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The ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

April 14, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 153 Comments

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Last updated: April 20th, 2022

Best Things To Do in Newfoundland

Easily one of our favourite provinces to explore, Newfoundland is an incredible place to add to your Canadian bucket list. We’ve visited Newfoundland many times and from May 15th to May 27th, 2017, Newfoundland became the first part of our 150-day Canada road trip travel series . We experienced icebergs, kitchen parties, history, and gorgeous landscapes. We also experienced a mix of sun, wind, rain, fog, and cloudy weather. This is all part of visiting Canada’s most Easterly province during the month of May. However, this is when icebergs begin to make their way down the Atlantic and one of the few places in the world where you can see them in all their glory.

Newfoundland is such an incredible place to explore and it is quite unique compared to the rest of Canada. We were blown away with the hospitality of the locals and by their eagerness to help us experience their great province in various ways. From the moment we touched down in St. John’s, people helped organize parties, tours, and activities all across the province, and some even took us out for dinner.

Newfoundland really is a special place. Whether you’re looking for icebergs, wildlife, incredible scenery, stunning hikes, delicious food, or a joyful atmosphere, Newfoundland is the place to be.

When planning a trip to Newfoundland, it’s always helpful to know what are the best things to do. We have a number of articles about Newfoundland on this site but this one is dedicated to showcasing some of the best things to do in the entire province, most of which have been experienced by us. We hope this becomes a great travel guide for your next trip to Newfoundland.

We hope you enjoy the article and we hope we inspire you to visit this wonderful province. 

Table of Contents

Getting to Newfoundland

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Newfoundland, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

Getting to Newfoundland by Car (and Ferry)

If you’re planning to drive to Newfoundland, you must know that it’s an island. The only way to arrive via car is to take a ferry from Nova Scotia, which takes around 6 hours. The ferries are huge ships that take thousands of people and hundreds of cars, but depending on the ocean, it can be rough enough to get seasick.

Getting to Newfoundland by Plane

If you’re not on a Canada road trip, you’ll likely be flying to Newfoundland. For most tourists, you’ll likely be flying into St. john’s International Airport (YYT), Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF), or Gander International Airport (YQX). Most often, it will be St. John’s International Airport, which is on the far east of the province. Gander is basically in the middle and Deer Lake would be on the west. However, Deer Lake is a regional airport, which means you would be flying from another destination in Canada first. Halifax, Toronto, and Montreal are possible connections.

Getting Around Newfoundland

Newfoundland is big and not very populated. There are lots of small communities, hundreds of kilometres apart. Therefore, public transportation is not really available. There are some buses that go from certain cities to other cities and you’ll find public buses in St. John’s and in Corner Brook. Other than that, you would have to either rent a car, rideshare or hitchhike.

Fun Fact: Newfoundland was the last province to join Canada’s confederation. This happened in 1949. Up until then, it was part of England. 

Weather in Newfoundland (Best Time to Visit)

Although people live in Newfoundland all year-round, the tourism season is really only from April/May until early November. Most tourism operators shut down in the winter months, and even in early spring or late fall, some places will be shut down.

For the best weather, late June until the end of September would be the best time to visit. However, if you’re dream is to see icebergs, your best chances will typically be May and June. If you want to try your hand at cod-jigging (a type of fishing ), you’ll want to make sure you time your visit with the fishing season.

The busiest time to visit would be mid-June until the end of August. This is the peak tourism season, the best weather, the best festivals, and part of the fishing season as well.

In terms of weather, Newfoundland is not a warm destination for the most part. In July and August (and parts of June and September), you might see a daily high of 25 degrees Celcius, which is quite nice. But the weather on the coast, especially out towards the eastern part of the province can have varying degrees of cloud, fog, and wind, sometimes in the same day. You’ll want to pack a jacket and some warmer clothing for any time of year, but especially if you come to see icebergs. During the spring, the weather can drop to as low as zero degrees.

Okay. Now let’s talk about the fun part.

Things To Do in St. John’s

Not only is St. John’s the oldest English-founded city in North America, but It’s also the capital of Newfoundland. Here you’ll find Canada’s oldest street, lots of live music venues, an array of delicious restaurants, beautiful historical sites, and a very busy harbour. It’s a beautiful city and will most likely be the city you’ll fly into when visiting from abroad. There are so many things to do in St. John’s and although you may not get a chance to do them all, here’s a variety of things to choose from during your time in the windiest, cloudiest, and foggiest city in Canada.

Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours

Located right in St. John’s harbour, this is a great tour for those wanting to experience the thrill of leaving the famous harbour, visiting Cape Spear (Canada’s most Easterly point), and viewing icebergs and/or whales, depending on the season. They also operate iceberg tours in Twillingate, which is the iceberg capital of the world. After seeing the harbour from shore and from the top of Signal Hill, it was really cool to experience St. John’s harbour from a boat. They also got us really close to some icebergs!

Learn more at www.icebergquest.com .

O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours

If you’re after cute little puffins, this is the tour for you. Leaving from Bay Bulls (about a 30-minute drive from St. John’s) you’ll get to see icebergs and/or whales (depending on the season) and millions of puffins around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, which is home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America. For those without a car, O’Brien’s offers a pick-up service in St. John’s as well. This is one of our favourite things to do in the province, simply because we love Puffins!

Learn more at www.obriensboattours.com .

Boyle Waking Tour

If you want a colourful and informative historical tour, you likely won’t find a better one than Boyle’s Historical Walking Tours. His enthusiasm really adds a lot to the tour and he’ll walk you to and through some of the most important historical sites in the oldest city in North America.

Learn more at  www.boyletours.com .

Cod Sounds Culinary Excursion

If you’re looking for a truly unique food experience, there’s no better than a Cod Sounds Culinary Excursion. During our first visit to Cod Sounds back in 2017, the weather wasn’t cooperating for the full experience, so Lori, the founder, invited us to her house for a very wild cook-up. However, we visited her again in 2019 and this time, we went foraging for food on the beach, helped her prepare some meals, and ate a wild picnic right in front of the ocean. Everything was prepared using “ancient” techniques and with locally foraged food, including seaweed, plants, and flowers. We also ate crab, lobster, scallops, and much, much more. Everything was tasty and it was so interesting to learn about the art of foraging. This is one experience we highly recommend.

Learn more at www.codsounds.ca .

Getting Screeched-in at Christian’s Bar

Ask anyone in St, John’s where you should get Screeched-in and they’ll tell you Christians. This quaint little pub is home to the best screech-in performance in the city! I don’t want to give away too much but if you want more of a performance to add to the experience, this is the place to do it. There are two shows done by two different people. The event takes place nightly at 5 PM and 11 PM. This is an iconic tradition and one of the top things to do in Newfoundland.

Located on George Street.

O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub

We must have visited this place at least five times during our short time in St. John’s. It’s a great place for live music (especially Thursdays and Friday’s from our experience) and also home to a very tasty Newfoundland Chowder. We also had rabbit pie, which was awesome. Plus, did you know that Newfoundland is one of the few places in Canada where you can order wild meat on the menu? So, if you want to try rabbit, this is your chance. More than anything though, it’s a great place to dance to Newfoundland music in the middle of George Street.

Learn more at www.oreillyspub.com.

For more, visit our article: Things to Do in St. john’s  

Things To Do in Trinity Newfoundland

Okay, next up, let’s talk about Trinity since it’s only 2-hours away from St. John’s as you head west. Trinity is one of the prettiest old towns in Newfoundland. It’s one of those towns you see on a postcard and know you have to visit one day. The town even has an active blacksmith as well as numerous historical buildings, quaint accommodation, and the oldest cemetery in all of Canada. If you want to see small-town Newfoundland, definitely go to Trinity.

Trinity Eco-Tours

If you’re looking to get out on a boat and look for some big marine life, this is your chance. Dolphins, porpoises, seals, bluefin tuna, basking sharks, and majestic whales such as humpbacks, fin, sperm, and minke are just some of the incredible creatures you might see on their thrilling three-hour whale watching tour. But that’s not all, you may also see eagles, puffins, gannets, and more!

Learn more at www.trinityecotours.com .

Artisan Inn and Twine Loft Restaurant

I truly can’t imagine a better place to stay not only in Trinity but in the entire province. This place is gorgeous and is the perfect way to step back in time. At Artisan Inn, you get your own house! Ours, which was built in the 1800s, felt like a dollhouse with its cute little rooms and antique furniture. This is the type of accommodation that actually adds to the experience. They also serve gourmet food in the evening at Twine Loft Restaurant as well as a delicious breakfast in the morning.

Learn more at www.trinityvacations.com .

Bonavista Social Club

This popular and new restaurant is located in the small community of Upper Amherst Cove on the Bonavista Peninsula. Since visiting Bonavista itself should be high on your list, you might as well stop here to fill your tummy. Here you’ll find delicious food made with local ingredients as well as the only commercial wood-fired bread oven in all of Newfoundland. We had fresh pasta, lamb, wood-fired pizza, a moose burger, and their delicious partridgeberry bread pudding.

Learn more at www.bonavistasocialclub.com .

Port Rexton Brewery

This new brewery, located just minutes from Trinity, is all the rage in Newfoundland. So many people recommended it to us that we had to stop by. We’re thankful we did. We had a tour followed by a tasting of their four popular beers. I love how each brew is so different that even the alcohol levels change. It’s really like a high-quality homebrew. I’m not usually a fan of dark beers but their porter was very delicious.

Learn more at www.portrextonbrewing.com .

Driving Newfoundland’s Discovery Trail

If you’re already spending time in the Trinity area, DO NOT miss the chance to drive the Discovery Trail to Bonavista. This area, and especially the Cape Bonavista area around the lighthouse, is home to some of the most spectacular views in the province. Located up on a cliff, the views from the lighthouse, as well as the waves hitting the rocky shores, is truly outstanding. You’ll also find old houses, pebble beaches, and lots of picturesque fishing boats. You may even see whales, icebergs, or seabirds. Actually, you will 100% see seabirds!

There’s also an incredible area called the Dungeon, where cliffs drop down into a humungous sinkhole with two seaward channels, all created from ocean erosion. For more geological fun in the area, download the Bonavista! Geological Tour app ( iPhone and Android ) for a driving tour that highlights the geology of the region.

This is also home to where John Cabot discovered North America in 1497, hence the name of the drive. Not only is it historically significant and home to stunning views, it’s also home to the full-size replica of the Matthew Legacy , the ship that John Cabot arrived in. If you time your trip properly you may get to see it and step inside this “historic” vessel.

Things To Do in Twillingate, Newfoundland

Known as the iceberg capital of the world, this is the place to come if you want to see icebergs. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate with our visit and the ice, wind, and rain didn’t allow us to go out on the big boats. However, we did get to go out on a smaller boat, which allowed us to stand on some of the pack-ice, which was lining the harbour. In addition, our lovely guesthouse threw us a kitchen party, which brought out the real Newfoundland vibe and introduced us to some local musicians. The town itself is quaint and beautiful and I certainly hope to visit it again one day.

If you want to see icebergs, this is the tour to go with. Due to the weather, we couldn’t go with them in Twillingate but we did do an iceberg tour with them from St. John’s and it was excellent. We will definitely be back one day to try them out in the iceberg capital of the world!

Annie’s Restaurant

This is a new harbour-view seafood restaurant in Twillingate. Our hosts recommended that we try the Cod au Gratin and it did not disappoint. Who would have thought that cod and cheese could go together so well but it was incredibly delicious! We finished up with chocolate cake and ice cream. If you want seafood, this is the place to go!

Located at 128 Main Street.

All Season’s Bed & Breakfast

I’m so happy we found this lovely bed & breakfast, which is run by Mark and Ruby. Each room has its own ensuite and the gourmet breakfast is delicious! Mark and Ruby are such lovely hosts and the kitchen party they organized for us was so much fun. It’s one of the highlights of our two weeks in Newfoundland! The Bed & Breakfast has great views of the harbour as well and they are very knowledgeable about Twillingate. We only stayed for two nights and we can’t wait to return.

Learn more at www.allseasonsbb.com .

Things To Do in Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in all of Canada and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to being a rare example of the process of the continental drift. The park is filled with landlocked fjords, exposed mantle, cliffs, waterfalls, coastline, and tons of wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, whales, and caribou. If I had to pick one place in all of Newfoundland to explore, this would be it.

• Hiking in Gros Morne National Park

If I could only pick one thing to do in Gros Morne National Park, it would be hiking. There are so many beautiful trails here and they are much less crowded than most other national parks across Canada. Some of our favourites include the Summit Hike to the top of Gros Morne, Green Gardens, and the Tablelands.

Blackawton Boat Tours

Located in Woody Point near Trout River, this is your chance to get out on Bonne Bay and see some whales! Not only did we see various whales breach the water, but we also saw bald eagles and seals. Taking a boat tour is one of the top things to do in Newfoundland. Bonne Bay is gorgeous and if you want to see wildlife and get out on the water, this is the tour for you.

Learn more at www.blackawtonboattours.com .

Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the most famous postcard image of Gros Morne National Park, this is the tour for you. There’s only one company that operates the tour and they take you right inside the fjord, giving you an opportunity to see beautiful scenery and waterfalls.

Learn more at Parks Canada .

Wild Gros Morne Trout River Boat Tour

During our last visit to Newfoundland in 2019, we jumped on a new boat tour with Wild Gros Morne. This happens on Little Trout River Pond near the beautiful village of Trout River. They take you up the pond (it’s actually more like a lake) and to the backside of the Tablelands. This tour is done in a Zodiac and offers incredible views and insight into the 500-million-year history of the area.

Learn more at wildgrosmorne.com .

Seaside Restaurant

Wow, this place serves up delicious seafood right next to the beach. There’s something special about eating fresh fish with views of the ocean. A bucket of mussels, fresh cod, and a cold pint of Iceberg beer? Sign me up! If you’re not staying in Trout River (note: you should be), It’s worth driving all the way just to eat here. Excellent.

