Journey Through a Fairytale World|Encounter the Colorful Charm of St. John's
St. John's, located on the easternmost tip of Newfoundland, Canada, is a charming city with magnificent natural scenery, rich history and culture, and unique cuisine. The average temperature here is around 10–20°C in summer (June–August), making it a cool and pleasant time for outdoor activities. In winter (December–February), the average temperature is around -10–0°C, which is quite cold, but offers unique winter scenery and activities. Here's a guide to a wonderful journey through St. John's.
Must-See Attractions
1. Signal Hill: As the landmark of St. John's, standing on top of the hill offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. The sea breeze and the breathtaking view of the ocean meeting the sky make it feel like the end of the world is right in front of you. This is also the reception point of the first transatlantic wireless signal. There are many hiking trails nearby, perfect for those who love to explore.
2. Cape Spear: Home to the oldest lighthouse in North America, Cape Spear greets the first rays of sunlight every day. From May to September, you might even spot whales🐋 in the surrounding waters, experiencing the wonders of nature.
3. Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve: Known as the "Seabird Capital of North America," this reserve is home to thousands of gulls, murres, and puffins that nest and winter here. Birdwatchers shouldn't miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with these seabirds and capture their lively movements with their cameras.
Culinary Exploration
1. New Moon Chinese Restaurant: The beef brisket noodles here are incredibly flavorful, and the stir-fried dishes are always a hit. The home-style tofu is fresh and delicious, and the slippery beef with rice is a perfect match. However, be aware that their boiled fish portion is relatively small, so it's not recommended.
2. The Room Cafe: Located on the 4th floor of the museum, this restaurant's biggest highlight is its stunning view of the entire city. The beef sandwich with sweet peppers is unique and worth a try.
3. Savor the Local Seafood: A trip to St. John's wouldn't be complete without indulging in fresh Atlantic seafood. Fried cod tongues and cod tacos are local specialties. Arctic shrimp is tender and flavorful, and there's also lobster, scallops, and more to satisfy your cravings. Don't forget to visit the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company and try their beer brewed with water from melted ancient icebergs. Its unique refreshing taste will surely captivate you😎.
Travel Tips
1. Transportation: You can fly directly to St. John's from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal, which takes about 2.5–4 hrs. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island, as the attractions are quite far apart. Driving allows you to stop and admire the scenery along the way.
2. Best Time to Visit: If you want to see iceberg drifting, whale watching, or bird watching, summer (June–August) is the best time to go. If you prefer winter activities like snow adventures, skiing, or seeing the Northern Lights, winter (December–February) is a good choice, but remember to wear warm and windproof clothing and check the weather forecast in advance.
3. Other Tips: When driving in Canada, pedestrians have the absolute right of way, and cars must yield to them. Due to the long winter and low visibility, you need to turn on your low-beam headlights even during the day. Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Children under 8 years old must use appropriate child seats, and children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat. Using a mobile phone for calls or internet access while driving is prohibited.
St. John's, like a hidden gem, awaits you to unveil its mysteries and embark on a dream journey of your own🎈. Are you ready to set off?