Destinations

St. John's

Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's

The closest point between North America and Europe, St. John’s has been a natural meeting place for over 500 years

The youngest province in Canada. The oldest street in North America. Its very own, unique time zone. Organizations come from all over the world to meet in this jellybean coloured city where modern convention spaces, team building activities and hospitality is unlike any other. When business meetings break, delegates decide: hunt for icebergs, go swimming with whales, or live it up on famous George Street? Meetings are colourful in St. John’s — you only have to chat up the locals to know why.

St. John's by the Numbers

TOTAL GUEST ROOMS

3000

TOTAL MEETING SPACE

11,613 sq m | 125,000 sq ft

ST. JOHN'S CONVENTION CENTRE

1,816 sq m | 47,000 sq ft |
1,548 Gala

BIGGEST HOTEL BALLROOM

1,093 sq m | 19,550 sq ft |
1,548 Gala

Experts to help you plan
Destination St. John's

Entering Canada
Destination Canada

Time Zone
Newfoundland Time Zone

Current Time

This place is perfect for meetings that:

  • Originate from the U.K. or Ireland – direct, short flights from both
  • Are focused on ocean technology and northern natural resources – the industry pros are all here
  • Infuse their meetings agendas with local culture and experiences
  • Animate their events with colourful characters and experiences
  • Seek easy access to natural attractions and experiences

You can count on:

  • Open minds. Open hearts. St. John's is open for business.
  • Big charm, small city with first-rate meeting facilities and amenities
  • Destination St. John's rolling out the welcome mat — inspirations, introductions and expert advice
  • Plenty of ways to entertain your group, in and outside of their meetings
  • Easy collaboration between industry and education centres to round out your agenda
  • Proven host city welcomes international team sporting events
  • Your delegates making plans to return for the Royal St. John’s Regatta, or the  George Street Festival

Industry Leadership

Natural Resources
Natural Resources

Learn more about St. John's Industry Leadership

St. John's Economic Development

MOVING YOUR PEOPLE

St. John’s International Airport (YYT) to your registration desk: 15-minute drive

Once you’re here: your own two feet, public and private charter transportation, kayak, fishing boat, motorized boat

BEFORE — AFTER — IN-BETWEEN MEETINGS

BE AN ICEBERG EXPLORER
BE AN ICEBERG EXPLORER

Cross paths with a 10,000 year old iceberg in spring and early summer: by boat tour, by kayak, or from the shore

WHALES
WHALES, WHALES, WHALES!

10,000 of them migrate off the coast of Newfoundland each year. Have an up-close-and-personal encounter, by kayak, by guided boat tour, or for the ultimate thrill: swim with the leviathans of the deep, snorkeling with humpback whales

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A... PUFFIN?
IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A... PUFFIN?

Paddle to see orange-billed puffins and silver-winged kittiwakes on a sea kayaking and birdwatching adventure

DISCOVER CAPE SPEAR LIGHTHOUSE
DISCOVER CAPE SPEAR LIGHTHOUSE

Hike the East Coast Trail to Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador’s oldest surviving lighthouse — keep your eyes on the horizon for whales, sea birds, and icebergs in spring and early summer

DAYTRIP TO FERRYLAND
DAYTRIP TO FERRYLAND

Explore ancient Ferryland, at the Colony of Avalon, an archeological site dating back to 1621

RENDEZVOUS AT THE ROOMS
RENDEZVOUS AT THE ROOMS

Take in Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural and natural history, and the stories of its people at The Rooms a museum, archive, and cultural centre

WANDER QUIDI VIDI GUT
WANDER QUIDI VIDI GUT

Meet artists in their studios at Quidi Vidi Village Plantation, an ancient fishing village, turn artist incubator in the heart of St. John’s. Afterward, head over the Quidi Vidi Brewery for locally brewed pints

WATCH SUNRISE FROM ATOP SIGNAL HILL
WATCH SUNRISE FROM ATOP SIGNAL HILL

It’s the first place the sun rises over North America, but also the site of the first international telephone call. Now a National Park it offers some of St. John’s finest views and easy-access hiking trails

Saint John's
Discover More

PLANNING ESSENTIALS

Get a good night’s rest

Delta, Fairfield by Marriott, Holiday Inn, Sheraton and Ramada are just a few of the international brands your team will recognize. Delegates luxuriating at the Delta Hotel can access St. John’s Convention Centre or Mile One Centre via the interconnecting pedway. For those looking to stay somewhere distinctly local, other nearby accommodations range from award-winning inns to charming seaside cottages.

Stretch your budget in Canada

It’s a fact. Event dollars go further in Canada. With the Canadian dollar hovering between 25 and 30% below the U.S. dollar, planners are encouraged to enhance their meeting experience here. Dollars saved on the program requirements can translate into more bells and whistles or your bottom line, you pick.

Groups coming from outside of Canada may be eligible for financial or other tax incentives — inquire at time of booking.

Biggest bang for your meeting buck

October to May is the best value season

May through end of September offers the most recreational and sightseeing activities to round out your program

Weather

Spring

-2°C to 4°C

28.4°F to 39.2°F

Summer

8°C to 15°C

46.4°F to 59°F

Fall

5°C to 11°C

41°F to 51.8°F

 

Winter

-6°C to 1°C

21.2°F to 33.8°F

“

I wasn't sure what to expect and I was overwhelmed with its exotic beauty. It is like Ireland and the Caribbean 'squished together'…and then there are the amazing people! I can't wait to come 'home' again soon.

”

Pro Plan Conference Planners

“

St. John’s is the perfect destination with a European feeling but not as far to travel to!

”

HelmsBriscoe (U.S.)

“

I love the city. From the activity going on at the docks and in the streets to the mix of offering that you can give for meetings and conferences, this is all essential to be able to offer as well as the fact that flights from the UK and Ireland are readily available and only 5 hours.  With a time difference of only 3.5 hours jet lag is not an issue, a real plus for meetings of 2-3 days. Your heritage and history gives you so many stories to tell and you have the personalities in the community to tell them.  The activities you can offer to the wider event programme are truly unique...

”

HelmsBriscoe (U.K)

“

I felt like I was in a Newfoundland commercial for two straight days!

”

BUKSA Strategic Conference Planners

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Scientific American

A High-Tech Path To a Blue Economy

Skift

Meet the Leading Voice of Maritime Canada’s “Ocean Economy”

The Telegram

St. John's-based Kraken Robotics lands its biggest contract ever

St. John's International Airport Authority

St. John’s International Airport Named Most Improved Airport in North America for Customer Experience

Remote and Wild: A Tour Through Northern Canada

Remote and Wild: A Tour Through Northern Canada

Conference and Meeting World

Sea and be seen: Ocean technology in St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

CBC

Direct flights, new convention centre drive visitation to St. John’s

National Geographic

Top Rated Coastal Destinations in the World

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Here's how we can help you get planning

The team at Destination Canada Business Events helps meeting planners bring corporate, association and incentive events to Canada. Contact our team for:

  • Inspiration
  • Impartial insights
  • Introductions
  • Bid assistance
  • Planning tool kit