Getting to Know Hill in St. John’s
Long’s Hill sits right in the older, hillier part of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is one of those streets that locals mention without needing to explain where it is. It climbs up from the downtown core toward the higher ground of the city, and it carries the kind of character that only comes from more than a century of continuous living, rebuilding and remembering. For visitors trying to understand the layout of St. John’s, this street is a useful reference point because it connects several older neighbourhoods and sits close to some of the city’s most talked about landmarks.
Where Long’s Hill Sits Within St. John’s
St. John’s is built on a steep slope that runs down to a natural harbour, and is part of that same rising terrain. The area known as Cookstown sits at the top of the hill, while the lower end blends into the older streets near the harbour front. Because the whole city is shaped by hills and narrow winding roads, walking up this particular street gives a clear sense of how St. John’s grew outward from the water rather than in a neat grid. The steep grade also means the views open up quickly, and from higher points near the top you can catch glimpses of the surrounding rooftops and the hills that frame the harbour.
A Brief History of Long’s Hill
The street has been part of residential St. John’s since the nineteenth century, when the city was expanding beyond its original waterfront core. Historian Larry Dohey has spoken publicly about life in this neighbourhood during the 1800s, describing a community that was tightly packed, deeply rooted and shaped by the rhythms of a working port city. Long time residents have shared memories of a much more social era, when families did not own cars and spent their free time sitting on front steps, chatting with neighbours who lived only a few doors away.
The Great Fire and Its Impact
St. John’s has been hit by several major fires throughout its history, and the Great Fire of 1892 reshaped much of the city, including the streets around this area. hill itself saw its own fire in 1992, an event still remembered by families who were evacuated from nearby homes on short notice. These fires are part of why so much of the architecture in the area dates from a similar period, since large sections had to be rebuilt around the same time using similar materials and styles.
Stories From the Neighbourhood
Beyond the fires, the street holds quieter stories too. Local writer and performer Louise Moyes created a walking piece about the area, blending history, poetry and music to capture what it feels like to live there. Part of her research uncovered that the land near a landmark known locally as The Kirk was once the site of the city’s first Catholic graveyard, later relocated after free roaming livestock kept disturbing the graves. Even the narrow alley connecting long’s hill to nearby Young Street carries its own small history, full of memories from people who grew up passing through it every day.
The Row Houses That Give Long’s Hill Its Look
Anyone walking this street will notice the colourful row houses that define so much of old St. John’s. These homes, built close together with steep rooflines and bright paint, reflect a building style that became common after the major fires forced large-scale rebuilding. The row houses along this stretch are part of what gives the wider Ecclesiastical District its recognised heritage character, and they remain one of the most photographed features of the neighbourhood.
Living on Long’s Hill Today
Today the street is a mix of long term residents and newer arrivals drawn to its central location. It sits close enough to downtown that most daily errands, restaurants and work places are within walking distance, yet it still feels residential rather than commercial. Neighbours continue many of the same habits described by older generations, including a strong sense of community that comes from living in such a compact, walkable part of the city.
Apartments and Places to Stay Near Long’s Hill
For visitors, there are apartment style accommodations right on the street itself, offering a practical base for exploring St. John’s on foot. Staying in this area puts guests within walking distance of The Rooms, the Anglican Cathedral and Atlantic Place, making it a convenient choice for anyone who wants to experience the older parts of the city rather than staying further out.
The Row Houses That Give Hill Its Look
Because the street connects so directly to downtown, restaurants and cafes are never far away. Duckworth Street and Water Street, both just a short walk from long’s hill, are lined with seafood restaurants, casual cafes and pubs that reflect the city’s long standing fishing and trading history. Locals often treat these streets as an extension of their own neighbourhood rather than a separate destination.
Walking Hill and Nearby Landmarks
A walk along this street naturally leads toward some of the city’s best known sights. Signal Hill, with its Cabot Tower and sweeping harbour views, is close enough to reach on foot from the surrounding streets, and the Narrows, the famous entrance to St. John’s Harbour, is visible from several vantage points nearby. The steep climb rewards walkers with views that stretch across the rooftops toward the South Side Hills.
How Long’s Hill Links Up With Downtown St. John’s
What makes this street stand out is how naturally it links the residential character of old St. John’s with the busier commercial energy of downtown. Someone can start at the harbour, walk past the shops and restaurants on Water Street, and within minutes be standing among quiet row houses that have changed very little in feel over the decades. Few streets in the city manage that transition as smoothly.
Why Hill Still Matters to Newfoundlanders
For many people who grew up in St. John’s, this street represents something bigger than its physical location. It stands for the resilience of a community that rebuilt after fires, held onto its traditions, and kept its social fabric intact even as the wider city changed around it. That combination of history, architecture and everyday neighbourhood life is exactly what keeps drawing people back to it, whether they grew up there or are simply passing through.
Conclusion
Long’s hill is more than just a street name on a map. It is a living piece of St. John’s history, shaped by fire, rebuilt with care, and still home to the kind of close knit community that the city has always been known for. Whether someone is looking for a place to stay, a walking route past historic landmarks, or simply a better understanding of how this part of Newfoundland grew, this street offers a genuine window into the character of St. John’s. Its mix of heritage row houses, nearby restaurants and easy access to downtown makes it one of the more rewarding areas to explore for anyone visiting the city.
What is Long’s Hill known for in St. John’s?
It is known for its colourful row houses, its long residential history dating back to the 1800s, and its close connection to downtown landmarks like The Rooms and the Anglican Cathedral.
How do you get to Hill from downtown St. John’s?
It is a short and walkable climb from the harbour area, connecting directly to Duckworth Street and Water Street before rising toward Cookstown at the top of the hill.
What restaurants are near Long’s Hill?
Most nearby dining options are found just a few minutes away on Duckworth Street and Water Street, which offer seafood restaurants, casual cafes and traditional pubs.
How can you find apartments on Hill?
Short term apartment style stays are available directly on the street, offering easy walking access to St. John’s main downtown attractions and historic sites.
