Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check Canada's official immigration website. Many countries have visa-free access for up to 6 months.

What currency is used?

Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small shops and tips.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English is the primary language. Some locals have a distinct Newfoundland dialect with unique phrases.

Yes, typically from late May to early July. Best spots are Cape Spear and Signal Hill. Iceberg season varies yearly.

What is the weather like?

Maritime climate with mild summers (15-25°C) and cold, snowy winters (-5 to 0°C). Fog is common, especially in spring.

Are there direct flights from Europe?

Yes, St. John's International Airport (YYT) has seasonal direct flights from London (Heathrow) and other European cities.

What is the time zone?

Newfoundland Standard Time (NST), UTC-3:30. It's 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality. Bottled water is also available.

St. John's

CityNewfoundland and Labrador, Canada

St. John's is a CITY in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

St. John's, the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a city where colourful row houses cling to steep hillsides and the Atlantic Ocean crashes against rugged cliffs. Wander the narrow streets of Jellybean Row, explore the historic Signal Hill where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal, and watch icebergs drift by in spring. The city's lively George Street is famous for its pubs and live music, while Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, offers breathtaking sunrise views. With a rich maritime heritage, friendly locals, and a unique blend of Irish and Canadian culture, St. John's is a captivating destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and foodies alike.

Best time to visit St. John's

The best time to visit is June to September for warm weather, iceberg viewing (May-June), whale watching (June-August), and festivals like the George Street Festival (August). July and August are peak season with pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and long daylight hours. Spring (April-May) is cool and foggy, while autumn (October-November) offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (December-March) is cold and snowy but charming for cozy pub visits.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 5-12°C, foliage

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Fall colours, good for photography

Know before you go

Getting there

YYT

St. John's International Airport

International

10 km away

Getting around

"St. John's is compact and walkable downtown, but hills can be steep. Metrobus provides public transit with routes covering most areas; a single fare is about $2.50 CAD. Taxis and ride-sharing (Uber not available, but local services like City Wide Taxi) are options. Renting a car is best for exploring outside the city, like Cape Spear or the Irish Loop. Parking downtown can be limited and paid. Biking is possible but challenging due to hills."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public libraries

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $10 CAD (e.g., Bell, Rogers)

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scam risk low but beware of overpriced taxis for tourists. Overall very safe.

Night safety

7/10

Scam risk low but beware of overpriced taxis for tourists. Overall very safe.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"St. John's is generally safe, with low violent crime rates. Petty theft and car break-ins occur in tourist areas; keep valuables out of sight. Downtown can be lively at night, especially on George Street, but remains safe if you stay aware. Fog and icy sidewalks in winter can be hazardous; wear sturdy footwear. Wildlife encounters (moose, coyotes) are rare in the city but possible on trails. Emergency services are reliable."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"Healthcare in St. John's is excellent, with the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare's Mercy Hospital providing emergency and specialized care. Visitors from other Canadian provinces should bring their provincial health card; international travellers need comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available. Tap water is safe to drink. In summer, watch for ticks and mosquitoes; use repellent. The city has a moderate climate, but pack layers and rain gear as weather changes quickly."

Culture

Local customs

"Locals are friendly and informal; a smile and 'hello' are common. Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink for bartenders, and 10-15% for taxi drivers. Dress is casual but practical; layers and waterproof gear are wise. Remove shoes when entering homes. Punctuality is appreciated but not strict. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion unless initiated. The city has a strong pub culture; it's fine to strike up conversations with strangers."

English (official)French (official)ChinesePunjabiSpanishItalianGermanTagalogArabicIndigenous languagesEnglishFrench

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs $15-25 per person

Hotels

$100-200 | mid-range hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$2.50 | local bus ride ~$2.50

Cost notes

Prices in CAD. Budget options available for hostels and street food.

Timezone

America/St_Johns
Local time 13:14

More facts

Population

110,525

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Agios Ioannis Neas Gis, Baile Naoimh Eoin, Baile Naoimh Eòin, Baile Sheain, Baile Sheáin, Saint John, Saint John's, Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean de Terre-Neuve, San Juan de Terranova, Sanctus Ioannes Terrae Novae, Sejnt Dzhons, Sent DZons, Sent Dzonsas, Sent Džonsas, Sent-Cons, Sent-Dzhons, Sent-Jons, St Johns, St. John's, St. John’s, YYT, ceyint jans, sant jwnz, seinteujonseu, seniti jonisi, senta jansa, senta jaunaza, senta jonsa, sentojonzu, sheng yue han si, snt g'wns, snt janz, Άγιος Ιωάννης Νέας Γης, Сейнт Джонс, Сент Џонс, Сент-Джонс, סנט ג'ונס, سانت جونز, سنت جانز, سینٹ جان, سینٹ جانز، نیوفنلینڈ اور لیبراڈار, सेंट जॉन्स, সেন্ট জন্স, ਸੇਂਟ ਜੌਨਜ਼, செயின்ட் ஜான்ஸ், სენტ-ჯონზი, ሴንት ጆንስ, セントジョンズ, 聖約翰斯, 세인트존스, سانت جونس, San Juan, São João, سینٹ جونز, 圣约翰斯, سنت جونز, سانت جۆنس, San Juan de Pasajes, City of St. John's, Ciudad de San Juan de Terranova

Capital CityMajor HubHistoricCoastalHikingWhale WatchingMusicFoodieFamily-FriendlyCultural

St. John's

Best time to visit St. John's

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Neighborhoods in St. John's

Airport Heights

Bally Haly

Bannerman

Bell's Turn

Buckmaster's Circle

Churchill Park

Clovelly Trails

Colville Street

Cowan Heights

Donovans

Downtown St. John's

East Meadows

Evergreen Village

Fairview Acres

Fort William

Georgestown

Glendale

Glenridge Crescent

Karwood Estates

Kenmount Terrace

Kilbride

King William Estates

Little Canada

Mount Cashel

Mundy Pond

Pearlgate

Pleasantville

Quidi Vidi

Rabbittown

Sesame Park

Shea Heights

Signal Hill

Southlands

Spruce Meadows

Virginia Park

Waterford Valley

Wishingwell Park

Frequently Asked Questions