St. John’s is the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador. Located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula, it is the easternmost city in North America and one of the oldest European-founded settlements on the continent.
Quick Facts
- Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
- Population: Over 110,000 (metro area: ~210,000)
- Official Language: English
- Time Zone: Newfoundland Time (NT)
- Demonym: St. John’s resident / Townie
History
St. John’s has a rich maritime and colonial history. It was visited by explorer John Cabot in 1497 and later established as a permanent settlement by the British. The city played a major role in the cod fishing industry for centuries.
It is also known for its strategic military importance during the World Wars and as a historic transatlantic communications hub.
Economy
Historically rooted in fishing and shipping, St. John’s now thrives in:
- Offshore oil and gas
- Government and public services
- Education and research
- Tourism and hospitality
- Ocean technology and innovation
Major Attractions
- Signal Hill National Historic Site
- The Rooms (museum and art gallery)
- George Street – famous for nightlife and pubs
- Cape Spear – easternmost point in North America
- Quidi Vidi Village
- Johnson GEO Centre
Education
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) – one of Atlantic Canada’s largest universities
- College of the North Atlantic
Neighborhoods
- Downtown St. John’s – colorful row houses and historic core
- East End – suburban and scenic
- West End
- Quidi Vidi
- Mount Pearl – adjacent city in metro area
Culture and Festivals
St. John’s has a vibrant musical and storytelling culture rooted in Irish, English, and Indigenous traditions. Notable events include:
- George Street Festival
- Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival
- Royal St. John’s Regatta – the oldest organized sporting event in North America
Transportation
Metrobus runs local transit. St. John’s International Airport offers connections across Canada. The city is accessible by ferry (Marine Atlantic) and is the starting point for many coastal tours.
Did You Know?
- St. John’s is closer to Dublin, Ireland than to Calgary, Alberta.
- The city’s colorful row houses are nicknamed “Jellybean Row.”
- Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal here in 1901 at Signal Hill.