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Cost To Visit St. John’s, NL: Travel Budget Guide (2026)

In this guide I break down the daily budget you need when visiting St. John's, including hotels, food, attractions, day trips, and more.

Cost To Visit St. John’s, NL: Travel Budget Guide (2026)

St. John’s can be a great-value coastal city trip if you time it right and book early in summer. This cost and budget guide covers hotels, food, transportation, and attractions—plus day trip costs and realistic daily and weekly budgets.

On-the-ground in St. John’s, it’s moderately affordable compared to a lot of U.S. city trips. This St. John’s travel cost guide breaks down what you can expect to spend on lodging, food, attractions, and more.

Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). All costs are shown in $ (CAD) and $ (USD).

Is St. John’s Expensive To Visit?

St. John’s is usually moderate on the ground, and can be a strong value trip if you plan around:

  • Summer hotel demand (rates jump fast; rooms sell out)
  • Rental car pricing (if you’re doing multiple day trips)
  • Tours/boat trips (wildlife and ocean experiences add up quickly)

It’s more affordable if you:

  • Visit in shoulder season
  • Stay slightly outside the most central blocks (still close enough to walk/drive)
  • Do a mix of free coastal hikes + a couple paid tours

St. John’s Vacation Costs

Below is a detailed expense breakdown for accommodations, food, transportation, and attractions—followed by day trip costs and realistic daily/weekly budgets.

Avg. Accommodation Cost

Peak

  • Budget Travelers: $160–$240 CAD (≈ $120–$180 USD) per night
  • Mid-Range Travelers: $250–$380 CAD (≈ $185–$280 USD) per night
  • Luxury Travelers: $420–$650+ CAD (≈ $310–$480+ USD) per night

Shoulder-Season

  • Budget Travelers: $130–$200 CAD (≈ $95–$150 USD)
  • Mid-Range Travelers: $210–$320 CAD (≈ $155–$235 USD)
  • Luxury Travelers: $360–$560+ CAD (≈ $265–$415+ USD)

Off-Season

  • Budget Travelers: $110–$170 CAD (≈ $80–$125 USD)
  • Mid-Range Travelers: $180–$280 CAD (≈ $133–$205 USD)
  • Luxury Travelers: $320–$500+ CAD (≈ $235–$370+ USD)

Food Cost

Budget Travelers

  • Breakfast: $8–$14 CAD (≈ $6–$10 USD)
  • Lunch: $14–$22 CAD (≈ $10–$16 USD)
  • Dinner: $20–$35 CAD (≈ $15–$26 USD)

Mid-Range Travelers

  • Breakfast: $14–$22 CAD (≈ $10–$16 USD)
  • Lunch: $22–$35 CAD (≈ $16–$26 USD)
  • Dinner: $45–$85 CAD (≈ $33–$63 USD)

Luxury Travelers

  • Breakfast: $22–$35 CAD (≈ $16–$26 USD)
  • Lunch: $35–$60 CAD (≈ $26–$44 USD)
  • Dinner: $110–$240+ CAD (≈ $80–$175+ USD)

Transportation Cost

St. John’s International Airport (YYT) → Downtown

  • Taxi: $30–$45 CAD (≈ $22–$33 USD)
  • Rideshare (where available): $25–$45 CAD (≈ $18–$33 USD)
  • Private transfer: $95–$170+ CAD (≈ $70–$125+ USD)

Getting around St. John’s

Walking (best for downtown)

Downtown is very walkable, but steep in spots.

Local bus

  • Typical daily spend: $6–$12 CAD (≈ $4–$9 USD)

Rideshare/taxi

  • Short ride: $12–$22 CAD (≈ $9–$16 USD)
  • Longer ride: $20–$45+ CAD (≈ $15–$33+ USD)

Car rental (very helpful for day trips)

  • Compact car:
    • Off-Season: $55–$90 CAD/day (≈ $40–$66 USD)
    • Shoulder: $65–$110 CAD/day (≈ $48–$80 USD)
    • Peak: $95–$160+ CAD/day (≈ $70–$118+ USD)
  • Fuel + parking (typical daily): $18–$45 CAD (≈ $13–$33 USD)

