Quidi Vidi Battery Historic Site
Historic fortifications meet a charming fishing village with stunning coastal views. Explore history, enjoy local food, and hike scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Quidi Vidi Battery Historic Site
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic fortifications meet a charming fishing village with stunning coastal views. Explore history, enjoy local food, and hike scenic trails.
"A beautiful little harbour right in St. John's. Worth a visit...great restaurants and the Quidi Vidi breweries delicious beer!"
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
Trails and battery grounds can be uneven. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring!
🍺 Taste Local Brews
Don't miss Quidi Vidi Brewery for delicious craft beers with a view.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 53 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Battery Fortifications
The Battery itself
Explore centuries-old military structures offering panoramic ocean vistas. A must-see for history buffs and photographers.
Quidi Vidi Village
Adjacent to the Battery
A picturesque fishing village with colorful houses, artisan shops, and the renowned Mallard Cottage.
East Coast Trail Access
Various points around the Battery
Hike sections of the famous East Coast Trail for breathtaking cliffside scenery and ocean air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
Trails and battery grounds can be uneven. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring!
🍺 Taste Local Brews
Don't miss Quidi Vidi Brewery for delicious craft beers with a view.
General info about St. John's - check my research?
Quidi Vidi is a village close by (about a 20 minute walk, or under 10 by taxi) If you visit there on the weekend you'll see locals coming ashore with codfish that they usually fillet onshore. There's an outdoor beer tent. If you ask, someone will gladly take you out to jig a…
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal cliffs and colorful village are incredibly photogenic. Bring your camera!
🎣 Experience Local Life
Visit on weekends to see locals fishing and enjoy the village atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
Trails and battery grounds can be uneven. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring!
🍺 Taste Local Brews
Don't miss Quidi Vidi Brewery for delicious craft beers with a view.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal cliffs and colorful village are incredibly photogenic. Bring your camera!
🎣 Experience Local Life
Visit on weekends to see locals fishing and enjoy the village atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Walk the East Coast Trail
Access stunning coastal hikes directly from the Battery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Quidi Vidi Battery and Village for their stunning coastal scenery, historic charm, and picturesque setting. The nearby village offers delightful dining and local brews, making it a well-rounded experience. Some find parking challenging during peak times.
"Beautiful sites and sounds on this part of the East Coast Trail. I just love to take the dog and hike around here. Pristine trails, beautiful colors and rock cliffs. You just need to experience it!"
Lisa Jacobs
"Interesting place. Authentic local food at Mallard Cottage."
George Ayoub
"You need to see this place that is hidden in St. John's. It is a lovely walk and enjoy the arts centre. The is a restaurant there called the Mallard Cottage that is highly ranked but we arrived too late for lunch and too early for dinner. Will definitely try it in the future."
yu chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quidi Vidi Battery is a short and scenic walk (about 20 minutes) or a quick taxi ride (under 10 minutes) from downtown St. John's. Many visitors enjoy the walk along the coast.
Limited parking is available near the Battery and in Quidi Vidi village. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
While direct bus routes might be limited, local buses can get you close to the St. John's harbor area, from where you can walk or take a short taxi to the Battery.
Some areas of the Battery are accessible, but the historic terrain and trails can be challenging. The village itself is more navigable.
Combining a walk through Quidi Vidi village with exploration of the Battery and a short hike on the East Coast Trail offers a comprehensive experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Quidi Vidi Battery and the surrounding village is generally free. You're visiting a historic site and a public area.
The Battery grounds are typically open to the public during daylight hours. The village shops and restaurants have their own operating hours.
While official guided tours might not always be available, you can often find local guides or information boards at the site. The village also has an arts centre.
The East Coast Trail is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Donations are appreciated to help maintain the trails.
Yes, you can visit the Quidi Vidi Brewery for tastings and to purchase beer without booking a formal tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking the harbor, the historic gun emplacements, and the rugged coastline offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the most dramatic lighting for capturing the coastal scenery and colorful village.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Parks Canada website for any restrictions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details in the village or distant sea life.
Yes, keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life. The TikTok video shows some unusual insect activity, so be observant!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Mallard Cottage is a highly-rated restaurant in the village. There's also the Quidi Vidi Brewery with a beer tent that sometimes offers snacks.
Mallard Cottage is known for its fine dining experience, so it can be on the pricier side, but many find it worth the cost for the quality and ambiance.
It's best to check directly with Mallard Cottage or other eateries, as menus can change. Local seafood is a specialty.
There are scenic spots around the Battery and village where you can enjoy a picnic. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Freshly caught codfish is a local staple, and you might see locals filleting it onshore on weekends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit