St. John’s, Newfoundland, is a city that invites exploration on foot. Its colorful houses, rugged coastline, and lively streets make it a perfect destination for walking tours. What sets St. John’s apart is the accessible, walkable downtown area packed with stories, architecture, and local flavor. We particularly enjoy tours that blend history, culture, and local character, like the Guided Walking Tour of the City, which offers a comprehensive look at the city’s past and present. Plus, the chance to admire Jellybean Row’s iconic houses and explore Bannerman Park makes for memorable moments.
If you’re after variety, the list below covers different tastes—whether it’s a quick intro, a food-focused experience, or a French-language walk. Each tour offers something unique, and we’ll guide you through their highlights to help you choose the best match for your trip.
1. St. John’s: Guided Walking Tour of the City
At number one, this comprehensive 2.5-hour tour provides a deep dive into what makes St. John’s special. For around $42, the Guided Walking Tour of the City is highly rated at 4.7/5 from 30 reviews. The tour covers key landmarks such as Duckworth Street, known for its maritime history, and the stunning Anglican Cathedral of St. John. As you stroll through the city’s historic streets, your guide shares lively stories and interesting facts that bring the city’s past to life. You’ll also visit Bannerman Park, a lush green space perfect for a breather and photos, and end with a walk along the famous Jellybean Row, with its brightly painted houses.
What makes this tour stand out is its engaging storytelling and the chance to ask questions. The price reflects good value, considering the length and depth of the experience. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad overview, with enough detail to satisfy history buffs and casual travelers alike. The walk is not strenuous, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour ideal for those wanting an insightful, friendly introduction to St. John’s with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
2. Walking on Water – 90min Downtown St. John’s Tour
Number two on our list is the Walking on Water, a shorter, 1.5-hour stroll rated 4.8/5 from 8 reviews. Priced at only $28, this tour provides a quick but meaningful snapshot of downtown St. John’s. It’s especially appealing if you’re limited on time or want to see the core sights without a long commitment. The tour is entirely accessible, making it suitable for all mobility levels.
During this walk, you’ll learn fascinating stories like how 10 Newfoundlanders defended against 400 German soldiers during WWI and visit the site of the world’s first remote-control cornerstone laying. The guide’s storytelling is lively, with entertaining tales about colorful Newfoundland characters that bring the city’s personality to life. The tour takes you past notable landmarks and offers great photo opportunities, especially for history buffs wanting a concentrated dose of local lore.
Given the high rating and affordability, this short tour offers excellent value and a taste of St. John’s history and charm in a compact format. It’s best suited for travelers new to the city or those who want an easy introduction without the time commitment of longer tours.
Bottom Line: A brisk, engaging walk perfect for a quick overview or those with limited time but who still want a meaningful taste of St. John’s stories and sites.
3. St. John’s: Newfoundland Food & Culture Walking Tour
For a different experience, the Food & Culture Walking Tour dives into Newfoundland’s culinary traditions. Although specific ratings aren’t provided, the tour costs $97 and lasts three hours. You’ll visit six downtown stops, sampling local dishes that reflect the city’s history and identity—think modern twists on traditional recipes, paired with stories behind each dish.
This tour stands out because it combines food tasting with cultural insights, making it perfect for food lovers and curious travelers. The stops are carefully selected to showcase Newfoundland’s unique flavors and the quirky stories behind its cuisine. The experience offers a relaxed pace, allowing you to savor each bite while learning about local food traditions.
While a bit pricier, the inclusion of six stops and rich storytelling make it good value for those interested in both eating and learning. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more immersive, flavorful experience and don’t mind a bit of walking and standing.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies eager to explore Newfoundland’s culinary scene and culture at a leisurely pace.
$97 per person
4. Walking tour of downtown St. John’s in French
Number four, the French-language walking tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of the city’s core, priced at $42. Like the first tour, it covers similar highlights such as Duckworth Street, Bannerman Park, and Jellybean Row, but in French. This tour is perfect for French-speaking travelers or those eager to experience St. John’s through a bilingual lens.
While reviews aren’t specified, the tour’s structure suggests it provides an engaging, in-depth look at the city’s history and architecture, with an added language twist. It’s a great option for Francophones who want an authentic experience in their native tongue or travelers interested in practicing their French skills while sightseeing.
The tour’s timing and content make it suitable for those comfortable with or eager to practice French, and it offers the same relaxed pace and photo opportunities as the English version.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for French speakers or bilingual travelers who want a detailed tour in their language, with the same local highlights as the English version.
$42 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect St. John’s Walking Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your schedule, interests, and energy level. If you want a rundown and don’t mind a longer walk, the Guided Walking Tour of the City is your best bet. For a quick taste, the Walking on Water offers a concise yet fun introduction. Food lovers should consider the Food & Culture Tour, especially if sampling local cuisine excites you. Francophones or those studying French will enjoy the French-language tour.
Think about your budget—the shorter tours are more affordable, while the food tour offers a more immersive experience at a higher price. Your time available will also influence your choice; shorter options fit better into busy schedules. If you’re interested in history, look for tours that highlight stories such as the WWI defense or the cornerstone laying. For sightseeing, consider the tours with photo opportunities outside Jellybean Row or Bannerman Park.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure a spot on your preferred tour.
St. John’s offers a wonderful array of walking experiences that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you’re after a detailed history walk, a quick introduction, or a food tasting adventure, there’s a perfect tour waiting. For first-timers, the guided city tour hits the mark; for those with limited time, the 90-minute downtown walk is ideal. Foodies will find delight in sampling Newfoundland flavors, and French speakers will appreciate the bilingual option. Whichever you choose, walking through St. John’s will reward you with stories, sights, and flavors you won’t forget. Be sure to book early and enjoy every step of your Newfoundland adventure.