About Saint John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador:
Saint John’s is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, perched on the eastern edge of Canada’s island of Newfoundland. It’s one of North America’s oldest European-founded cities, with roots tracing back to the early 1500s, though it wasn’t permanently settled until later. The city is built on steep hills overlooking a deep harbor, it’s framed by the Atlantic Ocean. Downtown Saint John’s is famous for rows of brightly painted houses. Water Street, one of the oldest commercial strips in North America, buzzes with shops, pubs, and a mix of historic and modern vibes.
Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, offers killer views and hiking trails. Nearby Cape Spear, just 15 minutes away, is the easternmost point in North America—stand there, and you’re closer to Ireland than Vancouver. Spring brings icebergs floating past, and whales breach offshore in summer.
Weather’s a character of its own—foggy, windy, and wet, thanks to its spot where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current. Locals call it “capricious,” and it’s earned St. John’s a rep as Canada’s foggiest, windiest city. Winters hit hard with snow and ice, but the community’s tight-knit, known for resilience and hospitality.
Catholic places of interest in Saint John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador:
The Basilica-Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist