Visit St. John's - Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John's, province's capital, is the perfect combination of big-city luxury and traditional small-town charm. It is one of the oldest and most easterly cities in North America, and has become a rare destination full of character and charisma, with a contemporary, sophisticated edge.

A vibrant, historic, colourful, and contemporary city – 500 years young.

Useful Links and Maps

The official tourist website of the Newfoundland and Labrador government contains up-to-date tourist information including public transport information and maps.

Things to do in St. John's

Wander down the narrow, criss-crossing streets naturally carved by horse and carriage. Pass the colourful jellybean row houses wedged together, lining the sides of steep hills and hidden alleyways. Once you've meandered down to the harbour, look towards the Narrows and imagine a time when the waters were brimming with fishing schooners. And visit Quidi Vidi, the charming village-within-a-city, which embodies the spirit of an old fishing outport.

Hike up nearby Signal Hill through the Battery, where tiny colourful wooden homes cling valiantly to cliff-sides ravaged by ocean waves. The hill is home to the unmistakable, iconic Cabot Tower, a castle-like structure built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland. It was here that Marconi famously received the first transatlantic wireless message in 1901.

From Cabot Tower you can look out over the cliffs and harbour to see a captivating skyline. Perched high on the horizon is The Rooms – home to an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and archival records – standing next to the striking twin clock towers of the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

You can also visit the official tourist website of the Newfoundland and Labrador government.

For those who prefer guided tours and excursions, optional tours and activities are also offered as part of the conference program. See below the complete list of tours available.

Bird the Rock: Newfoundland Bird & Nature Tours

Bird The Rock specializes in custom bird & nature tours in Newfoundland. We offer unique guided day tours, design custom multi-day excursions, or help you plan your own self-guided adventures. With a deep knowledge of local birds, nature, culture and history, our tours cater to everyone.

Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch

Best whale sighting record. Puffins guaranteed. New catamaran (whale & passenger friendly, designed to minimize seasickness). It’s the largest, most stable & most comfortable vessel in Newfoundland. Enjoyable, interactive interpretive program. Private charter: 100 people. If you’re searching for an incredible adventure Boat Tour for Whales, Puffins, Icebergs in Newfoundland be sure to check out Gatherall’s.

Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours – St. John’s

Set sail with Newfoundland’s Award Winning Boat Tour. Depart from downtown St. John’s, North America’s oldest seaport, and sail the open ocean to view the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Experience Cape Spear, North America’s most easterly land point from the sea. Sail past 12,000 year old icebergs. View Atlantic Puffins, rugged coastlines and pristine waters. Zodiac tours and Private charters available. Walking distance from downtown hotels, the Convention Centre, B&Bs, Mile One Centre and George Street.

Island Rooms at Petty Harbour

Fishing for Success provides unique, seasonal heritage guided tours at historic Island Rooms of Petty Harbour. Summer tours include wooden boat fishing with cook-ups, walk-abouts in a fishing community, and guided hikes along traditional pathways used for hunting and gathering. Winter tours include ice fishing, snowshoeing along heritage trails and twine loft knitting.

Lighthouse Picnics

Exquisite food and stunning views at Ferryland Lighthouse offering distinctive picnic food using the freshest local products. After a leisurely 25 minute hike to the lighthouse will find you the perfect spot by the ocean to enjoy your picnic. Reservations recommended.

Maxxim Vacations

Newfoundland’s largest provider of inbound packages. Choose from escorted or independent travel options including air, car rental, accommodations and attractions. Call about our pre and post convention options.

McCarthy’s Party Tours and Convention Services

McCarthy’s Party Tours specializes in delivering authentic tour programs lead by knowledgeable local guides. The natural beauty and intriguing history of St. John’s and the surrounding communities is enhanced by our guide’s personal stories along with samples of local songs, and fun foods; a cultural immersion without compare. For over 35 years our award winning tours have provided visitors with a proper introduction to our city and environs. Let the Locals Be Your Guide.

NL Boat Tours

Come on an excursion around the bay!

NL Boat Tours is located on the South Side Harbour, St. John’s, Newfoundland. NL Boat Tours is the only boat tour agency in St. John’s, NL that offers shark fishing. There are several shark species found in waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. The blue shark is the most common and commercially valuable of these species, however other species such as the Mako, Greenland, Basking, Porbeagle, and Thresher sharks, have been assessed for their commercial significance in recent years.

