St. Johns

St. John's is a tough nut to crack for the budget-conscious traveler due to its isolation and lack of traditional backpacker infrastructure. The 'vibe' is incredibly welcoming and musical, but you'll pay a premium for it. There are very few genuine hostels, meaning many budget travelers end up in university summer residences or modest guesthouses. Street food is virtually non-existent; instead, you'll be looking for 'pub grub' specials or cooking in common kitchens. Free activities are your best friend here: hiking the Signal Hill trails offers world-class views for zero dollars, and wandering the 'Jellybean Row' houses provides endless photo opportunities. To survive on a budget, you must avoid the expensive taxi network and rely on the Metrobus system, though it is notoriously infrequent. Most backpackers find that the cost of simply getting to Newfoundland via flight or ferry often eats a significant portion of their budget before they even arrive. Your daily spend will likely go toward overpriced groceries and the occasional pint on George Street. Tip: look for local grocery stores like Coleman's for better deals than the tourist-centric convenience shops.