Learn more at www.grosmorne.com/listing/seaside-deli-dairy-bar/

Sheppard’s Bed & Breakfast

Located in Trout River (a must-see town just outside of the park), this is the place to be! Situated on their own big parcel of land on top of a mountain overlooking Trout River, you’ll find beautiful accommodation with incredible 360-degree views of the area. Doris and Tom even sang us a song when we arrived. When in Newfoundland, bed & breakfasts are the best place to sleep and this is one that should be high on your list!

Learn more at www.sheppardsbandb.com .

Other Things to Do in Newfoundland

Four seasons boat tours (cox’s cove).

If you’re over by the Corner Brook area of Newfoundland, take the time to drive down to Cox’s Cove. It’s one of the most beautiful areas in the whole province and is also home to Four Seasons Tours . Darren Park, the owner of Four Seasons, can take you out into the bay in a traditional Newfoundland Dory to photograph bald eagles up close, go fishing, watch the sunrise or sunset in the Bay of Islands, and cook-up some fresh seafood at his cabin. In the winter, he can even take you snowmobiling around the mountains. We jumped in the dory with Darren in 2019 and it was an incredible day!

Driving Newfoundland’s Viking Trail

If you have the time and want to head up to Newfoundland’s most Northern region, then you’ll want to take the Viking Trail, which starts around Gros Morne National Park. This epic 526-km trail starts in Deer Lake (just outside of Gros Morne) and goes all the way up to St. Anthony’s and one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth – L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. The drive itself only takes 5 hours or so, but you’ll want to have at least one full day to enjoy the scenery along the way. I would also spend 2-3 nights or more in the region (not including Gros Morne National Park) to fully enjoy the area, go on some boat tours, visit the historical sites, enjoy the towns, and just have a great time. In the spring, this is also one of the best places in the province to see icebergs. In fact, it’s home to the Iceberg Festival!

For more, read our article about Newfoundland’s Viking Trail .

Take the Ferry to St. Pierre and Miquelon

Another incredibly unique thing about Newfoundland is that you can jump on a ferry and be in France in less than 1.5 hours. That’s right, two little islands off the southern coast of Newfoundland – St. Pierre and Miquelon –  are the only part of New France that still remain under French control. It really is just like visiting France, except in laid back fishing village style. Unless you’re Canadian, you do need a passport to enter and it will totally feel like you’ve left Canada. Breakfast will be baguettes and croissants, most stores are closed for lunch, and everyone will be speaking French.

Whether you want to experience a French fishing village in St. Pierre or get more into nature in Miquelon, these are two fascinating ways to “extend” your Newfoundland vacation.

For more, please read our article: St. Pierre and Miquelon

What To Do in Newfoundland

As you can see, we crammed a lot of incredible experiences into our short two weeks and yet, we only scratched the surface of this amazing province. This list above gives you a quick taste of what we experienced during our trip to Newfoundland and some of the top things to do in the province. However, there’s much more than that and if you have a car, we recommend reading more Newfoundland articles below.

For more things to do in Newfoundland, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in St John’s
• Driving the Viking Trail
• Newfoundland’s Iceberg Festival
• St. Pierre and Miquelon
• Hiking Newfoundland (Five Great Trails)

In addition to all the great things to do in Newfoundland, we also teamed up with Matts’s dad to write a book about growing up in the remote fishing village of Deer Harbour, Newfoundland. Learn more about that book on Deer Harbour here.

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

January 16, 2018 at 12:51 am

Wow! What a great adventure! Can’t wait to the read the provinces.

I do a lot of landscape photography around Newfoundland so I included my website in case you like to have a look 🙂

Cheers Frank

January 16, 2018 at 6:19 pm

Absolutely! Thanks for that. We love Newfoundland so we’re excited to see what you capture 🙂

March 10, 2022 at 6:32 pm

The only province/territory I haven’t been to.

May 21, 2022 at 12:20 pm

Definitely on our travel list, particularly now when travel borders are iffy!

May 24, 2022 at 3:15 am

August 30, 2022 at 11:33 am

Newfoundland is definitely in my bucket list, specially after watching your videos.

June 2, 2022 at 10:51 pm

Dying to go back to the east coast

May 28, 2018 at 9:01 am

Great info. I’m hooked ?

June 1, 2018 at 1:48 am

Thank you! Glad you like the site 🙂

September 10, 2019 at 8:47 am

All deserving, but don’t forget that the province is Newfoundland AND Labrador. You left out a big part of the province. Check out Battle Harbour to see one example of what you missed.

September 10, 2019 at 1:54 pm

True, I wish we could have visited Labrador too. We saw it from the shore of Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula this year. Hope to make it there soon. Just need to find sponsors.

January 13, 2021 at 3:10 pm

Excellent descriptions Matt. I have to visit this province to enjoy these “first in lifetime” experiences. Love and warm regards from West Bengal, India. HNY 2021.

January 20, 2021 at 7:55 pm

Thanks! You’ll love it! West Bengal sounds like an adventure too 🙂

April 3, 2021 at 12:09 pm

So happy I found this website! Thankyou Thankyou

April 3, 2021 at 3:45 pm

Oh how I miss da rock! Home sweet home can’t wait for dis covid crap to be over wit so I can go visit family.

April 4, 2021 at 8:08 am

This is the only Canadian province that I haven’t been to. I can’t wait to visit.

April 5, 2021 at 5:51 am

I would love to visit Newfoundland and drive along the coast to see the icebergs.

April 5, 2021 at 10:08 am

This thorough article has inspired me to visit Newfoundland, once things settle down in Canada. Great read!

April 5, 2021 at 12:33 pm

We’re hoping to get back there this year too. Fingers crossed

April 5, 2021 at 9:56 pm

April 6, 2021 at 9:46 am

So beautifull

April 6, 2021 at 5:40 pm

Bucket list place!!! What a helpful article, bookkeeping for later!! 🙂

April 8, 2021 at 12:54 pm

absolutely gorgeous!!!!

April 8, 2021 at 8:10 pm

Love to go here one day!

April 9, 2021 at 12:41 am

Visiting Newfoundland is on my bucket list!

September 10, 2022 at 1:02 pm

Cannot wait to see Newfoundland Labrador. ❤️

April 12, 2021 at 10:38 am

I’d love to be there!

April 12, 2021 at 3:40 pm

Newfoundland is a bucket list destination for me.

April 13, 2021 at 6:12 am

So insightful! Definitely going to refer to this article once I go!

April 13, 2021 at 10:32 am

Would love to visit the Eastern provinces, so much great things to do!

April 15, 2021 at 7:24 am

Had to postpone a hiking trip here due to COVID. Cannot wait until we can rebook!

April 15, 2021 at 12:42 pm

Us too! We hope to get back this year

April 16, 2021 at 3:58 pm

Dear Staff: What are some of your suggestions when traveling to Newfoundland,Ca. Places to visit, Stay, And dine.

Alan.W. 4-16-2021

April 17, 2021 at 10:31 am

Hey Alan, pretty much our suggestions are in the article. I’m not sure what else we would say. It all depends where you’re going. St. John’s is a must, and if possible;e, stay downtown by the water. If not, the Best Western up by the airport is very nice. A rental car will make getting aroud NFLD much easier…

April 18, 2021 at 10:37 am

Dear Matthew: Thanks for the response! I am an avid backpacker, so Gros Morne National Park would be part of the itinerary? St John Is definitely on my bucket list. The main factor is time allotted to do this trip…my passport is being renewed… Matthew, if you are in Newfoundland in August-2021, perhaps, we can connect, i am hopefully going with a buddy of mine who loves hiking? Can you thumb a ride to get around, or is it unlawful? Also, Can i get to Miquelon or Saint Pierre form St. Johns via bus? Not sure I want to Rent a Car(too much responsibility)? Thanks again, Alan.W 4-18-2021 12:36 pm,Est

April 18, 2021 at 4:22 pm

Hmm, I’m not sure about the bus. So much of NFLD is small communities so access is not great. You may be able to get to the ferry, which goes to St. Pierre. I would imagine there’s a bus that goes from St. john’s to Deer Lake (which is near Gros Morne) but I doubt there’s much public transportation within the park. I’ve noticed people hitchhiking there before. I’m not sure if it’s illegal but people certainly do it. But yes, Gros Morne is incredible. It is about 6-hours drive from St. John’s or you could fly to Deer Lake, which is 45 minutes from Gros Morne. But again, Gros Morne is also split up and quite large.

April 20, 2021 at 11:57 am

Dear Matthew: I certainly trust your wisdom and your first hand knowledge of the terrain of Newfoundland. If i can get the time in August-2021 to travel,(assuming the restrictions are lifted), then Full Steam Ahead. Matthew, also, if i do get around to going to Miquelon/Saint Pierre, do i need to bring a special adapter to charge my cell phone. This island is French! And they may revert to the European System? All your input is appreciated? Regards,

Alan. W. 4-20-2021 2:00 pm,Est

April 20, 2021 at 12:05 pm

Yes, you actually do need an adaptor for plugging in things. Sometimes the hotels have them but better to have your own just in case. They also use the Euro but many places accept Canadian or you can visit an ATM.

April 20, 2021 at 6:20 pm

Dear Matthew: Your assistance is golden.But, i have a general concern going to Newfoundland,Canada. I am am USA citizen. That being said, “Am i required to fill out as ‘travel Form’ to enter the province of Newfoundland? Can i get a “waiver” ? All these forms are way to cumbersome? Thanks again. Regards, Alan. W 4-20-2021 8:19 pm<est

April 20, 2021 at 9:30 pm

Oh, no idea Alan, sorry. I mean, once the borders open, I guess it’s like visiting any country. You’d just go through customs at the land border or the airport.

April 21, 2021 at 11:55 am

Dear Matthew: I appreciate your due diligence and your help. Canada is a spectacular Country, and Newfoundland is rich in History and Culture. Hope to visit sooner than later. Regards, Alan W. 4-21-2021 1:55 pm,Est PS: USA beat the Russians in the 1980 Olympics, at Lake Placid,NY(“Miracle on Ice.”)

April 24, 2021 at 11:40 am

One of my bucket list to visit here

April 27, 2021 at 9:45 pm

Full of helpful information. Can use it on our next trip there

May 8, 2021 at 2:53 pm

hope to visit soon.

May 12, 2021 at 6:21 am

I’ve always wanted to see the east coast!

May 12, 2021 at 6:33 am

Lived there for 15 years! Amazing country!

May 12, 2021 at 6:54 am

What a great website filled with beautiful photos and great info to help inform travel in our fabulous country!! Thank you!!

May 12, 2021 at 10:20 am

May 12, 2021 at 2:30 pm

Would love to get out there one day!

May 13, 2021 at 4:11 pm

Hoping to make a trip to this beautiful province

May 13, 2021 at 6:10 pm

Love to visit Newfoundland. On my bucket list!

May 13, 2021 at 10:46 pm

May 14, 2021 at 6:38 am

I can’t wait to go back someday. So beautiful.

May 14, 2021 at 7:49 am

Gotta hit this place up!

May 14, 2021 at 12:56 pm

Looks like a fun adventure!

May 14, 2021 at 7:09 pm

I miss Newfoundland, so amazing!

May 16, 2021 at 10:52 am

Wonderful article.

May 18, 2021 at 5:20 pm

Newfoundland is one of my favourite places. I miss hunting icebergs in the spring

May 25, 2021 at 12:15 pm

Home sweet home

May 25, 2021 at 12:17 pm

How I loved and miss NL! Can’t wait to go again! 🙂

May 25, 2021 at 10:37 pm

Wonderful article!

May 26, 2021 at 9:03 am

You should tackle Labrador next! I’d really love to learn more about what to see there.

May 26, 2021 at 10:38 am

Yes! It’s one of the few areas we haven’t been at all. high on our list!

May 27, 2021 at 5:50 am

So many things to do! How awesome!

May 27, 2021 at 5:17 pm

I can’t wait to go again and see more!

June 9, 2021 at 3:53 pm

Love my province of Newfoundland. Lots o beautiful places to visit.

June 9, 2021 at 6:06 pm

My goal is to get to Newfoundland in the near future and try to do as many things on this list as possible

June 9, 2021 at 6:53 pm

June 9, 2021 at 11:35 pm

I must visit Newfoundland! I just love all the bright colours that they use on their houses and buildings!

June 10, 2021 at 8:55 pm

Nfld is the friendliest and prettiest province to visit.

June 11, 2021 at 3:34 am

Newfoundland is one of the best places to visit! Lots to do and the people are great! Get travelling!

June 15, 2021 at 5:00 pm

Oh to get there one day….beautiful!

June 22, 2021 at 4:51 pm

To visit Newfoundland is tops on my bucket list and I love all the info provided in your article “What to do in Newfoundland”! Gros Morne National Park sounds awesome!!! Thanks!

August 23, 2021 at 1:10 pm

It’s definitely on my bucket list.. So gorgeous!!

December 6, 2021 at 1:48 pm

That opening photo is amazing! Who knew? Looks like something you’d see on the Amalfi Coast.

December 6, 2021 at 7:01 pm

December 7, 2021 at 8:27 pm

Newfoundland & Labrador is the last province I have to visit. Then it’ll be the territories! It seems like such a beautiful province both in geography and community!

February 7, 2022 at 6:47 am

Newfoundland was one of my favourite places to visit. Just an amazing province!

February 16, 2022 at 6:49 am

Can wait to visit Newfoundland some day!!

February 16, 2022 at 7:37 am

Being a native Newfoundlander this is a great article. I would encourage anyone traveling here to not only focus on the east coast of the island but look for the off the beaten track places to. There’s a lot of charm in our tiny fishing communities, and hiking to our resettlement communities can be very rewarding! Thanks for featuring beautiful Newfoundland!

February 16, 2022 at 9:42 am

Totally! We’re a bit biased since half of my (Matt) family lives there, but it’s one of our fav places to explore

February 17, 2022 at 12:17 pm

Can’t wait to visit Newfoundland one day!

February 18, 2022 at 10:44 am

Looking forward to a visit some day

February 20, 2022 at 6:51 pm

Thank you for this information! Very useful!!

March 10, 2022 at 7:46 pm

Newfoundland is #1 on my bucket list for provinces to visit. Can’t wait to go!

March 11, 2022 at 8:49 pm

Very helpful hope to visit there maybe next year 😀

March 12, 2022 at 9:32 am

So many great ideas . I’ve always wanted to go to Newfoundland. I’ll have to keep this list in mind for when I finally get there .

March 12, 2022 at 3:07 pm

I have always wanted to go to Newfoundland. Definitely on the bucket list!

March 13, 2022 at 12:28 pm

Visit the Granite Coast to see the only stone lighthouse on the eastern seaboard on North America at Rose Blanche. Take a boat tour to abandoned fishing villages of Petites and Grand Bruit. Visit the south coast fjord villages of Grey River and Francois. All of these are off the beaten path.

March 13, 2022 at 10:10 pm

Sounds amazing! We’ll look them up. Half our family is in NFLD, so we make it back every year or two

August 24, 2022 at 6:50 am

I would love to see more of Canada it’s so beautiful

March 14, 2022 at 3:03 pm

Love those sea side villages. Makes for great photos

March 20, 2022 at 11:20 am

Newfoundland is #1 on my list of places to go next in Canada! It looks so beautiful and the people are so lovely!

March 20, 2022 at 6:45 pm

March 21, 2022 at 10:40 am

My niece and great niece live here!! I want to visit so much!! It looks beautiful! 💕

March 25, 2022 at 9:44 am

On our bucket list! Part of our East Coast Family Road Trip!

April 3, 2022 at 10:49 pm

So much beauty to see in Newfoundland. It’s my #1 place to visit next in Canada.

April 5, 2022 at 10:20 am

The only place left on my bucket list…Newfoundland

April 6, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Would absolutely love to visit this part of Canada. Its on the Bucket List☺❤

April 7, 2022 at 1:01 pm

Wow that was a very thorough article full of great ideas! Loved reading about all there was to do!

April 10, 2022 at 3:11 pm

Beautiful place! So much to see!

May 4, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Amazing! I’ve always wanted to go to Newfoundland, now I want to go even more!!!

May 5, 2022 at 3:39 am

Lived a number of years in Newfoundland and made it to Labrador, as well, where we saw a beautiful display of the Northern Lights. If you ever get the chance to visit, be sure to go!

May 6, 2022 at 7:34 pm

We do hope to see it soon! Would make an adventurous road trip

May 5, 2022 at 6:17 am

I would love to see more of Canada it’s so beautiful.

May 6, 2022 at 5:27 am

Thanks for this helpful info. Our ferries are booked. Can’t wait to see NFLD this summer.

May 7, 2022 at 5:15 pm

The one province I have not visited and is on my bucket list.

May 10, 2022 at 4:35 am

Wow! Would love to visit!

May 16, 2022 at 7:10 pm

Love Newfoundland!

May 16, 2022 at 7:37 pm

I’ll be there next year for the East Coast Trail! Can’t wait!

May 16, 2022 at 11:12 pm

I would love to see this one day.

May 17, 2022 at 4:25 pm

It’s on my list to visit one day, my fiancés family is from here and he still has family there.

May 18, 2022 at 8:56 am

I was born in NL ( lived in historic town of Brigus for my first 15 years , but lived in ON and NB and returned to NL 1990. NL truly is a remarkable province to explore and get to know. Wonderful article you’ve written , and difficult to see ALL the fabulous places here in one visit. Take care .

May 18, 2022 at 12:20 pm

One day I’d like to visit.

May 18, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Definitely on our travel bucket list!

May 18, 2022 at 5:25 pm

Someday I hope to get to Newfoundland. It’s the only province I haven’t been to.

May 19, 2022 at 4:53 am

Fresh seafood is a must!❤️

May 19, 2022 at 4:54 am

Fresh seafood in Newfoundland-my fav❤️

May 19, 2022 at 1:38 pm

May 23, 2022 at 8:30 pm

Would love to visit here sometime! It’s so beautiful

May 24, 2022 at 7:18 am

Wow! I’d love to come here again!

May 24, 2022 at 7:53 am

Wow…this is the place on my bucket list and I think I may go visit soon after read all your information 🤭

May 25, 2022 at 6:04 pm

Great list of things to do! NL is beautiful

May 26, 2022 at 7:17 am

May 26, 2022 at 8:48 pm

Spent two amazing weeks in Newfoundland in 2018. Everyone should visit at least once.

May 27, 2022 at 1:39 pm

We would love to visit eastern Canada one day. This is a great place by the looks of it.

May 27, 2022 at 2:37 pm

Would love to visit one day!

May 27, 2022 at 3:19 pm

Planning a trip to hike Gros Morne to take in the vast landscape and smell the ocean air!! I’m looking forward to it!

May 27, 2022 at 7:24 pm

Newfoundland is on my bucket list and I will definitely refer back to this list when I’m planning!

May 28, 2022 at 8:46 pm

Can’t wait to see the icebergs!

May 29, 2022 at 12:25 pm

I must visit some day. It all looks so awesome!

May 29, 2022 at 2:07 pm

I’ve always wanted to go to Newfoundland. It’s the only PROVINCE I haven’t visited!

May 29, 2022 at 3:45 pm

Thanks for all of the tips, can’t wait to visit in October

May 30, 2022 at 9:37 am

Thanks for all of the tips, can’t wait to visit

May 30, 2022 at 7:20 pm

Can’t wait to visit NFLD in July! This article helps to keep informed about the possibilities that are available.

June 2, 2022 at 5:07 am

Definitely make a trip to Signal Hill, and when on the way down, stop at the Chocolate Cafe for some amazing food and lovely drinks!

June 2, 2022 at 4:57 pm

We hope to get there next summer!

June 4, 2022 at 6:58 am

This province sounds amazing and looks so beautiful- cant’t wait to visit

June 8, 2022 at 7:38 am

I loved northern NFL! It reminded me of Ireland!

August 25, 2022 at 3:52 pm

Some day I hope to visit NB. I’ve heard about all sorts of neat things to see and do there

August 31, 2022 at 7:04 pm

I would love a trip to Newfoundland!! I have met so many friendly people from there over the years. The landscape would be beautiful to see.

September 1, 2022 at 5:27 am

I lived all my life in amazing Newfoundland and I still haven’t seen all there is to see. Wonderful article!

September 1, 2022 at 6:01 am

would love to travel here

September 2, 2022 at 8:19 am

I would so love to travel and see Newfoundland 😍

September 2, 2022 at 9:47 am

This is an amazing place. We stayed at the Jag hotel and loved the Signal Hill. Cupid town and museum is a great side tour and Quidi Vidi Village and the walk up the hill to view the whole area.

September 2, 2022 at 11:34 am

I travelled Newfoundland Coast To Coast . By Motorcycle was a fun trip the people are great fun . I even ran into relatives of old customers !

September 2, 2022 at 11:52 am

I have always had a facination with travelling to the maritimes. Newfoundland is at the top of my list because of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. I thought it would be an adventure to travel from the maritimes to France in an a couple of hours. After reading this article I am making a vist to Newfoundland a must do. Fabulous information.

September 2, 2022 at 2:09 pm

Heading back home next summer! Haven’t been back in 14 years.

September 2, 2022 at 3:25 pm

Great ideas

September 2, 2022 at 5:17 pm

looks beautiful there !

September 5, 2022 at 2:15 am

Great article, you provided some very useful and insightful information. It is the only Province we have yet to visit and plan to when Covid settles down a little more.

September 7, 2022 at 2:20 pm

Great article because I’ve always wanted to visit Newfoundland

September 7, 2022 at 7:50 pm

Maybe I will get there some day

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25 Unforgettable Things to Do in Newfoundland

• Canada / In the City / Outdoors

Visiting Newfoundland? Don’t miss these things to do.

Have you seen  Come From Away on Broadway ? Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada, we didn’t know much about it until we watched the show in NY.

Though Newfoundland is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, icebergs, and puffins, what truly makes them stand apart from any other place we visited is the people. Everyone was so friendly, warm, and welcoming, and even the visitors we encountered would not stop talking about the hospitality here. It was next level.

A big thank you to Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland for hosting our trip. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: January 3, 2024

− − Content Menu

• 25 Best Things to Do in Newfoundland
• Map of Things to Do in Newfoundland
• More Things to Do in Newfoundland
• Best Places to Stay in Newfoundland
• Essential Tips for First Timers + What to Pack

Planning Checklist

More resources.

During our visit, we only got a chance to explore the Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland. There aren’t many places I want to revisit, but after a taste of Newfoundland, we know we have to go back.

1. Gros Morne National Park

Rocky Harbour, NL A0K 4N0, Canada,  map

Gros Morne National Park is known for beautiful fjords, towering mountains, sprawling beaches, forests, and cliffs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and really deserves a guide of its own, but we’ll wait until we get a chance to visit ourselves. A few highlights you shouldn’t miss are:

• The Tablelands – a moon-like landscape with lots of hikes and views
• Western Brook Pond – take a cruise to see the cliffs from the water
• Lobster Cove Lighthouse – great whale watching and sunset spot

See More: Your Complete List of 400+ National Parks in the US

2. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Blackhead Road, Cape Spear, St. John’s, NL A1C 5H2, Canada,  map

This historic site is just South of St. John’s and has plenty of trails to explore and beautiful panoramic viewpoints. If you follow the trails down to the coast, you’ll also find the Easternmost Point of North America.

3. Signal Hill National Historic Site, St Johns

230 Signal Hill Rd, St. John’s, NL A1A 1B3, Canada,  map

This was the first stop we made after arriving in St. John’s. It was the perfect way to get a literal overview of the city. Signal Hill was once the site of the city’s oceanfront military defenses, but now there are hiking trails and a panoramic view of the city. You can also do a guided tour.

Pro Tip: If you climb Cabot Tower, you can get an even higher view. 

4. Quidi Vidi Village, St Johns

10 Maple View Rd, St. John’s, NL A1A 5W2, Canada,  map

This picturesque town lies along Quidi Vidi Lake. Walk the narrow streets or grab a drink at the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company. There are even trails that take you up on the hills to get a top down view.

Local Tip: Parking is very limited. We kept trying to find a ‘closer’ parking spot and wasted time driving around. Pull in to any spot you see and you can easily walk around the area.

5. Get Schreeched-In on George St, St John’s

George St, St. John’s, NL,  map

Newfoundland has a ceremony for come from aways (any non-Newfoundlanders) known as the “screech-in”. It usually involves a shot of screech (the local rum), a short recitation, and kissing a cod. George Street is full of bars and pubs where you can get screeched-in but be sure to check their schedules. Some require reservations and others don’t. Many bars only do them a certain time of day or week. 

Local Tip: We thought we could just drop in on one spontaneously, but that wasn’t the case. Since we were limited on time, we didn’t get a chance to get screeched-in. Try Trapper John’s or Christian’s Bar. If you miss it in St John’s, you can find plenty of places to get screeched, but it might require some planning ahead.

6. The Rooms

9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s, NL A1C 5P9, Canada,  map

Since we’re not huge museum people, we mainly wanted to visit for the views from the top of the building. The views did not disappoint, but we also ended up spending a couple of hours checking out all the exhibits. The Rooms art gallery and museum gives you more natural and cultural history of the area, and it has a few fun interactive areas too.

7. Jellybean Row, St Johns

1-245 Duckworth St, St. John’s, NL A1C 1G8, Canada,  map

The brightly colored homes in St John’s are better known as Jellybean Row. We initially thought it was just a specific set of houses, but it actually covers multiple streets, so you can wander around to find the area you love most.

Local Tip: Take a photography tour with Moe from  Far East Photography Tours  since he knows all the best spots. After visiting Jellybean Row, he also took us to other scenic spots only a local photographer would know.

8. Town of Dildo

Dildo, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0B 1P0,  map

Yes, Dildo. That’s the name of the town. It recently received a lot of attention after Jimmy Kimmel became an honorary mayor. He put up ‘hollywood-style’ Dildo sign on the hills that people stop by to take photos of. You can also stop by the popular Dildo Brewing & Museum, go whale watching or rent a dory boat to get a view from the water.

Local Tip: The  Dildo Boathouse Inn  was the perfect home base in Dildo. Dennis and Paula make you feel like home and the rooms are beautiful. It was our favorite place to stay during our trip.

9. Whale Watching with Sea of Whales Adventure

12 Ash’s Ln, Trinity, NL A0C 2S0, Canada,  map

This was hands down the best whale watching trip we’ve been on. We were over whale watching, but this trip made us understand why people go whale watching again.

Since we visited on the late end of whale watching season, we were initially reluctant to go. Plus, we’ve been on plenty of boat trips where it’s primarily waiting around for hours for an anti-climactic spotting of a whale fin.

These guys from Sea of Whales Adventure know what they’re doing. With 7 different launching points on the Bonavista Peninsula, they are able to launch closest to where whales have been last active. During our trip, we hung out with 2 curious humpback whales, saw a whale breach for the first time, and witnessed a crazy blue fin tuna feeding frenzy.

See More: 15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US + When to Go

10. East Coast Trail

Cape Broyle, NL A0A 1P0, Canada,  map

Whether you want to do just a small portion of it or try to conquer the entire 336 km trail, the East Coast Trail is a great way to see Newfoundland. The developed trail comprises of 25 wilderness paths and interacts with over 30 communities.

Some of the highlights you can find on the trail are:

• The Spout (wave-driven geyser)
• 50-meter suspension bridge at La Manche
• Abandoned coastal settlements
• 30 historic communities
• Colony of Avalon archaeological dig at Ferryland
• 8 historic lighthouses
• 3 Ecological Reserves

Local Tip: Their website has a great feature where you can narrow down which paths you want to explore based on difficulty.

See More: 15 Best Day Hikes in the US to Put On Your Bucket List

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada,  map

This small town in northeastern Newfoundland that was made famous by the  Broadway musical  Come From Away . The story revolves around the planes that were rerouted here during 9/11 and how the community stepped up to welcome people from all over the world. Even for the most jaded New Yorker, it made you believe in humanity again.

