Getting around St. John’s, Newfoundland is best done through its excellent guided tours. The most worthwhile options cover the essentials efficiently. I love the private hiking tours that tackle Signal Hill and Lions Head – they’re intimate and let you move at your own pace. The historic walking tours through downtown, including the magnificent Anglican Cathedral, are well-researched and fascinating. For compact sightseeing, small-group minibus tours to Quidi Vidi Village are practical and comprehensive. The real highlight is the Iceberg Quest boat tour – nothing beats seeing whales breach and icebergs float by in their natural habitat. The craft beer circuit is also surprisingly good, offering generous samples at local breweries. Let’s explore these top St. John’s tours.
Key Points
- For a guided 2.5-hour walking tour of St. John’s, the St. John’s Guided Walking Tour covers significant landmarks and highlights for $41.23 per person.
- The 3-Hour City Tour of St. John’s offers a comprehensive small group experience, including visits to Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Village, and Cape Spear, at $76.35 per person.
- The Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise Tour provides a 6-hour small group experience, featuring visits to Cape Spear National Historic Site, Signal Hill, and an iceberg viewing boat tour, priced from SEK 1,918 per person.
- The Newfoundland Beer Tasting Tour is a 2.5-hour experience where visitors can sample 7 locally-brewed beers and learn about the craft beer culture in the region, priced from $59.40 per person.
- The Private Hiking Tour Highlights a 7-hour private tour, including a 2.5-hour moderate hike at Lions Head, a visit to Signal Hill, and a cultural tour of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, priced at €67.34 per person.
A Private Hiking Tour to Lions Head, Sign Hill, and Bo-Kaap
This private hiking tour offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore some of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks.
For €67.34 per person, you’ll embark on a 7-hour journey that includes private transportation, a professional driver and guide, and all the essentials like bottled water and lunch.
The experience begins with a guided tour of Lions Head, where you’ll tackle a moderate 2.5-hour hike rewarded by stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and the city skyline.
Next, you’ll visit Signal Hill for panoramic photo opportunities of the Cape Peninsula.
The final stop is the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, known for its colorful houses and cobblestone streets.
Your guide will lead a 1.5-hour tour, allowing you to learn about the area’s cultural heritage and sample local cuisine at your own expense.
With an experienced guide providing insights on the local flora, fauna, and history, this tour promises an enriching experience highlighting Cape Town’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Read our full review: A Private Hiking Tour to Lions Head, Sign Hill, and Bo-Kaap Review
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St. Johns: Guided Walking Tour of the City
Although St. John’s is known for its scenic beauty, a guided walking tour offers an engaging way to discover the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The 2.5-hour tour, priced at $41.23 per person, allows visitors to explore significant landmarks like Duckworth Street, Water Street, and the Anglican Cathedral of St. John.
The tour’s highlights include a stroll through the picturesque Bannerman Park and the chance to capture photos of the colorful houses on Jellybean Row.
Participants will also learn about local history, including government seating arrangements and historical events involving a Nazi officer.
The tour is led by a live guide in English, and it’s possible to book with a reserve now and pay later option.
With a 4.4/5 rating based on 7 reviews, this guided walking tour promises an informative and enjoyable experience for visitors to St. John’s.
The tour involves some uphill walking, but breaks are available, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Read our full review: St. Johns: Guided Walking Tour of the City Review
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3 Hour City Tour of St. Johns, Small Group up to Six Quests
Exploring the vibrant city of St. John’s, visitors can embark on a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour. This small-group experience, limited to 6 participants, offers a cost-effective option at $76.35 per person.
Travelers will be picked up and dropped off at their hotel or Airbnb, ensuring a seamless journey.
The tour highlights St. John’s iconic landmarks, including Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Village, and the historic downtown area. Guests will also venture to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, and the charming fishing village of Petty Harbor.
Along the way, the live English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the city’s rich history and scenic beauty to life.
Complementing the tour, the air-conditioned minivan offers complimentary bottled water and the opportunity to purchase Newfoundland souvenirs.
