Welcome to St. John’s
Our local playbook — where to eat, what to do, and how things work at the house.
House Info
The basics — so you can stop reading and start exploring.
Check-In & Check-Out
Check-in: 3:00 PM • Check-out: 11:00 AM
Self check-in via keypad. Your access code will be sent the day before arrival.
WiFi
Network name and password are posted inside the house near the router. Connect and enjoy!
Parking
Parking details are specific to each property and included in your check-in instructions.
Appliances & Amenities
- Coffee maker and kettle with complimentary coffee/tea
- Fully stocked kitchen — pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and cookware
- Washer and dryer available for guest use
- Smart TV with streaming apps — feel free to log into your own accounts
- Air conditioning and/or fans (varies by property)
- Fresh linens, towels, and extra blankets provided
- Iron and ironing board available
- BBQ on the deck (propane provided)
Where to Eat & Drink
We eat well here. Our go-tos, from candlelit dinners to a proper pint.
Portage
Creative, seasonal Newfoundland cooking. Book at least a week ahead — it fills up fast.
Terre
Hyper-local ingredients, an ever-changing menu, and some of the most exciting plates in the city.
Basho
Inventive Japanese-inspired cooking. A long-standing St. John’s favourite.
Blue on Water
Upscale pub food, lively downtown vibe. Solid bet for a casual night.
St. John’s Fish Exchange
Fresh seafood with waterfront harbour views. The perfect spot for a proper Newfoundland fish dinner.
Yellowbelly Brewery
Hearty pub fare and house-brewed beers on Water Street. Reliable, always.
Classic Café East
Hearty breakfasts and a St. John’s staple.
The Bagel Café
Funky vibe with big brunch portions. Expect a line on weekends — it’s worth it.
The Battery Café
Cozy spot with great coffee and baked goods.
Toslow
Creative café/bar with specialty coffee and small bites.
The Parlour
Artisan gelato and coffee, locally loved.
The Rooms Café
Panoramic city views, located inside the museum. Great for brunch or a light lunch.
Birdie Bakery
Authentic French pastries.
The Georgetown Bakery
Best bagels and bread in the city — sells out early.
Rocket Bakery
A St. John’s staple for pastries and light meals. Try the authentic NL fishcakes.
The Postmaster’s Bakery
Quaint and traditional — great sweet treats.
Bannerman Brewing Co.
Stylish taproom with great beer, coffee, and small plates.
Quidi Vidi Brewery
Iconic brewery on Quidi Vidi Harbour. Tours and tastings available.
The Duke of Duckworth
Legendary for fish and chips on Duckworth Street. A proper Newfoundland pub experience.
O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
Nightly Irish-Newfoundland music. Try a Screech-In ceremony to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
Broderick’s on George
Lively newer spot with cocktails and local tunes on George Street.
Things to Do
The city is small. You can do a lot in a few days — start here.
Signal Hill & North Head Trail
The iconic hilltop overlooking the harbour and the Atlantic. Walk up or drive, visit Cabot Tower, and take in the view. The North Head Trail (2–3 km loop) along the cliffs is stunning — finish the loop at The Battery Café for a well-earned coffee.
Cape Spear Lighthouse
The easternmost point in North America. A 15-minute drive from downtown. Visit the historic lighthouse, walk the coastal trails, and watch for whales. Try catching a sunrise here — it’s unforgettable.
Quidi Vidi Village
A picturesque fishing village tucked right inside the city. Wander the harbour, visit Quidi Vidi Brewery for a tasting, and explore the Artisan Studios for unique local souvenirs.
Jellybean Row & Downtown Walk
Wander the colourful row houses that St. John’s is famous for. Stroll Water Street’s pedestrian mall, browse local shops and Maritime crafts, and soak in the character of the oldest city in North America.
Sugarloaf Path
8.9 km, moderate to difficult. A rugged East Coast Trail section with steep sections and panoramic Atlantic views. Watch for seabirds and foxes. One of the best coastal hikes in the province.
