Quidi Vidi Village: St. John's Prettiest Fishing Harbour
Tucked into a narrow cove just minutes from downtown, Quidi Vidi Village is one of St. John's most photographed corners. Colourful clapboard houses lean toward a working harbour still dotted with fishing stages, while a short walk up the hill brings you to Quidi Vidi Lake and its walking trail. It's an easy half-day outing, and if you're staying at The Westport Manor, you're only a short drive from the village and everything around it.
The Fishing Village Itself
Quidi Vidi (locals often say “Quidi” or “the Gut”) is one of the oldest settlements in the St. John's area, with roots going back to the earliest days of European fishing on the island. The narrow, sheltered inlet still functions as a small working harbour, and the mix of weathered fishing sheds, net lofts, and brightly painted homes gives the village a lived-in, authentic feel rather than a staged one.
- A compact harbour lined with working fishing stages and small boats
- Narrow lanes and colourful houses that make for easy, unhurried photography
- A short, scenic drive or walk from downtown St. John's
Quidi Vidi Brewery
Right on the harbour sits Quidi Vidi Brewery, one of the province's best-known craft breweries. It's famous for using iceberg water harvested from icebergs off the Newfoundland coast in some of its beers, a nod to the province's unique geography. The brewery has become a natural stop for visitors wanting to pair the scenery with a taste of local craft beer culture.
Artisan Studios & the Plantation
Several of the old fishing sheds along the water have been converted into small artisan studios, part of what's known locally as the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation. Painters, potters, and other craftspeople work out of these repurposed buildings, giving visitors a chance to see local art being made in the same structures once used for drying and storing fish.
- Working studios set inside historic fishing sheds
- A rotating mix of local painters, potters, and craftspeople
- A quiet, low-key alternative to downtown's busier shops
Quidi Vidi Lake
Just up the hill from the village, Quidi Vidi Lake is a large, calm lake ringed by a popular walking path. It's best known as the home of the Royal St. John's Regatta, said to be the oldest organized sporting event in North America, held on the lake each summer. Outside of regatta season, the lakeside path is simply a pleasant, flat walk favoured by locals for an easy morning or evening stroll.
Planning Your Visit
Quidi Vidi Village pairs naturally with a broader day exploring St. John's - from the downtown core to Signal Hill. For a full rundown of what else to see nearby, have a look at our St. John's visitor guide, which covers the wider city alongside spots like Quidi Vidi.
Is Quidi Vidi Village within walking distance of downtown St. John's?
It's close to downtown but a bit far to comfortably walk for most visitors, particularly with hills along the way. Most people drive, cycle, or take a short taxi ride over.
Can you walk around Quidi Vidi Lake?
Yes, a walking path runs around Quidi Vidi Lake and is well used by locals for walking and jogging. It's flat, scenic, and an easy add-on to a visit to the village below.
What's the difference between the village and the lake?
Quidi Vidi Village refers to the small fishing harbour, brewery, and artisan studios down by the water, while Quidi Vidi Lake is the larger lake up the hill, best known for the Royal St. John's Regatta and its walking trail. They're only a short drive apart and are often visited together.
Looking for a comfortable place to stay while you explore Quidi Vidi Village and the rest of St. John's? Take a look at our bed and breakfast accommodations - The Westport Manor is minutes away, so get in touch to plan your stay.