drinks & Nightlife
St. John's has the highest per capita number of bars and licensed establishments so there is something for all tastes and moods. These are just some of the places I love. There's definitely many more. Explore and move around, or settle on a place for an evening but this is what St. John's is about: CULTURE.
While there's no music at the bar, a lot of people head here for a pint and fish & chips (best in town). Well known (and a bit touristy) because of its frequent mention on Republic of Doyle TV show. VLT's on site. Not my fave but worth mentioning for the attraction and it's a great bar outside of George St.
78 recommandé par les habitants
The Duke Of Duckworth
325 Duckworth StWhile there's no music at the bar, a lot of people head here for a pint and fish & chips (best in town). Well known (and a bit touristy) because of its frequent mention on Republic of Doyle TV show. VLT's on site. Not my fave but worth mentioning for the attraction and it's a great bar outside of George St.
Folk Session every Friday night, one of the best in town, with excellent musicians leading it. Owned by Chris Andrews (Shanneygannock) and Bob Hallett (Great Big Sea) and attracts a wide range of patrons. One downside is the VLTs on site.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Erin's pub
186 Water StFolk Session every Friday night, one of the best in town, with excellent musicians leading it. Owned by Chris Andrews (Shanneygannock) and Bob Hallett (Great Big Sea) and attracts a wide range of patrons. One downside is the VLTs on site.
The Best. Every night there is live music at Don Maher's bar. Early shows start at 7 pm, and bands change about every 2-3 hrs. Cover for each show but WELL worth it in a city that has too few live venues these days. Wide range of music from folk to rock to klezmer! Small capacity but a large number of musicians, regulars, and guests adore this spot! No VLT's
20 recommandé par les habitants
The Black Sheep Pub
7 Water StThe Best. Every night there is live music at Don Maher's bar. Early shows start at 7 pm, and bands change about every 2-3 hrs. Cover for each show but WELL worth it in a city that has too few live venues these days. Wide range of music from folk to rock to klezmer! Small capacity but a large number of musicians, regulars, and guests adore this spot! No VLT's
Wednesday is Folk Night, and has been for years. Hear some of the best in local folk plus open mic. Other nights, there's rock to singer-songwriters, readings, etc. It's a bar frequented by the arts community. No VLTs!
Good kitchen with specials daily. So kids can join you until the kitchen closes. Very sensible. This is a longtime, popular bar and there's usually something on each night.
56 recommandé par les habitants
The Ship Pub
265 Duckworth StWednesday is Folk Night, and has been for years. Hear some of the best in local folk plus open mic. Other nights, there's rock to singer-songwriters, readings, etc. It's a bar frequented by the arts community. No VLTs!
Good kitchen with specials daily. So kids can join you until the kitchen closes. Very sensible. This is a longtime, popular bar and there's usually something on each night.
If there's a concert here, it'll likely be pretty great. A large bar for large crowds.
The Rock House
8 George StIf there's a concert here, it'll likely be pretty great. A large bar for large crowds.
Club One Event Venue
33 New Gower StAnother spot for larger events and concerts. If it's here, it's probably great.
This place makes the list twice because it has great entertainment most nights and it's also a comedy venue a couple times a week. My son, Luke Lawrence, is one of the cities top, edgiest comics (smart and usually tasteful, rare) and you can find him here a lot.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Boca Tapas Bar
189 Water StThis place makes the list twice because it has great entertainment most nights and it's also a comedy venue a couple times a week. My son, Luke Lawrence, is one of the cities top, edgiest comics (smart and usually tasteful, rare) and you can find him here a lot.
Parks & Nature
The far east of Canada, it's the most easterly tip of North America (if you consider Greenland part of Europe) Though it requires a car, it's WELL worth the trip. But be careful of the waves. Obey the signs and stay safe!
109 recommandé par les habitants
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
The far east of Canada, it's the most easterly tip of North America (if you consider Greenland part of Europe) Though it requires a car, it's WELL worth the trip. But be careful of the waves. Obey the signs and stay safe!
It's hard to visit St. John's and miss the Hill. A great walk up for the adventurous but you can also drive or bike up and stroll around. Especially beautiful at night!
