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North America's oldest city, St. John's, is a delicious mix of fishing village and provincial capital and a walking tour of its hilly streets is an event of its own! Newfoundland -- and more specifically, St. John's -- is a walker's paradise, its relaxed and friendly atmosphere shared by residents and geography alike.
St. John's walks
The East Coast Trail
Eighteen paths along this 220-kilometre trail run from Fort Amherst in St. John's to Cappahayden and take walkers past fjords, cliffs, lighthouses, historic sites and sea stacks. Path difficulty varies, so be sure to check ahead to find out which paths suit your family. For more information, call 709-738-HIKE (4453).
St. John's Haunted Hike
Whether you like to spin a yarn or listen to one, the St. John's Storytelling Circle will meet your needs. It gathers at the Crow's Nest Officer's Club (at Queen's Beach, St. John's) at 7:30 p.m. on select summer nights. For more information, call 709-685-3444. The event is free, although a $2 donation at the door is appreciated. Upcoming storytelling nights: July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11 and Nov. 8.
Signal Hill National Historic Park
Located east of St. John's on Duckworth Street, Signal Hill National Historic Park sports a spectacular view of St. John's and of the surrounding waters. History and communications buffs will be interested to know that Signal Hill was the receiving point of Guglielmo Marconi's first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
Tip: Not to be missed is the Lookout Trail, a walking trail on the summit of Signal Hill.
There is a park fee of $9.90 per family ($3.95 for adults; $1.95 for kids aged six to 16; children under six free). For more information about what's available at Signal Hill National Historic Park, call the Visitor Interpretation Centre at 709-772-5367.
Cape Spear
Cape Spear is 15 minutes southeast of St. John's and its offerings include an 1835 lighthouse and interpretive centre. Cape Spear is North America's most easterly point and is a National Historical Site.
Tip: This is a great spot for whale watching.
Ocean Sciences Centre
Open from June 1 to September 3, 2007, Marine Public Education is a program geared toward increasing public awareness of the marine sciences. Free to the public, this program includes a touch tank and exposure to local sea creatures. For more information, call 709-737-2459.
Links
Newfoundland & Labrador
City of St. John's
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