A Day in St. John’s

What a busy day we had in St. John’s. Yesterday was our first full day here and it was foggy and pouring rain. Not conducted to sight seeing. Today was cloudy and not too hot, perfect for being out and about.

Our first stop was government house. We did not get a tour as our timing was off. Government House is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. It has been open since 1831.

A large group off bikers were leaving as we arrived. Apparently it was a group of veterans and firefighters who were starting a long trek across Canada from coast to coast.

The grounds were beautiful

Next we went to the Colonial Building, which was the seat of government from 1850 to 1959.

The building has been beautifully restored. The story told to us is that the fresco painting was done by an artist who had been jailed for forgery. He did get his sentence reduced.

Next we stopped at the Basilica of St John which has been open since 1855. Another beautiful historic building.

The view from the church steps is sweet too.

Our next stop was at The Rooms, a very large museum of Newfoundlands natural and cultural history. We could have spent a full day here.

Our next stop was at Cape Spear, the most eastern point of Canada and North America (excluding Greenland). I had visited Cape Spear many years ago. It sure has changed, including the access road.

There were literally hundreds of steps (ok maybe dozens) to be climbed to see all the sights.

Our last stop in the day was Signal Hill. By the time we arrived it was late afternoon and slightly raining.

We climbed to the top. There were fantastic views of the narrows and the city. There are many hiking trails around Signal Hill. When we were here 15 years ago we walked many of them. Today it was late, cold, wet and windy!

All in all a very full and enjoyable day. Tomorrow we will try a different experience.

Cheers

Ruth