Newfoundland & Labrador Travel Guide: Where History, Culture, and Nature Collide

Newfoundland & Labrador, the easternmost province of Canada, is a stunning land of rugged coastlines, charming fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and icebergs drifting in the Atlantic Ocean. Rich in Viking history, unique culture, and breathtaking natural wonders, this is a destination like no other in North America.

Whether you’re exploring ancient fjords, spotting puffins and whales, or experiencing the warmth of Newfoundland hospitality, this province is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

📍 Top Experiences in Newfoundland & Labrador

1️⃣ Gros Morne National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site

🏞 Why Visit?

A geological wonder with towering fjords, waterfalls, and glacier-carved mountains.
Offers hiking, boat tours, and stunning panoramic views.
Home to the Tablelands, where the Earth’s mantle is exposed.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A scenic shot of Western Brook Pond fjord with towering cliffs

🎟 Tip: Take a boat tour through Western Brook Pond for an unforgettable fjord experience.

2️⃣ Iceberg Alley – Witness Giant Floating Icebergs

🧊 Why Visit?

Every spring, massive icebergs drift along the Newfoundland coast from Greenland.
Best viewed from Twillingate, St. Anthony, or Bonavista.
A bucket-list sight where you can see icebergs up close on a boat tour.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A massive iceberg floating in the Atlantic with seabirds above

🎟 Tip: Visit from April to June for the best iceberg sightings.

3️⃣ Cape Spear – The Easternmost Point in North America

🌅 Why Visit?

The oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland, standing on dramatic cliffs.
The first place in North America to see the sunrise.
Stunning Atlantic Ocean views with crashing waves.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A sunrise shot over the Cape Spear Lighthouse

🎟 Tip: Dress warmly, as the winds here can be strong year-round.

4️⃣ Puffin & Whale Watching in Witless Bay

🐋 Why Visit?

Home to one of the largest puffin colonies in North America.
The best place to see humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins.
Boat tours bring you face-to-face with these incredible marine creatures.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A puffin in flight against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean

🎟 Tip: Visit from June to August for peak whale and puffin season.

5️⃣ Signal Hill – History & Panoramic Views

🏰 Why Visit?

The site where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received in 1901.
Overlooks St. John’s Harbour, offering the best city views.
Features Cabot Tower, hiking trails, and historical reenactments.

📷 Photo Opportunity: Cabot Tower perched on the hill with views of St. John’s

🎟 Tip: Hike the North Head Trail for a breathtaking coastal walk.

6️⃣ L’Anse aux Meadows – The Only Viking Site in North America

⚔ Why Visit?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Vikings landed over 1,000 years ago.
Features reconstructed Norse buildings and archaeological sites.
Step into a living history experience with costumed guides.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A Viking longhouse with costumed interpreters outside

🎟 Tip: Visit the Viking encampment to see traditional crafts and reenactments.

7️⃣ Quidi Vidi Village – A Historic Fishing Village

🎣 Why Visit?

A picturesque fishing village with colorful houses and scenic waterfront views.
Home to Quidi Vidi Brewery, Newfoundland’s most famous craft beer.
A great place to experience local seafood and traditional culture.

📷 Photo Opportunity: The charming fishing huts along the rocky shore

🎟 Tip: Try the Iceberg Beer, made from pure iceberg water!

8️⃣ Bonavista Peninsula – Where John Cabot First Landed

⚓ Why Visit?

One of the most scenic coastal drives in Newfoundland.
Visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and spot whales from the cliffs.
Home to Dungeon Provincial Park and sea caves.

📷 Photo Opportunity: A lighthouse perched on rugged cliffs with ocean waves crashing below

🎟 Tip: Explore Elliston, the root cellar capital of the world, and a puffin viewing site.

🚆 How to Get to & Around Newfoundland & Labrador

✈ By Air:

Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT) or Gander International Airport (YQX).

⛴ By Ferry:

Take the Marine Atlantic ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland.

🚘 By Car/RV:

Rent a car or RV for the best way to explore the coastal drives and remote towns.

🚍 By Bus:

Limited bus services, so self-driving is recommended.

🌦 Best Time to Visit Newfoundland & Labrador

🌸 Spring (April–June): Best for icebergs and puffin watching.
☀ Summer (July–September): Warm weather, whale watching, and hiking.
🍂 Autumn (September–November): Best for fall colors and fewer crowds.
❄ Winter (December–March): Ideal for snowshoeing, skiing, and Northern Lights.

🕰 Opening Hours: Most attractions open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

🍽 What to Eat in Newfoundland & Labrador

✅ Jiggs’ Dinner – A traditional Sunday salt beef, cabbage, and pea pudding meal.
✅ Cod Tongues – A local delicacy, fried and served with scrunchions (pork fat bits).
✅ Toutons – Fried bread served with molasses or jam.
✅ Fish & Brewis – Salt cod and hard bread, a staple in Newfoundland cuisine.
✅ Bakeapple (Cloudberry) Jam – A rare and delicious local berry.