Also, can you believe Gander International Airport also used to be the world’s busiest airport? Before the age of jets, planes would have to refuel here.

The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is also a popular stop to check out how Newfoundland contributed to WWII.

12. Skerwink Trail, Port Rexton

Port Rexton, NL A0C 2H0, Canada,  map

I know East Coast Trail is famous, but this was our favorite day hike during our trip. The 4.7 km loop takes you to beautiful viewpoints of rugged coast, panoramic views, and a chance to see whales. Maybe it was the whales, but the hike was epic!

13. Iceberg Alley

Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada,  map

Newfoundland is one of the best places in the world to see icebergs. Every spring, icebergs of all shapes, sizes, and colors float by and bring in visitors to see them.

Iceberg Alley runs from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of Newfoundland (basically the entire coast is a prime spot for icebergs). Here are a few popular spots you can access by road:

• Battle Harbour
• Point Amour
• St. Anthony
• Twillingate
• Fogo Island
• Change Islands

Local Tip: IcebergFinder.com is the go-to resource to track icebergs each season.

14. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Bonavista

PW27+HV Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada,  map

Bonavista Lighthouse is a candy cane colored lighthouse and was definitely worth the detour. It’s also one of two easy-to-see puffin colonies. All you have to do is head towards the back of the lighthouse and you’ll see them on a giant rock to the right just off the coast. There are also a bunch of trails following the coast around the lighthouse. 

Local Tip: These puffins are much farther though, so bring your longest telephoto lens ( this is the one we use) .

15. Town of Bonavista

Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador Canada,  map

We loved exploring the town of Bonavista! You can check out the shops, enjoy a beach boil-up, or rent bikes and go for a picnic. Some highlights from our trip:

• Beach Boil Up with Bonavista Adventure Tours
• Picnic Lunch with Bonavista Bicycle Picnics and Cafe
• Newfoundland Mockbeggar Plantation
• Ryan Premises National Historic Site
• East Coast Glow to pick up souvenirs for friends. Their soaps are made from foraged ingredients and iceberg water.

16. Dungeon Provincial Park, Bonavista

ROUTE 238, Bonavista, NL A0C 1B0, Canada,  map

If you’re in Bonavista, stop by the Dungeon Provincial Par to check out a large collapsed sea cave with a natural archway. Also, be sure to explore the surrounding area. We almost missed amazing photo ops just a few minutes away from the sea cave.

Pro Tip: We went when they had the worst light (high noon), which made the Dungeon extremely challenging to shoot.

17. Terra Nova National Park

Trans-Canada Hwy Glovertown, Traytown, NL A0G 4K0, Canada,  map

This is Canada’s easternmost national park. Camp by the sea in Southwest Arm, play on the sandy beaches of Sandy Pond, or kayak as you look for wildlife and icebergs.

The Visitor Centre is a great place to start to get all the info you need.

18. L’anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site, St Lunaire-Griquet

Division No. 9, Subd. D, NL A0K 2X0, Canada,  map

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only authenticated Norse site in North America. There’s proof that Leif Erickson and other Norse explorers settled here. Learn more about the history and get a glimpse of how they lived.

Be sure to explore Norstead, a recreated Viking port of trade. You can learn to throw an axe, spin yard, or even take a pottery class. They also have a ship that you can explore.

19. Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve

NL-10, Portugal Cove South, NL A0A 4B0, Canada,  map

This is the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and was designated because it’s one of the most significant fossil sites in the world. There are fossils of the oldest, large complex multicellular life-forms found anywhere on Earth, known as Ediacara biota. They can be found in other parts of the world, but the sheer number and variety found at Mistaken Point is significant.

20. Elliston Puffin SIte and Root Cellars

Maberly Rd, Elliston, NL A0C 1W0, Canada,  map

Elliston has the closest land views of puffins in North America. We arrived just before sunrise and had the whole place to ourselves along with thousands of puffins. There are also Root Cellars that you can explore on the way to the viewing site.

Local Tip: Sunrise is the best time to go to avoid crowds and we’re told that if you stay still enough, puffins sometimes land near you (we didn’t have any luck with it).

21. Klondike Trail to SPillar’s Cove, Elliston

1N0, Bonavista Bay Hwy, Elliston, NL A0C 1N0, Canada,  map

Head over to the Klondike Trail to see the beautiful landscape of Spillars Cove. It’s roughly 1.3m each way and there is a large chimney type rock structure jutting out of the ocean.

Local Tip: We didn’t know where the trail started and ended up driving most of the trail until we felt like the car couldn’t handle it any more. Turns out you don’t really have to hike if you don’t want.

22. Red Bay National Historic Site, Labrador

Red Bay, NL A0K 4K0, Canada,  map

This used to be a major whale port where the Basques made whale oil. It was actually the first large-scale whale oil production in the world. Today, you can explore the old whaling town and UNESCO World Heritage Site as you learn more about its history. Be sure to stop by the interpretation centre to see the type of boats they used to harpoon the giant beasts.

23. Cape St Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Saint Bride’s, NL A0B 2Z0, Canada,  map

This ecological reserve is home to the most accessible seabird colony in North America so it is popular amongst birders. You’ll find thousands of gulls, razorbills, black-legged kittiwakes, northern gannets, and cormorants. Beyond the birds, there are trails to explore along the dramatic coastline.

24. Captain James Cook Historic Site, Corner Brook

Mayfair Ave, Corner Brook, NL A2H 6M7, Canada,  map

Explore the town of Corner Brook and see the statue of the famous British explorer, Captain James Cook. The historic site also gives you a great view of the city and the Blomidon Mountains. While you’re in town, you can also check out the Stream Trail Network, Corner Brook Caves, and the Corner Brook Museum & Archives.

25. Fogo Island

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada,  map

Head to Fogo Island to explore the largest offshore island of Newfoundland and Labrador. Many of the homes, stages, and stores have been unchanged for decades and Fogo has become a haven for artists from around the world. Check out the Great Auk Sculpture, Fogo Island, Tilting, and Brimstone Head Park.

Map of Things to DO in Newfoundland

More Things to DO in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Album Rock, Raleigh, Ship Cove
• Abandoned Moravian Mission of Hebron
• Arches Provincial Park, Portland Creek
• Battle Harbour – salt fish capital of Labrador and has centuries of history preserved
• Bell Island Community Mine Museum, Bell Island + also on Bell Island – Point Riche Lighthouse and Sacred Heart Grotto
• Beothuk Interpretation Centre Provincial Historic Site, Stoneville
• Blow Me Down Provincial Park, York Harbour
• Burin Peninsula
• Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve, Raleigh
• Cape Norman Lighthouse
• Cape Race Lighthouse
• Castle Hill National historic Site, Jerseyside
• Channel Head Lighthouse, Channel-Port aux Basques 
• Churchill Falls Generating Station
• Dildo Run Provincial Park
• Earhart Airfield, Harbour Grace – where Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across Atlantic
• Ferryland Lighthouse, Ferryland
• Greenspond Island, New-Wes-Valley
• Humber Valley
• J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park, Cape Ray
• Lockston Path Provincial Park, Port Rexton
• Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre, Conception Bay
• Marble Mountain
• Mount Caubvick – skiing
• Museum of the Flat Earth, Seldom
• Port au Choix National Historic Site and Point Riche Lighthouse. Also here: Museum of Whales and Things
• Quirpon Island
• Rising Tide Theatre, Trinity Bight
• Rose Blanche Lighthouse
• Salmonier Nature Park, Holyrood
• Sandbanks Provincial Park, Burgeo
• S.S. Kyle, Harbour Grace
• Torngat Mountains National Park, Northern Coast
• Trinity Loop, Charleston – abandoned amusement park
• Walled Landscape of Grates Cove, Grates Cove 

Essential TIps for Visiting Newfoundland

• Newfoundland & Labrador has its own time zone (90 minutes head of Eastern time).
• No one lives in Labrador. 94% of the province lives on Newfoundland, and 40% of those people are in St. John’s.
• Bring a  travel adapter  to make sure you keep all your devices charged.
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather.
• A  weatherproof backpack  is great to keep all our gear protected in case it rains.  This one  is our favorite camera + laptop  backpack for travel .
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon is just off the coast of Newfoundland and is still under French control.
• Packable raincoats. We love our  Arc’teryx ones .
• If you’re looking to shoot wildlife, bring a long lens like this one  100-400mm . For general travel photos, we love the mid-range zoom lens ( this is the one  we travel with most).

Best Places to Stay

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Newfoundland hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Newfoundland travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Hikes of Eastern Newfoundland
• Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Reference Map
• Moon Newfoundland & Labrador
• Lonely Planet Canada

Any other places or things to do in Newfoundland that we’re missing?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador

Written by Chloë Ernst Updated Sep 24, 2021

The island of Newfoundland is the most easterly part of Canada, while the vast region of Labrador is largely inaccessible. Newfoundland and Labrador's varied landscape was shaped by the ice ages, leaving a ragged coastline of deep fjords and high coastal cliffs that plunge into the sea. Inland are miles and miles of moorland and forest studded by lakes and inhabited by moose and herds of caribou.

Because of its location close to the "Grand Banks," some of the world's richest fishing grounds, the island's main livelihood was cod fishing until foreign factory ships so depleted the cod population and habitat that the Canadian government suspended fishing.

The capital city of St. John's (not to be confused with the city of Saint John in New Brunswick), around which about a fifth of Newfoundland's population lives, is a lively town with a charming provincial feel to it. All around the island's irregular coast are towns and remote former fishing villages that attract tourists with their breathtaking scenery, sea life, and exceptional birding sites.

Miles and miles of trails follow the magnificent coast, and historic sites to tour include the first known Viking settlement, landing sites of early European explorers, landmarks of early flight pioneers, and tangible relics of prehistoric populations. To pronounce the names like a native, accent the last syllables, as in NewfoundLAND and LabraDOR.

Plan your next great north adventure with our list of the top tourist attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

1. Gros Morne National Park

2. l'anse aux meadows national historic site, 3. signal hill national historic site, 4. the rooms, 5. bonavista peninsula, 6. cape spear lighthouse national historic site, 7. torngat mountains national park, 8. puffin and whale cruises in witless bay, 9. cape st. mary's ecological reserve, 10. twillingate and fogo island, 11. castle hill national historic site, 12. terra nova national park, 13. red bay national historic site, map of tourist attractions in newfoundland and labrador.

Gros Morne National Park is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural features in eastern Canada, a magnificent landscape of fjords and mountains, partly covered with dense forest. Unique wildlife and plant life has adapted to the cold conditions, which are found scarcely anywhere else so far south.

This is one of Newfoundland's most popular attractions, with hiking trails and sightseeing boat excursions in the dramatic landlocked fjord at Western Brook Pond . Other popular things to do here include rock-climbing, boating, swimming, camping, and fishing.

Within the national park, the Long Range Mountains are among the oldest mountains on earth and have been shaped by advancing ice and the forces of erosion. Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , largely for its unique geological phenomena.

At Tablelands, a large piece of the earth's mantle was thrust to the surface by colliding tectonic plates, exposing a piece of earth that is elsewhere more than a mile beneath the surface. At Greenpoint, ancient layers of solidified seabed have been thrust into vertical cliffs, exposing fossil sequences of different eras.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/index.aspx

L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a green plain with some moorland, lies at the northern tip of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula . Here were discovered six houses made of grass sods, probably built by the Vikings around the year 1,000 and rediscovered in 1962. It is the oldest known European settlement in North America and, to date, is the only authentic trace of Viking settlement in the New World. It is probably the "Vinland" discovered by Leif Erikson.

The historic site has a reconstructed long house, workshop, and stable where costumed interpreters demonstrate age-old tasks and answer questions. A second Viking attraction on the Great Northern Peninsula is Norstead , a living-history museum with a slightly livelier feel and more Viking-style buildings.

The Viking Trail is a signposted route that takes tourists the length of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula, from Gros Morne to L'Anse aux Meadows and across the Strait of Belle Isle into Labrador. Almost its entire route is along the western shore overlooking the strait, an expanse of sea that is known as Iceberg Alley .

In the spring and summer, it is not at all unusual to see both icebergs and whales from the road, often at the same time. On its way up the coast, the Viking Trail passes a number of attractions, including the rock formations of Arches Provincial Park and the aboriginal burial ground of Port au Choix National Historic Site , one of the richest archaeological finds in North America.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows/index.aspx

Atop its namesake hill, Signal Hill National Historic Site overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, St. John's harbor, and the small historic downtown. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal here. The landmark Cabot Tower commemorates the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage.

Hiking trails lead to the fortifications at the Queen's Battery Barracks and along the perilous cliffs, including spectacular but difficult North Head Trail down to Battery Road.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/signalhill/index.aspx

Dominating the hilltop in sharp contrast to the neighboring 19th-century Romanesque Revival-style Catholic Basilica, St. John's newest museum is called The Rooms and includes several different collections divided by subject. Sections include wildlife and natural history, aboriginal finds, contemporary art, and historical and cultural exhibits that give a good picture of both Newfoundland and Labrador. The museum has a popular restaurant and some of the best views over the city and Signal Hill.

Address: 9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John's, Newfoundland

Official site: https://www.therooms.ca/

The best-known peninsula in Newfoundland is Bonavista, where John Cabot is thought to have sighted the "New World" for the first time in 1497. At Cape Bonavista, stands a statue of Cabot, and visitors can watch for whales, puffins, and icebergs along the coast. The old lighthouse, a provincial historic site, dates from 1843 and was restored around 1870. Picturesque Trinity is an old fishing and trading town, where the historical character has been well preserved.

Also a fishing town, Bonavista was first used by European fishing fleets back in the 16th century. Ryan Premises National Historic Site was opened in 1997. This was originally the headquarters for James Ryan Ltd, a company that began operations in 1869 trading salted fish.

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, 11 kilometers south of St. John's, is the most easterly point in North America, and has Newfoundland's oldest lighthouse. It is a popular, if chilly, spot to watch the sunrise as well as sight whales, seabirds, and icebergs.

