Events Activities in St. John's NL Newfoundland Labrador

Must-See Attractions in St John's, Newfoundland

Signal Hill National Historic Site

Signal Hill rises above the entrance of St. John's harbour and because of its strategic location, was a natural site for a signal station and fortifications protecting the harbour and city below. As early as 1704, flag signals were flown from the summit of Signal Hill to inform St. John's of approaching ships, both friendly and hostile. In 1762, English and French forces fought the last North American battle of the Seven Years' War on Signal Hill.

When the military withdrew in 1870, the Newfoundland government turned the vacant barracks into hospitals. It was in one of these, on the summit of Signal Hill, that Guglielmo Marconi made communications history when he received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Cabot Tower was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage of discovery. It is the location of the last signal station in Canada. Signal Hill stands today as one of the province's best known landmarks.

Newfoundland Museum

Now part of "The Rooms", the Museum proudly displays three galleries which examines the natural history and native peoples of the Province. Check out Tales from the Vault, a changeable gallery where there's always something old that's new to see. Closed Mondays and Statutory Holidays.

Cape Spear National Historic Site

This site is the most easterly point in North America, better known as the Far East of the Western World. Besides the breathtaking coastal scenery, the major attraction is the lighthouse which is fully restored and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland.

Botanical Gardens

Memorial University's Botanical gardens covers 45 hectares of land close to the heart of St. John's. It is unusual in its dual purposes of botanical garden and natural reserve. The flower gardens include a rock garden, peat and woodland beds, cottage garden, perennial garden, rhododendrons and a display of Newfoundland heritage plants.

Historic Downtown

Museums, galleries, historical buildings, parks, restaurants, pubs and specialty shops can be found along the narrow winding streets and laneways of one of the oldest mercantile districts in North America

Events and Festivals in St John's, Newfoundland.

Royal St. John's Regatta

First Wednesday in August (weather permitting)

The annual Royal St. John’s Regatta is North America’s oldest continuing sporting event. The Regatta began officially in 1825 and has run the first Wednesday in August every since.

Regatta Day is probably the only Municipal Holiday in Canada that is dependent on the weather. If it is raining or too windy, the holiday is simply put off until the next suitable day.

George Street Festival

George Street, in downtown St. John’s, is the focal point of the City’s nightlife. The pubs and taverns lining this historic cobblestone street offer everything from traditional Newfoundland music to the latest rock music. The festival features five nights of live outdoor entertainment featuring some of Newfoundland’s top acts.

The Downtown Christmas Parade

With over 100 entries and a crowd estimated at 40,000 people, the parade is the largest in the province. It features zany clowns, marching bands, colourful cheerleaders and fantastic floats. A food drive is included in the festivities benefiting the community food sharing association.

North America's first New Year

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the people of St. John’s are the first in North America to celebrate the New Year. The New Year’s Eve Celebrations include a spectacular fireworks display at the St. John’s waterfront.

Information from www.stjohns.ca