Book cheap flights to St. John’s

St. John’s is a popular destination to visit anytime of the year. When to visit should be decided on what you plan to do when you’re in the city. It would be wise to pack extra layers of clothing, no matter when you visit St. John’s. The best time for iceberg and whale spotting is during the spring (April – May). Temperatures during this time range between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, and you can expect a considerable amount of rainfall, so be prepared for cold and wet weather while enjoying these exciting opportunities for spotting the whales and icebergs. The summer months (June – August) bring the warmest temperatures (around 20°C in July) and the lowest rainfall. Conditions such as these make this period ideal for visiting the city’s many historic sites and enjoying festivals and events such as the Canon Launch (June) and Family Fun Day (July). During the autumn (September – October), temperatures descend from 15 to 10 degrees Celsius and there is an increase in rainfall. Despite these conditions, this period is the hiking and camping season, with tourists flocking to the national parks to admire the lush greenery. Outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are perfect for the winter (November – March). This season brings snowfall and a significant drop in temperature (the maximum temperature ranges around 0°C during January and February).

South African passport holders will need a visa to enter Canada. For more information, contact the institutions representing Canada in Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban.

The nearest South African High Commission to St. John’s is in Ottawa.

Address: 15 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1M8

Phone: 1 613 744 0330 Fax: 1 613 741 1639

Before you depart for St. John’s, make sure you receive all the routine vaccinations. Depending on what you do and where you go while exploring this Canadian destination, you may need vaccines and medication for the following:

• Hepatitis A (transmitted through contaminated food and water)

• Hepatitis B (transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood products)

• Rabies (transmitted through the bites of infected mammals, such as dogs and bats)

While walking around and discovering everything that St. John’s has to offer, you may encounter beggars. A simple “no” or ignoring them will be enough to deter them. On rare occasions, these individuals may become violent, so remember to stay alert at all times.

When enjoying the nightlife, make sure to avoid the areas of Buckmaster Circle, Crosbie Road, Livingstone Street, Water Street west, Shea Heights, Old and New Penneywell Road, and the areas around Hamlyn Road.

Be careful when dining at one of the restaurants, pubs and bars of George Street, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Some locals may become violent, when drunk, but you can avoid trouble by simply staying out of their way. The 24-hour restaurants and convenience stores are reported to be hotspots for armed robberies, so it would be wise to not make yourself a target at these establishments in the early hours of the morning.