Downtown Pedestrian Mall

The City of St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall (DPM) is set to open June 22 and run until September 4, 2023.

From noon until 10 p.m. daily, Water Street from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street will be closed to vehicles, with pedestrian traffic ramping up to take in the festivities and enjoy the energy and people-friendly vibe. This popular event is bustling with excitement as restaurants and bars create outdoor patios and other businesses expand into the street.

The DPM was introduced in 2020 as a way to bring foot traffic into the city's downtown and to give businesses some added attention during the pandemic. It was such a hit, that it’s been an annual event ever since. "It's a great economic generator for downtown, brings people together," said Lorne Loder, owner of Boca Tapas Bar and Cojones Tacos and Tequila on Water Street.

Entertainment is also on offer with a variety of free performances and events taking place throughout the summer.

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Accessible parking, Metrobus and GoBus

Approximately 23 accessible on street parking spaces and 36 accessible parking spaces within private parking garages are available near the DPM for accessible parking permit holders.
Metrobus customers can use Route 3 on an Accessible Low Floor Bus which stops at Ayres Cove/Harbour Drive near the DPM. Route schedules can be accessed through Metrobus.
GoBus customers can book their ride to the DPM through GoBus.
Accessible Parking and Bus Stop locations can be found on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall Parking and Transportation Map.

Barrier free routes

Where the built environment permits, two metre, barrier free routes are available in the street through the centre of the pedestrianized zone and along the sidewalks.

Accessible rest areas

A variety of rest areas including, accessible picnic tables, benches, Adirondack chairs and high-top tables are available throughout the DPM.

Wayfinding and navigation

The Downtown Pedestrian Mall is BlindSquare enabled. BlindSquare accessible wayfinding and navigation apps are free to download in Apple and Android app stores and help pedestrians to safely navigate the mall. Apple users can download BlindSq Event. Android users can download XploreNinja by BlindSquare.

Planning your visit

Accessibility features of businesses within the Downtown Pedestrian Mall vary and are regulated by provincial legislation. Pedestrians are encouraged to contact businesses of interest for more information when planning a visit.

Accessibility feedback

Pedestrians are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to further advance inclusion and accessibility of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall by contacting 311, Access St. John’s or emailing inclusion@stjohns.ca