Dating from 1835, the light station was in operation until 1955 and is now an interesting museum. In addition, there are massive half-ruined gun emplacements from the Second World War, including the barrels of two guns each weighing 30 tons and having a range of 13 kilometers.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/spear/index.aspx

Torngat Mountains National Park occupies the northernmost tip of Newfoundland and Labrador, facing east toward Greenland . A trip to this remote area is not for the faint of heart, but is tremendously rewarding for those willing to truly travel off the beaten path. This national park has no roads and no signage, and can only safely be visited by arrangement with park officials at the Torgnat Mountains Basecamp and Research Station.

The first thing to strike most visitors is the landscape, dramatic in its grand scope and vastness. The coastline is jagged, with fjords filled with crisp blue water, and the mountains inland are among Canada's tallest peaks. Iceberg viewing is one of the most popular activities here along "iceberg alley," with massive chunks of glacial ice visible from both land and sea. Although icebergs can be spotted as far south as the island of Newfoundland, the season for seeing them is much longer in these far-north reaches.

Boat tours are one of the best ways to view the fjords and icebergs, but are also the best way to admire the astounding number of whales that make the coastal waters home each summer between May and September. This is where you will find the world's biggest group of humpback whales , and plentiful pods of other species, including pilot whales, sperm whales, orca, sperm whales, and minke. Tourists will also spot dolphins and harbor porpoise, and polar bears can be found swimming in the water along the coast and roaming the vast landscape.

Bird-watchers will appreciate the 350 species of fowl that call the area home, including a population of over 800 bald eagles and plentiful other birds of prey like owls, falcons, osprey, and hawks. Other bird species include flocks of millions of storm-petrels, thousands of gannets, and murres.

One of the most special parts of visiting this unique park is the opportunity to learn about Inuit and culture. The parkland is owned by the Inuit peoples, and they welcome visitors to learn more about their heritage through museums, historic sites, festivals, and events. Inuit guides also conduct hiking tours, as well as kayak and raft excursions and fishing trips.

Boat cruises to the islands, where puffins nest and to observe the whales that frequent the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve leave from the town of Bay Bulls, south of St. John's. Whales follow the icebergs that are also found in the bay, and it is not unusual to see icebergs, whales, and puffins, as well as other sea birds on a single cruise.

The four islands of the reserve are the nesting sites for more than 260,000 pairs of puffins, North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony. This is also the world's second-largest Leach's storm-petrel colony, consisting of more than 620,000 pairs that nest here, and you will almost certainly see some of the thousands of black-legged kittiwakes and common murres that spend the summer here.

Puffins are the province's official bird, and tour boats give a close-up view of these appealing birds and their nesting sites during the late spring and summer.

There are major colonies of seabirds at Cape St. Mary's, including about 24,000 northern gannet. The birds are a spectacular sight, whether nesting on the rocks or dive-bombing the ocean for a meal. Other seabird species at the cliff-side reserve include black-legged kittiwake, common murre, razorbill, and great cormorant.

The traditional Newfoundland fishing village of Twillingate is located on the northern coast, known as the Kittiwake coast, and it is a good place to visit to experience local village life. Twillingate was originally settled in 1738 and known as Toulinguet. Near Twillingate is the Long Point Lighthouse, built in 1889. It has a range of 40 kilometers and is an excellent location to watch for whales and icebergs.

Small museums and seafood restaurants make the community an interesting stop for tourists; don't miss the Twillingate Museum & Crafts Shop for a selection of local art and handwork. This is also a popular starting port for iceberg cruises .

Nearby Fogo Island is a holdout from the days of fishing outports. The island culture and an old Irish dialect are distinct from that on the main island of Newfoundland. In recent years, the addition of an expansive artist retreat and luxury hotel have brought attention and visitors to this coastal island.

Castle Hill National Historic Site is between Highway 100 and Placentia , where one of the two ferry routes to Nova Scotia begins and ends. It is the site of historic English and French fortifications, and an interpretive center. The French founded the colony of "Plaisance" in 1662 and built Fort Royal in 1693. But only 20 years later they handed over the strategic location to the British, who renamed it Castle Hill. There is a magnificent view over Placentia Bay .

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/castlehill/index.aspx

Terra Nova National Park is known for its fjords and quiet coastline. In spring, icebergs drift by, and in summer, kayakers and canoeists take to the waters, while families fill the park campgrounds. Winter offers cross-country skiing opportunities.

Just north of the national park, Salvage is a small fishing community with the classic Newfoundland charm of waterfront fishing sheds, tilting wharves, and rocky headlands.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nl/terranova/index.aspx

The icy-cold Labrador current flows through the 17 kilometer-wide Strait of Belle Isle , which separates Labrador from Newfoundland, and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence . Since the 16th century, southern Labrador had been the summer fishing grounds of fishermen and whalers arriving from Europe and Newfoundland.

At Red Bay National Historic Site , the remains of Basque (Spanish) whaling boats have been recovered. An interpretive center pieces together the historical clues.

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/nl/redbay/index.aspx

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The Best Things to Do in Newfoundland (+ Road Trip Itinerary)

A road trip itinerary with the most unforgettable things to do in newfoundland.

My husband and I first stepped foot in the eastern Atlantic Canadian provinces ten years ago on a family cruise. We had nothing but heavy rain and dense fog the entire trip, but since we hadn’t done much research beforehand we didn’t realize at the time how much we were missing. 

Don’t Miss These 20 Must-Know Tips Before You Go to Newfoundland

It was a good thing too because after we looked up the ports once we got home, we couldn’t believe what we saw. Colorful fishing villages. Sandy beaches. Vibrant cities. Historic lighthouses. Scenic drives.

It looked like an entirely different world than what we experienced so we’ve talked about going back ever since. When the announcement was made that the Canada border would be opening back up to Americans again, we figured it would be the perfect time to go. 

And so began a deep dive into planning a two-month Canadian road trip. 

Our original plan focused on The Maritimes – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island – but we soon realized Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province is not much further. Only sitting a hop, skip, and a ferry ride away, we added the island to our itinerary.

Since we didn’t know anyone that personally visited before, we had no idea what to expect. The island surprised us in so many ways!

What we came across was a genuine kindness and distinct aura of local pride you won’t find in many places, incredible hiking trails, and raw beauty that begs to be explored. 

We can definitively say if Newfoundland isn’t on your travel bucket list, it should be!

When to Visit Newfoundland 

What is the best month to visit Newfoundland? The answer to that question depends on what magical experience you are chasing – floating icebergs, historical lighthouses, majestic whales, exciting festivals, or adorable puffins.

Because Newfoundland has it all and so much more!

Summer is by far the best time of year to visit Newfoundland and is also prime time for whale and puffin watching. 

In late June and July, the temperatures start warming up and flowers begin to bloom. July is the driest month and August is the hottest. 

We visited the last week in August and the first week in September. The weather was a variety of sunny days, clouds mixed with sun, and a few windy and rainy days but warm temperatures with highs around 71 degrees Fahrenheit  (21 degrees Celsius). 

On any given day, there’s a chance for a lighthouse or a moose sighting. But if you’d like to have icebergs floating in the background, plan your trip in the springtime in late May or early June. 

How to Get to Newfoundland 

Since it is an island, your only options to get to Newfoundland include a ferry or a plane ride. 

If you fly, you’ll most likely begin your trip in the capital of St. John’s located on the southeast side of the island. 

If you choose to drive, you have two options: a six to eight-hour sail to Port aux Basques or a fifteen-hour sail to Argentia.

If you are driving over the border from the United States another helpful article is All the Info You Need to Know to Cross the Border into Canada by Car.

Because of limited availability and planning our trip not too far in advance, we ended up taking the Port aux Basques ferry both ways.

If you are planning ahead of time, I suggest taking the Port aux Basques ferry in and Argentia out to avoid an entire day of driving. It takes roughly nine hours from port to port double backing through some areas. 

Two Week Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary

Click here for an interactive Newfoundland road trip map.

How many days do you need in Newfoundland? The island of Newfoundland is the 16th largest island in the world.

For comparison, it’s a quarter larger than Ireland and roughly the same size as the state of Ohio. 

It takes a long time to drive from east to west and north to south.

Ideally, you should plan a week at a minimum, but two weeks not only gets you to all the highlights but allows you to enjoy them with a few hikes and tours here and there. 

Here is my suggested Newfoundland road trip itinerary. 

Newfoundland Itinerary 14 Days: Summary

• Port aux Basques, 1 night
• Corner Brook, 1 night
• Gros Morne National Park, 3 nights
• Kings Point, 1 night
• Twillingate, 2 nights
• Terra Nova National Park, 1 night
• Trinity, 1 night
• Conception Bay, 1 night
• St John’s, 3 nights

Looking to visit other places in Canada? Eastern Townships Region in Quebec

Disclaimer: Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links and will provide me with a commission at no additional cost to you.

Day 1: Port aux Basques

If you take the daytime ferry you’ll be arriving in Port aux Basques between 6:00 and 7:00 pm and will have to go through customs so for the first night we don’t recommend you drive too far.

So instead of rushing out and trying to beat twilight, once you debark, kick off your Newfoundland travel with a short yet spectacular sunset hike. 

Be aware one of the many unique things about Newfoundland is that it has its own time zone. Once you arrive on the mainland, you’ll be a half-hour ahead of Atlantic Canada.

What to See & Do: A delightful introduction to the island is the Grand Bay West Walking Trail . The easy hike starts out on a boardwalk overlooking the beach and a quiet bay then continues to multiple platforms overlooking the ocean.

There are wildflowers, swaying green grass, an old barn, sandy coves, and is the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

Where to Eat & Drink: After a long day, Seashore Restaurant with its friendly service, ocean view, and big portions is the right place for dinner. On the menu, you’ll find Newfoundland local dishes, seafood, and sandwiches. 

Where to Stay:  If you like your privacy, book at St. Christopher’s Hotel for a spacious and clean hotel room. 

For another fantastic experience, Hotel Port Aux Basques is a great option as well. 

Those looking for a free camping site, stay in the lot at Grand Bay West. It has two clean bathrooms that stay open all night and you won’t be bothered. 

Day 2: Corner Brook

Cruise the Trans-Canada Highway lined with evergreen trees and views for miles for roughly two and a half hours before detouring over to Cape Saint George. 

What to See & Do: The Boutte du Cap Park honors the French Acadian fishermen, Newfoundland’s first settlers, by baking bread in traditional wood fire bread ovens in a few places in the area including the park.

Try to get there between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to take advantage of the free freshly made rolls made by locals in the stone oven in the park.

The bread is so fluffy and light; it’s a real treat.

Note: The bread oven demonstrations are typically done in July and August, Monday – Saturday. 

Also at the park, you’ll walk along plunging cliff edges to admire what locals call The Boot, a craggy horn jutting out from the mainland.

Head north on 463 to finish the Port au Port Peninsula loop drive before stopping at Captain James Cook National Historic Site .

The site has amazing views of the city of Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands and you only have to walk a short distance for spectacular photo opportunities.

Complete the day with a hike on the OBIEC Bottle Cove Boardwalk Trail.  It was one of our favorite hikes in Newfoundland!

With every step, it just keeps getting better and better.

A relatively short hike that starts out on a flat boardwalk, and after a short climb and walk on a tree-covered path pops out to spectacular views where the cove meets the ocean. 

Where to Eat & Drink: After the historic site, take a break for lunch at the Saltbox and Everoutdoor Adventures overlooking Benoit’s Cove. 

Where to Stay: Right in the heart of the small downtown is Glynmill Inn , highly rated with a restaurant and pub. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more modern and free continental breakfast, the Hew & Draw Hotel is a great option. 

Days 3 – 5: Gros Morne National Park

Next up on your Newfoundland road trip is Gros Morne National Park which is not only a national park but a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. 

The park is a magical experience and one of the most beautiful places in Newfoundland that should not be missed! 

What to See & Do: We have a few recommended hikes for every level of hiker. 

• Easy – Eastern Point Trail
• Easy – Tablelands Trail
• Easy – Berry Hill Pond
• Easy – Steve’s Trail
• Moderate – Green Gardens Trail
• Moderate – Lookout Trail
• Difficult – Gros Morne Mounain
• Difficult- Western Brook Pond

The Eastern Point Trail , found near the south end of the park near Trout River, is not on the park map for some reason but I read about it beforehand so I had it on our itinerary. 

And I’m so glad we did because it scales our top 10 Newfoundland hiking list along with Bottlecove as one of our favorite trails.

If you are an experienced hiker, I highly recommend the Gros Morne Mountain Trail, a roughly 10-mile (16 km) climb that will knock your socks off. But it is difficult and will take an entire day so if you are in good shape and willing to climb on rocky terrain 

Another popular hike (and the picture you probably have come across a hundred times when researching your trip) is the Western Brook Fjord hike. We did not hike this trail because you either have to book a super expensive guide or go through a bunch of red tape to prove you are experienced and reserve a permit weeks in advance. 

I suggest booking the Western Brook Pond boat tour instead. It still requires a hike (roughly 2 miles but on flat land) to the dock but then you’ll get to enjoy the magnificent views of the glacier-carved fjord while relaxing on a boat. 

Other do-not-miss easy hikes include the most unique part of Gros Morne, The Tablelands , where you can actually see part of the earth’s mantle. 

We knew we had to experience this unusual section because of its rare geology, but what we didn’t expect was for it to be barren yet beautiful.

Steve’s Trail is another fantastic short hike, which starts in a meadow and leads out to a beautiful beach.

It’s also a great cove for spotting seals. 

And last but not least, make sure to catch a sunset at Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. It’s another one of the most beautiful places in Newfoundland. 

Where to Eat: A unique restaurant mixing Newfoundland culture in a diner setting in the Tablelands area is the Merchant Warehouse Retro Cafe & Wine Bar.

Even though local craft beer and fish and chips are the most popular items on the menu, there are also burgers, sandwiches, and specialty desserts to be enjoyed inside or out back on the patio with water views. 

Where to Stay: We van camped at Berry Hill Campground inside the park, but if you aren’t camping The Rooms at Woody Point are comfortable and well-rated. (Take a tour of our minivan-turned-campervan here and see all the essential camping items we recommend.)

