Some dispute the claim of St. John’s, Newfoundland, to be the
oldest city in North America: but, there’s no doubt that by the mid-1500s, Europeans
regularly sailed across the North Atlantic to fish in the waters around the
Avalon Peninsula. Today, St. John’s is still a capital of the fishing trade,
but also a charming, easygoing place that feels like a bit of Ireland or
Scotland floated across the water and attached itself to the eastern edge of
Canada.
Shorelines dotted with inlets and coves, hilly terrain and
brightly colored buildings all invite cruise ship guests to explore. Ships dock
right in town, just a five-minute walk from the shops along Water and Duckworth
Streets, as well as the many British-style pubs of George Street. In some of
these, you can take part in a “screech in” ceremony (taking a shot spiced rum
before kissing a cod fish) that will make you an honorary Newfoundlander, and sample
the local delicacies of fried cod cheeks and cod tongues.
Take an excursion to Signal Hill, where signal flags once alerted
the town to approaching ships. At the top, Cabot Tower has exhibits about the
first-ever transatlantic wireless transmission, received by Guglielmo Marconi
in 1901. You can also visit the Johnson Geo Centre; most of this geological
interpretation center is below ground, amidst layers of 550-million-year-old
rock. There’s also an excellent exhibit on the Titanic.
Built over the former Fort Townshend, The Rooms is a major
cultural attraction. It includes the Provincial Art Gallery, with works from
across Canada and the world; and the Provincial Museum, with dioramas that
depict the natural and cultural history of the area.
To stand on the easternmost point in North America, visit Cape
Spear, about seven miles from town. Admire the rocky shore and crashing waves
(you may even spot an iceberg) and tour the restored Cape Spear Lighthouse,
Newfoundland's oldest surviving lighthouse.
St. John’s is featured on various cruises of New England and
Maritime Canada (including some autumn color cruises), transatlantic crossings
from Southampton to Boston or New York, and even some world cruises. Most ships
visit St. John’s from late May through October, when the weather is most
welcoming. To book a cruise that includes this historic and delightful port,
talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
By the way, when considering itineraries, don’t confuse St. John’s,
Newfoundland, with Saint John, New Brunswick. That’s a different port, also
well worth seeing. Perhaps you’ll book a cruise that includes both!
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