New York City 4.5 hrs

Miami 6 hrs

Philadelphia 4.5 hrs

Boston 3.25 hrs

Los Angeles 7.5 hrs

Chicago 4.5 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 6 hrs

San Francisco 7.5 hrs

Water Street: Originally called the Lower Path, this street has been home to businesses since the 1620s. Its history is portrayed in the older architecture that reflects seaports of southwest England and Ireland.

Signal Hill: This is the historic site where the French and British fought the last battle of the Seven Years' War in 1762. Visitors can see the boundaries of the old fortifications as well as exhibits depicting St. John's history. The 500-foot hill also offers excellent views of the harbor below.

Duckworth Street: Once called the Upper Path, this historic stretch runs from the bottom of Signal Hill in the east to near City Hall in the west. Visitors will find a wide array of restaurants, bars, and antique and craft shops. Staircases and sloping alleys lead down to Water Street and up to higher ground.

St. John's is set on the eastern coast of Newfoundland, which has been overrun with glaciers several times in the last 2 million years. The coastal city is set on the Avalon Peninsula, and connected to rest of the island by a narrow isthmus. Today the island is covered by forests, rivers, lakes, and marshes. Boulders left behind by melting glaciers are scattered erratically across the island.

St. John's has a mild climate by Canadian standards. Summers see temperatures in the mid-70°s, and winters hover around the freezing mark. St. John's gets more fog and wind than any other Canadian city, however, due to storms from the St. Lawrence River Valley clashing with storms from the New England coast.

Spring average 41°F

Summer average 72°F

Fall average 52°F

Winter average 32°F

Seasons vary dramatically in St. John's. Visitors often come in the early spring to see icebergs floating past the harbor entrance, and in the summer for the whale sightings and vibrant wildflowers. But the mild fall months are the most popular among vacationers, as the woods come to life with moose, caribou, and partridges, and the meadows burst with delicious berries. Winter brings many enthusiasts of snow sports, including snowmobiling, cross-country trails, and downhill skiing.

Visitors come to St. John's for a wide variety of reasons. Some come because St. John's -- as North America's oldest city -- boasts impressive historic sites.

Other visitors come because this coastal city offers a glance at floating icebergs and humpback whales feeding along the coast. Yet others come to tour the renowned national parks and spy on the wild moose and caribou.

St. John's also has a lively arts scene and wonderful restaurants that serve up the freshest seafood around.

Bowring Park: Named for the wealthy merchant family that donated the land in 1911, this park offers beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a pond that is home to swans, geese, and ducks. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, and a lawn bowling green. This park is also home to the statue of Peter Pan, a replica of a statue in London's Kensington Gardens, which was unveiled in 1925 as a memorial to a child lost at sea.

Harbourside Park: This scenic park, opened in 1984, overlooks St. John's Harbour. It commemorates Sir Humphrey Gilbert's landing at the site in 1583 and his founding of the first overseas colony of the British Empire.

C.A. Pippy Park: Located at the city's northern limits, this enormous park offers exceptional hiking trails, camping, a golf course, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, fishing, and berry-picking, and often spot moose and rabbits. Visitors have access to a convenience store and a playground. A natural heritage tour includes the world-class Fluvarium, Memorial University's Botanical Gardens, and a panoramic view of the city.

Cape Spear National Historical Site: Located on the easternmost point of land on the continent, this site is home to the Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland's oldest beacon. Visitors can see whales feeding below the cliffs and icebergs floating by.

Signal Hill National Historic Park: This is where the French and the British fought the last battle of the Seven Years' War in 1762. Visitors can see exhibits depicting St. John's history, as well as excellent views of the harbor from atop the 500-foot hill.

Scuba Diving: The ocean surrounding Newfoundland is home to thousands of shipwreck sites, amazing sea life, and the bottom of an iceberg.

The Grand Concourse Trail: This well-developed, well-marked walking trail is 62 miles long. Trails cross river valleys, parks, meadows, and sidewalks. The trails also provide excellent bird-watching.

Whale Watching: As many as 22 species of dolphins and whales are visible from St. John's coast, and humpback whales that weigh up to 30 tons come to feed along the shore. There are several tours and excursions.

Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: This church is a good example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was first completed in the mid-1800s and then rebuilt after the 1892 fire. Tourists can also visit the tearoom in the crypt on summer afternoons.

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: This church was built in the Romanesque style in 1855. It overlooks the older section of the city and the harbor. The neighboring Bishop's Palace features a museum with vestments and religious objects.

Government Houses: Built in the 1830s, this impressive house is the residence of the Lieutenant Governor, the Queen's representative in Newfoundland. Though the building isn't open for tours, visitors can explore the garden, and sign the guest book on the front porch. All who do will receive an invitation to the annual August garden party.

Newfoundland Museum: This museum houses 3 floors of displays that focus on the province's natural and cultural history, as well as changing exhibits from the museum's collection.

Shopping: St. John's has something for every shopper. Antiques run the gamut from silver to china to furniture, and numerous art galleries feature works by both prominent and up-and-coming artists. Shoppers will also find crafts, including handmade sweaters, rugs, pottery, jewelry, and more.

This area is known for its excellent seafood, and many restaurants offer seasonal specialties with a wide variety of traditional wild and cultured species. Diners find menus packed with fresh salmon, mussels, scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster, grenadier, halibut, turbot, and cod.

Gourmet

Stone House Restaurant: This acclaimed eatery is set in a restored 19th-century stone cottage. The innovative menu boasts local and imported game, seafood, and Newfoundland specialties. Diners can complement their meal with a selection from the extensive wine list. 8 Kenna's Hill

The Cellar: Some of the best dining in St. John's is found behind an obscure entryway next to the municipal parking garage. Inside this small, intimate room full of dark wood, chef Harold Brown works magic with varied fish and meat ingredients to come up with Continental-style winners like spicy blackened halibut, Camembert fritters, and breast of chicken cooked in fresh rosemary and amaretto. The service is impeccable, and the lunch menu is surprisingly affordable. 152 Water Street, 4th Floor

Highly Recommended

Hungry Fishermen: Known as the place to come for Newfoundland seafood, this place is located in a historic 19th-century building overlooking a courtyard. The menu boasts fresh shrimp, scallops, salmon, halibut, mussels, and cod. For non-fish eaters, there is chicken, veal, and 5-onion soup. All dishes are served with wonderful sauces, and the homemade desserts change daily. Murray Premises, 5 Beck's Cove

Casa Grande: Standout Tex-Mex food at reasonable prices is the hallmark of this popular, festive Downtown room that offers a great view of the harbor. Quesadillas, chili rellenos, poquitos, and Mexican pizza are tops on a menu packed with traditional dishes. Reservations suggested. 108 Duckworth Street

Local Flair

Ches's: This bistro has been around since the 1950s, and draws locals from all over the island with its famous Fish-and-Chips. The dining room is decorated simply with laminated tabletops, booths, and plastic chairs, but the coveted dishes ensure that it is often packed from mid-afternoon until late into the night. 9 Freshwater Road

Oliver's: Marked by a warm, cozy atmosphere -- earthy colors, soft lighting, and a nice mix of background music -- this downtown eatery presents a wide selection of local and international cuisine. A hearty breakfast is king in Canada, and here you'll find tasty omelettes (club, chicken fajita, Western, Greek, etc.) as well as crepes, pancakes, and French toast. Later on in the day, try the linguini pomodoro or the chicken quesadillas. There's a nice selection of Chilean, Australian, Italian, American, and French wines, both red and white. 160 Water Street

Romantic

Chez Briann: This restaurant is located in a quaint downtown Victorian townhouse, with dark wood trim and an intimate décor. The irresistible menu offers dishes such as sautéed scallops and garlic over pasta, and stuffed medallions of lamb. Lighter fare includes pâtés, crêpes, and other French dishes. 290 Duckworth Street

Merlo's Press and Bean: Within one of St. John's oldest historic buildings, the open beam ceilings, brick walls, and lantern lighting provide an intimate mood for enjoying the freshest of Newfoundland seafood, as well as steak, pasta, and stir-fry dishes. The service is courteous and efficient. The Murray Premises, 5 Becks Cove, between Water Street and Harbour Drive

Visitors to St. John's have several options for nighttime entertainment. Besides festivals and exhibits offered by the diverse arts community, St. John's also has many good-time bars and pubs.