If you like the cabin vibe, book one of Bambury’s Hillside Chalets ; they are in a great location for exploring Gros Morne National Park.

Day 6: King’s Point

You’ll be backtracking a little bit today through Deer Lake, but from there you’ll head north to the town of King’s Point, another charming small town. 

What to See & Do:  From Gros Morne, you can drive direct to King’s Point or you can take an hour detour a little north to Tilt Cove . 

With a population of four, the super tiny hamlet is the smallest town in Canada. 

Founded in 1813 for its gold and copper ores, it was also Newfoundland’s first mining town.

Today, the sleepy town has a few livable homes and remnants of its mining past. 

On the way, Foster’s Bawn Lookout Trail in La Scie is a worthy deviation. Located at the tip of Baie Verde Peninsula, it’s another prime spot for iceberg viewing and whale watching during peak season.

It’s a short walk to a wooden platform with views like below. 

Another option is to arrive early in King’s Point and hike the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail , a popular 5.3-mile hiking trail. 1,000 stairs lead hikers to a breathtaking lookout.

Alternative Option

One of the most unique things to do in Newfoundland is to see floating icebergs from the glaciers of western Greenland. 

If you are planning a trip from April through August, you may want to adjust your itinerary from King’s Point to add a night up north in St. Anthony or Hay Cove to see the frozen giants and visit the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, one of Newfoundland’s hidden gems.

The rugged coast is where Norse sailors first settled in North America – long before the famed Christopher Columbus. It’s the only authenticated Viking site on the continent and recently researchers figured out the exact timeframe – 1,000 years ago in 1021.

We struggled with whether or not to add L’Anse to our itinerary, but in the end, we chose not to add the extra driving time (it’s roughly 4 hours from Gros Morne National Park) since we visited in late summer and the icebergs had already disappeared. If you decide to add the additional stop and you need to keep your itinerary to 14 days, I suggest reducing one night in St. John’s. 

Where to Eat & Stay: A fantastic option for lodging and dinner is at By the Sea Inn & Cafe , located right on the water in the bay. Our waitress told us it’s not uncommon to see whales frolicking right outside your window. We weren’t so lucky, but there were multiple pictures hanging on the wall to back up her story!

We camped at King’s Point RV Park and although the campground itself is nothing to write home about the view is amazing and it is a cheap option. It was one of our favorite campsites of the trip. 

Day 7 & 8: Twillingate

A stunning coastline, a winery that serves up wine created with iceberg water, a historical lighthouse, and scenic country roads. 

Yes, Twillingate is worth an overnight!

What to See & Do: If you are visiting during the spring or early summer, Twillingate is a popular spot to take an iceberg and whale-watching boat tour. 

We visited in late summer and all the other tourists we talked to did not see whales on their guided tours so we decided to save our money and try later in the trip on the St. Lawrence River.

Do not miss the Long Point Lighthouse for breathtaking views of the rugged shore. 

Built in 1876 for the fishermen and coastal traders that navigated the rough waters of the Atlantic, the historic landmark is one of the most photographed locations on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. 

Next, hop over to the Auk Island Winery for a tasting. Not only are the names unique – like Fifty Shades of Bay, Moose Joose, Kiss My Arse, and 3 Sheets in the Wind – but the wines, made with local berries like partridgeberry and iceberg water, are as well. 

There are so many breathtakingly beautiful hikes in Newfoundland. We kept saying over and over, “we need more time!”

The French Beach Walking Trail, just east of the city, is another one. The coastline trail offers epic views of a few spectacular coves and if visiting in late summer, wild blueberries bloom ripe for picking at the base of the trail.  

Where to Eat & Drink: Annie’s Harbour Restaurant is a casual seafood restaurant right on the water. Popular with locals and visitors alike, I highly suggest making reservations.

If you like craft beer, you’ll find a cream ale, IPA, brown ale, and stout over at Split Rock Brewery. The cozy pub, right on the harbor, offers a menu with ham

Day 9: Terra Nova National Park

Did you know Newfoundland has two national parks? The second one on your itinerary is Terra Nova, also the most easterly national park in Canada.

What to See & Do: When you leave Twillingate, drive east to Pike’s Arm Lookout on New World Island. The short (but steep) trail is worth the detour and the steps. 

It’s mostly stairs versus a trail, but the climb is rewarding with 360-degree views including Notre Dame Bay and multiple small islands. At the top, you’ll find an outhouse and a platform with a large picnic table to sit at while you take it all in. 

Afterward, head to Mill Cove Trail inside the park. A quick stroll on a boardwalk through a patch of forest leads you to a moderate rock climb then a few stairs, to amazing views. Under a mile long, it’s another short and sweet hike with big payoffs.

Where to Eat: There are not many restaurants to choose from today, a few local popular ones you’ll come across are Gill’s Grill in Gambo, Rosie’s Restaurant & Bakery in Gander, and Country Style Coffee & Bakery in Glovertown. 

Where to Stay: There are not many lodging options near Terra Nova National Park so we camped at Newman Sound Campground, right in the heart of the park. The sites all have electricity, water, and showers. 

If you are not camping, consider Glovertown Ocean View Suites and Cottages or if you’re traveling with family Terra Nova Cabin . 

Day 10: Trinity

Before motoring to Trinity, there are a few interesting sites on the Bonavista Peninsula. 

What to See & Do: Start the morning at Tickle Cove Sea Arch , a magical bay of red sandstone and quartz. The relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean eroded the rock from both sides creating the wonderful sea arch.

It’s just one of the significant geological sites in the peninsula that led to the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. 

Over at the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse , take a tour and climb the 1843 historic structure. Also, spend some time walking the grounds to look for whales and puffins.

Afterward, swing through Dungeon Provincial Park . There you’ll see, The Dungeon, a large crater with two sea arches. It’s also quite the sight to see as horses and cows graze on the dramatic coastline.

Another must-do in the area is the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site to see the small sea parrots from land, one of the only places in North America to offer such a sight.

PRO TIP: You’ll be looking for all sorts of wildlife on your trip, so make sure to pack a good pair of binoculars like these! We bought them right before our trip and they worked out great. Lightweight, budget-friendly, easy to use, and comes with a carrying case. 

There are usually a few flapping around the colony at all times of the day but sunrise or sunset is the best time to visit. 

After checking in to your guesthouse, take a stroll through the quaint town of Trinity, which has been an active settlement since 1588.

Where to Eat & Drink: Another cool fact about Elliston is that it is considered the Root Cellar Capital of the World with hundreds of frost-free underground and hill vaults. You’ll see a few at the puffin viewing site but also at Nanny’s Root Cellar Kitchen .

It’s the perfect restaurant to try traditional Newfoundland food like cod tongue, fish and brewis, or the famous Jiggs dinner in a historic building. 

If it’s a Thursday through Sunday, stop in at Port Rexton Brewery to grab a pint, a gourmet grilled cheese, and poutine at the permanent food truck stationed at the outdoor patio. It’s a fantastic spot to sit and relax. 

If you’re ready for an extra special dining experience, make reservations at Twine Loft in Trinity. The restaurant offers a 3-course dinner by candlelight overlooking the water. 

Where to Stay: Book a private room with a bath at Eriksen Premises within walking distance of everything in town. 

Day 11: Avondale

In the morning, walk the noteworthy Skerwink Trail , a 5.3 km hike in the Trinity area. The trail was previously selected by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top 35 walks in North America and Europe. 

I hate to disagree with this designation because the hike is outstanding. But one of the top 35 in ALL of North America and Europe? Not sure it lives up to all that hype but worth it? Absolutely.

The stunning experience includes a tranquil walk in an evergreen forest lined with blueberry bushes, impressive overlooks at Robinhood Bay, towering sea stacks, and wonderful views of the towns of Port Rexton and Trinity. 

What to See & Do: On the way to Conception Bay, you have to stop in Dildo. Yep, that’s right, there’s a town called Dildo in Newfoundland! 

Afterward, explore the historic small fishing villages of Cupids and Brigus . You can view artifacts from one of the oldest settlements in North America at the Cupids Legacy Centre then walk the narrow lanes of the neighboring town. 

Where to Stay: Don’t let the check-in at the small neighborhood bar throw you off at Gloria’s BnB. Attached to the other half of the building is a guesthouse with private rooms and bathrooms for a reasonable price. In the morning, expect muffins, coffee, and juice in the shared room on the main level. 

Days 12 – 14: St. John’s

You’ll finish your trip in St. John’s, the capital and largest city in Newfoundland. 

What to See & Do: There are a few things you must do while staying in St. John’s. Check out this 2-hour boat cruise that leaves from the heart of downtown to see whales, puffins, and more. Or maybe you are just interested in a downtown walking tour to learn all about St. John’s fascinating history and interesting architecture. 

Visit Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America found at the tip of Newfoundland just 10 miles east of the city.

Constructed in 1836, the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province. 

Another unforgettable experience is hiking the North Head Trai l. It’s the oldest and supposedly the most popular trail on Signal Hill but we didn’t see many people while we were on it. 

Start at Fort Waldegrave up to Signal Hill (if you get there around noon you can see them shoot the cannon) then over to the fishing village of Quidi Vidi.

You won’t want to miss the quaint historic hamlet nestled in a tiny harbor surrounded by large rock outcrops. 

NOTE: There is a small parking lot as well if you’re not up for the challenge of the hike. 

A perfect location to rest your weary legs is the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company . Grab a table on the patio overlooking the bay and order a flight to try a few of their many delicious beers.

The fish & chip food truck serves up the best we had on the island. 

After proper hydration, finish your hike with an easy flat stroll along the Quidi Vidi Lake Trail back into St. John’s for a 5-mile loop.

Optional: If you’re visiting during whale season take a drive on the Irish Loop which starts just 20 miles south of St. John’s.

The scenic route winds around the southern region of the Avalon Peninsula. Add Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Tors Cove, La Manche Provincial Park, Ferryland Lighthouse Mistaken Point and St. Vincent’s to your itinerary. 

Otherwise, I’d skip it to spend more time in and around the city. 

Where to Eat & Drink: Get screeched in at Christian’s Bar, check out the speakeasy-feel in the basement bar at YellowBelly Brewery, get stuffed at Get Stuffed, and eat at the vegetarian Peaceful Loft. 

Where to Stay: The historic Gower Manor B&B is perfectly located and has free parking and breakfast.

If you don enjoy B&B’s, the JAG Boutique Hotel is less than a 5 minutes walk from George Street with comfortable rooms appointed with a mini-fridge and Keurig coffee machine. 

The Argentia port is only an hour and a half from St. John’s so plan accordingly for your last day.

And that wraps up your two-week Newfoundland itinerary! I can’t wait for you to discover this enchanting place!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Newfoundland expensive to visit? Newfoundland is relatively expensive to visit. From an American’s perspective, most things in Canada including food, lodging, and drinks are a bit more expensive than at home. And Newfoundland is even more since it’s an island and more remote than some other provinces. But it is doable and there are ways to save like not eating out every meal and camping versus staying in hotels. 

What language do they speak in Newfoundland? English is the main language spoken in and around all of Newfoundland. Menus and signs are also written in English. 

What side of the road do they drive on in Newfoundland? Newfoundlanders follow the same rules of the road as Americans, driving on the right side.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Newfoundland? If you’re lucky you can see the northern lights on a clear night in Newfoundland but it is not one of the top places in Canada to see the aurora borealis.  

What is Newfoundland best known for? Newfoundland is best known for its colorful houses in St. John’s and its deep-rooted fishing heritage. 

Do you have any other favorite things to do in Newfoundland? We will definitely be back so please share in the comments below!

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• About Author
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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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15 Responses

Hello! I was happy to find this site as my husband and I are in the midst of planning a trip to NL this summer and our travel habits seem similar to yours. This will be our first visit to NL, and we’ll be traveling in a campervan with our dog and plan on sleeping every night in the van. Do you know if it’s essential to book campsites at the national and provincial parks in advance or if there tends to be day of availability? We’ll be traveling late July/early-mid August. The mention of the free campsite at Grand Bay West is really helpful, do you know of other similar free campsites throughout the island? Many thanks and happy travels!

Dang Travelers

Hi Lisa! I’m so excited for you, Newfoundland is such a magical place! Based on the time of year your visiting, I would probably book in advance. We saw a lot of campers and we visited in the beginning of shoulder season. I would at least definitely book Gros Morne in advance since it’s a busy park. I dont know of any other sites offhand, but we used the iOverlander app for free campsites.

Barb Macpherson

You need to make a significant correction – you fly into ST. JOHN’S. St. John (no “s”) is in New Brunswick and you’re in trouble if you book a flight to St. John if you want to be in Newfoundland!

Thanks Barb! I didn’t catch that before!!

I liked the article but feel you really should warn people about Wreck House.The day we came off the ferry we knew to stop at the Welcome Centre and check the winds at Wreck House. They were gusting at 50km to 80km and forcasted to go to 80km to 100km. As the wind here is always a cross wind, anyone traveling by motorcycle (me), or RV, or towing a trailer needs to be warned. That particular day one motorcylist was blown off the road and one transport was put on its side when the driver over corrected.

A beautiful visit but ckeck the winds before proceeding to Corner Brook.

Thanks so much Ben! We had no issues at all with wind so appreciate the info.

Great job Dang Travellers. Thanks for including Bay St. George in your itinerary.

What if we want to include a brief visit to Labrador? How to get to Newfoundland from Halifax?

There is a seasonal ferry. To get to Labrador from the island of Newfoundland, take the ferry that runs from St. Barbe on the island’s Great Northern Peninsula to Blanc Sablon, on Québec’s southernmost coast, right next to the border with Labrador.

Two of us are plannng to travel to NF in August. Reverse you trip somewhat and fly into St. John’s and fly out of Deer Lake (think that is the name?) and we’ll rent a car. Notice that you didn’t mention Fogo Island. No time for it or not to you liking?

We just didn’t have time. I’ve heard good things though!

Is this trip doable without camping? Could you wing it or would have to plan lodging far in advance?

