With a population of about 110,525 in the city proper and around 212,579 in the metropolitan area, St. John’s is the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, and one of the oldest and most easterly cities in North America.

Located on the Avalon Peninsula on the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, the city serves as a cultural and economic hub for the province, with a long history tied to fishing, maritime industries, and more recently to offshore oil and energy.

MARITIME COMMUNITY & UNIQUE LOCATION

St. John’s is known for its rugged natural setting and colourful heritage architecture, especially in downtown areas with historic buildings and scenic harbour views.

Its strategic port has supported fishing and shipping for centuries, and its ocean location makes it a prime place for seeing icebergs and whales during their seasonal migrations.

CULTURE, ARTS & LIFESTYLE

St. John’s has a vibrant arts and cultural scene with theatre, music festivals, and a lively nightlife, particularly along George Street—a short street with a remarkable concentration of pubs, live music, and festivals.

The city also hosts various cultural institutions and events, including independent film festivals, orchestras, and community arts programs.

PLACES TO VISIT

  • Signal Hill National Historic Site – Historic site overlooking the city and ocean.
  • Cabot Tower – Historic tower commemorating early exploration and wireless history.
  • Railway Coastal Museum – Exhibits on the region’s transport history.
  • Bannerman Park & Victoria Park – Historic parks in the city.
  • Quidi Vidi Village – Historic fishing village with brewery and scenic views.

ECONOMY & INDUSTRIES

St. John’s is a centre for:

  • Maritime commerce and shipping
  • Offshore oil and natural gas industries
  • Fisheries and seafood processing
  • Tourism and cultural sectors

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The city offers access to coastal trails like the East Coast Trail, scenic hiking, whale and iceberg watching, and waterfront recreation.

TRANSPORTATION

St. John’s is served by the St. John’s International Airport (YYT), regional bus services, and road connections across the island and to ferry services linking Newfoundland with mainland Canada.

Explore St. John’s

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