Newcomer Guide to Living in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Why St. John's Is an Emerging Destination for Newcomers

St. John's, the easternmost city in North America, is a place unlike any other in Canada. Perched on the rugged Atlantic coast of the Avalon Peninsula, the city is famous for its colourful row houses, dramatic coastal cliffs, rich maritime history, and the warmth and humour of its residents. While St. John's is smaller than many other Canadian cities that attract newcomers, it offers a unique combination of low cost of living, strong community bonds, excellent educational opportunities, and growing economic prospects that make it an increasingly attractive destination for immigrants.

Newfoundland and Labrador has actively sought to attract newcomers in recent years to address population decline, an aging workforce, and labour market shortages. The provincial government and community organizations have invested in settlement services and integration programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) provides a dedicated pathway for skilled workers and international graduates to obtain permanent residency while settling in the Atlantic provinces. For newcomers willing to embrace a different pace of life and a tight-knit community, St. John's offers genuine opportunity and a warm welcome.

Getting Around: Metrobus and Transportation

Public transit in St. John's is operated by Metrobus, which provides bus service throughout the city and to neighbouring Mount Pearl. The bus network covers the main commercial, residential, and institutional areas, with routes connecting Memorial University, the downtown core, the Avalon Mall, and major residential areas. Monthly passes and single-ride fares are affordable, and Metrobus offers reduced fares for seniors and students.

St. John's is a hilly, spread-out city, and many residents find that having a vehicle is important for daily life, particularly in winter when weather conditions can make walking and cycling challenging. St. John's International Airport (YYT) provides flights to Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and other Canadian cities, as well as seasonal international flights. For newcomers planning to drive, our Driving in Canada Guide covers the process of obtaining a Canadian licence.

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is the province's only university and one of the largest in Atlantic Canada, with approximately 19,000 students across its St. John's campus, the Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, and the Marine Institute. MUN is distinctive for its relatively low tuition fees, even for international students, making it one of the most affordable university options in Canada. The university offers programs in engineering, business, sciences, arts, medicine, nursing, education, and ocean sciences, among others.

The Marine Institute, part of MUN, is internationally recognized for its programs in ocean technology, fisheries, naval architecture, and marine engineering. For newcomers interested in the ocean economy, which is central to Newfoundland's identity and economic future, the Marine Institute offers unique training opportunities. MUN also provides extensive support services for international students, including orientation programs, academic advising, language support, and cultural activities. For more about the Canadian education system, see our Education System Guide.

College of the North Atlantic

The College of the North Atlantic (CNA), with a campus in St. John's and additional campuses throughout the province, offers diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs in trades, technology, business, health, and information technology. CNA is a practical option for newcomers seeking career-focused training that can lead directly to employment in the local economy.

The Fishing Industry and Ocean Economy

The fishing industry has been the foundation of Newfoundland's economy and identity for centuries. While the cod moratorium of 1992 devastated the industry and led to massive population loss, the fishery has partially recovered and diversified. Today, Newfoundland's fishing industry focuses on shellfish (particularly crab and shrimp), aquaculture, and the processing and export of seafood products. The ocean economy also includes offshore oil and gas, marine technology, ocean research, and ship building and repair.

For newcomers, the fishing and ocean economy provides employment opportunities in processing plants, aquaculture operations, marine services, and technology companies. The province actively recruits workers for fish processing through immigration programs, and some newcomers have found their entry into the Canadian labour market through this sector. While the work can be physically demanding and seasonal, it provides a pathway to permanent employment and community integration.

Cost of Living: One of Canada's Most Affordable Cities

St. John's offers one of the lowest costs of living among Canadian cities. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment range from $900 to $1,300 per month, significantly lower than cities in Ontario, British Columbia, or even other Atlantic Canadian cities like Halifax. Two-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600. Home purchase prices are also very affordable by Canadian standards, making homeownership a realistic goal for many newcomers within a few years of arrival.

Groceries can be somewhat more expensive than the national average due to the province's remote location and the cost of transporting goods, particularly fresh produce. However, the overall cost of living, including housing, utilities, and transportation, remains well below the national average. For newcomers on a budget, St. John's offers the ability to live comfortably on a moderate income. For financial advice, see our Banking and Financial Guide.

Healthcare in St. John's

Healthcare in St. John's is managed by Eastern Health, the largest health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare's Mercy Hospital provide acute care, emergency, and specialist services. The Janeway Children's Hospital serves pediatric patients from across the province. Newcomers must apply for the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) to access publicly funded healthcare. The waiting period is up to three months for most newcomers, during which private health insurance is essential. For comprehensive health card information across all provinces, see our Provincial Health Cards Guide.

Finding a Family Doctor

Like many parts of Canada, St. John's faces a shortage of family doctors, and finding a primary care physician can take time. New residents can add their name to the provincial patient registry to be matched with a doctor. In the meantime, walk-in clinics and the emergency department can provide care for urgent issues. Some community health centres also offer primary care services.

The Tight-Knit Community and Culture

One of St. John's greatest strengths is its community spirit. Newfoundlanders are renowned across Canada for their friendliness, generosity, and sense of humour. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, including a thriving music community (George Street in downtown St. John's is one of the most concentrated entertainment districts in North America), active visual arts and theatre organizations, and a strong tradition of storytelling and oral history. The annual Royal St. John's Regatta, held since 1825, is the oldest organized sporting event in North America.

For newcomers, the tight-knit nature of St. John's can be both a strength and a challenge. The community tends to be welcoming and supportive, and newcomers often report feeling accepted and included more quickly than in larger, more anonymous cities. At the same time, social networks can be close-knit, and it may take some effort to break into established social circles. Participating in community events, joining local organizations, and volunteering are excellent ways to build connections.

Settlement Services and Support

St. John's has several organizations that provide settlement services for newcomers. The Association for New Canadians (ANC) is the primary settlement agency in the city, offering language training, employment assistance, housing support, community orientation, and refugee resettlement services. The ANC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provides services free of charge to eligible newcomers.

The Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council (RIAC) advocates for newcomer rights and provides additional community support. Memorial University's International Student Advising office and the MUN Internationalization Office also support international students and newcomers connected to the university. The provincial government's Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism provides information and resources for newcomers settling anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Employment Opportunities Beyond the Ocean Economy

While the fishing and ocean sectors are important, St. John's economy also includes significant activity in oil and gas (the offshore industry, though cyclical, remains a major economic driver), healthcare, education, government (as the provincial capital), retail, and a growing technology sector. The city is home to a number of technology start-ups and established companies, particularly in ocean technology, software development, and data analytics.

The hospitality and tourism sector is also growing, as more visitors discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of Newfoundland. The province's tourism campaigns have been highly successful, and the growth in tourism has created employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, tour operations, and related services. For job listings, visit Job Bank Canada.

Final Thoughts on Living in St. John's

St. John's is not the typical choice for newcomers to Canada, and that is precisely what makes it special. For those who are drawn to a smaller, more intimate community with stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, affordable living, and genuine opportunities for both personal and professional growth, St. John's offers something that no other Canadian city can match. The combination of the Atlantic Immigration Program, affordable tuition at Memorial University, a low cost of living, and one of the friendliest communities in Canada makes St. John's a destination worth serious consideration for newcomers willing to embrace life on the edge of the Atlantic.

WelcomeAide is here to support your journey to St. John's and anywhere in Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for personalized help, explore our blog for more city and settlement guides, or learn about our mission to help newcomers thrive.