It is doable without camping, but I’d definitely recommend reservations if you are traveling during the peak season of July and August.

Jasper Sloane Lennox

Did you rent a car for a 1 way trip from West to East ? Or did you loop back to point A?

We road tripped out there in our own car so we looped back. We tried taking two different ferries, but the one was already booked.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador

Things to do in newfoundland and labrador, explore popular experiences, popular cities in newfoundland and labrador.

Ways to tour Newfoundland and Labrador

2-Hour Guided Boat Tour from St. John's

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

• 4 Hour St John’s Tour w Come From Away star (lunch included)

2 Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate

Trinity Tow 'N' Go Kayak Tour

The best of St. John's walking tour

St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

Whale Watching, Shark and Cod Fishing, from St. John's Harbor

St. John's, Quidi Vidi Village & Signal Hill Small Group Tour

Top attractions in newfoundland and labrador.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Whale Watching

Cultural tours.

Half-day Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Kayaking tours.

Water Tours

Walking tours.

What travellers are saying

• Signal Hill
• Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
• The Dark Tickle Co.
• East Coast Trail
• Skerwink Trail
• Gros Morne National Park
• Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
• North Head Trail
• Farm to Picnic Table Experience with Local Guide in Newfoundland
• All Terrain Vehicle tour the Newfoundland Wilderness
• # 2 Mine Tour and Museum
• Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch
• O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours
• Discovery Sea Adventures
• Iceberg Man Tours

The top 10 attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador

Things to do

Newfoundland and Labrador is where centuries of history and quaint fishing villages live alongside modern design and outdoor adventure. These attractions hit all those stops.

Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada

What if I told you that much of your daily life was influenced by what unfolded on a hill in St. John's, Newfoundland? The  Signal Hill National Historic Site External Link Title  is not your everyday landmark. British and French soldiers battled for control of this strategic site during the final battle of the Seven Years' War. Then, in 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first ever transatlantic wireless signal on Signal Hill, making communications history and kicking off the innovation that would ultimately led to the mobile phone you might be reading this on. Today, this history is put on display for visitors. Listen to the firing of cannon and muskets as the Royal Newfoundland Regiment re-enacts centuries-old military drills in what's known as the Signal Hill Tattoo. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the military history of the site and Marconi's achievements. Hike some of the five kilometres of surrounding trails and enjoy spectacular views of St. John's and the ocean--and maybe even a few whales or icebergs as they pass by.

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada

Have you ever felt an entire country at your back? This is the unique opportunity provided by the  Cape Spear Lighthouse External Link Title . The most eastern point of Canada, a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is also the site of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. Originally built in 1836, the Cape Spear lighthouse has been restored to its early appearance. Take a self-guided tour and see how the Cantwells, the family who ran the lighthouse for 150 years, lived in its attached residence. During World War II, a fort was built at Cape Spear to keep an eye out for German U-boats. Remains of the bunker still exist, but instead of watching for breaching submarines you can instead keep an eye out for breaching whales. Enjoy the edge of the world.

East Coast Trail

No matter your fitness level, skill level or preferred terrain, the  East Coast Trail External Link Title  has a path designed for you. Do you want to take an easy walking path along the water? You've got it. Want to trek between a series of lighthouses? You can. Would you rather get a good workout climbing up rocky terrain? Oh, there's loads of that. From a 50-metre suspension bridge to geysers and archeological digs, the 545 kilometres of developed and undeveloped East Coast Trail provide you with plenty of opportunities to find the hike you're after.

Gros Morne National Park

If Jurassic Park ever actually came to be, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more appropriate setting than  Gros Morne National Park External Link Title . It took 485 million years for the forces of nature to shape this park into a jaw-dropping wonder. Images can hardly do justice to the beautiful green river valleys sitting between vast cliff sides. These distinct mountains of flat rock are actually the exposed crust of the earth, and the site allowed geologists to prove their theory on tectonic plates. Gros Morne is really a hiker's dream, full of marked and unmarked trails to be explored and enjoyed. The forests, lowlands and bogs all house a variety of rare plants and animals, so keep your eyes peeled. Bring your camping gear; you're probably going to want to stay a while.

Fogo Island

Fogo Island External Link Title  is the largest island of Newfoundland and Labrador's lengthy coast. While the province is often seen as a destination for outdoor adventurers and cultural explorers, Fogo Island has become a unique, stand-out destination for lovers of art and architecture. Central to that shift is the Fogo Island Inn, a truly beautiful luxury hotel set next to the sea along the rocky coastline. The hotel features rooftop hot tubs, a library and decor based on local traditions, but in an award-winning designed building and in a setting you simply won't find anywhere else. While on Fogo Island, you can take an island tour with a friendly Islander, explore the local artist studios, feast on simple but delicious Newfoundland specialities and tasty locally-foraged treats, and enjoy some traditional music and storytelling.

When you picture small coastal fishing towns, the image in your head probably isn't too far off from  Bonavista External Link Title . The town is etched in history as the historic site of Cabot's landing, where Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto first discovered North America in 1497. Today, Bonavista is a quaint town of colourful homes along rocky shores and pebbled beaches. There are number of heritage attractions in the area, from old buildings and museums to classic coastal lighthouses, but the oldest thing you'll see on your visit are the 20,000-year-old icebergs as they float on by. Keep an eye out for whales, and, of course, visit the full-size replica of Cabot's ship.

L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

While we're on the topic of history and discovery, it's at  L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site External Link Title  that you'll find the very first evidence of a European presence in North America. Long before Cabot, Newfoundland and Labrador was visited by Vikings, and at L'Anse aux Meadows you can see the remains of one of their settlements. Dating back to the 11th century, the excavated wood-framed and peat-turf buildings are similar to those found in Greenland and Iceland during that period. Immerse yourself in this history with the help of costumed guides, see the 1,000-year-old artefacts, and live like a Viking for a day in a truly appropriate setting, surrounded by cliffs, coastline, and bogs.

Twillingate

Seafood and scenery are words you'll find come up a lot when talking about  Twillingate External Link Title . This small, colorful fishing town, located on islands of the same name, is one of those places where fish comes fresh from the water and right onto your plate. It's also the iceberg capital of the world, and a great outdoor adventure destination, with whale-watching, beaches, and kayaking to pass the time. Hiking in particular draws in many visitors, as you can walk the rocky coastline trails, picking wild berries on your way to a scenic lighthouse. And if you can time your trip to the last week of July, make sure you stop by the Fish, Fun and Folk Festival External Link Title for music, bonfires, fireworks, and more.

Red Bay National Historic Site

It has only been a few years since UNESCO named the  Red Bay National Historic Site External Link Title  a World Heritage Site, but that title was really earned over the last five centuries. In the 1500s, thousands of Basque whalers would hunt the marine beasts for blubber in the waters of Red Bay. The whaling town remains where they first set it up, and you can still explore remnants of their ovens and other equipment. Visit the education centre to see a 26-foot "chalupa," a boat used in the whale hunt, and then compare it to the far larger whale skeletons on site. Then head out on your own to hike the beach or kayak the waters, and keep an eye out for any big shadows moving underneath.

Battle Harbour

"The salt fish capital of Labrador" might not seem like a particularly meaningful tagline, but for  Battle Harbour External Link Title  this moniker made it the social and economic hub in the region. Here, two centuries of history have been preserved or restored, from fishery buildings to churches and homes, many of which are yours to stay in. You can sleep in a former merchant or policeman's home before heading out on the town to explore their workplaces and other historic structures. Then settle down for a fresh meal and enjoy the same entertainment that they've enjoyed in Battle Harbour for the last 100 years. You might come for the orcas, icebergs, and hiking, but it's the atmosphere that will keep you around.

Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada - Newfoundland and Labrador Attractions

Things to do in newfoundland and labrador, explore popular experiences, popular cities in newfoundland and labrador.

Ways to tour Newfoundland and Labrador

2-Hour Guided Boat Tour from St. John's

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

• 4 Hour St John’s Tour w Come From Away star (lunch included)

2 Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate

Trinity Tow 'N' Go Kayak Tour

The best of St. John's walking tour

St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

Whale Watching, Shark and Cod Fishing, from St. John's Harbor

St. John's, Quidi Vidi Village & Signal Hill Small Group Tour

Top attractions in newfoundland and labrador.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Whale Watching

Cultural tours.

Half-day Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Kayaking tours.

Water Tours

Walking tours.

What travelers are saying

• Signal Hill
• Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
• The Dark Tickle Co.
• East Coast Trail
• Skerwink Trail
• Gros Morne National Park
• Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
• North Head Trail
• Farm to Picnic Table Experience with Local Guide in Newfoundland
• All Terrain Vehicle tour the Newfoundland Wilderness
• # 2 Mine Tour and Museum
• Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch
• O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours
• Discovery Sea Adventures
• Iceberg Man Tours

Photo Story | Newfoundland and Labrador

Ten of the Best Places to Visit in Newfoundland and Labrador

By Adventure Canada | July 05, 2022

Related expedition: Newfoundland Circumnavigation and Greenland & Wild Labrador: A Torngat Mountains Adventure

© Dennis Minty

© Michelle Valberg

1. St. John’s

As the provincial capital and an easy access point for many visitors, don’t skip out on your chance to explore St. John’s to its fullest. This colourful city boasts a flourishing arts scene , gourmet restaurants, great outdoor activities, and fun local haunts . The must-sees and must-dos include hiking up to Signal Hill, paying a visit to the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, taking in an exhibit at The Rooms art gallery and museum, visiting the Johnson GEO centre, or simply strolling the streets of the old downtown.

© Jen Derbach

2. Torngat Mountains National Park

Along the upper reaches of northern Labrador, Torngat Mountains National Park is a gem—but it’s also one of the least visited parts of the country. If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, plenty of treasures await you, including the chance to witness both polar and black bears , incredible Inuit living history, and stunning geology—the tallest mountains in mainland Canada east of the Rockies live here.

© Rob Poulton

3. L’Anse aux Meadows

Step back in time to captivating L’Anse aux Meadows , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site of Canada. This is the only confirmed Norse archaeological site in North America, and you can soak up fascinating Viking history as you wander through the immersive, living museum. Stop in at the visitors’ centre before you head for the reconstructed sod buildings and watch the professional reenactors demonstrate what life was like here a millennium ago.

Just one of dozens of Newfoundland communities brimming with small-town charm, picturesque Conche is not to be missed. Nestled along Newfoundland’s French Coast , the main attraction is found in the town’s interpretation centre: a 227-foot hand-stitched tapestry illustrating the region’s history. If you’re lucky enough to be invited over for a scoff and a scuff by one of the locals, don’t miss the chance. Looking for more spots with the same sweet vibe? Try Trinity Bight along the Bonavista Peninsula or maybe even out-of-the-way Francois (pronounced “Fran-sway”) on the south shore.

5. Gros Morne National Park

Get ready for the hike of your life at Gros Morne —both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of few places on the planet that geologists can study Earth’s upper mantle at its surface, but even if you’re not a rock lover, you’ll love what this park has to offer. There’s babbling brooks, rushing waterfalls, photogenic tuckamore trees, and more. The nearby towns of Trout River and Woody Point are sure to delight you, too.

If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss fascinating Red Bay in Labrador, just across the Strait of Belle Isle. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site to learn more about the intrepid Basque mariners who first journeyed here circa 1520, lured by the region’s plentiful opportunities for whaling . This significant cultural connection was nearly lost until the 1970s, when historian Selma Barkham re-discovered archival documents linking the Basques to Terra Nova (Newfoundland and Labrador).

© Ron Hann

7. Fogo Island

Joe Batt’s Arm is home to the sleek, Scandinavian-inspired Fogo Island Inn, known the world over by those who love a luxurious stay and a gourmet meal . Go for a guided walk with the island’s visiting geologist-in-residence, take an art workshop, or get your binoculars ready for spotting birds and whales. You could also hike the trail to Brimstone Head, claimed to be one of the literal four corners of the world by the Flat Earth Society.

8. Wunderstrands

This stretch of sandy beach is as close as Labrador’s rugged coastline gets to a tropical paradise, and on a clear blue day you might almost imagine you’ve been transported to another latitude. Wiggle your toes in the chilly seawater, search for wildlife amongst the east coast boreal forest, and admire the stunning landscape, part of the Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve. The name Wunderstrands comes from the Viking sagas, but it’s also known locally as Porcupine Strand.

9. Terra Nova National Park

Enjoy a hike or a paddle at Canada’s easternmost national park for a rugged backcountry experience just a couple hours’ drive from St. John’s. Along with the extensive trail system and craggy coastline, the park also hosts an open-air theatre nestled amongst the lush forest. Comb the beaches to find hermit crabs, starfish, and other tidewater wonders, or bring your binoculars for excellent terrestrial and avian wildlife spotting.

10. Battle Harbour

Take an intrepid journey to Battle Harbour, a winding nine-mile boat ride from the nearest community of Mary's Harbour. Now operated by the Battle Harbour Historic Trust, this living museum was a bustling fishery, until the 1992 cod moratorium shuttered the once-thriving hub. The charming accommodations, delicious restaurant, and beautiful scenery are a welcome reward for those willing to make the journey to learn more about this quintessential history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bonus: Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

Did you know you can visit France without ever leaving North America? Though technically not part of the province, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon , an official territory of the French Republic, is an easy ferry ride away from Fortune, Newfoundland. Enjoy some fresh French cheese, baguette, or chocolate croissants while you stroll the colourful city streets and soak up this delightful slice of Europe on the western coast of the Atlantic.

©Dennis Minty

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7 STUNNING Places to Visit in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

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Looking for the best places to visit in Newfoundland and Labrador? From exploring St. John’s to seeing Bonavista, this is where to go in Atlantic Canada!

Right, it’s time to plan another amazing adventure, this time to somewhere I’ve never been before. One place that’s really caught my eye is Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. And you’re about to see why in this post.

Every year for the past five years I’ve visited Canada . It’s by far one of my favourite countries in the world and a place I just love exploring, so this year one of the first places I plan on visiting is Newfoundland and Labrador in Atlantic Canada. I’ve never been to the east coast of Canada before and I’ve heard so many amazing things about it, so it’s about time I went there.