With a 5-star rating based on 16 reviews, this small-group tour promises an engaging and memorable exploration of St. John’s.
Read our full review: 3 Hour City Tour of St. Johns, Small Group up to Six Quests Review
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St. John’S: Small Group Tour With Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise
Visitors to St. John’s can embark on a 6-hour small group tour that includes an Iceberg Quest boat cruise. Priced from SEK 1,918 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights. The group size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Pickup is available from local hotels, Airbnbs, and cruise ships.
The tour takes guests to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the oldest lighthouse in the province, and provides a narrated driving tour of St. John’s, showcasing Jellybean Row, George Street, and Quidi Vidi Village.
The itinerary also includes a stop at Signal Hill National Historic Site and Cabot Tower, known for its historical and communication significance.
The Iceberg Quest boat tour offers the opportunity to witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales and 12,000-year-old icebergs. With a live English-speaking guide, the tour provides an immersive and informative experience.
Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear.
Read our full review: St. John’S Small Group Tour With Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise Review
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Newfoundland Beer Tasting Tour in St. Johns
The Newfoundland Beer Tasting Tour in St. John’s is a 2.5-hour experience that takes visitors on a journey through the local brewing scene.
Priced from $59.40 per person, this tour offers participants the chance to sample 7 different locally-brewed beers, equaling 2 pints.
Throughout the tour, a live guide provides insights into Newfoundland’s brewing history, craft beer tasting techniques, and the brewing process.
Visitors will explore three different breweries and bars, learning about the province’s prohibition tales and local connections.
The beer variety includes a sour beer with Newfoundland sea salt and a complex stout.
While food is optional, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, individuals with gluten intolerance, or those under 19 years.
With a 5/5 rating based on one review, this tour is a great way to discover Newfoundland’s vibrant craft beer culture.
Read our full review: Newfoundland Beer Tasting Tour in St. Johns Review
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St. Johns: Cape Spear and City Tour With Local Guide
This guided tour offers travelers an opportunity to discover the historic and picturesque sights of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Over 3.5 hours, a knowledgeable local guide leads a small group of up to 15 participants on a comprehensive exploration of the city and its iconic landmarks.
The tour includes a visit to Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, where visitors can admire stunning ocean views and a World War II gun battery.
Other highlights include Cabot Tower and Signal Hill, the charming Quidi Vidi Village, and the city’s architectural gems like Jelly Bean Row and the Roman Catholic Basilica.
With convenient pickup from 22 locations and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an excellent way to experience the rich history and natural beauty of St. John’s.
Travelers can expect a well-organized outing led by enthusiastic guides who share their local knowledge and personal stories.
Read our full review: St. Johns: Cape Spear and City Tour With Local Guide Review
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St Johns: Small Group Guided Tour by Car
For travelers seeking a more intimate and personalized exploration of St. John’s, the Small Group Guided Tour by Car is an excellent option. This 3-hour excursion, priced at £64.63 per person, takes participants on a journey through the unique culture, history, and stunning vistas of the city, with a maximum group size of 6.
The tour highlights include visits to iconic landmarks such as Signal Hill, Jellybean Row, Cape Spear National Historic Site, and Cabot Tower. Guests will experience panoramic views of the city and its harbor from Signal Hill, as well as the opportunity to see the Terry Fox Memorial and other historical sites.
The tour also includes a narrated drive to the easternmost point of North America, the Cape Spear Lighthouse.
With complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a hassle-free and flexible way to explore the best of St. John’s.
Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable and engaging guide, though some suggest clearer pickup instructions and optimal locations for cruise ship passengers.
Read our full review: St Johns: Small Group Guided Tour by Car Review
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The Sum Up
St. John’s, Newfoundland offers a variety of guided tours showcasing the city’s natural beauty, historic sites, and local culture. From hiking excursions and walking tours to beer tastings and boat cruises, visitors can experience the best of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Whether travelers prefer small group or private tours, they’ll find an option tailored to their interests and needs.