Attractions

  • Signal Hill National Historic Site (grounds/viewpoints): free (some exhibits vary)
  • Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site: $0–$15 CAD (≈ $0–$11 USD)
  • The Rooms (museum + gallery): $15–$25 CAD (≈ $11–$18 USD)
  • Johnson Geo Centre: $12–$20 CAD (≈ $9–$15 USD)
  • O’Brien’s / similar whale & puffin tours (seasonal): $85–$140+ CAD (≈ $63–$105+ USD)
  • Iceberg/wildlife boat tours (seasonal): $90–$160+ CAD (≈ $66–$118+ USD)
  • Coastal hikes (Sugarloaf, North Head, etc.): free
  • Brewery/distillery tastings (varies): $10–$35 CAD (≈ $7–$26 USD)

Day Trip Costs

Day Trip and Attractions Costs
Day Trip Transportation Cost (Round Trip) Top Attraction Attraction Cost
Cape Spear $20–$45 CAD / $15–$33 USD (car fuel/taxi) Lighthouse site + coastal views Free–$15 CAD / Free–$11 USD
Petty Harbour / Motion Path $15–$40 CAD / $11–$30 USD (car fuel/taxi) Coastal hike + fishing village Free
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve (boat tours) $25–$60 CAD / $18–$44 USD (car fuel) • $140–$260 CAD / $105–$190 USD (tour pickup) Puffin/whale boat tour (seasonal) $85–$140+ CAD / $63–$105+ USD
Bay Bulls / ocean wildlife cruises $25–$60 CAD / $18–$44 USD (car fuel) • $140–$260 CAD / $105–$190 USD (tour pickup) Whale/iceberg cruise (seasonal) $90–$160+ CAD / $66–$118+ USD
Brigus / Cupids (small towns) $35–$80 CAD / $26–$60 USD (car fuel) Historic streets + coastal scenery Free–$15 CAD / Free–$11 USD
Dildo (Trinity Bay area) $45–$100 CAD / $33–$74 USD (car fuel) Bay views + quirky stops Free
Salmonier Nature Park (seasonal) $45–$100 CAD / $33–$74 USD (car fuel) Wildlife park $10–$20 CAD / $7–$15 USD

Daily Budget

Budget Travelers
Season Daily Total (Per Person)
Peak $150–$245 CAD / $110–$180 USD
Shoulder $130–$215 CAD / $95–$160 USD
Off-Season $115–$190 CAD / $85–$140 USD
Mid-Range Travelers
Season Daily Total (Per Person)
Peak $260–$470 CAD / $190–$345 USD
Shoulder $230–$420 CAD / $170–$310 USD
Off-Season $205–$380 CAD / $150–$280 USD
Luxury Travelers
Season Daily Total (Per Person)
Peak $520–$1,050+ CAD / $385–$775+ USD
Shoulder $460–$900+ CAD / $340–$665+ USD
Off-Season $400–$800+ CAD / $295–$590+ USD

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Budget Travelers
Season Lodging (7 nights) Food (7 days) Transport Attractions Total
Peak $1,120–$1,680 CAD / $830–$1,245 USD $280–$455 CAD / $205–$335 USD $80–$220 CAD / $60–$160 USD $140–$360 CAD / $105–$265 USD $1,620–$2,715 CAD / $1,200–$2,005 USD
Shoulder $910–$1,400 CAD / $665–$1,035 USD $260–$420 CAD / $190–$310 USD $70–$200 CAD / $52–$145 USD $120–$320 CAD / $88–$235 USD $1,360–$2,340 CAD / $995–$1,725 USD
Off-Season $770–$1,190 CAD / $570–$875 USD $245–$385 CAD / $180–$280 USD $65–$180 CAD / $48–$133 USD $110–$300 CAD / $80–$220 USD $1,190–$2,055 CAD / $875–$1,510 USD
Mid-Range Travelers
Season Lodging (7 nights) Food (7 days) Transport Attractions Total
Peak $1,750–$2,660 CAD / $1,290–$1,960 USD $420–$770 CAD / $310–$565 USD $110–$280 CAD / $80–$205 USD $190–$500 CAD / $140–$370 USD $2,470–$4,210 CAD / $1,820–$3,095 USD
Shoulder $1,470–$2,240 CAD / $1,080–$1,645 USD $400–$700 CAD / $295–$515 USD $100–$260 CAD / $74–$190 USD $180–$460 CAD / $133–$340 USD $2,150–$3,660 CAD / $1,585–$2,690 USD
Off-Season $1,260–$1,960 CAD / $925–$1,440 USD $385–$630 CAD / $280–$465 USD $95–$240 CAD / $70–$175 USD $160–$420 CAD / $118–$310 USD $1,900–$3,250 CAD / $1,395–$2,390 USD
Luxury Travelers
Season Lodging (7 nights) Food (7 days) Transport Attractions Total
Peak $2,940–$4,550+ CAD / $2,165–$3,350+ USD $770–$1,820+ CAD / $565–$1,340+ USD $180–$560+ CAD / $133–$410+ USD $260–$750+ CAD / $190–$550+ USD $4,150–$7,680+ CAD / $3,050–$5,650+ USD
Shoulder $2,520–$3,920+ CAD / $1,855–$2,890+ USD $700–$1,610+ CAD / $515–$1,185+ USD $170–$490+ CAD / $125–$360+ USD $240–$680+ CAD / $175–$500+ USD $3,630–$6,700+ CAD / $2,670–$4,935+ USD
Off-Season $2,240–$3,500+ CAD / $1,645–$2,575+ USD $630–$1,400+ CAD / $465–$1,030+ USD $160–$420+ CAD / $118–$310+ USD $220–$620+ CAD / $160–$455+ USD $3,250–$5,940+ CAD / $2,390–$4,370+ USD

