Historic places in St. John's

Historic places in St. John's

1. See

   Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

   The cornerstone for this Anglican cathedral was laid in 1843. The church was destroyed by the St. John's Great Fire of 1892, and was rebuilt between 1893 and 1905.

2. See

   Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

   This Roman Catholic church was designated a minor basilica by the Pope. It was built between 1841 and 1850, and has twin 43-metre-high towers.

3. See

   Cape Spear National Historic Site

   The most easterly point in North America, a 15 km drive from St. John's. Great lighthouse on an ocean-facing cliff, with walking trails. Beware! It's 45 m down the cliff face, so heed posted warnings. A man drowned here in 2015; a woman fell off the cliff to her death in 2018.

4. See

   Commissariat House, Provincial Historic Site

   The commissariat procured supplies for the local military in 19th century. The first commissariat had a house built to provide a residence as well as a staffed public office. The rooms on display are furnished with many antiques circa 1830. A narrated guided tour is provided.

   Price also includes admission to Newman Wine Vaults

5. See

   Fort Amherst

   A lighthouse and World War II military fortification across "The Narrows" on the opposite side of the harbour from Signal Hill. Offers unique views of the city and Cape Spear.

6. Buy

   Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

   Heritage Shops

   Local souvenirs and literature. All proceeds from the Heritage Shops support the Historic Sites of Newfoundland and Labrador.

   9AM-5PM·CAD

7. See

   Newman Wine Vaults

   Historic wine vaults, constructed in the late 18th century to age port wine, occupy one of St. John's oldest buildings. Port wine was imported from England, aged in the cellars, and often exported back to England because the sea voyage and St. John's cool temperature were good for the wine. The front of the building was modernized in the early 20th century; however, the interior is well preserved in its original state. A free sample of port is offered to adult visitors.

   Open in the summer months·Price includes admission to Commissariat House

8. See

   Signal Hill

   Majestically overlooking the city and designated as a National Historic Site. The hill was the last stand of the French army in North America during the Seven Years War. Cabot Tower, built in 1897, stand as the top today. The first wireless transatlantic message was received there in 1901.

9. Do

   St. John's Haunted Hike

   Tour historic St. John's while being regaled with stories of the spooky & strange.

   Sun-Thu at 9:30PM in summer

10. See

    The Rooms

    The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery

    The major cultural centre at Fort Townsend for Newfoundland & Labrador. The building has become one of prominence (and controversy) rivalling that of the Basilica. The Rooms contain the Newfoundland Museum, Provincial Archives, and Art Gallery. From the upper floor you can get an unrivalled view of the area.

    Fall/Winter: Tue Thu Sat 10AM-5PM; Wed Fri 10AM-9PM; Sun Noon-5PM (closed Mon). Spring/Summer: Mon Tue Thu Sat 10AM-5PM; Wed Fri 10AM-9PM, Sun Noon-5PM·Adults $10, seniors (60+) and students $6.50, youth (age 6-16) $5, child (under 5) free. Free admission W 6-9PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to St. John's (CC BY-SA 4.0).