Other tours include; whale watching; cod fishing; puffin and bird watching; and iceberg viewing!

O’Brien’s Whale & Bird Tours

Newfoundland’s Award Winning Boat-Tour. View a million Atlantic puffins at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Watch playful Humpback whales in their natural habitat. Feel the chill as you sail past 10,000 year-old icebergs.

Private charter 170 (two vessels). For a geological adventure, exploring sea stacks, caves and a geyser hop on board our Coastal Adventure- Kingfisher Tour. Private charter 12. Shuttle service from St. John’s hotels and convention centre. Gift shop and event venue on site. Customized packages (tour, transportation, meals, entertainment).

Ocean Quest Adventures

Experience single and multi-day adventures including snorkeling, group boat Charters, up close and personal Zodiac tours recognized by Destination Canada as Canada Signature Experiences; including paddle tours and Iceberg Viewing, Sea Kayaking, Culinary Taste Beneath the Sea Tours (Scallop and Cod); On, in, and around Petty Harbour, Conception Bay & Bell Island.

Operating in Conception Bay South (20 minutes from St. John’s) and Petty Harbour (10 minutes from St. John’s). Tours offered May to November. Private & Scheduled Charters: 45 people, Private Zodiac Charters: 12 people.

Pedego St. John’s

Pedego St. John’s is your launching point for exploring Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant and lively capital. The oldest and most easterly city in North America offers the perfect balance of nature, nightlight and history, St. John’s offers the ideal one-of-a-kind ebike experience.

The freedom of a Pedego Electric Bike means that you can easily shoot up Signal Hill for a bird’s eye view of this beautiful city. Or you can ride to Quidi Vidi Village and enjoy a pint of Iceberg beer before heading out to the most easterly point of North America – the famous Cape Spear Lighthouse – next stop… Ireland!?! On your road to discovery, let Pedego St. John’s be your hub for adventure!

Quidi Vidi Charters

We offer you a unique and thrilling experience on the wharf and out on the sea. Learn first hand what it would be like to live and fish in an outport community in the heart of St. John’s! Located in the quaint fishing village of Quidi Vidi, we are located just 5 minutes from the heart of downtown St. John’s.

Nestled in a sheltered cove or ‘gut’, Quidi Vidi Charters will give offer you an experience you will never forget. With our experienced captains, Noel and Kevin we will offer you hands on experience on one of our vessels Smuggler Rum or Smuggler Two. We offer you an intimate tour along the craggy cliffs and into the vast Atlantic Ocean where you can try to spots whales and icebergs. Along the way we will pass by Signal Hill, Cabot Tower, St. John’s Harbour and the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear.

Rock + Water

Rock + Water is your exclusive gateway to spontaneous encounters and refined amenities curated to perfection. Guided by a team of seasoned professionals, our tailor-made itineraries are designed to delight the senses and ignite the spirit.

We bring together local, legendary ambassadors keen to share Newfoundland and Labrador culture and traditions. Our guests can count on exceptional service and a luxurious journey in a profoundly authentic part of the world.

St. John's Walking Tours​

There is no better way to discover a city than to walk its streets, and at St. John’s Walking Tours, we will make sure that this discovery is a memorable one. Join us for one of our informative and entertaining downtown tours. Whether you take our Signature Tour, the most comprehensive walking tour St. John’s has to offer, or our shorter downtown Core Tour, you will be entertained by our guide as he shares fascinating and at times quirky and odd stories about our unique history, the architecture, and the culture that our city has to offer. Wherever your interest lies, our tours have something for everyone.

Spirit of Newfoundland

Comedic musical dinner theatre featuring some of Newfoundland’s finest musicians and actors. From side-splitting original Newfoundland story lines to Broadway and off-Broadway hits there is a show available for every group’s taste. Spirit of Newfoundland has been customizing entertainment options for convention groups for 20 years. CDs are available for purchase for delegate gifts and covers can be customized for your group.

Wildland Tours

Experience the rich natural and cultural histories of Newfoundland Labrador that will forever become part of your life’s story. Travel with Wildland Tours and create personable and fun memories. Listen to centuries-old stories and music, sample traditional local flavours, visit our outport communities, chat with the locals, and connect with nature like you never have before!

Ask about our contributions to many of our province’s most famous and prestigious events. Contact us to ensure your authentic and engaging adventure.

Virtual Tour

Click on the images below for a better view of St. John's - Newfoundland and Labrador!