If your travel dates are flexible, you'll want to plan your trip to Saint John's around the best weather of the year. In Saint John's, summer is the warmest and sunniest season of the year, but it doesn't truly start until July. Through August, you can expect average highs around 70 degrees before temperatures cool down again.
Spring and fall are also great times of year to visit Saint John's, but you should expect highs in the mid-40s and the occasional snowflake during these seasons. Winter can get very cold there, with lows in the teens. With about 11 feet of snow through the season, this is a great time for winter sports aficionados.
Keep in mind that summer is peak travel season in Saint John's, so you're likely to find peak hotel rates and sold-out periods. Be sure to book in advance, and you'll have a much better chance of scoring a discount or booking your ideal stay.
No matter your price point, you can easily find discounts and group rates at Saint John's hotels. CAA and AAA members can save at the Holiday Inn Saint John's Conference Centre and at the Sheraton Newfoundland. Seniors and AARP members get discounts at the Delta St. John's Conference Centre and at other Saint John's accommodations. Members of the military and government employees get low rates at many area hotels.
Get all of the amenities you want at the price you need. These top-rated mid-range hotels in Saint John's offer great value.
Whether you're visiting Saint John's on business or for fun, you'll want to stay at the Sheraton Newfoundland. This central hotel has over 300 rooms with signature Sweet Sleeper Beds and hypoallergenic pillows, along with gorgeous views and free high-speed wireless internet. Squeeze in a quick workout in the hotel's well-equipped fitness center, swim a few laps in the indoor pool, and treat yourself to the hotel's well-stocked breakfast buffet, which is available for an additional fee. The Sheraton Newfoundland features 17,000 square feet of event space and welcomes corporate and family groups with an average group discount of 15 percent.
When you stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Saint John's, you'll enjoy spacious rooms and suites with beautiful views of the city or the harbor. Business travelers will appreciate the ample workspaces in each room, along with the business center and two available meeting spaces. While breakfast isn't included in the rate, it's available for a nominal fee. Attractions like Signal Hill, The Rooms, and Cape Spear are just minutes away, and you'll find plenty of dining destinations within a few minutes' walk.
If you're looking for a quiet spot with just a handful of rooms, you'll want to book your stay at the Roses Heritage Inn. This boutique hotel spans two historic buildings and has a breakfast room, common room, and 12 guest rooms. After a great night's sleep in your cozy room, wake up to a complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore Saint John's on foot. In the evening, unwind on one of the inn's two rooftop decks.
You can't visit Saint John's without making at least a quick stop on the top of Signal Hill. Perched on a seaside cliff, this hill is one of the city's most important historical markers. This is where Saint John's waterfront defenses have protected the city for centuries, and it's also where the first transatlantic wireless signal arrived in 1901.
You can focus your visit on the historical aspects of the site, or you can plan a hike or another outdoor adventure in the area. If you want to stretch your legs, try one of the handful of trails that begin on Signal Hill. The trails range from easy to strenuous, and many offer breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
To see more of the beautiful coastline around Saint John's, you'll also want to head out to East Coast Trail. This area is home to 26 different trails that span a total of 185 miles. Depending on which trail you choose, you could encounter jaw-dropping headlands and fjords, visit long-abandoned settlements, discover historic lighthouses, and even tour ecological reserves. The trails will also lead you to a dramatic suspension bridge, an archaeological dig site, icebergs, and glaciers.
If you only have time for one indoor activity in Saint John's, make it The Rooms. This expansive cultural facility hosts an art gallery, exhibition space, a café, and performance spaces. Check the calendar before your trip to find out what's on, and decide whether you want to visit for a daytime exhibition or get tickets for an evening performance.
Ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Saint John's? Book the perfect place to stay and start designing your itinerary.
Below are reviews of the city of Saint Johns, NL from an actual visitor's perspective.
The old town, street closed off!
Our students thoroughly enjoyed all the activities, including the GeoCenter, the rooms, bowling, the cinema, and more. We traveled around town using the Metrobus, and it was a wonderful experience.
Churchill Park Music Festival!
Sandman was very clean, staff very efficient. It was close to the hospital and shopping.
The beds were comfortable, the room was clean, and everything was in working order. Love St Johns
Great sites and beaches. Wonderful people.
Easy to get around. Everyone is so friendly.