St. John’s, Newfoundland, stands out as a destination for travelers who enjoy immersive, locally-led experiences. Its rugged coastline, colorful houses, and historic sites lend themselves beautifully to guided tours that reveal the city’s authentic charm. From walking explorations of iconic neighborhoods like Jellybean Row to scenic drives around Signal Hill and Cape Spear, St. John’s offers a variety of ways to discover its unique character. We especially like tours that combine cultural insights with stunning views—like the St. John’s NL: Cape Spear & City Tour with Local Guide, which covers the most easterly point in North America along with local stories. For a more intimate, small-group experience, the 3 hour City Tour of St. John’s is a top choice to see the highlights in just a few hours.
Ultimately, whether you’re interested in history, scenery, food, or wildlife, St. John’s has a tour suited to your style. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of the nine best options—so you can pick exactly what suits your interests and schedule.
1. St. John’s NL: Cape Spear & City Tour with Local Guide
At number 1, this guided tour offers a solid introduction to St. John’s and Cape Spear, with plenty of local insights. For about $64, you’ll spend 3.5 hours exploring the most easterly point in North America at Cape Spear Lighthouse, where the Atlantic and the North American continent meet. Your guide will also take you to Signal Hill and Cabot Tower, from where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city and harbor. The tour includes a walk through a cliffside WWII gun battery—a fascinating piece of history—and a visit to Quidi Vidi Village, a charming fishing community with a craft brewery scene.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive mix of history, scenery, and local flavor. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a well-rounded overview with an engaging guide. If whales are on your mind, keep an eye out during the drive, as whales sometimes breach offshore. Reviewers love the blend of storytelling and scenic stops, with a 4.8 rating based on 80 reviews. The price is reasonable for what you get, and the tour’s duration means you won’t spend your whole day on one experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a balanced introduction to St. John’s, combining iconic landmarks and local stories with a knowledgeable guide.
2. 3 hour City Tour of St. John’s, small group up to ten quests
Number 2 on our list is the 3-hour City Tour of St. John’s, which offers a more intimate look at the city’s top sights. Priced at $64, this tour limits the group to ten guests, ensuring personalized attention. Your guide will take you to Signal Hill, where Cabot Tower offers panoramic views, and to Quidi Vidi Village, with its quaint fishing boats and local crafts. You’ll stroll down Jellybean Row, marveling at the brightly painted houses that make the neighborhood famous.
This tour is praised for its lively commentary and well-paced itinerary. It covers Cape Spear, Petty Harbor, and other key spots, providing a rich sense of the city’s coastal culture. With a 4.9 rating from 44 reviews, it’s clear that travelers appreciate the small-group feel and detailed storytelling. The shorter duration makes it perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: A great option for those wanting a compact, personalized tour that hits all the major sights without rushing.
3. St. John’s: Guided Walking Tour of the City
For around $42, the Guided Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour stroll through downtown St. John’s, perfect for travelers looking for a leisurely, in-depth look. This tour dives into the city’s architectural highlights, including the Anglican Cathedral of St. John and the iconic Jellybean Row houses. You’ll walk along Duckworth Street, learning about the city’s shipping past and notable residents.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with your guide, making it ideal for curious travelers. The tour also includes time at Bannerman Park, where you can relax amid lush greenery while hearing stories about local life. With a 4.7 rating, it’s clear that the personal touch resonates well.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in detailed stories and a relaxed pace, perfect for those who want to explore the city center intimately.
4. Newfoundland Beer Tasting Tour in St. John’s
Beer lovers will appreciate the Newfoundland Beer Tasting Tour, rated 4.9 out of 5. For $61, you’ll sample seven different beers, all brewed locally, totaling about two pints. The tour delves into Newfoundland’s long brewing tradition and quirky stories behind the beers, giving you a taste of the local flavor both literally and culturally.
Led by someone with deep knowledge of craft brewing, the tour also teaches participants how to appreciate craft beers and understand the brewing process. It’s a lively, casual experience that pairs well with an evening out or a relaxed afternoon. Reviewers rave about the authenticity of the tastings and engaging guide.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer enthusiasts wanting a fun, educational way to explore Newfoundland’s brewing scene.
