Newfoundland and Labrador is a unique destination offering bucket-list experiences, from hunting for icebergs to walking on the Earth’s mantle. There is so much to discover. It is a unique destination that combines rugged natural beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Canada’s easternmost province is a hidden gem with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one UNESCO GeoPark. It offers an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural traditions.
The best time to visit “The Rock,” as it is affectionately known, is from May through October, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, the most popular months with visitors are July and August.
Thinking about a trip to the Maritimes? Don’t miss checking out the Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure: 14-Day Itinerary, Explore World Wonders on the Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick, Ultimate 7 Day Cape Breton Island Adventure Guide, and this one in Western Canada Banff Travel Guide: Best things to do in Banff and Lake Louise.
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1. Experience Icebergs, Whales, and Puffins – Oh My!
Iceberg Alley is billed as one of the best places in the world to view icebergs. Newfoundland and Labrador offer many places to see these massive, floating 10,000-year-old icebergs that have broken off from ancient glaciers. Each spring, from April through August, icebergs drift by towns like Twillingate and St. Anthony.
About 10 percent of the glaciers come from Canada’s Arctic, with the remaining 90 percent from Western Greenland. Use the iceberg tracker to see where the latest icebergs have been found. If you see one, upload your photos to this site.
Chances are that you will spot one of the 22 migrating whale species along the coastline from April to October. This Canadian province has the world’s largest population of Humpback whales during this time.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to North America’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins from April to August. 350,000 of these unique birds come to the breeding islands 30 minutes south of St. John’s. In fact, Newfoundland and Labrador is the seabird capital of North America. It has more than 35 million seabirds.
When I visited in mid-June, I was fortunate to see all three of these phenomenal wonders near St. Anthony: six massive icebergs, several breaching Humpbacks and dozens of puffins.
One of the spectacular icebergs I saw floating by on my Dark Tickle Expedition, near St. Anthony in Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
2. Explore Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gros Morne National Park is one of the most spectacular places on earth. The ancient land is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the best places to see plate tectonics, which are examples of Earth’s movement, where continental drift has shifted over time.
At Western Brook Pond, take a boat trip through the majestic landlocked freshwater fjord carved by retreating glaciers from the Ice Age. Towering cliffs flank this ancient fjord, which is where some of the highest waterfalls in eastern North America can be found. This boat trip is classified as one of Destination Canada’s Canadian Signature Experiences, showcasing the best spots in Canada.
At Tablelands, where the Earth’s mantle is exposed, the park offers a two-hour guided walk on the Tablelands Trail to view the land normally found underneath the Earth’s crust.
For those up for a challenge, take an intense, full-day hike to the top of the West Pond Lake Gorge for spectacular pond views.
Most scenic places to see in Newfoundland. Backcountry hiking Western Brook Pond Fjord Gros Morne National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo: Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism©
Tablelands Walk the Mantel Trail at Gros Mourne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
3. Discover L’Anse aux Meadows, the oldest known European settlement in North America
Newfoundland and Labrador offer a rare glimpse into North America’s Viking past. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site is North America’s only authenticated Norse Viking settlement. It is where the most famous Viking explorers, Erik the Red and his son, Lief Erikson, spent time.
The site dates back over 1,000 years, when Lief Erickson was the first European to set foot on the continent in L’Anse aux Meadows. He landed in North America centuries before Christopher Columbus. Walk through reconstructed sod houses, and learn about the life of Norse explorers.
L’Anse aux Meadow National Historic Site is North America’s oldest known European settlement. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
4. Be immersed in the Culture of St. John’s
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital, St. John’s, is not only one of North America’s oldest cities, but also the most eastern. Walk down the charming, colourful streets lined with brightly painted row houses. The most famous street is appropriately named Jellybean Row.
Signal Hill National Historic Site
Walk, hike or drive to visit Signal Hill National Historic Site, one of St. John’s famous landmarks. The city and coastal views from Cabot Tower are impressive. This site experienced many military battles, and it is the birthplace of communication. On December 12, 1901, the first wireless radio signals were received by Morse code across the Atlantic Ocean.
