St John's, NL

Locals in St. John’s, NL like to start their day by admiring the colorful houses of Jelly Bean Row and the sparkling water of the harbour. Stroll down Water Street where the core cafés, boutiques, bookstores, and pubs reside. This area is highly walkable as you can stroll from a charming church to an art gallery without a car. A short jaunt beyond the heart of town leads you to Signal Hill, where the iconic Cabot Tower overlooks the water.

Nature is celebrated in St. John’s as it is a staple in everyday life. Locals head to the East Coast Trail for ocean views that’ll stop you mid-step, with rugged cliffs and hidden coves stretching along the coast. In the city itself, you’ll find natural pockets like the trails around Quidi Vidi Lake and near Memorial University. Bowring Park blends forested path with duck ponds and sculptures, while the Memorial University Botanical Garden blooms with native plants, winding paths, and quiet corners perfect for an afternoon wander. Whether you’re out for a jog or just clearing your head, green spaces are part of the rhythm here.

Renting in St. John’s doesn’t mean choosing between character and convenience as you can get both. Downtown offers pubs, coffee shops, and galleries a block away from colorful heritage row houses and loft-style apartments tucked into historic buildings. In neighbourhoods like Georgestown and Rabbittown, you’ll find tree-lined streets with apartment communities that feel like extensions of the city’s warm, lived-in charm. Closer to Memorial University, places near Churchill Square provide those needing to be near campus easy access to grocery stores, and green space. Whether you’re after a quiet flat near Bannerman Park or something steps from the action on Water Street, there’s a neighbourhood in the city that fits your pace.

The city’s deep history anchors its cultural life: it’s one of the oldest cities in North America and where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal atop Signal Hill. Each year, the streets pulse with energy during the George Street Festival, and come December, St. John's bursts into colour and music for the Mummers Festival, honoring Newfoundland traditions with masked parades and story telling workshops.