5. Walking on Water – 90min Downtown St. John’s Tour
For a quick, accessible introduction, the Walking on Water offers a 1.5-hour stroll for just $28. This tour highlights how 10 Newfoundlanders held off 400 German soldiers during WWI, along with stories of local characters. It covers key sites like Duckworth Street and Bannerman Park, with a focus on history and storytelling.
Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those needing a gentle walk. The tour is praised for its friendly guides and memorable tales, making history come alive without long hours on your feet.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history buffs or those new to St. John’s who want a short, engaging overview.
6. St John’s Premium Driving Tour with Signal Hill & Cape Spear
If you prefer to cover more ground comfortably, the Premium Driving Tour is a solid choice. For $78, this 3-4 hour tour includes hotel pickup, visits to Cape Spear and Signal Hill (admission included), and stops at Jellybean Row and Quidi Vidi Village. It’s suitable for travelers who want a rundown without the hassle of navigating themselves.
This small-group tour (max 6 guests) is praised for its flexible itinerary and engaging guide. Highlights include North America’s northernmost point and stories about local culture. Some reviews mention that the tour could be slightly rushed if you want to linger at each site, but overall, it offers good value for those who want a mix of sights and commentary.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a guided overview with minimal walking, especially if mobility is a concern.
$78 per person
7. St John’s Premium Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise
For an unforgettable day, the Premium Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise combines land and sea adventures. At $169, it includes hotel pickup, visits to Cape Spear and Signal Hill, and a boat cruise to spot whales, icebergs, and coastal wildlife. The boat ride itself is the star, offering up-close views of floating ice and marine life.
This 6-hour experience is perfect for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts. The admission to Signal Hill and the boat cruise are included, and travelers often comment on the incredible scenery and the chance to see whales breach and icebergs drift past. The tour’s comprehensive approach makes it suitable for those wanting a full day of sightseeing and wildlife experiences.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers eager to combine city highlights with an adventurous boat trip seeking wildlife and scenic photography.
$169 per person
8. St. John’s: Newfoundland Food & Culture Walking Tour
Foodies will love the Newfoundland Food & Culture Walking Tour, priced at $97. It features six stops in downtown St. John’s, sampling traditional dishes with modern twists. This tour emphasizes local flavors, stories behind the dishes, and the city’s culinary evolution.
The tour offers a chance to try items like smoked fish, baked goods, and regional specialties, while hearing about Newfoundland’s food traditions and quirks. The small group size and focus on local eateries make it an immersive experience. While reviews are not yet available, the curated stops promise a flavorful journey into Newfoundland’s cultural identity.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers eager to combine food tasting with cultural storytelling in a friendly setting.
$97 per person
9. Walking tour of downtown St. John’s in French
For French-speaking visitors, the French Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of the city’s highlights for $42. The tour covers Duckworth Street, Bannerman Park, and Jellybean Row, with stories delivered in French, making it accessible and engaging.
This tour is ideal for French speakers wanting a cultural connection while discovering St. John’s. It emphasizes local architecture, history, and notable sites, all explained in French, which adds a personalized touch for bilingual travelers. While specific reviews are not available, the value for this niche market is clear.
Bottom Line: Perfect for French-speaking visitors who want a guided introduction in their language.
$42 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and physical activity level. If you’re eager for a rundown with historical insights, the Cape Spear & City Tour or Small Group City Tour are excellent. Interested in combining sightseeing with wildlife? The Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise offers a full-day experience.
Foodies should look at the Food & Culture Tour, while those short on time might prefer the Walking Downtown Tour. For travelers wanting a private or small-group setting, tours with limited participants or private options are best.
Remember to book early, especially for popular outings like the boat cruise or whale watching, which can fill up fast during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
St. John’s offers a wide range of tours that cater to different interests—from scenic drives and historical walking tours to culinary adventures and wildlife cruises. For travelers seeking a robust introduction, the Cape Spear & City Tour or the Small Group City Tour are fantastic options. If your focus is on wildlife and coastal scenery, the Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise stands out.
No matter your choice, booking early is wise—these tours tend to fill during the busy summer months. With so many ways to experience this charming city, you’re sure to find a tour that enriches your visit and leaves you with lasting memories of Newfoundland’s rugged beauty and welcoming spirit.