Welcome to St. John’s
Everything you need to know for your stay — restaurants, local tips, activities, and house essentials.
House Info
Check-In & Check-Out
Check-in: 4:00 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
Raymonds
Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Canada. Locally sourced, seasonal tasting menus in a beautifully restored heritage space on Water Street. Book well in advance.
The Merchant Tavern
Upscale-casual with an open kitchen and outstanding cocktails. Wood-fired dishes, fresh seafood, and a buzzy atmosphere. A local favourite.
Mallard Cottage
Farm-to-table dining in a restored Irish-Newfoundland cottage in Quidi Vidi Village. Incredible brunch on weekends. The cod is legendary.
Adelaide Oyster House
Oysters, seafood towers, craft cocktails, and a great wine list. Relaxed vibe on Water Street. Perfect for a casual but elevated dinner.
Bannerman Brewing
Craft brewery taproom right on Water Street. Great beers, rotating food trucks, and a laid-back atmosphere. Kid-friendly during the day.
Yellowbelly Brewery
Brewpub on Water Street with house-brewed beers and solid pub fare — fish and chips, burgers, and local favourites. Live music some nights.
Bagel Café
A St. John’s institution. Hand-rolled Montreal-style bagels, big breakfasts, and excellent coffee. Expect a line on weekends — it’s worth it.
Fixed Coffee & Baking
Specialty coffee roasters with excellent espresso and fresh pastries. Multiple locations around town.
Ches’s Fish & Chips
The quintessential Newfoundland fish and chips. Battered fresh cod with hand-cut fries and dressing. A must-try at least once.
George Street
Two blocks of wall-to-wall pubs and bars — the most famous street in Newfoundland. Live music every night of the week in summer. Start at one end and work your way down.
Rocket Bakery
Fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, and pastries on Water Street. Great for a quick lunch.
Pi Pizza
Wood-fired pizza with creative toppings. Casual, no-frills, and very good.
Things to Do
Signal Hill & Cabot Tower
The iconic hilltop overlooking the harbour and the Atlantic. Walk up or drive, visit Cabot Tower (where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal), and take in the view. The North Head Trail along the cliffs is stunning.
Quidi Vidi Village & Brewery
A tiny historic fishing village tucked right inside the city. Visit the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company for a tasting, walk around the harbour, and stop at Mallard Cottage for a meal. Beautiful any time of day.
Jellybean Row & Downtown Walk
Wander the colourful row houses that St. John’s is famous for. Walk along Gower Street and Duckworth Street, pop into local shops, and soak in the character of the oldest city in North America.
East Coast Trail
Over 300 km of coastal hiking trails. For a great day hike from town, try the Sugarloaf Path (Quidi Vidi to Logy Bay) or the Stiles Cove Path for dramatic clifftop scenery. Whale and iceberg sightings in season.
Cape Spear
The easternmost point in North America. A 15-minute drive from downtown. Visit the historic lighthouse, walk the coastal trails, and watch for whales. Best at sunrise if you’re an early riser.
The Rooms
Newfoundland’s provincial museum, art gallery, and archives. Great exhibits on local history, Indigenous culture, and contemporary art. The view from the top floor is worth the visit alone.
Johnson Geo Centre
Built into the rock of Signal Hill, this geology museum covers everything from the Earth’s core to the Titanic. Great for families and rainy days.
Icebergs & Whales
Iceberg season runs roughly May–July and whale season June–September. You can spot both from shore (Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Fort Amherst) or book a boat tour for a closer look. Humpback whales are the most common.
Petty Harbour
A picturesque fishing village 20 minutes south. Visit the Mini Aquarium, grab fish and chips at Chafe’s Landing, and watch the fishing boats come in. A perfect half-day outing.
Live Music
St. John’s has more bars and pubs per capita than anywhere in Canada. Catch live traditional Newfoundland music at The Ship, O’Reilly’s, or any pub on George Street.
Local Shops
Browse Water Street and Duckworth Street for local art, crafts, and Newfoundland goods. Try Living Planet, Fred’s Records, and the Craft Council Shop.
Essentials & Good to Know
Groceries & Supplies
- Sobeys / Dominion — Full grocery stores, multiple locations. Closest to downtown is Sobeys on Merrymeeting Road.
- Costco — Stavanger Drive (15 min drive). Stock up for a longer stay.
- Shoppers Drug Mart — Pharmacy, snacks, and essentials. Open late. Multiple locations.
- NLC (Liquor Store) — Beer, wine, and spirits. Closest to downtown is on Elizabeth Avenue. 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 within 10–15 minutes of most of our properties.
- Taxi / Rideshare — Jiffy Cabs (709-722-2222) and City Wide (709-722-0003) are reliable. Uber is not available in St. John’s.
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)
Health Sciences Centre (ER): 300 Prince Philip Drive — (709) 777-6300
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Enjoy Your Stay!
If you need anything at all during your visit, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help with recommendations or anything else.
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