Quidi Vidi Lake
A serene city lake and historic fishing village, perfect for scenic walks, local brews, and experiencing Newfoundland's charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Quidi Vidi Lake
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene city lake and historic fishing village, perfect for scenic walks, local brews, and experiencing Newfoundland's charm.
"A serene spot perfect for walking, kayaking, and enjoying nature with scenic views."
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
The loop trail is well-maintained but long; wear comfy shoes for the full experience.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
There's a fenced dog park and plenty of space for your furry friends on the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quidi Vidi Lake Loop Trail
Around the lake
A scenic 1-hour walk offering beautiful views, wildlife, and access to parks and the village.
Historic Quidi Vidi Village
Adjacent to the lake
Charming fishing village with colorful houses, cliffs, and the iconic Quidi Vidi Brewery.
Royal St. John's Regatta
Quidi Vidi Lake
Witness the world's oldest continuing annual rowing regatta, a vibrant community event.
The Gut Viewpoint
End of Quidi Vidi Village
Iconic view where the lake meets the ocean, framed by dramatic rocky cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Regatta
Exploring Quidi Vidi Village
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
The loop trail is well-maintained but long; wear comfy shoes for the full experience.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
There's a fenced dog park and plenty of space for your furry friends on the trail.
🍺 Quidi Vidi Brewery visit
Don't miss the brewery and its patio with bay views; great for drinks and food.
📸 Capture the scenery
Bring your camera for stunning shots of the lake, village, and cliffs, especially at dusk. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
The loop trail is well-maintained but long; wear comfy shoes for the full experience.
🐶 Dog-friendly fun
There's a fenced dog park and plenty of space for your furry friends on the trail.
🍺 Quidi Vidi Brewery visit
Don't miss the brewery and its patio with bay views; great for drinks and food.
📸 Capture the scenery
Bring your camera for stunning shots of the lake, village, and cliffs, especially at dusk. +1
🧺 Picnic spots abound
Plenty of benches and grassy areas make it ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Quidi Vidi Lake is widely praised as a serene and beautiful spot for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature, with the adjacent historic village adding significant charm. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails, wildlife sightings, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and dog parks. While generally well-kept, some note it can get busy during peak seasons and events.
"Quidi Vidi Lake is a serene spot perfect for walking, kayaking, and enjoying nature. The scenic views, peaceful trails, and wildlife make it a must-visit in St. John’s. Great for all seasons!"
Pathak Rushiraj
"Nice and clean lake. Mostly well maintained. Good walking path around the lake. Takes about an hour for walking full loop. There is children’s playground and dog park as well. Multiple places to sit and rest or even have a little picnic."
Ganesh Kumar
"The perfect afternoon refuge spot. Busy in the summer and at the time around the Regatta Day (first Wednesday of August). The trail around the lake is beautiful and offers some nice views. There's a skate and a bike park, a space for pets - plenty of stuff to do for everyone. Walk along the trail right to the end to reach The Wharf and the old Quidi Vidi village, where the lake opens up into the ocean through the hills - a beautiful sight. Here's where you'll also find the famed Quidi Vidi Brewery."
Ayon T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quidi Vidi Lake is easily accessible from downtown St. John's. You can take a short drive, a taxi, or enjoy a pleasant walk. Some visitors mention it's a good walk from the city center.
Yes, there is ample parking available, which is convenient for visitors driving to the lake.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, it's generally accessible from St. John's. Checking local transit schedules is recommended for public transport options.
Absolutely! Quidi Vidi Lake and the adjacent village are considered must-visit spots in St. John's, offering a blend of nature and history. +1
Quidi Vidi Lake is located near Signal Hill, making it easy to combine visits to both landmarks in a single day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Quidi Vidi Lake and its surrounding trails are free to access. There are no admission fees for general visits.
Quidi Vidi Lake is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. The surrounding village and businesses may have their own operating hours.
Accessing the village itself is free. However, individual businesses like the Quidi Vidi Brewery or restaurants will have their own pricing.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or during the off-season. Summer weekends and Regatta Day (first Wednesday in August) are the busiest times.
The most famous event is the Royal St. John's Regatta, held on the first Wednesday of August. Other community events and markets may also occur.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can walk the scenic loop trail, enjoy picnics, watch rowing practice for the Regatta, visit the historic Quidi Vidi village, and explore the brewery.
The full loop around Quidi Vidi Lake typically takes about an hour for a leisurely walk.
Yes, there's a children's playground and a dedicated, fenced dog park, making it great for families and pet owners.
While used for rowing events, swimming is generally not recommended due to water quality and safety concerns.
Visitors often spot various bird species, including ducks and geese. Whales have also been sighted in the nearby waters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Quidi Vidi Village area offers dining options, including the Quidi Vidi Brewery with a patio and a food truck area. Mallard Cottage is also nearby. +1
Yes, the famous Quidi Vidi Brewery is located in the historic village adjacent to the lake, offering local brews and food. +1
Indeed, there's a popular food truck area with a beer garden, perfect for casual dining with lake views.
You can find local specialties, pub fare, and casual eats. The Liquor Sauce Food Truck is noted for its fried chicken sandwich.
Mallard Cottage is a well-regarded restaurant in Quidi Vidi, known for its brunch and dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lake's reflections, the colorful houses of the village, the dramatic cliffs at 'The Gut,' and the rowing boats during practice or Regatta Day. +2
Yes, aerial views of Quidi Vidi, especially 'The Gut,' are stunning and popular for drone photography. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. Dusk provides a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.
General photography is welcome. Be mindful of private property and any specific rules if visiting businesses or event areas.
The unique combination of a historic fishing village, a serene lake, rugged coastal cliffs, and vibrant community events makes it highly photogenic. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
The loop trail around the lake is also perfect for dog walks, offering varied scenery and fresh air. Remember to keep your dog on a leash when not in the designated park area and always clean up after them. 🚶♀️ Active Explorers
The surrounding hills and coastline also offer more challenging hiking possibilities for the adventurous. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal St. John's Regatta
This event transforms the usually tranquil lake into a hub of intense competition and community celebration. Spectators gather to cheer on the dedicated rowers who train rigorously for this prestigious event. If you're visiting around this time, experiencing the Regatta is a must for a true taste of local culture and tradition. Even outside of the official race day, you can often see crews practicing on the lake, offering a glimpse into the dedication involved. +1Planning your visit around the Regatta requires booking accommodations and anticipating larger crowds. The atmosphere is electric, with food vendors, music, and a palpable sense of community spirit. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness a significant piece of Newfoundland's sporting heritage firsthand. Remember to check the official Regatta schedule for specific timings and events.
Exploring Quidi Vidi Village
The village is also home to some key attractions. The Quidi Vidi Brewery is a popular spot, offering local craft beers and a lively patio overlooking the bay.
The area also features a food truck zone and a beer garden, providing casual dining experiences with scenic backdrops. The Quidi Vidi Lake Loop Trail
As you complete the loop, the trail leads you towards the historic Quidi Vidi Village, where the lake meets the ocean. This section offers particularly striking views of 'The Gut' and the surrounding rugged coastline.
+1 It's a fantastic way to connect with nature and explore the area at your own pace.
Social
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