If there’s one thing St. John’s does better than anywhere else on Earth (besides hospitality, fish & chips, and complaining about the weather), it’s colour. Welcome to Jellybean Row – the reason half the tourists show up with a camera and leave with a new favourite city.

So, What Exactly Is Jellybean Row?

Here’s a fun local secret: Jellybean Row isn’t actually a street. It’s more of a vibe.

The name refers to the rows of brightly painted Victorian row houses that tumble down the steep, narrow streets of downtown St. John’s. Think electric purples next to sunshine yellows next to fire-engine reds – all crammed cheerfully together like, well, a bag of jellybeans that someone shook up and spilled down a hillside.

You’ll find the best examples along Gower Street, Duckworth Street, and the winding side streets in between. And against the backdrop of a classic St. John’s foggy grey sky? Those colours absolutely pop. The city basically built in its own Instagram filter before Instagram existed.

Why Are They So Colourful?

Nobody agrees on the exact origin story, which feels very on-brand for Newfoundland.

Some say sailors painted their homes in bright colours so they could spot them from the harbour coming home from a long trip out on the water. Others say it was just residents having a bit of fun and refusing to be drab about it. Honestly? Both answers sound about right. Newfoundlanders have never been shy about self-expression.

Whatever the reason, the tradition stuck – and today it’s one of the most photographed and beloved streetscapes in all of Canada.

How to See It

The good news: you don’t need a car, a plan, or honestly even much of a sense of direction. Jellybean Row rewards wanderers.

On your own: Start at the east end of Duckworth Street and meander west, dipping into the side streets as you go. Get lost a little. That’s part of the fun. Just maybe bring a jacket – this is St. John’s.

On a walking tour: If you want the real stories behind the houses (and trust us, there are some good ones), join us on our Signature Downtown Walking Tour. Our local guides will bring Jellybean Row to life with the history, the gossip, and the kind of quirky details you’d never find on a placard.

For photographers: Early morning light or late afternoon golden hour are your best bets. Fewer people, longer shadows, and the colours practically glow. You’re welcome.

Pro tip: Chat with the locals. Newfoundlanders are famously friendly, and someone sitting on their porch might just tell you which house on the street has the best story. It’s a real place where real people live – and they’re generally delighted you think their neighbourhood is as great as they do.

More Than Just a Pretty Street

Jellybean Row has become a genuine symbol of St. John’s – proof that this city has always had its own personality and isn’t afraid to show it. It’s cheerful, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable.

Kind of like Newfoundland itself, come to think of it.

So lace up your shoes, charge your camera, and come see what all the fuss is about. And if you want a guide who actually knows which stories are worth telling — we know a few people. 😉