Cobbler’s Path
8.2 km, moderate. Peaceful trail with harbour and hill views. Start point in Middle Cove (20-minute drive).
Fort Amherst Trail
~3 km loop, moderate. Historic lighthouse, WWII bunkers, and coastal cliffs.
Cuckold’s Cove Trail
~5 km, moderate. Connects Quidi Vidi to Signal Hill with forested paths and ocean views.
Harbourfront Walk
1–2 km, easy. A gentle stroll from Harbourside Park with fishing boat and Narrows views.
Bannerman Park
Walking paths, playgrounds, and an outdoor pool.
Bowring Park
Ponds, gardens, and an outdoor pool. A favourite for a relaxing afternoon.
Topsail Beach
Just a 20-minute drive. Perfect for a dip in the Atlantic or a cozy campfire by the shore. Don’t miss nearby Topsail Bluff — a short drive plus a 5-minute walk to one of the best views on the Avalon.
The Rooms
Provincial museum and art gallery with incredible city views. Newfoundland history, Indigenous culture, and contemporary art.
Newman Wine Vaults
The story of the wine trade, maritime history, and the city’s early commerce.
Titanic & Iceberg Museum
Authentic artifacts, movie props, and powerful visuals telling the Titanic story.
Icebergs & Whales
Iceberg season runs roughly early May–early July and whale season mid-May–September (peak: mid-July to mid-August). Spot them from shore at Signal Hill, Cape Spear, or Fort Amherst — or book a boat tour with O’Brien’s or Gatherall’s in Bay Bulls (30-minute drive).
Petty Harbour
A working harbour just 25 minutes away. Visit the Mini Aquarium, browse craft shops, and try a puffin or whale watching tour. Try cod jigging with Fishing for Success for a true Newfoundland adventure.
Brigus
1-hour drive. Historic town with a heritage trail, artisan shops, harbour views, and a beautiful Anglican church.
Dildo
~1 hr 10 min drive. Colourful waterfront, Dildo Brewing, trails, and a local museum.
The Irish Loop
3–4 hour loop. Coastal cliffs, quaint villages, and iceberg/whale spotting along the way.
Cape St. Mary’s
2.5-hour drive. The most accessible seabird rookery in North America.
George Street & Nightlife
North America’s densest bar scene — wall-to-wall pubs buzzing with live music and brews. Catch traditional Newfoundland music at O’Reilly’s, or join a kitchen party at Shamrock City Pub for live music and storytelling.
St. John’s Farmers’ Market
Saturdays. Local crafts, produce, and baked goods. A great way to spend a morning.
Essentials & Good to Know
Boring but important.
Groceries & Supplies
- Sobeys & Dominion — St. John’s main grocers with various locations across the city.
- Shoppers Drug Mart — Pharmacy, snacks, and essentials. Open late. Multiple locations.
- NLC (Liquor Store) — Beer, wine, and spirits. Closest to the houses is on Duckworth Street. Also available at some Dominion locations.
Getting Around
- Driving — Most attractions require a car. Roads are hilly and can be narrow downtown. Watch for one-way streets.
- Walking — Downtown is very walkable. Water Street, Duckworth, and George Street are all close together.
- Taxi — Jiffy Cabs (709-722-2222) and City Wide (709-722-7777).
- Rideshare & Rentals — Uber, Turo (car rental), and Pedego Electric Bikes (Water Street). Hop-on Hop-off Bus available in summer.
Useful Numbers
- Your host (Harbour & Hills): (709) 691-2666
- Email: info@harbourandhillsnl.com
Emergency Numbers
911 — Police, Fire, Ambulance
811 — HealthLine (non-emergency medical advice, 24/7)
RNC (Police): (709) 729-8000
St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital: (709) 777-5000
Health Sciences Centre (ER): (709) 777-6300
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Enjoy Your Stay!
Need anything? Just call or text. We’re local — happy to help.
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