Flight Cost

Flight cost depends on where you’re departing from, the season, and the airline. Major international airports will have cheaper flights than smaller airports. Most U.S. travelers fly into St. John’s (YYT) via a Canadian hub, or fly into Halifax (YHZ) and connect.

Average round-trip flight ranges from the U.S.:

  • Peak: $450–$900 USD
  • Shoulder: $350–$750 USD
  • Off-Season: $280–$650 USD

You can save money on flights by signing up for cheap flight alerts from Jetsetter Alerts.

St. John’s Travel Seasons

Peak (June–September)

Highest demand and pricing, especially for hotels and rental cars. This is prime season for coastal scenery, whale/puffin tours, and the most “alive” city vibe.

Shoulder-Season (May, October)

Often the best value if you want decent weather with fewer crowds. Some tours may run reduced schedules, but you’ll usually find better lodging deals than peak.

Off-Season (November–April)

Lowest hotel demand overall (outside holiday periods), with colder weather and more variable conditions. Great for a quieter city stay, museums, food, and cozy pubs—just plan around shorter days and weather.

What currency is used in St. John’s, Newfoundland?
St. John’s uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). In this guide, costs are shown in $ (CAD) and $ (USD).
Do they accept US dollars in St. John’s, Newfoundland?
Sometimes, but it’s not ideal. A few tourist-heavy businesses may accept U.S. cash, but the exchange rate is usually poor. Paying by card or using an ATM for CAD is the best way to avoid overpaying.
Will US credit and debit cards work in St. John’s, Newfoundland?
Yes—almost everywhere. U.S. cards work at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and most shops. If you’re offered currency conversion at checkout, choose to pay in CAD to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. It’s still smart to carry a little cash for small tips or quick purchases.
What is the cheapest month to visit St. John’s, Newfoundland?
November is often one of the cheapest months for on-the-ground costs because travel demand drops after peak season.
  • Why it’s cheaper: better hotel deals and fewer crowds.
  • Tradeoff: colder weather and fewer tours operating.
What is the most expensive month to visit St. John’s, Newfoundland?
August is often one of the most expensive months due to peak summer demand, limited hotel inventory, and prime tour season for whales/puffins. Booking lodging early matters most for keeping costs down.
How long can $2,000 last you in St. John’s, Newfoundland on a budget?

St. John’s can be a good-value Canada trip, but summer lodging and rental cars can raise daily costs. On a budget, $2,000 USD can typically cover:

  • Budget daily range: $85–$180 USD/day
  • Estimated duration: ~11 to 23 days

To stretch your budget, visit in shoulder season, book your hotel early for summer, and focus on free coastal hikes with 1–2 paid boat tours.

Is $2,000 enough for a week in St. John’s, Newfoundland?

Yes—often. A $2,000 USD weekly budget is realistic for many travelers, especially outside peak summer weeks.

  • Budget Travelers (7-day total): $875–$2,005 USD
  • Mid-Range Travelers (7-day total): $1,585–$3,095 USD
  • Luxury Travelers (7-day total): $2,390–$5,650+ USD

The biggest swing factors are hotel rates in summer and how many paid tours you add.

Do you need a rental car in St. John’s, Newfoundland?
It depends. If you’re staying downtown and focusing on St. John’s sights, you can get by with walking, local transit, and occasional taxis. If you want to do multiple coastal day trips (Cape Spear, Witless Bay, small towns), a rental car is usually the easiest and often the best value.

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