St Johns Tours: 15 That Use a Whole Day Well

1.Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 837 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94Our pick

From Bay Bulls, about 25 minutes from St. John’s, you’ll cruise aboard the catamaran Gaffer VI to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Local crew share Newfoundland stories, songs, and wildlife facts while you watch for puffins, whales, icebergs, dolphins, and seabirds. Hotel pickup is available from select hotels for an extra fee.

“Great staff. It was a lot of fun. Our only disappointment was no whales. Puffins were great though. Really enjoyed the people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

From Bay Bulls, join a two-hour English-language cruise around the four islands of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Expect huge seabird colonies, puffins, auks, and possible minke whales or dolphins. The crew adds local stories, songs, fishing, and optional screeching. Bring warm layers, as the boat can feel cold even on a pleasant day.

“We liked theWhales the puffins the ocean and a good crew. I liked the child's price. A seniors price would be good.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 455 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112

Sail from St. John’s Harbour toward Cape Spear on a two-hour Iceberg Quest cruise. Your captain and crew explain local history, seabirds, whales, and coastal geology while you watch from the deck or heated cabin. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the route delivers fine views of Signal Hill, Fort Amherst, Blackhead Sea Caves, and North America’s most easterly point.

“Its not a real cod for the Screechers ceremony not for you if you hate wind ,waves and history Tyler is a boatfull of knowledge”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Historic St. John’s Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 248 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

This small-group St. John’s tour takes you to Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, Jellybean Row, Signal Hill, and Quidi Vidi in about 3.5 hours. Guides including Larry, Cliff, Steve, Bill, John, and others provide local history and humor along the way. Pickup is available from many hotels, with groups capped at 20 people.

“We had a great tour with lots of information about history, food, nature etc. Cliff the guide and driver was excellent”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.St. John’s Downtown Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

Spend about 2.5 hours walking central St. John’s with a small group of up to 18 people. Guides such as Dave, Pierre, Sam, Tyra, and Bob bring local history, Newfoundland culture, stories, and food tips to George Street, Water Street, the Colonial Building, a cemetery, a summer park, and the War Memorial.

“Dave was amazing! Super passionate and knowledgeable about world and local history. Learned SO much, will never be able to remember it all. ☺️”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.4 Hour St John’s Tour w Come From Away star (lunch included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $149

George’s Tours gives you a four to five hour, small-group look at St. John’s and nearby coastal villages. Expect pickup and drop-off, Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, Portugal Cove, Signal Hill, and possibly Quidi Vidi. George, a former actor and *Come From Away* performer, adds stories, humor, and music. Lunch includes fish and chips and a non-alcoholic drink.

“We had an absolutely fantastic time on this tour! Our guide, George, was the highlight of the day; he was engaging, knowledgeable, and full of fun. We shared plenty of laughs along the way, and he managed to strike the perfect balance between entertainment and education. In just a few hours, we saw so much of St. John’s & surroundings and learned so much about its history and culture that the time flew by, it certainly didn’t feel like a 5-hour tour. In fact, George generously spent an extra hour with us, which made the experience even more special. He’s incredibly well-spoken and considerate, making sure to accommodate the individual…”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.St. John’s 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 132 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $101

Walk about 2 km through downtown St. John’s with a small group of up to 12 people, stopping at six food spots for Newfoundland treats, pub bites, seafood, pastries, and ice cream. Guides such as Tyra, Mackenzie, David, and Pierre add local stories along George Street, Water Street, the harbour, and Duckworth Street.

“A vibrant and informative food tour. You should come prepared to sample some good food. Our host/guide was very good.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.2 Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 126 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112

From 52 Main St. in Twillingate, you’ll cruise Iceberg Alley with Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours for about two hours. The crew shares local stories while you watch for ancient ice, humpback whales, seals, gannets, and seabirds. Captain Barry and crew have sometimes extended the trip when icebergs are nearby. A heated cabin and licensed bar add comfort on cold, wet days.

