Plan a CruiseSt. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, offers cruise passengers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Known for its colourful "Jellybean Row" houses, historic Signal Hill, and lively downtown, the city provides a welcoming East Coast experience. While compact and walkable, it also serves as a gateway to rugged coastal landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Cruise ships typically dock at the main piers within St. John's Harbour, often at Pier 10 or 17, providing direct access to the city centre. Tendering is generally not required. The main downside can be the unpredictable weather, which can change rapidly, and some attractions outside the city require transportation.
Getting Around from the Port
The port in St. John's is conveniently located directly adjacent to the downtown area. Most key attractions, including Water Street shopping, George Street entertainment, and many restaurants, are within a 5-15 minute walk from the cruise terminal. The Rooms and Signal Hill are further uphill, accessible by a strenuous 20-40 minute walk or a short taxi ride.
- Walking: Most downtown sights are easily reachable on foot.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal or can be hailed/called. A ride to Signal Hill or The Rooms would cost approximately CAD $10-15.
- Public Transit (Metrobus): While a public bus system exists, routes and schedules might not be ideal for independent cruise passengers with limited time.
- Car Rental: Several car rental agencies (e.g., Avis, Budget, Enterprise) are located a short taxi ride from the port, mainly near the airport or in specific downtown locations. Renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore destinations like Cape Spear or Witless Bay Ecological Reserve independently, allowing flexibility. Expect daily rates from CAD $60-120+.
- Reaching Attractions:
- Signal Hill National Historic Site: 30-40 min walk (uphill) or 5-10 min taxi (approx. CAD $10-15).
- The Rooms: 15-20 min walk (uphill) or 5 min taxi (approx. CAD $10).
- Cape Spear National Historic Site: 20-30 min drive (approx. 15-20 km). Taxi (approx. CAD $40-60 one-way) or rental car.
- Quidi Vidi Village: 10-15 min drive (approx. 4-5 km). Taxi (approx. CAD $15-20 one-way) or a longer, scenic walk (45-60 min).
- Whale/Puffin Tours (Bay Bulls/Witless Bay): 30-40 min drive south (approx. 30-40 km). Requires taxi (approx. CAD $60-80 one-way, negotiate round trip) or a pre-booked tour with transport.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Signal Hill National Historic Site: Overlooking St. John's, this iconic site offers panoramic views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Walk the trails, explore the historic Cabot Tower, and learn about its role in defence and communications. Entry to the visitor centre/Cabot Tower exhibits is approximately CAD $8-12, grounds are free. Accessible by a strenuous uphill walk from downtown (30-40 min) or a short taxi ride (5-10 min).
- Discover The Rooms: This impressive building houses the provincial museum, art gallery, and archives, offering a deep dive into Newfoundland and Labrador's history, culture, and natural heritage. Entry fee is approximately CAD $12-15. It's a 15-20 minute uphill walk from the port or a 5-minute taxi ride.
- Wander Jellybean Row and Downtown: Stroll through the charming, colourful streets of downtown St. John's, particularly Water Street and Duckworth Street, famous for their brightly painted Victorian houses. Explore local shops, cafes, and historic architecture. This area is free and immediately accessible from the port.
- Visit Cape Spear National Historic Site: As the easternmost point in North America, Cape Spear offers dramatic coastal scenery, an historic lighthouse, and excellent opportunities for whale and iceberg watching (seasonal). Entry to the site is approximately CAD $8-12. It's a 20-30 minute drive (approx. 15-20 km) from St. John's, requiring a taxi, rental car, or pre-booked tour.
- Experience Quidi Vidi Village: A picturesque, historic fishing village just a short drive from downtown St. John's. Explore the village, visit the Quidi Vidi Brewery for a tour and tasting (fees vary, approx. CAD $20-30), and enjoy the scenic harbour. Accessible via a 10-15 minute taxi ride (approx. CAD $15-20 one-way) or a longer, scenic walk (45-60 min).
- Take a Whale and Puffin Watching Tour: (Seasonal: May to September) Several operators offer boat tours to see magnificent humpback whales, fin whales, and vast colonies of Atlantic puffins, often departing from St. John's or nearby Bay Bulls/Witless Bay. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and cost CAD $60-100+ per person. If departing from Bay Bulls (approx. 30-40 min drive south), transportation will be an additional cost or included in a tour package.
Dining
You'll find numerous restaurants and cafes catering to various tastes. Local specialties include fresh seafood (cod, lobster, mussels), traditional fish and chips, seafood chowder, Jigg's Dinner (a traditional boiled meal), toutons (fried bread dough often served with molasses), and partridgeberry desserts. Price ranges for a main course typically fall between CAD $15-30. Popular spots include Raymonds (fine dining), Mallard Cottage (traditional Newfoundland fare), and many casual pubs and diners.
Shopping
The downtown area is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. You won't find a large shopping mall directly at the terminal, but Water Street provides extensive options. Look for local crafts, knitted items (like Newfoundland dog sweaters), artwork, books by local authors, and products featuring local berries (partridgeberry, bakeapple).
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted at most establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the downtown area. English is the official language and is spoken universally.