Jelly Bean Row

Nothing says “St. John’s, Newfoundland” quite like the rows of brightly painted houses known as Jelly Bean Row. You find them lining streets like Gower, Duckworth, and all through the snug blocks downtown. These rainbow homes aren’t just pretty—they’ve become one of the city’s most beloved and photographed icons.

If you picture a candy store spilled across the hillside, that’s about the vibe. Jelly Bean Row isn’t a single street, but a patchwork of tall, narrow houses packed close together, each one painted a bold red, yellow, blue, green, purple, or orange. They climb those steep downtown hills, jumping out against the usual grey skies and the soft colours of the harbour below. The name fits perfectly—walk up from the waterfront, and it really does look like someone poured a bag of jelly beans right down the city’s slope. Don’t miss this spot while you’re in St. John’s.

The story behind the colours goes back a ways. St. John’s winters are long and grey, and the fog can hang around for days. Locals decided to fight the gloom directly: paint your house bright. Some people say it started with fishermen, who used leftover marine paint from their boats to add a splash of colour to their homes. Others say it was just practical—it made it a whole lot easier for residents, and sailors coming in from the sea, to tell their house from the others. Why not pick a colour you’ll never lose in the fog?

One way or another, these painted houses turned into a trademark look for downtown—especially after the Great Fire of 1892, when much of the area had to be rebuilt. The new homes got squeezed together on narrow lots, which is why Jelly Bean Row has its shoulder-to-shoulder feeling even now.

But what makes Jelly Bean Row special isn’t just the view. People still live here, run their shops, open restaurants, and sell art in these houses. The area feels alive—stroll around and you’ll run into local boutiques, or you can grab a plate of classic Newfoundland food. Sometimes you just want to wander those sloping streets and catch a view of the harbour between the houses. Then there’s George Street, just around the corner, where live music spills out of the pubs and the place buzzes, especially after dark.

Maybe that’s why these candy-coloured homes are everywhere you look—on postcards, social media, tourism ads. People love to snap photos, but behind the pictures is a bigger story. Jelly Bean Row isn’t just a backdrop for tourists. It’s a sign of how folks in St. John’s bring light and colour to tough weather and a city rebuilt from ashes—proof that even on the foggiest day, you can’t mistake this place or the people who call it home. If you’re searching for a paving contractor, click here.