Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Historic Downtown St. John's Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

14 Reviews 4.00 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | St John's, Canada
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover colourful streets, historic churches and a working Atlantic harbour on a self-guided 3 km walk through downtown St. John's. The route takes about 90–120 minutes at an easy pace, with highlights including Government House, the Colonial Building, Jellybean Row, Water Street and the National War Memorial. Signal Hill is featured in the stories and can be visited separately.

GPS-triggered audio plays as you approach each mapped point, while a live route map shows where to go next. Download the tour before setting out for offline use, then start, pause or resume whenever you like. Explore outdoors at your own pace; there is no in-person guide, and entry to buildings or attractions is separate.

What's Included

  • Offline tour use after downloading in advance
  • Flexible, self-paced access without a fixed start time
  • Live GPS route map
  • Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your device speaker)
  • Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
  • Attraction admission, interior access and separately booked activities such as boat trips
See 2 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

8 Military Road
St. John's, NL A1C 2C4, Canada

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Queens Cove
St. John's, NL A1C 1A6, Canada

The tour ends just a few blocks from the start of the tour at King's Beach.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

St. Thomas's Anglican Church Monument (pass by)

Admire one of Newfoundland's oldest Anglican churches from Military Road, a street lined with St. John's civic history.
Read more

Government House (pass by)

View the Lieutenant Governor's historic residence and the nearby Frederick Weston Carter obelisk, which recalls a heroic rescue attempt.
Read more

Colonial Building (pass by)

See the neoclassical former seat of Newfoundland's government, now a landmark of the province's political past.
Read more

Bannerman Park (pass by)

Stroll this leafy Victorian-era gathering place, with gardens and historic landmarks in the heart of the city.
Read more

Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (pass by)

Take in the grand stone exterior of this landmark Roman Catholic basilica above downtown St. John's.
Read more

The Rooms (pass by)

See the striking museum, gallery and archives above the harbour, on the former Fort Townshend grounds; interior entry is separate.
Read more

Jellybean Row Houses (pass by)

Enjoy the bright row houses that give St. John's streets their unmistakable colour and character.
Read more

Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (pass by)

Admire the Gothic Revival stonework of the city's historic Anglican cathedral from outside.
Read more

St. John's Court House (pass by)

Look up at the courthouse's imposing stone façade, a landmark of Newfoundland's legal history.
Read more

McMurdo's Lane (pass by)

Wander a narrow old-city lane that reveals a quieter side of downtown St. John's.
Read more

Water Street Historic District (pass by)

Follow the old commercial waterfront past the Grace Building and Javelin House, two heritage façades in streets rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1892.
Read more

Father Walsh Memorial (pass by)

Pause at the memorial to a priest remembered for his service to the St. John's community.
Read more

George Street (pass by)

Feel the energy of the city's music and pub district, from the historic Cornerstone Building to the outdoor stage at Prince Edward Plaza.
Read more

St. John's City Hall (pass by)

Pass the centre of city government and the nearby Convention Centre, two anchors of downtown civic life.
Read more

Mary Brown's Centre (pass by)

See the downtown arena that brings St. John's together for sports, concerts and major events.
Read more

The Murray Premises Hotel (pass by)

Admire the restored Murray Premises warehouses, now home to shops, dining and a hotel.
Read more

Saint John's Harbour (pass by)

Watch St. John's working shipping harbour from the public waterfront, with views toward Piers 7 and 11; Iceberg Quest's separately booked boats depart from nearby Pier 6 when operating.
Read more

Signal Hill (pass by)

Look toward Signal Hill, where Cabot Tower, coastal views and Marconi's wireless story loom over the harbour; visiting the hill is a separate detour.
Read more

War Memorial (pass by)

Pause at the waterfront memorial honouring Newfoundlanders who served and died in war.
Read more

Harbourside Park (pass by)

Enjoy harbour views and find the Newfoundland and Labrador dog sculptures and the Sir Humphrey Gilbert memorial in this waterfront park.
Read more

King's Beach (pass by)

