This is the first stop (optionally) on the trek up to the top of Signal Hill. Plenty of parking and…read moresome amenities inside like a cafe/chocolate store, restrooms, and exhibit. The views here are gorgeous and there are plenty of trails to wander as you take in the natural beauty and bird's eye views of St. John's.

Since my last visit to Signal Hill two years ago, the clean drive up the hill has been replaced…read morewith a weird roundabout dealie that forces cars and pedestrians alike over to the Signal Hill Visitor's Centre. It's a small, uninspiring building from the outside that holds a museum with a military-communications slant and a very wee café slinging the necessities: hydration for the hikers, light lunches for those waiting for the hikers. A bottle of water and a Gatorade was $5 flat. From what I could see inside, the exhibits themselves looked pretty bare bones but I did hear the staff person mentioning a twenty minute film that loops pretty frequently. Not exactly sure what it's about but I'd say any movie is a tough sell when you could just pop up to the top of Signal Hill and soak in the view.

Beautiful botanical garden and forest area. Lots a trails to walk. A lot geared towards kids but…read morethat's ok. We had a nice almost 2 mile walk and came inside to use the WC and call a cab. The business card for the cab neglected to put the area code on the card? The wonderful ladies at the botanical garden helped us out. Gave me the area code and called a taxi for us. Also gave us suggestions on a cemetery to visit. I get lots of different reactions when I ask about cemeteries and they weren't phased they were kinda exited. Great place and wonder friendly staff.

Beautiful gardens and large areas of wilderness to explore on trails rated between easy and…read moremoderate. Your self guided tour begins and ends at the main building adjacent to the parking lot. This houses their administration offices, gift shop, washrooms, displays introducing the park, as well as the space where they hold have information seminars and host children's groups. Obey all posted signs! Remember, this is a botanical garden and collection of any kind is not allowed (even for identification purposes). Perfect opportunity to polish up on your photography skills! ( http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/9GkkXRO6QvRiq3XD9MpRvg?select=5AjoCxJehgnMuqvSTwbKTg ) You won't believe the wonderful diversity of plant life here; the effort that has gone into identifying, developing and maintaining the various areas is phenomenal. Garden is open during all kinds of weather. It is even beautiful in the rain and the fog. ( http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/9GkkXRO6QvRiq3XD9MpRvg?select=tqO3TxZuNTSfcHOVpkdaBg ) Great place to visit and explore with kids of all ages.

We went to Manuels River as a last-minute activity before boarding a plane back to Toronto. We…read morethought it would help tire the kids out. But as we rushed off to the airport 3 hours later, we were wishing we had more time to spend at this beautiful place, and talking about all the things we'd like to do there the next time we visit. We started our morning with a tour of the truly excellent Interpretation Centre, which is the perfect size to get a great overview without being overwhelmed. The information is presented in a very accessible way, and there are plenty of things to touch and buttons to push to keep children engaged. We were also provided with some additional information by a Manuels River facilitator, Madison, who was very knowledgeable and great with our kids. She also provided us with a map and directions to set us up for our hike. The trails are well marked and well groomed and perfect for families - we even brought our stroller along. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. But the highlight for me was searching for trilobite fossils in the shale beds - and actually finding (a small) one! Very unique experience, and my dinosaur-obsessed kids loved every moment.

Usually, smaller cities have smaller museums. St John's is the exception. The Rooms is a very large…read moremuseum with more than four floors of space. My friend and I visited on a rainy day when they stayed open until 9 p.m. Here's our experience. 1) Admission: Adult regular tickets cost a little over 10 Canadian dollars with parking five per vehicle. (Pay at the kiosk in the museum lobby on your way out.) It's worth the price. 2) Experience: We started at the top floor with their art gallery and exhibits about the history of Newfoundland. In the museum section is a staircase that takes you to more items. On the top floor are a few items from the Titanic. (It's here where the first distress signals were picked up, and they helped with the relief efforts.) The bottom floors have more art and exhibits about Newfoundland's history to present. 3) Space: The architecture and views are both standout features. The space has plenty of restrooms, a cost check, and gift shop.

Beautiful view of St. John's and Signal Hill. Amazing cafe…read morethat also includes the amazing view. Very interesting exhibits. The room with the animals was our favourite. Personally didn't care much for the art exhibit though, and also loses half a point for having the thinnest ply toilet paper ever in their bathroom.

This is a very nice gallery just across the street from the Doubletree. It features various…read morepaintings from local artists and a nice selection of indigenous soapstone sculptures. I thought that the pricing was fair and transparent, even down to whether tax was included or not. I left the shop with a nice set of watercolor cards and a book featuring gorgeous Newfoundland scenery. Like the previous reviewer, I was impressed with the engaging artist/owner (?) who explained the various works of art in an welcoming and friendly manner. I also learned a lot about Newfoundland itself and how to better approach Gayle and my visit. In the end, she was right. Our memories of Newfoundland were the landscape, the people, and the charming towns - as opposed to specific attractions.

This local gallery (on Duckworth Street closer to the Courtyard by Marriott and Sheraton) features…read more15-20 local artists. They have the requisite St. John's street scene paintings, along with a nice variety of still-life painting, soapstone sculpture, bronzes, etc. I was impressed with the art and even more impressed with the engaging and helpful artist who was on hand to answer questions. She told me about the gallery and also made suggestions of other galleries to see in town.

I wish the framer had more knowledge. She was bored and disinterested. I had to keep pointing out…read morepotential frames to enhance the artwork. I give a fair amount of business to framers and have honestly never had such poor service. As I had a deadline I had to leave the picture here. But I won't be back. When I went back to pick up the finished product more boredom prevailed. Not even a thank you for the nearly $200 I forked over. Overpriced and underserved.

Rower you inspire me…read more Constant, straining against the oar, relentless against nature, determined, steely, strong and unweilding. This bronze sculpture captures well the spirit of The Rower - a constant figure at Quidi Vidi lakeside. History seeps into the mist which seeps into the bronze which drips and runs with water as it is blanketted in mist and fog and polished by the wind. And still He Rows. Beautiful piece of work placed well at the side of the pond that has seen so many of these rowers over the years.

Excellent festival…read more Multiple stages featuring youth, francophone, dance and spoken word performances, in addition to a talent filled main stage. Hours and hours of entertainment. Well attended and run, primarily by volunteers. Some big name sponsors must make the job a lot easier these days as it is difficult to continue to run these type of large festivals, year after year after year. Love the set up and have few complaints as the ticket pricing is extremely reasonable. Just wish there were a few more food options, like a coffee truck. Arts vendors have beautiful products. Something for everyone. Look forward to seeing these each years showcasing local talent and products. I learned about the traditional methods of dying using lichens and plants from one artist's display. Weekend pass is divided into a total of 5 sessions, which makes attending and seeing the acts you want to see easy. Very enjoyable weekend.