Historic Downtown St. John's Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

4.0(13)1 hr 30 min - 2 hoursEnglishSt John's, Canada

From

Discover colourful streets, historic churches and a working Atlantic harbour on a self-guided 3 km walk through downtown St. John's. The route takes about 90–120 minutes at an easy pace, with highlights including Government House, the Colonial Building, Jellybean Row, Water Street and the National War Memorial. Signal Hill is featured in the stories and can be visited separately.

GPS-triggered audio plays as you approach each mapped point, while a live route map shows where to go next. Download the tour before setting out for offline use, then start, pause or resume whenever you like. Explore outdoors at your own pace; there is no in-person guide, and entry to buildings or attractions is separate.

Included

Self-guided smartphone audio tour with GPS-triggered stories
Offline tour use after downloading in advance
Flexible, self-paced access without a fixed start time
Live GPS route map

Not included

Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your device speaker)
Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
Attraction admission, interior access and separately booked activities such as boat trips
In-person guide and transportation

What you'll do

Admire one of Newfoundland's oldest Anglican churches from Military Road, a street lined with St
John's civic history.
View the Lieutenant Governor's historic residence and the nearby Frederick Westo
n Carter obelisk, which recalls a heroic rescue attempt.
Colonial Building
90 Military Road, Bannerman Road entrance, St. John's, Canada
See the neoclassical former seat of Newfoundland's government, now a landmark of the province's political past.
Bannerman Park
Rennies Mill at Military Road, St. John's, Canada
Stroll this leafy Victorian-era gathering place, with gardens and historic landmarks in the heart of the city.
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
200 Military Rd, St. John's, Canada
Take in the grand stone exterior of this landmark Roman Catholic basilica above downtown St. John's.
The Rooms
9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John's, Canada
See the striking museum, gallery and archives above the harbour, on the former Fort Townshend grounds; interior entry is separate.
Jellybean Row Houses
Victoria St., St. John's, Canada
Enjoy the bright row houses that give St. John's streets their unmistakable colour and character.
Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
16 Church Hill, St. John's, Canada
Admire the Gothic Revival stonework of the city's historic Anglican cathedral from outside.
Look up at the courthouse's imposing stone façade, a landmark of Newfoundland's legal history
Wander a narrow old-city lane that reveals a quieter side of downtown St
John's.
Follow the old commercial waterfront past the Grace Building and Javelin House
two heritage façades in streets rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1892.
Pause at the memorial to a priest remembered for his service to the St
John's community.
Feel the energy of the city's music and pub district, from the historic Cornerst
one Building to the outdoor stage at Prince Edward Plaza.
Pass the centre of city government and the nearby Convention Centre, two anchors of downtown civic life
Mary Brown's Centre
50 New Gower St, St. John's, Canada
See the downtown arena that brings St. John's together for sports, concerts and major events.
Admire the restored Murray Premises warehouses, now home to shops, dining and a hotel
Watch St
John's working shipping harbour from the public waterfront, with views toward Piers 7 and 11; Iceberg Quest's separately booked boats depart from nearby Pier 6 when operating.
Signal Hill
230 Signal Hill Rd, St. John's, Canada
Look toward Signal Hill, where Cabot Tower, coastal views and Marconi's wireless story loom over the harbour; visiting the hill is a separate detour.
Pause at the waterfront memorial honouring Newfoundlanders who served and died in war
Harbourside Park
Queens Cove, St. John's, Canada
Enjoy harbour views and find the Newfoundland and Labrador dog sculptures and the Sir Humphrey Gilbert memorial in this waterfront park.
Stand near the historic King's Beach landing place and take in views across St
John's Harbour.
Newman Wine Vaults
436 Water St, St. John's, Canada
See the old stone wine vaults where port was aged; seasonal interior visits require separate admission.
James J. O'Mara Pharmacy Museum
488 Water St, Apothecary Hall, St. John's, Canada
View historic Apothecary Hall, home of the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Museum; check current hours for any interior visit.

Meeting and pickup

11 locations

Pickup details

The start of the tour is at the corner of Military Road and King's Bridge Road. After downloading the app and tour, you'll start the tour here.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This primarily outdoor, pass-by 3 km walk includes hilly streets and some uneven surfaces. Public transit is nearby. Buildings may be closed, but you can complete the exterior audio route; check weather and temporary street access before setting out.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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