Many hotels in St. John’s will put you within driving distance of some spectacular scenery, but Hometel sets the standard for historic and scenic sites within walking distance! Not only are we an exceptional place to stay, but Hometel is your ideal base from which to discover some of the most quaint and historic streets and trails in all North America.
Head out from Hometel and turn left, and you’re instantly walking up Signal Hill, home of the last battles in North America between the French and English. Be prepared for an invigorating walk — they call it a “hill” with good reason, as the many who walk or bike it each day will attest! Within just a few minutes though you’ll reach the Johnson GEO CENTRE. It is a stunning world-class, $13-million museum and gift shop that chronicles Newfoundland and Labrador’s place as Earth’s Geological Showcase. If you are looking for walking trails in St. John’s don’t forget to also explore GEO PARK, a beautiful walk through the natural lands with historic markers surrounding the Johnson GEO CENTRE.
A few minutes of walking beyond that will take you to the Signal Hill National Historic Site and Cabot Tower, near where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.
If you’re ready to step off the roadway, the North Head Trail will take you on a winding, spectacular journey to the Battery, tucked underneath Signal Hill, which in turn will deliver you back to the door of Hometel, your downtown hotel in St. John’s! Allow 2–5 hours for the round trip, depending upon how much you’ll want to savour the scenery and attraction.
If you’re wanting to stay outside a bit longer, turn left once you’ve hit the summit of Signal Hill and take the East Coast Trail to captivating Quidi Vidi Village. Explore the shops, savour the cuisine, and wander the streets of this true gem of a community progress forgot.
Prefer an easier stroll and a wider range of shopping? When you head out our front door, turn right instead of left and head toward the downtown shops of Duckworth and Water Street, the oldest street in North America. You’ll feel the history and character with every step. Stroll the side roads and discover Harbourside Park, The Terry Fox Monument, or awe-inspiring churches like the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (once the largest church in North America), or the provincial archives and art museum in the visually stunning The Rooms.
And when you’re ready to kick up your heels, the pub capital of North America is George Street, with the highest concentration of pubs and nightclubs of any street on the continent. Whatever your interests may be, Hometel is the perfect hotel in St. John’s to start your exploration. Ask us for ideas on the places that will best capture your wanderer’s heart!