Traditional Screech-In Ceremony
George Street is a popular nighttime destination with many live music venues in the centre of town. This area is noted as having the most pubs per capita in Canada and a place to become an honourary Newfoundlander. If you dare, participate in an unforgettable traditional Screech-In ceremony of kissing a cod and then taking a shot of local rum.
Colourful painted houses line many streets in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
A Newfoundland and Labrador traditional Screech-In ceremony. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Newfoundland Screechers with their certificate from Kissing the Cod, a true Newfoundland tradition. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
5. Experience the Warm Hospitality of Small Coastal Towns
The heart of Newfoundland and Labrador lies in its friendly, charming coastal communities. The warm hospitality of the people will make you feel welcome and at home. They have a knack for storytelling and are always available to lend a helping hand. Most live by an open-door policy, always inviting you in, and doors are rarely locked.
The heritage comes mainly from English, Irish, French, and Indigenous ancestors. The dialect is unique, with distinctly unique Newfoundland and Labrador words or phrases like:
“Like a fart in a mitten.” – Something or someone that doesn’t fit in.
I dies at you.” – You’re really funny. More sayings can be found here.
Picturesque Bonne Bay in Newfoundland. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr© Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Red Bay is a small, welcoming coastal town in Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Friendly twin sisters at the Whaler’s Restaurant in Red Bay, Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
6. Savour Fresh Seafood and Unique Food and Drink
Food lovers will delight in the abundance of fresh seafood and unique specialties in Newfoundland and Labrador. Enjoy world-famous cod fish and chips, lean and delicious moose meat served every which way, buttery lobster, and traditional dishes like Jiggs’ dinner (salt beef, cabbage, and root vegetables). For breakfast, try touton, which is fried bread with molasses.
Quidi Vidi Brewing makes a lager beer from 10,000-year-old iceberg water harvested from off the shores of the Atlantic. Iceberg martinis have a chip of a melting iceberg floating in the glass.
Famous Chalupa Fish and Chips served at the Whaler’s Restaurant in Red Bay National Historic Site. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Lobster is served in Cow Head, Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Quidi Vidi Beer is made with pure iceberg water and an Iceberg Martini with a chip off an iceberg served in Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
7. Drive Some of the Most Scenic Roads in Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador offer some of the most scenic drives in Canada. The Viking Trail travels up the rugged western coastline offering stunning coastal views and historic sites. Along the 526 km route, there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites as mentioned above: Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.
If you’re up for a true adventure, head to Labrador’s Trans-Labrador Highway, one of North America’s most remote and breathtaking road trips.
Find the top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe.
The stunning sunset along the scenic Labrador Coastal Drive park of the Trans-Labrador Highway is one of Canada’s most beautiful drives. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Stunning views on a road trip near Bonne Bay, Western Newfoundland. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Travel the most scenic drives in Canada. The Viking Trail in Newfoundland takes you through Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo: Barrett and MacKay
8. Uncover the Cultural Significance of the Newfoundland Dog and Labrador Retriever
Many stories and legends of Newfoundland dogs and Labrador Retrievers are woven into and are a significant part of the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. Both of these breeds are loyal, brave, and extremely valuable to the coastal fishing community.
Both the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland dog are highly intelligent breeds prized as rescue and working dogs helping daily to retrieve fishing nets.
Newfoundland dogs are known as the premium water rescue dog. Because of their partially webbed feet, they are natural born swimmers, very strong, and able to rescue a person.
I met Ed Jackman and his beautiful 15-month-old Newfoundland dog, Sable Chief, at the top of Signal Hill National Historic Site in St. John’s.
Meet Ed Jackman and his beautiful 15-month-old Newfoundland dog (at the time), Sable Chief, at Signal Hill in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Be sure to leave a comment or contact us if you have further questions about a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Wendy Nordvik-Carr was a guest of Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador, which did not review or approve the story.
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
We did it all!
Fantastic photos! I would love to visit Newfoundland and Labrador! I loved visiting Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island years ago on a Holland America cruise.
Great story. I’d love a taste of that lobster but not sure about kissing the fish. Fantastic pictures.