The city of St John's is the capital of the island of Newfoundland on Canada's Atlantic coast. North America's most northerly city stands on the east coast of the Avalon Peninsular at the southwestern corner of the island. If you hire a car in St John's, a scenic drive is highly recommended; this is an area of soaring cliffs, rugged rocks and views of icebergs and vast seabird colonies. Aim for the fjord-like Conception Bay, the fossils and history of Cape Race, and the whale-spotting panoramas of Placentia Bay. St John's airport is two miles to the north of the city.
St John's has grown up into the hills around its natural harbour with narrow streets of brightly painted wooden houses. The old downtown quarter is popular with browsing tourists and if you hire a car here you'll be able to explore it too. These historic low-rise streets are full with gift shops, boutiques and cafes. Elsewhere you'll find the arts centre, provincial museum and a motorcycle museum. The Johnson Geo Centre houses an interactive exhibition about the local geology while Pippy Park, with its two golf courses and ski trails, is one of Canada's biggest urban parks. Signal Hill overlooking the city has become a popular tourist landmark too.
