St. John's

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - City of Legends

St. John's

I was raised in the oldest city in North America. Originally known as "Rio de San Johem", St. John's has English, Italian and Portuguese roots. History remarks that Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto landed in Bonavista on June 24, 1497 and found a sea brimming with cod fish. St. John's was selected as the capital due to its strategic, sheltered harbour. Its main drag, Water Street, is the oldest street in North America and was developed between 1541 and 1546. Settled in the beginning by fishermen from South Devon, St. John's eventually grew to become the centre of commerce and politics in the province.

St. John's is also minutes from the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear. The city is wrapped in the North Atlantic. And though I am biased, I think it is home to the friendliest crop of people in Canada. Since 1949, St. John's has been the capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

If your travels happen to bring you to St. John's, here's how I recommend you occupy your time:

Where to Stay: Should an extended stay in the city be in the cards, I recommend Hometel on Signal Hill. Though brownstones are not traditional St. John's structures (they're more indicative of a modern remake of homes in Dublin), the location of these rooms and houses at the base of Signal Hill and on the eastern outskirts of downtown makes them a worthy consideration. For more traditional St. John's flair, orient yourself in Jellybean-centre Gower Street at one of the row house bed and breakfasts. The Narrows and Bonne Esperance are notable options.

Bonne Esperance

Where to Eat: Fine dining options have grown exponentially in recent years as the city has blossomed into an oil and gas capital. For breakfast, roll down to Duckworth Street's The Bagel Cafe and Figgs for hearty fare. For lunch, check out the Austism Centre's Pantry at Shamrock Farm for fresh soups and salads. For dinner, overlook the Atlantic Ocean in nearby Portugal Cove-St. Phillip's at award-winning, Atlantica.

Atlantica

For those seeking a vegetarian meal, try The Sprout on Duckworth. For a traditional Newfoundland meal, try Bacalao. Ensure you also make time to grab a hot chocolate and cheesecake at Coffee Matters on Military Road. Aqua, Blue on Water, Basho, The Gypsy Tea Room and The Vault are sure to please those looking for fine dining.

Where to Drink: Spend time catching up with friends over cocktails and spicy wedges at the Australian coffee house and cafe, Tangled Up in Blue on Bates Hill. Reflect on your college days at The Republic. Get screeched in at Christian's on George Street. Taste local beers at the Quidi Vidi Brewery in Quidi Vidi village.

Quidi Vidi Brewery

Where to Shop: Twisted Sisters Boutik on Water Street is the premiere shop for Canadian designers, great shoes and locally made purses and jewelry in the city. August and Lotta Stockholm nearby offers chic Scandinavian designs and great leather shoes. For fun, locally designed and made t-shirts, try Living Planet. Belbin's Grocery on Quidi Vidi Road is a wonderful family groceteria with healthy take-away options and smiling service.

Earrings at Twisted Sisters Boutik

Sites to See: Signal Hill where Marconi sent the first telegraph. Icebergs in May and June. The Royal St. John's Regatta on the first Wednesday in August. The Rooms provincial museum and art gallery. The Battery fishing village at the edge of downtown. The St. John's Haunted Hike for ghost stories. The Grand Concourse Authority's walking trails, namely Rennies River. The intricate Rawlins Cross. The pink-white-green tricolour flying on the Southside Hills overlooking St. John's Harbour. Irish step dancing lessons from Shawn Silver.

All photos are from the respective websites listed.