Did you know you can fly to Canada in 4 ½ hours?

Perfect for a few days away or perhaps a short city break, St Johns is the capital of Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador province. Located at the Eastern Tip of the Avalon Peninsular on the large Canadian Island of Newfoundland, it is a vibrant colourful city bursting with character as it brings together both its historic and contemporary influences.

As one of the oldest cities in North America, St John’s combines small-town charm with big city luxury, creating a unique destination that can be reached in only 4 ½ hours when flying from London Heathrow to St Johns Newfoundland direct. Then just ten minutes from the airport, you can be checking into your hotel or B&B ready to start your adventure.

As you wander down narrow streets that have been naturally created by hundreds of horse and carriage journeys, this historic city comes to life as you pass the colourful jellybean row houses that wedged together line the hidden alleys and steep hillsides. As you explore, be sure to talk and listen to the city’s lively, entertaining and most courteous residents telling stories and sometimes tall tales as to why the houses are painted so brightly.

This colourful and friendly city has so much to offer and from downtown St Johns you can use the ‘Hop on Hop Off’ to explore the inner city. With a total of 10 stops and each located next to a major attraction or landmark, this great service provides a flexible way to explore the city at your own pace.

Another a unique way to see the city in its full glory, is to enjoy the integrated trail system. Joining neighbouring communities such as Mount Pearl and Paradise, it also links a series of rivers, lakes, ponds, parks and green spaces, to showcase the landscape and immerse you in the area’s beautiful natural features.

The East Coast Trail will take you to the top of Signal Hill where you will find a truly spectacular view of St John’s and the North Atlantic, before you visit the iconic and castle-like Cabot Tower. Then taking the famous North Head Trail you can traverse along the Narrows of the harbour, visit Quidi Vidi, a delightful village-within-a-city that retains the old fishing port vibe, before moving on into the vibrant Battery community, where their brightly coloured petite homes bravely cling to rugged cliff-sides.

Well known as being one of the best places in the world to view icebergs, a walk further along the coast provides opportunities to spot these glacial giants in varying shapes, sizes and colours, in addition to a plethora of wildlife, birds, orca, dolphins, puffins and rare birds of prey. This magnificent location is a true photographers dream, and after you have had a full day of exploring end the day at one of the many harbour side restaurants complete with an ocean view.

Or, perhaps you’d prefer a short walk to the outskirts of St Johns where “The Gut”, a quaint fishing village, hosts the local craft brewery and offers the best seafood and wild game at one of ‘Canada’s best restaurants.’

So as you wander through some of the oldest streets in the New World, take time to peruse the many café’s, art galleries, shops and boutiques. The hand crafted jewellery created by local Canadian Artisans featuring the native Labradorite stone is a favourite for many, but there are so many modern and traditional, colourful and exciting gifts on offer, the only problem will be which to choose.