Walking Tour of St. John's

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

One of the nicest ways to explore a new town is on foot! A guided walking tour of St. John's is an excellent opportunity to appreciate its many highlights and to learn more about its architecture, history and culture. St. John's is considered "North America's Oldest City." Beginning in 1630, St. John's was a year-round settlement, and prior to that it was occupied seasonally.

Begin with a short, guided drive to St. Thomas Anglican Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Newfoundland built between 1835 and 1836, which is where your pedestrian tour will begin. You will then proceed to Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Your tour will take you through the historic downtown core, where the charming streets showcase St. John's distinct architectural style. In 1892 what is referred to as the Great Fire swept through this area, destroying all of the wood-framed buildings and homes in its wake. St. John's was painstakingly rebuilt, and the brightly colored heritage buildings are a testament to the spirit of the people. The cityscapes and preserved architecture are a symbol of St. John's resilience.
A walk through the central downtown is a unique way to celebrate this historic city.
The Basilica of St. John the Baptist, a dominant feature of St. John's skyline is noted for its shape, a Latin cross. With twin towers standing 43-meters high and colorful stained-glass windows, it makes a lovely starting point. Equally significant is the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture. Founded in 1699, it is the oldest Anglican Church in Canada.
As you walk, your guide will point out the varied residential construction you'll see. Primarily, the city showcases a Second Empire style, typically three stories and noted for mansard roofs and dormer windows. Another style that was popular after the Great Fire is the Queen Anne style, which was reserved for the more luxurious homes of the time.
Highlights vary, but you'll pass such notables as Jellybean Row Houses, St. John's City Hall, the Murray Premises Hotel and the Yellowbelly Corner Building. The latter are two of the oldest mercantile buildings in Newfoundland. The Courthouse, constructed in 1901, is another National Historic Site of Canada. You will visit George Street, famous street that houses nothing but bars, pubs and restaurants. On your way back to ship you will walk down Water Street Historic District with its buildings representing the commercial architecture in St. John's before 20th century.