🇨🇦 St. John's | From West to East, Embracing Wild Beauty 🌿

Flying from Canada’s westernmost point to its easternmost corner—an 8-hour journey with a layover in Edmonton—felt almost like heading back home, in the best way possible! ✈️🌍 The anticipation built with every mile, and by the time we landed, we were ready to dive into all that St. John’s has to offer. St. John’s, one of Canada’s oldest cities, is often hailed as a charming alternative to Iceland—and let me tell you, the resemblance is magical! 🏰❄️ There’s a familiar, cozy yet rugged vibe here that instantly made us feel at ease, like rediscovering a beloved memory. Downtown, the iconic “Jelly Beans”—rows of vibrant, colorful wooden houses—are a sight to behold! 🌈🏠 Rumor has it their bright hues were chosen to lift spirits during the city’s frequent cloudy days, and it works like a charm. Even under overcast skies, their cheerful tones glow, turning every street corner into a postcard-perfect moment. The city itself isn’t huge, which makes it easy to explore—four days or so is just enough to soak in all its wonders without rushing! 🗺️✨ Accommodation 🏠: We stayed at a hotel right on the edge of downtown, and it was perfect! The bustling Water Street is just steps away, proving that even a small city can have a lively heart. Quaint cafes, cozy restaurants, cute boutiques, and lively pubs line the streets, plus live music bars where you can tap your feet to local tunes. The vacation vibe is absolutely palpable here—relaxed, friendly, and full of life! ☕🍴🎶 Food 🍽️: Being by the sea means one thing: fresh seafood, and St. John’s does not disappoint! 🦞🦀🐟 We feasted on lobsters, snow crabs, and cod, and honestly? They tasted even purer and more tender than what we’ve had in Vancouver. The Atlantic Ocean truly delivers—its seafood is legendary for a reason, with flavors that feel like a direct hug from the ocean. Every bite was a delicious reminder of why coastal dining is so special! 😋🌊 Scenery 🌊: The Atlantic here is wild, vast, and utterly breathtaking. The crash of waves against rocky cliffs, the cries of seabirds soaring overhead—it all took us back to Iceland’s shores, with hints of Greenland’s raw beauty lingering in the air. 🪨🐦 There are countless coastal hiking trails waiting to be explored, and while time was tight on this trip, we made sure to visit Signal Hill. Standing there, surrounded by sweeping views and the crisp sea breeze, I felt that awe-inspiring connection to nature—the kind that makes you feel small in the best way. It’s a feeling so powerful, I’ll definitely be writing more about it soon! ⛰️💨 The People ❤️: The island is home to many warm-hearted locals, and their sincerity and warmth stole our hearts. There’s a natural trust and kindness between people here that’s truly refreshing. Even if you accidentally linger in someone’s path, they’ll just smile and wait patiently—no rush, no fuss. 😊 I spotted a group of adorable girls in fun outfits and thought about sneaking a photo, but when they noticed, they cheerfully waved me over and struck the cutest poses, letting me snap away! 📸 And at dinner, a girl at the next table came over to ask if we wanted a family photo—how sweet is that? Their friendliness made every moment feel like a hug. We’re already counting down the days until summer, when we can return to do it all again: catch capelin by the shore, spot whales and puffins in the bay, gather around a bonfire for barbecue, and pluck wild blueberries from the trails to snack on—juicy and sweet, perfect for quenching a hiker’s thirst. 🐟🐋🔥🫐 St. John’s, you’ve won us over with your wild beauty, colorful charm, and the kindest people. Until next time! 👋💖 #StJohnsBeauty #NewfoundlandWonders #CanadaEastCoast #HiddenGemsTravel #CoastalEscapes #ExploreStJohns #AtlanticAdventures