Stand near the historic King's Beach landing place and take in views across St. John's Harbour.
Read more

Newman Wine Vaults (pass by)

See the old stone wine vaults where port was aged; seasonal interior visits require separate admission.
Read more

James J. O'Mara Pharmacy Museum (pass by)

View historic Apothecary Hall, home of the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Museum; check current hours for any interior visit.
Read more
Show 22 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This primarily outdoor, pass-by 3 km walk includes hilly streets and some uneven surfaces. Public transit is nearby. Buildings may be closed, but you can complete the exterior audio route; check weather and temporary street access before setting out.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historic Downtown St. John’s Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-214606P113

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.00
14 reviews

Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Historic St. John's Private Walking Tour

Step into a legacy far older than the United States on this premium private walking tour of historic St. John’s. Alongside an expert guide, journey …More

Step into a legacy far older than the United States on this premium private walking tour of historic St. John’s. Alongside an expert guide, journey...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.3 (6)
from
$169

Signal Hill National Historic Site Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore Signal Hill National Historic Site on a self-guided audio tour that plays through your smartphone. Across 14 GPS-triggered stops, discover 330 years of military …More

Explore Signal Hill National Historic Site on a self-guided audio tour that plays through your smartphone. Across 14 GPS-triggered stops, discover 330 years of military...

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$5

Murder Mystery Detective Experience in St Johns NL

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of St. John's. Throughout …More

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of St. John's. Throughout...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.2 (5)
from
$11

St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

There’s no better way to learn about the history and culture of a community than to eat its food. On our Newfoundland Food Tour, you …More

There’s no better way to learn about the history and culture of a community than to eat its food. On our Newfoundland Food Tour, you...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (210)
from
$99

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Puffin & Marine Wildlife Boat Tour

Best location. Best crew. Best tour boat. Cruise to the incredible Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for your chance to watch puffins, whales, and icebergs. Wildlife …More

4.9 (1,060)

Puffin & Marine Wildlife Boat Tour

4.9 (1,060)

Best location. Best crew. Best tour boat. Cruise to the incredible Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for your chance to watch puffins, whales, and icebergs. Wildlife...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,060)
from
$94

St. John’s and Cape Spear tour, small group up to ten guests

See Historic Downtown St. John's, Jelly Bean Row, Terry Fox Memorial, Quidi Vidi Village, Signal Hill, , Cape Spear, and Petty Harbor We are a …More

See Historic Downtown St. John's, Jelly Bean Row, Terry Fox Memorial, Quidi Vidi Village, Signal Hill, , Cape Spear, and Petty Harbor We are a...

3 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (178)
from
$62

St. John's Exclusive Whale Watching, Seabird & Iceberg Tours

Iceberg Quest is the only boat tour operating from St. John's harbour. Walking distance from hotels. No shuttles required. Welcome aboard Newfoundland’s award-winning boat tour. …More

Iceberg Quest is the only boat tour operating from St. John's harbour. Walking distance from hotels. No shuttles required. Welcome aboard Newfoundland’s award-winning boat tour....

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (546)
from
$117

Historic St. John's Newfoundland and Cape Spear Tour

Discover Newfoundland, with Newfoundlanders! Please note that Newfoundland and New Brunswick are different places- there are two towns with similar names- St. John New Brunswick …More

Discover Newfoundland, with Newfoundlanders! Please note that Newfoundland and New Brunswick are different places- there are two towns with similar names- St. John New Brunswick...

3 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (353)
from
$62

What's Included

Activity name

  • Offline tour use after downloading in advance
  • Flexible, self-paced access without a fixed start time
  • Live GPS route map
  • Self-guided smartphone audio tour with GPS-triggered stories
  • Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your device speaker)
  • Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
  • Attraction admission, interior access and separately booked activities such as boat trips
  • In-person guide and transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This primarily outdoor, pass-by 3 km walk includes hilly streets and some uneven surfaces. Public transit is nearby. Buildings may be closed, but you can complete the exterior audio route; check weather and temporary street access before setting out.

Report Product Issue

Activity name