Whether you’re here for the icebergs, the history, or the chance to chat with a fisherman who has a lifetime of stories, there’s no shortage of incredible things to experience. Here are 12 of the coolest things to explore in this wild and wonderful corner of Canada.
1. Iceberg Alley – The world’s coolest Float Parade
Every spring, massive icebergs break off from glaciers in Greenland and take a leisurely float down Iceberg Alley, just off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
These aren’t the kind of ice cubes you toss in your drink – some of them are the size of office buildings! You can spot them from shore or hop on a boat tour to get an up-close look.
2. Puffins in Elliston – The cutest locals you’ll meet
Elliston is home to one of the best places to see puffins, those tiny, clumsy, utterly adorable birds that look like they were designed by a cartoonist. They waddle, they take off like they forgot how to fly halfway through, and they make even the grumpiest traveller smile.
If you stand quietly on the cliffs, you might get lucky enough to see one land just a few feet away. Just don’t take it personally if they immediately turn around and waddle off – it’s not you, they’re just busy being adorable.
3. Gros Morne National Park – Mountains, fjords, and feeling very small
If you ever need a reminder of how tiny you are in the grand scheme of things, Gros Morne National Park will do the trick. This place has everything – towering cliffs, deep fjords, and landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.
Hike the Tablelands to see the Earth’s mantle (yes, the inside of the planet, just hanging out on the surface), or take a boat tour through Western Brook Pond, which sounds like a humble little puddle but is actually an ancient fjord with cliffs taller than skyscrapers. This incredible landscape earned Gros Morne its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Cape Spear – The first sunrise in North America
Want to be the first person in North America to see the sunrise? Head to Cape Spear, the most easterly point on the continent. This place is home to a historic lighthouse, some serious ocean views, and enough wind to make you question your choice of hairstyle.
If you’re not a morning person, it’s still worth a visit just to stand on the edge of the world and feel the power of the Atlantic. And let’s be honest – bragging rights are always a good reason to get up early.
5. Fogo Island – Where modern art meets old-school fishing culture
Fogo Island is the kind of place where traditional fishing stages sit next to sleek, modern architecture, and it somehow works perfectly.
The Fogo Island Inn, famous for its stunning design and commitment to the local community, is worth a visit even if you’re not staying there. Spend some time exploring the island’s hiking trails, meeting locals, and wondering how exactly a place this remote manages to have such a strong sense of style.
6. Twillingate – Iceberg watching with a side of salty air
Twillingate is one of the best spots to see icebergs, but even if you visit outside iceberg season, it’s worth the trip.
This little coastal town is packed with history, hiking trails, and more fresh seafood than you can handle. If you’re feeling brave, stop by Auk Island Winery and try their iceberg wine – yes, it’s made with actual iceberg water, and yes, it’s a great excuse to say you’ve tasted an iceberg.
7. L’Anse aux Meadows – The Vikings were here first
Think Columbus discovered North America? Think again. The Vikings beat him to it by about 500 years, and you can see the evidence at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Norse site in North America.
© Dru Kennedy Photography
Walking through this historic site, with its recreated sod houses and costumed interpreters, makes you wonder what it was like to sail across the Atlantic in a wooden boat, only to land in a place that’s beautiful but also pretty cold most of the year. Maybe that’s why the Viking didn’t stay too long.
8. St. John’s – The most colourful capital in Canada
St. John’s might be the oldest English-founded city in North America, but it’s anything but dull. The bright row houses of Jellybean Row make the city look like it was designed by someone who just discovered the entire colour wheel.
Grab a coffee on Water Street, hike up Signal Hill for the view, and if you’re feeling adventurous, get “screeched in” to become an honorary Newfoundlander. It involves kissing a codfish and taking a shot of Screech rum, but hey, when in Newfoundland…
9. Bonavista – Where John Cabot first landed
In 1497, John Cabot arrived in Bonavista and reportedly declared, “O Buon Vista!” meaning “Oh, happy sight!”. It’s easy to understand why.
© Dru Kennedy; © Mark Gray
This town has dramatic cliffs, historic buildings, and one of the best chances to see whales right from shore. Walk out to the lighthouse, watch the waves crash against the rocks, and pretend you’re an explorer discovering it all for the first time.
10. The East Coast Trail – Hiking doesn’t get more dramatic
The East Coast Trail is over 300 kilometres of coastal hiking trails, but don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all at once (or at all, if hiking isn’t your thing). Pick a section and enjoy some of the most dramatic ocean views in the province.
You might spot whales, icebergs, or even a friendly local who will happily tell you which way to go (even if you weren’t lost in the first place).
11. Labrador – The wild side of Newfoundland and Labrador
Labrador often gets overshadowed by its island counterpart, but if you make the trek, you’ll be rewarded with landscapes that feel like they haven’t changed in centuries.
© Barrett & MacKay Photo
Drive the Trans-Labrador Highway for a road trip adventure, visit the Torngat Mountains for some of the most rugged terrain in Canada, or just soak in the sheer quiet of it all. It’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate wide-open spaces in a whole new way.
12. Witless Bay – More ocean action than a nature documentary
Just south of St. John’s, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to the largest puffin colony in North America and a massive marine reserve, where you can see humpback whales, puffins, and thousands of seabirds.
Take a boat tour, breathe in the salty air, and try to capture the moment when a whale tail appears above the waves. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you – and not just because you’ll end up with about 3,000 slightly blurry whale photos on your phone.
Conclusion: Make sure to check out these amazing sites in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. Whether it’s the landscapes, the wildlife, or the people, there’s something about it that makes you want to come back. And let’s be honest – once you’ve kissed a cod, there’s no going back.
All images © Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism unless otherwise stated
NEWS
WestJet now flies 4x weekly from Gatwick to St. John’s, direct from April 28 to October 25. Flights from Dublin to St. John’s run 2x weekly (May 22 to October 23), and Paris to St. John’s operates 1x weekly (May 18th to October 19th).