“Everything was wonderful staff came sound often to make sure everything was good, took pictures for us”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.3 hour City Tour of St.John’s, small group up to ten guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66

Explore St. John’s and its coast in a comfortable minivan with a local guide such as Jeff, Dave, or Geoffrey. You’ll visit Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Quidi Vidi, Petty Harbour, Jelly Bean Row, and the Terry Fox Monument. Pickup is available from hotels, Airbnbs, and cruise ships, with groups limited to 10 people.

“We really enjoyed our tour today. Dave's new sprinter van was very comfortable and roomy. The itinerary was good but the best part was Dave's laid back style and willingness to accommodate. When we arrived in Petty Harbour he made us aware of a number to call to get fresh lobster from a local fisherman. He had no problem with the 10 minute wait for the fisherman to arrive, nor the additional 15 or 20 minutes for us to go out on the boat to the fisherman's pound to choose our lobster. Then when we mentioned that we didn't have a pot big enough to cook them in he stopped…”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.St. John’s NL: Cape Spear & City Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 80 reviews · from $64

Spend 3.5 hours exploring St. John’s and Cape Spear in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking local guide. Expect coastal views, the Cape Spear lighthouse, Signal Hill, Cabot Tower, a World War II gun battery, Quidi Vidi Village, Jelly Bean Row, and helpful city tips. Pickup is included from many area hotels.

“Really enjoyed the tour. Guide is the best of the best 🤩 It was really interesting to learn interesting facts about St. John’s and see such beautiful places. Highly recommend 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.St John’s Premium Driving Tour with Signal Hill & Cape Spear

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 50 reviews · from $78

See St. John’s highlights in three to four hours with a local English-speaking guide, including Cape Spear, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Village, Jellybean Row, and the Terry Fox Memorial. Pickup and drop-off are included downtown, and groups are limited to six. Guides may include Keith, Will, or Leo.

“Our guide Leo was very personable. His English was very good for someone still learning the language, His manners were excellent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.3 hour City Tour of St. John’s, small group up to ten quests

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $65

See St. John’s highlights in a late-model van with an English-speaking guide such as Dave, Jeff, or Geoffrey. You’ll visit Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi, Jellybean Row, Cape Spear, and Petty Harbour, with pickup from hotels, Airbnb stays, and cruise ships in the St. John’s area.

“Good tour but I would have liked a bit more time at Cape Spear.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Explore St. John’s Scenic Bus Tour to Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from downtown St. John’s to Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, Signal Hill, Jellybean Row, and Quidi Vidi. The three-hour route mixes Atlantic views, fishing villages, military history, and local stories. Guides such as Brian Clancy, George, and former mayor Dennis O’Keefe have led this tour.

“We were very fortunate to have Dennis okeefe the three time mayor of St. John’s as our tour guide. Despite the weather conditions we had a wonderful time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.St Johns Premium Tour with Iceberg Quest Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 37 reviews · from $169

You’ll tour St. John’s with a local guide such as Keith or Kevin, visit Cape Spear and Signal Hill, pass Jellybean Row and Quidi Vidi, then board Iceberg Quest. Expect dramatic coast views, possible whales, puffins, and icebergs, with downtown pickup included.

“Keith from Seaside Tours was absolutely amazing and a delight as a guide. He was already waiting for us at the pick up spot and his car was clean and comfortable. He told us some great stories and we enjoyed his company Brilliant at sorting out our Quest tickets which were not properly logged in system Only complaint is pick up info poor and misleading especially address names We’re astounded when we then go right past the pier we were anchored at !! Strongly suggest you change the pickup point or provide the street address”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.St. John’s: Guided Walking Tour of the City

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 30 reviews · 2h 30m · from $43Best value

Spend 150 minutes walking through St. John’s with a local guide, visiting Water Street, Duckworth Street, Bannerman Park, the Colonial Building, the Anglican Cathedral, and Jellybean Row. Guides such as Sam and Tyra bring the city’s stories to life, with time for questions and several uphill breaks.

“Guide was very informative about the history of the area and held our attention throughout”

Check availability →Read our full review