Discovering Airbnbs in St. John's, Newfoundland: A Journey Through History and Culture
If you travel to the eastern edge of North America, you will land where the past and present merge in a vibrant tapestry of culture and natural beauty. Welcome to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
This city, steeped in history and brimming with culture, is home to approximately 900 Airbnb listings and about 500 surrounding properties, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich heritage.
Many Airbnbs are located in historic neighbourhoods, such as the Fort William Neighbourhood and near Signal National Historic Site. These areas are filled with colourful Victorian-style homes and landmark buildings. Some Airbnb are registered as heritage homes, offering a unique experience to Airbnb guests.
When you visit St. John’s and discover that its roots date back to the 16th century, you will also notice that its narrow, winding streets lead you on an adventure through history and find that every corner tells a story. When you stay in an Airbnb, what landmarks do you visit and focus on so you can catch everything?
Let me delve into the unique experiences that make St. John's a must-visit destination
for Airbnb travellers.
Here are the top ten must-see historic landmarks when you visit an Airbnb in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Jellybean Row: It is not a fixed location. These colourful row houses can be found anywhere in downtown St. John’s. The concept behind the name originated in the 1970s when people painted old St. John’s homes in different colours to inject new life into the downtown area. The idea caught on with residents and became a broad hue palette. These playful colours and endearing crooked structures became city symbols and are often featured in tourism advertisements.
Signal Hill: Due to its strategic location overlooking the narrows with fortifications dating back to the 17th century, it was part of the city's defences system from the 1640s to the Second World War.
Battle of Signal Hill - The Seven Years' War Final battle was fought in 1762. The French surrendered St. John’s to a British force under the name of Lieutenant Colonel William Amherst
Cabot Tower - On the top of Signal Hill sits a castle-style building. Construction began in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and the 400 anniversary of John Cabot's landfall in 1497.
First Transatlantic Wireless Transmission: On December 12, 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless transmission. The Morse code transmission originated from Poldhu Wireless Station in Cornwall, England. What we take advantage of today regarding communication with TVs, radios, the internet, and cell phones is only possible with this historical event.
Quidi-Vidi:a charming neighbourhood in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a historic fishing village dating back to the 16th century. Its name is theorized to originate from French to Latin. The area is known for the Quidi Vidi Battery, a French fortification built in 1762. Today, Quidi Vidi is famous for its enduring connection with the sea and picturesque harbour.
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site: It is the easternmost point in Canada and the location of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Commissariat House is one of the oldest wooden buildings in St. John’s. It was once the residence of the Assistant Commissary General of the British garrison.
Colonial Building: From 1850 to 1959, it was the seat of the Newfoundland Government and the House of Assembly.
The Rooms is Newfoundland and Labrador's most significant public cultural space and home to the most extensive collection of artifacts, art, and archival records.
Basilica of St. John the Baptist: It is a Roman Catholic Basilica and National Historic Site of Canada.
Mallard College: It is regarded as one of the oldest wooden buildings in North America and a National Historic Site of Canada.
Benevolent Irish Society (BIS) Building: A historic building that has been part of St. John’s heritage for 200 years.
So, whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a traveller looking for your next adventure, St. John's has something for you. If you want to know more about our beautiful city or Airbnb on the Rock? Check out Home Base NL, your guide to all things Airbnb in Newfoundland.
