Why Are Houses Colourful in St. John’s? The Real Story of Jellybean Row
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| Kings Road |
They are among the most photographed homes in Canada, instantly recognizable against fog, rock, and sea.
But where did these colours come from? The truth sits somewhere between practicality, tradition, and legend - each adding a layer to the story that makes St. John’s one of the most visually distinctive cities in North America.
Where Is Jellybean Row in St. John’s?
Jellybean Row is not a single street but a nickname used to describe clusters of brightly coloured homes in the downtown core of St. John’s.
The most commonly associated streets include:
- Gower Street
- Duckworth Street
- Victoria Street
These neighbourhoods sit on steep hills overlooking the harbour, creating the layered, colourful views visitors often see in photographs.
Walking through these streets is one of the simplest and most memorable ways to experience the character of the city.
Why Are Houses Colourful in St. John’s?
The bright colours of Jellybean Row didn’t come from a single decision. Instead, they grew from a mix of practicality, availability, and local tradition.
Several explanations exist - some rooted in fact, others shaped by storytelling.
Visibility in Fog
One of the most widely repeated legends says fishermen painted their homes in bright colours so they could spot them through thick coastal fog.
In St. John’s, fog can roll in fast and heavy, sometimes swallowing the harbour in minutes. Imagine returning from the North Atlantic and spotting a streak of yellow or red through the mist—a signal that home was near.
Whether fully factual or partly romanticized, the story persists because it fits the place so well.
Availability of Bold Paint
Another practical explanation points to paint supplies. Historically, ship paint was available in strong, durable colours designed to withstand harsh weather at sea.
It made sense to use what was available—and what lasted.
Bright colours weren’t just decorative. They were durable.
Protection Against Harsh Weather
Paint also served as protection. Wooden homes faced relentless wind, salt spray, and damp air. Thick coats of paint helped seal wood and slow deterioration.
In that sense, colour wasn’t just aesthetic—it was maintenance.
Legends Behind the Colours
Facts explain how something happens. Legends explain how people remember it.
And Jellybean Row has plenty of those.
Legends in the Fog: Spotting Home from Sea
Ask around long enough, and someone will tell you that fishermen chose bright colours so they could recognize their homes from the water.
Imagine a sailor scanning the shoreline after days at sea, searching through fog thick enough to swallow buildings whole. Then—a flash of blue. A burst of orange. A streak of green.
Home.
It’s a story repeated often enough that it feels almost true, even if historians debate how practical it really was.
The Tale of the Fisherman’s Wife
Another story carries more humour than hardship.
According to local lore, one fisherman had a habit of returning home late—and occasionally wandering into the wrong house. His wife solved the problem by painting their home a bold, unmistakable shade of blue.
No more excuses.
Soon, other women followed suit, painting their homes brighter and brighter. Whether motivated by competition or convenience, colour became tradition.
Whether fact or folklore, the story survives because it captures the personality of the place—equal parts practical and mischievous.
Superstition and Protection
Like many coastal communities, early residents held strong superstitions tied to colour.
Red was thought to bring luck.
Blue promised calm seas.
Green suggested prosperity.
Some believed colour could protect families from storms or misfortune. Whether symbolic or practical, the idea of colour as protection still lingers in local storytelling.
Even today, bright doors and bold trims feel like echoes of those beliefs.
What Are Jellybean Row Houses Made Of?
Most Jellybean Row homes are traditional wooden row houses built using locally available materials.
Wood was plentiful and easier to work with than stone, making it the primary building material in early St. John’s construction.
These homes were built to adapt to:
- Steep hills
- Narrow streets
- Harsh coastal weather
Regular painting became part of long-term maintenance. Over time, bold colour choices turned necessity into tradition.
Today, maintaining these homes remains a point of pride for many homeowners.
Has Jellybean Row Always Been So Colourful?
Yes, colourful homes existed earlier, however the bright palette associated with present day Jellybean Row became widespread during the 1970s revitalization of downtown St. John’s.
At the time, many older homes had fallen into disrepair. Residents and community leaders pushed to preserve historic neighbourhoods rather than replace them.
Re-painting houses in bold colours became a way to:
- Revitalize aging buildings
- Celebrate heritage
- Draw attention to historic neighbourhoods
- Rebuild pride in the downtown core
The movement worked.
Colour didn’t just restore houses - it restored identity.
Can You Visit Jellybean Row?
Yes, and it’s one of the most popular free activities in the city.
Visitors can walk through Jellybean Row neighbourhoods freely, as the streets are public.
However, it’s important to remember:
- These are private homes
- Stay on sidewalks
- Be respectful when taking photos
- Avoid blocking doorways or driveways
A little courtesy goes a long way in preserving the experience for everyone.
And be ready to have a conversation with a homeowner or neighbour. We love to chat around here!
Best Places to Photograph Jellybean Row
Popular photography spots include:
- Gower Street
- Duckworth Street
- Queens Road looking down over Victoria Street
- Kings Road between Bond Street and Gower Street
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting, when shadows add depth and colours appear richer.
Fog, ironically, also creates some of the most memorable photographs.
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| Victoria Street |
Why Jellybean Row Still Matters Today
Today, Jellybean Row is more than a visual landmark.
It has become a symbol of the city itself.
Bright against fog and rock, these houses represent resilience, creativity, and adaptation. They show how a place shaped by harsh weather learned to answer it, not with grey stone alone, but with colour.
Strolling these streets now, it’s easy to see why the homes have become iconic.
They are not just buildings.
They are living history, painted layer by layer across generations.
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| Kimberly Row |
FAQ: Jellybean Row in St. John’s
Is Jellybean Row a real street?
No. Jellybean Row is a nickname used to describe clusters of colourful homes throughout downtown St. John’s.
Why are Newfoundland houses painted bright colours?
Bright paint helped protect wooden homes from harsh weather and became a long-standing cultural tradition.
When did Jellybean Row become famous?
The colourful houses gained widespread recognition during revitalization efforts in the 1970s and later became a major tourism symbol.
Can you walk through Jellybean Row?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to walk the streets, but the homes themselves are private property.
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