243 recommandé par les habitants
Signal Hill
230 Signal Hill RdIt's hard to visit St. John's and miss the Hill. A great walk up for the adventurous but you can also drive or bike up and stroll around. Especially beautiful at night!
Family friendly, minutes from the house, gorgeous urban park with lots of benches and clean trails. There's a place for snacks (but I've never eaten there). In winter, there's a skating loop. In summer, there's an outdoor pool and ball field. Right next to the historic Colonial Building. Site of the long running NL Folk Festival every August. Other Women Walk Tour starts here (see Rennie's Mill Rd note below)
84 recommandé par les habitants
Bannerman Park
Military RoadFamily friendly, minutes from the house, gorgeous urban park with lots of benches and clean trails. There's a place for snacks (but I've never eaten there). In winter, there's a skating loop. In summer, there's an outdoor pool and ball field. Right next to the historic Colonial Building. Site of the long running NL Folk Festival every August. Other Women Walk Tour starts here (see Rennie's Mill Rd note below)
A very pretty park in the West End of St. John's. Summer Pool, gorgeous walks, duck & swan pond, lots of green space!
47 recommandé par les habitants
Bowring Park
305 Waterford Bridge RdA very pretty park in the West End of St. John's. Summer Pool, gorgeous walks, duck & swan pond, lots of green space!
A free concert series offered by the city in summer. Small urban park by the harbour.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Harbourside Park
Queens CoveA free concert series offered by the city in summer. Small urban park by the harbour.
Shopping Downtown
If you're visiting St. John's and you plan to buy anything while you're here, our downtown shops have the best selection and you'll get a walk and some fresh harbour air while you're at it.
Best Health Food store in the city, right on our corner. Nancy keeps an incredible stock in-store, so if you don't see it, ask. She's very knowledgable and sweet. She also keeps other household items and lots of great sweets.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Food for Thought
84 Gower StBest Health Food store in the city, right on our corner. Nancy keeps an incredible stock in-store, so if you don't see it, ask. She's very knowledgable and sweet. She also keeps other household items and lots of great sweets.
Any item a traveler needs and much more. Its sister store next door is The Bee's Knees. Owned by two of St. John's best known & loved women, these are great places to get small unique items that you may need on your trip.
The Travel Bug
197 Water StAny item a traveler needs and much more. Its sister store next door is The Bee's Knees. Owned by two of St. John's best known & loved women, these are great places to get small unique items that you may need on your trip.
This store includes Living Planet Designs, a local printing company who make the best in t-shirts, skirts, and decor items. Large selection of great Canadian & other designers, owners work in the store, excellent collection of women's clothing but also some men's items. A very positive and supportive atmosphere in this place.
28 recommandé par les habitants
Johnny Ruth
183 Water StThis store includes Living Planet Designs, a local printing company who make the best in t-shirts, skirts, and decor items. Large selection of great Canadian & other designers, owners work in the store, excellent collection of women's clothing but also some men's items. A very positive and supportive atmosphere in this place.
Fabulous Canadian & NL designers, owners work in the store, excellent collection of clothing but especially fine is the shoe/boot selection. Good prices, better than elsewhere in Canada for the same items. Stunning accessories and some home decor items.
20 recommandé par les habitants
Twisted Sisters boutik
175 Water StFabulous Canadian & NL designers, owners work in the store, excellent collection of clothing but especially fine is the shoe/boot selection. Good prices, better than elsewhere in Canada for the same items. Stunning accessories and some home decor items.
Second hand clothes shopping at its finest. The owner curates the stock, about 25% the price of new, many designer lines, and good range of sizes! Also sells some new accessories and locally made jewellery and clothing.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Model Citizens
245 Duckworth StSecond hand clothes shopping at its finest. The owner curates the stock, about 25% the price of new, many designer lines, and good range of sizes! Also sells some new accessories and locally made jewellery and clothing.
A rare find downtown, a store that sells books! Local and international. Small spot but well stocked.
