St. John’s, Newfoundland

I was in St. John’s last week for 3 days as it was my son’s graduation dinner and dance. I was excited about the upcoming trip as I have never been to the ‘rock’ (named because of its windswept and craggy appearance) before as well as another opportunity to see my son. St. John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America and the closest to Europe. From Hong Kong the flight is 18 hours excluding a 5 hour stop in Toronto. I researched the area and came up with a plan for things to do in 36 hours. It also helped having my son’s father show me around the city.

The flight arrived 3:20am so it was only logical to watch the sun come up at Cape Spear (a national historical site and the most easterly point in North America). A cold morning but a relatively calm sea. My room wouldn’t be ready for a few more hours so after watching the sun rise, the next stop was fuel for my belly! St. John’s has numerous restaurants, cafes so deciding where to eat wasn’t that easy. In the end it was Bagel Cafe (246 Duckworth St.). A substantial breakfast menu with waffles and frittatas cited as favorites from patrons. I ordered the Greek style frittata and a cup of java. Just what the doctor ordered after freezing at Cape Spear!

My room at Hometel was ready! There are many hotels, bed and breakfasts to chose from but it was recommended for me to try this boutique hotel. The location is downtown (10 St. Joseph’s Lane) and all rooms have free broadband internet access, continental breakfast and free long distance calling anywhere in North America; excellent value for money.

By this time it was nearly noon and I wanted to get my fix of fish and chips. As you can well imagine, a city that’s known for its cod has to have many places to eat fish and chips. So I’m sure I’ll offend some locals by not choosing their favorite spot. This fish and chip restaurant is 11km from downtown St. John’s and is called, ‘By The Beach Restaurant and Take out’. Aptly named as the restaurant overlooks the water and beach in St. Philips. This time of year one can eat fish and chips and watch ice caps drift by. Other times of the year you can see whales (minkes, humpback) or porpoises. The fish had a delicious, firm texture and the batter was ever so light………..the way I like fried batter to be and let’s not forget the chips, they were good too! By The Beach does offer a varied menu but they are primarily known for their fish and chips and now I know why!

Feeling quite satiated, next on the list was a walk up Signal Hill with my son. Signal Hill is a few minutes from where I was staying. St. John’s is known as a city of ‘firsts’ and Signal Hill was the reception point where the first wireless transatlantic signal by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901 took place. This is a popular tourist attraction in which 97% of all tourists to St. John’s visit Signal Hill. Signal Hill may have received its name from the local habit of raising flags to let the town know that ships were approaching (urban legend?).

The Culinary Chase’s Note: Don’t forget to try the local beer, Quidi Vidi. Due to lack of time, I realized that my list of things to do in 36 hours was too much. As a minimum amount of time, I would recommend at least a week. My husband and I have always talked about visiting and now that I have been here, we’ll definitely be coming back for more!