St Johns Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Savvy choices for your budget.

Smart Spending

Discount Cards and Passes: St. John's does not feature a city-wide tourist pass. Check individual attraction websites for possible senior, student, or family discounts before ticket purchase.
Free Activities: Enjoy many complimentary experiences. Explore Signal Hill (excluding peak season parking fees), wander The Battery, and walk among the colorful Jellybean Row houses.
Dining Deals: Many downtown restaurants offer lunch specials or early bird dinner deals. Seek out happy hour promotions on drinks and appetizers, especially weekdays.
Transportation Savings: Walk often, notably within the downtown area. Metrobus serves longer distances; a m-Card is an option for discounted fares if public transit use is frequent.

Accommodation Choices

Bed & Breakfasts: Consider staying in Bed & Breakfasts or guesthouses. They frequently include breakfast, reducing daily food expenses.
Vacation Rentals: Rentals with kitchen facilities allow meal preparation, further cutting dining costs.
Strategic Location: Selecting accommodation close to main attractions reduces transportation needs.
Early Booking: Secure better rates by booking lodging well ahead of your visit, especially during peak seasons.

Food & Drink

Local Cafes: Discover smaller, independent cafes for budget-friendly coffee and snacks.
Local Markets: Visit local markets for fresh, affordable ingredients for self-catered meals.
Pub Grub: Many pubs offer hearty, reasonably priced meals beyond just drinks.
Bring Snacks: Carry your own snacks and drinks for excursions to avoid impulse purchases.

Activity Planning

Event Calendars: Check local event listings for free concerts, festivals, or community gatherings.
Trail Exploration: Numerous walking and hiking trails are free to access and offer stunning views.
Photography Walks: St. John's is picturesque; self-guided photography walks cost nothing.
Community Events: Look for opportunities to join local community events, which are often free or low cost.

Smart Transport & Lodging

Efficient ways to move around and stay.

City Movement

Walkable Core: Downtown St. John's is compact and best explored on foot.
Public Transit: Metrobus covers wider areas; check schedules for efficient travel.
Rental Car Insight: A rental car enhances exploration beyond city limits. Book early for competitive rates.
Cycling: Consider renting a bicycle for shorter distances, weather permitting.

Stay Options

Hotels: Various hotel options are available, from boutique to chain brands.
Camping: For the adventurous, nearby parks offer camping experiences.
Guesthouses: Personal touches and local insights often feature at guesthouses.
Location Benefits: Staying near amenities or transit lines streamlines your daily activities.

Navigational Aids

Physical Maps: Grab a paper map from the Visitor Information Centre for easy reference.
Connectivity: Locate free public Wi-Fi spots to conserve mobile data.
GPS Devices: For driving, a dedicated GPS or phone app guides you effectively.
Signage: Follow road signs for attractions outside the city core.

Convenience Features

Luggage Storage: If needed, inquire about luggage storage services at your accommodation or airport.
Weather Readiness: Constant attention to local forecasts influences daily plans.
Payment Methods: Carry a mix of credit cards and some Canadian cash for varied situations.
Information Booths: Staff at tourism booths offer current local advice and tips.

Local Culinary Adventures

Discover the distinct tastes of Newfoundland.

Must-Try Dishes

Jiggs Dinner: A traditional boiled dinner with salt beef, vegetables, and pudding.
Toutons: Fried bread dough often served with molasses or butter.
Fish and Brewis: Salted cod and hardtack, often with scrunchions.
Figgy Duff: A steamed pudding with raisins, often served with Jiggs Dinner.

Seafood Delights

Fresh Lobster: Seasonal availability for succulent lobster.
Cod Tongues: A delicacy, often pan-fried.
Snow Crab: Sweet and tender crab, a local favorite.
Mussels and Clams: Freshly harvested and prepared in various ways.

Local Beverages

Screech: Newfoundland's famed rum, central to the "Screech-in" ceremony.
Blueberry Wine: Locally produced fruit wines.
Iceberg Beer: Beer brewed with actual iceberg water, if available.
Craft Breweries: A growing scene of local craft breweries with unique offerings.

Snacks & Sweets

Purity Syrup: A local molasses-like syrup used in baking.
Candy Cane Lane: Local bakeries feature traditional sweets.
Tea Buns: Often served with partridgeberry jam.
Maple Products: Canadian maple syrup and treats are widely enjoyed.

Getting Around the Region

Options for reaching more of Newfoundland.

Coastal Road Trips

Bonavista Peninsula: Explore charming coastal towns and historic sites.
Irish Loop: A scenic drive south of St. John's, with picturesque communities.
Baccalieu Trail: Historic settlements and dramatic seascapes.
Central Newfoundland: Journey inland to lakes and forests.

Ferry Travel

Labrador Ferry: Connect to Labrador for a different provincial experience.
Island Hopping: Ferries reach smaller islands like Fogo Island or Bell Island.
Coastal Boat Tours: Beyond whale watching, explore the coastline by boat.
International Connections: Limited international ferry routes, but domestic ferries are .

Air Connections

Regional Flights: Small airports connect to larger towns and remote areas.
Charter Services: For specific, remote destinations or scenic flights.
Helicopter Tours: Unique aerial views of the dramatic landscape.
Bush Planes: Access to remote wilderness lodges and fishing spots.

Adventure Transport

ATV Trails: Many trails welcome ATVs in designated areas.
Snowmobiling: A popular winter activity across vast snowscapes.
Horseback Riding: Some stables offer scenic trail rides.
Dog Sledding: Winter adventures with dog teams.

Remember Local Etiquette

Friendly locals appreciate politeness and genuine interest. Embrace conversations and the unique Newfoundland hospitality.

Time-Saving Travel

Efficient planning maximizes your sightseeing time and avoids unnecessary delays.

Avoid Crowds

Visit popular attractions during off-peak hours for a more serene experience.

Pre-Book Tours

Secure your spot for boat tours and popular activities by booking ahead.

Group Attractions

Plan your sightseeing by geographical area to minimize travel time.

Smart Planning for Efficiency

Attraction Access

Skip-the-Line: Long lines are uncommon for St. John's attractions. Pre-booking boat tours for whale or iceberg viewing is highly recommended, especially in high season, to secure your spot and preferred time slot.
Best Times: Signal Hill and Cape Spear are best visited early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal light. Mornings generally quiet for The Rooms.
Express Transit: For airport transfers, taxis or ride-sharing services are quickest compared to public transit.

Routing & Bookings

Efficient Routes: Group attractions geographically. Dedicate time to downtown walking, another to Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi Village, a separate day for south shore excursions.
Advance Bookings: Car rentals and popular boat tours require advance booking, especially for summer. Popular restaurants on weekend evenings also benefit from pre-booking.
Cultural Immersion: Embrace the unpredictability of the weather; adapt and find beauty. Appreciate a slower pace of life, where conversations flow easily.

Weather Preparedness

The weather in St. John's changes quickly. Always carry layers and rain gear, even during summer months.

St Johns Travel Hacks