Terry Fox Memorial and Lookout

Perched quietly behind the Port Authority building at the far end of Water Street, the Terry Fox Memorial in St. John’s doesn’t shout for attention—but it doesn’t need to. This is where a young man, armed with nothing but determination, a prosthetic leg, and an unshakable dream, dipped his foot into the Atlantic Ocean and began one of the most courageous journeys in Canadian history.

 

Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope started here on April 12, 1980. Driven by a dream to raise one dollar from each Canadian for cancer research, Terry Fox embarked on his Marathon of Hope in April 1980. Despite having lost his right leg to bone cancer, he pushed himself to average about 42 km every day—hopping along coastal roads, highways buffeted by wind, and through towns and cities—running one marathon’s distance each day on a single leg. Though his run ended months later near Thunder Bay, his spirit never stopped moving. Today, the bronze statue at this spot doesn’t just mark the starting line of that legendary run—it stands as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and what’s possible when you simply try.

 

What to Know

Many visitors stumble upon the Terry Fox Memorial Park by accident, nestled at the edge of the St. John’s harbour. But once you’re here, the feeling is unmistakable—this is sacred ground in Canadian history. The statue shows Fox mid-stride, dipping his artificial leg into the ocean. Behind him, etched into stone, is a quote that echoes louder than any monument ever could:
“I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made if people try.”

 

While Terry Fox statues exist in places like Thunder Bay, where his journey ended, or Vancouver, where he trained and dreamed, and even mentions of memorials in Nova Scotia, there’s something deeply moving about standing at “Mile 0”, where it all began.

 

This memorial isn’t grand in size—but it’s grand in meaning. It's a moment frozen in bronze, capturing the very first steps of a dream that would ripple across decades and continents, inspiring over $800 million in donations to cancer research.

 

 

How to Get There

The Terry Fox Memorial is located at the eastern end of Water Street in downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Its location makes it ideal for pedestrians exploring the harbour or nearby attractions.

 

By Foot:

If you're already in downtown St. John’s, this memorial is just a short and scenic walk along Water Street.

 

By Car:

Input “Terry Fox Memorial, Water Street, St. John's” into Google Maps. It’s a direct route, but keep in mind that downtown parking can be limited.

 

By Public Transit:

Several city bus routes stop nearby. From there, it’s a brief walk to the lookout.

 

Looking it up? Just type “Where is the Terry Fox Memorial?” or “Where is the Terry Fox Memorial on Google Maps?” and it’ll lead you straight to this quiet but powerful corner of Canadian memory.

 

Best Time to Visit

From June to early September, St. John’s bursts to life. Summer offers the best weather—crisp coastal breezes, iceberg sightings, and long days perfect for walking the harbourfront. Visiting the Terry Fox Memorial during this time means you can take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean, sit quietly on a bench, and truly absorb the spirit of the place.

Spring and fall are quieter, ideal for those looking for a more reflective experience. Winters, though stark and beautiful, can be harsh—so dress warmly if you plan to visit during colder months.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Bronze Statue of Terry Fox 

Depicts Terry mid-stride, dipping his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic. Sculpted with raw emotion and grit.

 

“Mile 0” Marker 

Symbolic point where the Marathon of Hope began in 1980.

 

Inspirational Quote Wall 

Behind the statue stands a stone wall engraved with Terry’s powerful words.

 

Ocean Lookout 

A serene view of the Atlantic where Terry’s journey symbolically launched.

 

Quiet Park Space 

Benches and greenery offer a peaceful place for reflection in the heart of the city.

 

Fun Facts

 

The Original Memorial Was Just a Plaque:

Before the statue was unveiled in 2012, a simple plaque quietly marked the beginning of Terry’s Marathon of Hope. It was easily missed and hidden behind buildings.

 

Statue Unveiled on Marathon Anniversary:

The current bronze statue was officially dedicated on April 12, 2012—exactly 32 years after the marathon began.

 

Designed by Luben Boykov:

The statue was created by Newfoundland sculptor Luben Boykov, praised by the Fox family for perfectly capturing Terry’s determined spirit.

 

It Sparked Conversation:

Some questioned the $450,000 spent on the statue, wondering if the funds might have been better used for cancer research—ironically reflecting Terry’s own humble attitude toward fame.

 

Part of a National Series:

There are multiple Terry Fox memorials across Canada—from Terry Fox Memorial Park in Thunder Bay to statues in Victoria and Vancouver, each marking a chapter of his legendary journey.

 

Conclusion

Whether you're Canadian or just passing through, a visit to the Terry Fox Memorial in St. John’s is more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a reminder of how far grit and goodness can go. It’s where a young man decided to run—not for glory, but for others—and ended up carrying an entire nation with him. So next time you’re wandering downtown and hear the ocean lapping against the harbour wall, take a turn behind the Port Authority building. You might just walk away with a little more hope than you came with.