Broken Books
245 Duckworth StA rare find downtown, a store that sells books! Local and international. Small spot but well stocked.
Best stop for music in the city. To say the staff is knowledgable is not enough. Many are well known musicians or icons in the community. Tony Ploughman is amazing. Excellent selection of local music but also includes imports, hard to find, new and used. Sometimes tickets go on sale here for great one of a kind events. Another MUST for the cultural traveler. Some in store performances by amazing artists.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Fred's Records
198 Duckworth StBest stop for music in the city. To say the staff is knowledgable is not enough. Many are well known musicians or icons in the community. Tony Ploughman is amazing. Excellent selection of local music but also includes imports, hard to find, new and used. Sometimes tickets go on sale here for great one of a kind events. Another MUST for the cultural traveler. Some in store performances by amazing artists.
A shoe repair shop in the best cobbler's tradition. It's almost worth it to bring a pair of shoes just to be re-laced. These are wonderful men, who love their work (and a well made shoe!) Say hello and marvel at the craftsmanship of these gentlemen.
Modern Shoe Hospital
244 DuckworthA shoe repair shop in the best cobbler's tradition. It's almost worth it to bring a pair of shoes just to be re-laced. These are wonderful men, who love their work (and a well made shoe!) Say hello and marvel at the craftsmanship of these gentlemen.
Anything you find here is pretty special. A fabulous international selection of food. Check their website for times they are open and organize a visit for that time. You can take home some food treats from Steve Curtis (de-lish) or buy a beautiful gift for your loved ones. New addition to St. John's and it's still fairly shiny, too!
33 recommandé par les habitants
St. John's Farmers' Market
245 Freshwater RdAnything you find here is pretty special. A fabulous international selection of food. Check their website for times they are open and organize a visit for that time. You can take home some food treats from Steve Curtis (de-lish) or buy a beautiful gift for your loved ones. New addition to St. John's and it's still fairly shiny, too!
Sort of a mini-mall in one spot, this store has been open for years and recently expanded to host other smaller (and incredible) ventures. Pay special attention to Pascal Horan's specialty t-shirts and dresses. Chic and gorgeous. You can find everything from clothes to hats to button pins here. Tons of gift items and even more you'll want to own yourself.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Posie Row
210 Duckworth StSort of a mini-mall in one spot, this store has been open for years and recently expanded to host other smaller (and incredible) ventures. Pay special attention to Pascal Horan's specialty t-shirts and dresses. Chic and gorgeous. You can find everything from clothes to hats to button pins here. Tons of gift items and even more you'll want to own yourself.
Essentials
Open 24 hours. Across from Bannerman Park
12 recommandé par les habitants
Needs Convenience Military Road
69 Military RdOpen 24 hours. Across from Bannerman Park
Halliday's Meat Market
103 Gower StAlso the best butcher shop in town.
With a NLC Liquor store attached. Good fresh seafood usually.
68 recommandé par les habitants
Sobeys St. John's Merrymeeting Road
8 Merrymeeting RdWith a NLC Liquor store attached. Good fresh seafood usually.
Entertainment & Activities
A spooky nightly tour that attracts those looking for some dark history of town. Very fun and really popular for all ages. It starts after dark and lasts about 2 hrs so dress for a chilly evening. Cash only. $10
10 recommandé par les habitants
St. John's Haunted Hike
Church HillA spooky nightly tour that attracts those looking for some dark history of town. Very fun and really popular for all ages. It starts after dark and lasts about 2 hrs so dress for a chilly evening. Cash only. $10
A very fun, tailored "game" experience. Owners have a background in theatre and they know their stuff. Very popular for teens and young adults too.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Escape Quest
156 Duckworth StA very fun, tailored "game" experience. Owners have a background in theatre and they know their stuff. Very popular for teens and young adults too.
https://www.otherwomenwalk.com/
Through August, this 1 hour historical performance walk, created by your host, Ruth Lawrence, plays weekdays in Bannerman Park. See the website for location start details. By donation (suggested minimum $10)
84 recommandé par les habitants
Bannerman Park
Military Roadhttps://www.otherwomenwalk.com/
Through August, this 1 hour historical performance walk, created by your host, Ruth Lawrence, plays weekdays in Bannerman Park. See the website for location start details. By donation (suggested minimum $10)