St. John’s, New Foundland, Canada
The province's capital, St. John's, is the ideal blend of big-city luxury and traditional small-town charm. It is one of North America's oldest and most easterly cities, and it has evolved into a rare destination full of character and charisma, with a contemporary, sophisticated edge.
Explore the winding, crowded streets that were carved out by horses and carriages. Pass the tightly packed, bright jellybean row homes that line the sides of steep hills and secret alleyways. When you get to the harbor after meandering down there, look towards the Narrows and picture how busy the waters used to be with fishing schooners. And go to Quidi Vidi, a charming city within a city that captures the essence of a bygone fishing outport.
Hike up nearby Signal Hill through the Battery, where tiny colorful wooden houses cling valiantly to ocean-ravaged cliff sides. The unmistakable, iconic Cabot Tower stands on the hill, a castle-like structure built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage to Newfoundland. In 1901, Marconi famously received the first transatlantic wireless message here.
A captivating skyline can be seen from Cabot Tower as you look out over the cliffs and harbor. The Rooms, which houses a sizable collection of artifacts, archival materials, and clock towers from the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, is perched high on the horizon next to it.
Make a reservation at one of the city's culinary hotspots. Several award-winning chefs are elevating Newfoundland cuisine with locally foraged, fished, and hunted fare.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy live music or local theater, where actors will transport you to another place and time. Head to any local pub or bar for traditional tunes and possibly even a scuffling (dance). Every evening, George Street is alive with energy, especially during the annual George Street Festival, which lasts five days and nights and features dynamic musical entertainment.
The kind and outgoing residents of St. John's will treat you as one of their friends and will be happy to point you in the right direction, assist you on your journey, or even drive you there. No matter how tall the tale, I'm always happy to tell it just to make you smile. Without a doubt, this city is unique.