Resource Centre for the Arts: This experimental theater is one of the country's oldest and most innovative. It features a packed schedule of performances throughout the fall and winter, and summer months bring cabarets, outdoor concerts, plays, and alternative concerts.

The Arts and Culture Centre: This theater hosts musical and theatrical events in its 1,000-seat theater. It also houses an art gallery and a library.

The Ship Inn: This popular bar is a favorite among local artists. Performances vary from flamenco dancing to traditional music.

Erin's Pub: This old-fashioned pub is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and traditional Irish music.

The Fat Cat: This bar is one of the best places in the city to hear live blues music.

Blarney Stone: People flock to this fun spot to sing along with Newfoundland and Irish folk music.

George Street: Located in downtown St. John's, this beautifully restored street is home to a wide selection pubs, restaurants, and open-air concerts.

The Newfoundland International Irish Festival: Held just south of St. John's, in Mount Pearl, this all-out party features international performers and a children's Leprechaun Festival. July

Signal Hill Tattoo: At the Signal Hill Historic Site, visitors can see re-enactments of the final 1762 battle of the Seven Years' War between the British and the French. July and August

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival: This lively celebration is the province's best-known traditional music festival. August

New Year's Eve: Revelers pour out of downtown pubs and gather on the waterfront in droves to ring in the New Year. December 31

Deciding what to wear in St. John's depends largely on the season you'll be there. From late spring through fall, visitors need medium-weight garb, including a sweater or jacket. Rain can be heavy, so it's wise to pack a raincoat or umbrella. During the summer, light pants and T-shirts are fine, but between November and April heavy jackets and boots are a must. People in this area dress modestly as a rule, and tend to get a bit more dressed up in the evening.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Moose and Driving: There are approximately 150,000 moose on Newfoundland, and most highways cross moose habitat. These animals can be unpredictable, so slow down if you see one on or near a highway. Pay close attention to "Moose Crossing" signs, and avoid driving at night when possible.

Currency: Canadian dollars are the nation's currency, though US dollars are widely accepted. To get the best exchange rate, exchange at least some of your money into Canadian funds at a bank. Traveler's checks and major US credit cards are also accepted.

Tipping: Custom is the same in Canada as in the US. Tips are not usually added to the bill; tip approximately 15% of the total bill for waiters, waitresses, hairdressers, and taxi drivers. For maid service, leave between $2 and $3 per day.

Time Zone: Newfoundland has its own time zone -- Newfoundland Standard Time -- which is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time and 90 minutes ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Tax Refunds: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Visitors can obtain a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed as you exit the country.

Canada's two official languages are English and French. Newfoundlanders speak a strong provincial dialect of English.

Adapters are not necessary since the electrical current is the same in Canada and the United States.

Drinking: The legal drinking age in the province of Newfoundland is 19.

We strongly suggest that you verify with a consulate for the most current and complete rendering of the information outlined below.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free, provided that they declare them to customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country -- including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials -- you may require an export permit. You must contact the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over age 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included. Works of art are exempt, though a receipt of purchase may be required.

US Embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Canada, phone 613-238-5335

US Consulate General Halifax (Atlantic Canada): Suite 904, Purdy's Wharf Tower II, 1969 Upper Water Street, Halifax, NS, Canada B3J 3R7, phone 902-429-2480

Department of Tourism, Culture, and Recreation: Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism, PO Box 8700, St. John's, NL A1B 4J6, Canada, phone 1-800-563-6353 toll-free or 709-729-2830,

fax 709-729-0057, email tourisminfo@mail.gov.nl.ca

City of St. John's: Gentara Building, 1st Floor, 345 Water Street, St. John's, NL, phone 709-576-8106, fax 709-576-8246

New York: Consulate General of Canada - Tourism Section, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Concourse Level, New York, NY 10020-1175, phone 212-596-1628, email cngny-td@international.gc.ca

Washington DC: Canadian Embassy - Tourism Section, 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20001, phone 202-682-1740