Newfoundland food is its own tradition, shaped by the fishery, the outports and the island's Irish and English roots, and this three-hour guided walk samples it across six stops in downtown St. John's. Groups are small, with a maximum of 12, and the tour starts near George Street and finishes on Water Street at an ice cream and chocolate shop. Past guests mention toutons, flakies, moose burgers, fish and chips and ice cream, and the guide explains what each dish means and where it came from. Lunch is included for adult and youth tickets, and drinks other than water are not. The route covers about two kilometres with some stairs and a hill, so moderate fitness is needed. The tour does not suit vegans, vegetarians or anyone who needs gluten-free food, because the menu is built around local seafood, game and baked goods.
What to do
Gather at the meeting point on George Street, then walk between tasting stops while your guide tells stories about the street, the pubs and the people. Expect a mix of seafood, wild game, baked treats and pub fare, plus the local sweets that finish the tour. Because it is a walking tour, you also see downtown from the inside, including streets and corners most visitors miss.
Practical planning
The tour lasts about three hours and the food counts as lunch for adults and youths, so arrive hungry. Children under nine are free but do not receive food unless a youth ticket is bought. The tour is small-group, runs in most weather and is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers can manage. Tell the operator about allergies when booking, and note that vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets cannot be catered for. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the start.
Fitting it in
Book the tour early in your stay so you can return to the places you liked, and do not schedule a big lunch afterwards. It pairs well with the downtown walking tour on a separate day, and with an evening on George Street for live music. If you are a confident eater who wants a single guided activity, this tour is the strongest choice in the city.
What to expect
The experience
A guided food-tasting walk of about three hours with six stops in downtown St. John's, in groups of up to 12.
Best time
Early in your stay and on an empty stomach, since the tastings add up to a lunch.
How long
About three hours, covering roughly two kilometres on foot with stairs and a hill.
Tips
Arrive hungry, wear comfortable shoes, mention allergies when booking and note that vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets are not catered for.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who want to taste Newfoundland classics with stories attached.
- Families
- Youth tickets include food; children under nine are free but do not eat unless a youth ticket is bought.
- Couples
- A fun shared lunch that doubles as an orientation to downtown.
- Pair with
- The downtown walking tour on another day, or live music on George Street in the evening.
- Time needed
- About three hours.
Good questions
What will I eat on the food tour?+
The tour has six food stops covering seafood, wild game, pastries and pub fare. Guests mention toutons, flakies, moose burgers, fish and chips and ice cream.
Is lunch included?+
Yes, food is included for adult and youth tickets, and it works as a lunch. Drinks other than water are not included.
Does the tour cater for dietary needs?+
No, it is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians or people who need gluten-free food. Tell the operator about allergies when booking.
Where does the tour meet?+
It meets in the courtyard at the corner of Adelaide and George Streets, under the Shamrock City sign. The map pin can be off, so use the coordinates in your confirmation.
How big are the groups?+
Groups are limited to 12 people, which keeps the experience personal. The tour involves about two kilometres of walking, with stairs and a hill.