Newfoundland and Labrador is famous for its rocky coastline with colourful houses dotted all along it, for its wildlife of humpback whales swimming in the deep blue ocean, and for jaw-dropping views wherever you look.

Also, this is one of the best places in the world to see icebergs floating past. I’ve seen icebergs before in Greenland , and I promise you it’s well worth visiting somewhere when these giants are around. They just take your breath away.

Like with most places in Atlantic Canada, there is so much space here. That means it’s perfect for a post lockdown break where you can spend lots of time outdoors.

Even though I haven’t been yet, I thought I’d come up with a Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary for a future trip. I always love planning a trip well in advanced (I came up with this one from newfoundlandandlabrador.com ), and I wanted to share some of the best places to visit in Newfoundland and Labrador to give you a bit of wanderlust.

I’ve featured quite a few places here which are hundreds of miles apart, so even though you can’t do them all on one trip, it should give you an idea of what you can do in Newfoundland and Labrador as an overview.

If you’re like me and are starting to plan your holidays, this is a great place to start.  Hopefully you’ll be inspired to visit somewhere very different in Canada!

Planning a big trip to Canada? Then check out my guides to Alberta , Banff , Montreal and the Yukon !

Where is Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada?

Newfoundland and Labrador is part of Atlantic Canada . This is a region comprising of four provinces located on the Atlantic coast: the three provinces of the Maritimes – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island – and the easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The province is essentially split into two. Situated in the country’s Atlantic region, it is composed of the island of Newfoundland and the continental region of Labrador to the northwest.

On the island of Newfoundland you’ll find the popular places of St. John’s and Bonavista, while in Labrador you’ll find places like Battle Harbour and Torngat Mountains National Park.

As I’ve already mentioned, if you’re looking for space, you’ll find it here.

There are just over half a million people living in Newfoundland and Labrador in are area of 405,000 square kilometres. To give that some context, Germany with a population of 83 million people are living in an area around the same size. That’s bonkers, isn’t it!?

Newfoundland and Labrador is characterised as having this rocky coastline making it one of the top seaside destinations in Canada. With more than 18,000 miles of coastline, there’s such a special connection to the ocean here. When you see pictures of the coast, it’s easy to understand why.

When is the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador?

This really depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for. Weather wise, the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador is from July to mid-September. Even though temperatures will rarely get above 30 o C, the weather will be really bright and calm. Also, because Newfoundland and Labrador is so far north, you get really long daylight hours during the summer which is a mega bonus too.

Mid-June to mid-August are also the best time for wildlife. This is when you can go on a whale watching tour and see humpback whales migrating. There are a number of whale watching tour companies to book with during the summer months. Looking around, this is one of the best ones I’ve found which comes highly recommended.

Summer is also when you can see puffins too. I always think puffins are so adorable, so they’re well worth seeing when you’re here if you can.

Another season that might interest you is iceberg season. This is usually from the end of May until the end of June where icebergs float past the island of Newfoundland.

Yes, this is really a season here in Canada! It’s hard describing how beautiful icebergs are, but they really are. For me, this would be such a good time to visit this region in Canada.

As I said before, I know it’s hard choosing when to visit somewhere when there’s so much to see and do. All the more reason to plan on coming back here again in the future!

Where to go in Newfoundland and Labrador

St. john’s.

Being the provincial capital, St. John’s is the place where most people start their Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary.

One word that would describe St. John’s is colourful. No matter where you look there are these brightly coloured houses dotted all over the place making the town a multicoloured rainbow. To me it symbolises how bright and happy this part of Canada is.

Here’s a fun fact for your next travel quiz . St. John’s is actually the oldest city/town in North America. The earliest record of St. John’s dates back all the way to 1519 – that means there’s a huge amount of history here for all you history buffs.

One of the top places to hang out is down by the harbour. Here you’ll get a sense of what St. John’s is all about with fishing schooners constantly coming and going with the catch of the day.

Also, if you’re a foodie like me, then you’ll absolutely love St. John’s. Everyone I’ve spoken to who has visited St. John’s has said it’s an amazing foodie destination with some incredible restaurants to eat at. The main dish you’ll see everywhere is lobster and cod. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous apparently cod tongue is a popular dish – that’s a new one on me!

Gros Morne National Park

When you see pictures of Gros Morne National Park , it’s hard not to compare it to the fjords of Norway or the mountains of New Zealand, yet it’s a place hardly anyone knows about. Just imagine beautiful river valleys running between massive, striking cliffs either side. Well, that’s what it’s like here.

Located to the north of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, largely for its unique geological phenomena. At Tablelands, a huge piece of the earth’s mantle was exposed by colliding tectonic plates. This is the only place on earth were you can see the earth’s mantle like this; it’s like looking into the open wound of the world.

Gros Morne National Park is a place best explored by foot. The hiking and camping here is some of the best in Canada, especially when you’re overlooking the water. There are lots of marked trails and campsites so it’s quite easy exploring it independently.

Whether you’re here for a short day hike or a multiday camping trip, Gros Morne National Park is one of the top places to visit in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As the name suggests, Bonavista has one of the most beautiful views in Atlantic Canada.

It’s believed that this is the spot where Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) first landed in the Americas in 1497. When he landed and saw the coastline, he apparently said “O buono vista!” (O happy sight) and the name has lived on ever since.

Today, Bonavista is a small coastal fishing town that’s as pretty as a picture. As with everywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador, the seafood is on the next level here. With the views of the bay, it’s not surprising. Everything tastes incredible when you’re in a place as beautiful as this.

From the top of the town’s 19th-century lighthouse painted like a candy cane, visitors can see ancient icebergs floating in the waters off the rocky coast. If you’re lucky you might even see some whales migrating during the summer months too.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

Welcome to Viking territory. Long before the Europeans first settled in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador was visited by Vikings. At L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site , you can see the remains of one of their ancient settlements.

Dating all the way back to the 11 th century, the excavated wood-framed huts and peat-turfed buildings are similar to the ones I saw in Greenland . It’s hard imagining people living somewhere so remote and seemingly inhospitable, but this historical site really brings it to life.

One of the top things to do at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is to live like a Viking for a day. You can see 1,000-year-old artifacts, explore the stunning coastline, and learn all about the history of the Vikings.

This is thought to be one of the only settlements Vikings had in the New World, so historically it’s very significant. Just another thing for your Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary!

Twillingate

The final place I would absolutely love to visit on my Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary is Twillingate. A bit like Bonavista, Twillingate is another coast fishing village that epitomises everything great about Atlantic Canada.

Nearby Fogo Island is a great place to visit too. This place has its own culture where locals speak an old Irish dialect that’s unlike anything else spoken elsewhere in Atlantic Canada.

If you time your trip to the last week of July, you can stop by the Fish, Fun and Folk Festival for music, seafood, folk tales and so much more. There is such a sense of community in Newfoundland and Labrador, and you won’t find it stronger than in Twillingate.

Battle Harbour

Another place I would absolutely love to visit is Battle Harbour . As they say on their website, there’s off the map, then there’s this place.

Just off the coast of Labrador, Battle Harbour is a summer fishing station where the pace of life is super slow (just the way I like it).

Battle Harbour is situated on Battle Island, which is a part of a larger group of islands that stretches across the nine mile journey from Mary’s Harbour to the settlement.

The area delivers everything you’d expect from a centuries-old outport: rugged coastline, abandoned settlements, seasonal icebergs, and breathtaking views.

One of the best things to do here is talk to the local residents who still call the island home. They are part of the living history of the harbour and they love to share their stories to tourists who visit.

Torngat Mountains National Park

This is a place that’s at the very top of my Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary.

Located at the north of Labrador, Torngat Mountains National Park is an epic landscape that’s just made for hiking and exploring. In terms of extreme adventure, it’s right up there.

There are no roads, no signs, no campgrounds, or anything hospitably human. Basically, civilisation isn’t really a thing here. What you get instead is the raw rugged beauty that you can’t find anywhere else. This is pure nature that hasn’t changed for millions of years.

One of the best ways of experiencing Torngat Mountains National Park is on a multi-day hiking tour. With a tour guide you’ll learn all about where the Inuit hunt, fish, and travel just as their predecessors did. You also get to camp in this pristine wilderness.

With some of Canada’s highest peaks to be conquered, you can see why it’s a place I would love. For me, this is nature at its finest.

So there you have it, that’s where to go in Newfoundland and Labrador. As I said, Canada is one of my favourite countries in the world and I can’t wait to go back there again.

As this is going to be a year of travels for me, this place is definitely at the top of my list. Hopefully you can see why I want to go so much!

Let me know in the comments below if you’re planning any trips to Canada this year. If there’s anything I can help with then just let me know.

This blog post is in association with Newfoundland and Labrador promoting some of the best things to do in Atlantic Canada . As always, all view and opinions are my own.

Photo credits to Newfoundland & Labrador tourism. 

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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2 thoughts on “7 STUNNING Places to Visit in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada”

Thank you for your insight. A friend and I are planning a trip from 20 Aug – 26 September 2023. We are interested in craft and art workshops in any of the areas of Newfoundland; Labrador; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as well.

We will book at the areas that you highlighted. Both of us enjoy meeting unusual people and the stories.

Ah amazing! That sounds like such an incredible trip, I really hope you have a great time exploring that part of Canada!

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38 Awesome Things to Do in Newfoundland

From amazing scenic hikes to whale, puffin, and iceberg viewing and so much more.

Last updated May 20, 2023

As I look back on many years of travel, the quiet and remote island of Newfoundland always stands out as one of the most unexpectedly amazing places we’ve ever visited. If you are planning to visit, congrats – it is truly one of the best places for outdoor lovers in the world. Here are our top things to do in Newfoundland, Canada, to make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

About Newfoundland, Canada

Located in the stunning Atlantic Canada area of North America, the province of Newfoundland & Labrador is very remote and wild. While Labrador is attached to mainland Canada, Newfoundland is a large island that can only be visited by boat or plane.  

This beautiful area off the Eastern Coast of Canada is very cold and a bit extreme over winter, but summer is ideal for hiking and exploring.

In the 1940s Newfoundland and Labrador was actually allowed to choose whether to be part of Canada, Britain, or become its own country. While they chose to be part of Canada, it does still feel a lot like its own country with the very obvious influences from Ireland, Britain, aboriginals, and the Vikings. It’s a unique mix of cultures, history, and landscape – which makes it ideal for a long visit!

Newfoundland is also part of the Titanic’s story because the famous tragedy took place off the coast. Cape Race actually received messages from the ship that it was sinking. Similar-sized icebergs as the one the Titanic hit can still be seen floating alongside Newfoundland’s coast.

The capital city, St. John’s, is also the oldest English-founded city in North America, so it has a ton of historic buildings and places to learn more about the stories of this culturally rich province. Plus, it is a great place for anyone who likes to go out and party!

38+ Awesome Things to Do in Newfoundland

We spent about six weeks exploring Newfoundland and wish we could have had the entire summer there. It is just so amazing! Here is our list of everything we enjoyed, as well as a few on our list for our next visit.

1. Get “Screeched In”

This is one of the most unique things you can do in Newfoundland. It is the very silly and unique experience of becoming an official honorary Newfie! If you sign up, you will have to recite a silly speech, take a shot of Screech Rum, kiss a cod fish, sing a song, dance a jig, and a short recitation agreeing to be a good honorary citizen.   

While in Rocky Harbor near Gros Morne National Park, we signed up for the ceremony at Anchor Pub during their Kitchen Party (another Newfie tradition with lots of great music and dancing). It was absolutely hilarious, and one of our favorite travel memories of all time.

Read more about our people-focused Newfoundland experiences.

2. Take an ATV Tour Along the Coast

The first friends we met in Newfoundland were the folks at Pirate’s Haven who own an RV park, chalets, and adventure tour company. They are located in Robinsons, Newfoundland, not too far from where the ferry drops off at Port aux Basques. This was an absolute highlight of our trip and such a unique way to see this gorgeous area!

See more about this epic Newfoundland ATV tour.

3. Go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site L’Anse aux Meadows

If you have a keen interest in Viking history, L’Anse aux Meadows is a must-see. It was a Norse settlement more than 1,000 years ago, and you can tour the archaeological remains and a recreated camp. There are multiple opportunities to learn about this interesting historical place, even from costumed interpreters!

4. Port au Choix National Historic Site

Nearby L’Anse aux Meadows is Port au Choix National Historic Site where you can dig deep into the aboriginal history of this area. For more than 6,000 years, multiple cultures lived off of the sea in this area with a rugged cliff coastline to stroll along.

5. Enjoy Views of the Atlantic Ocean at Point Riche Lighthouse

This is a great spot for taking in a sunset while admiring the majesty of the ocean. We even saw caribou wandering through this area, so keep an eye out for wildlife.

6. Hike Around Gros Morne National Park

On the west coast of the island, Gros Morne is one of the multiple wonderful national parks in this area of Canada. T here is tons of great hiking and views! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Parks Canada does a great job making this area very easy to explore.

Visit Baker’s Brook Falls

This trail is a bit more than 6 miles round trip (10km). It goes through bogs, wildflower fields, boreal forests, and ends at a large waterfall!

Hike Up Gros Morne Mountain

If you are up for a challenge, the beautiful scenery along the way to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain are spectacular. The total length is about 10 miles (16km) and it is a rough hike. At one point, you have to scramble up a rocky gully and it is just a struggle from there on. But it is stunning!

Read our entire story about hiking up Gros Morne Mountain.

7. Go to Lobster Cove Lighthouse

A great place for whale watching and sunsets within Gros Morne.

8. Take a Short Walk on the Eastern Point Trail in Gros Morne

The little town of Trout River in the Gros Morne area is the perfect place to grab lunch (the Seaside Restaurant was a nice choice), and take a short stroll up the Eastern Point Trail to get a great view.

9. See the Earth’s Mantle at the Tablelands

The Tablelands portion of Gros Morne National Park has a wide array of natural beauty, but this area is popular because you can see the Earth’s mantle! It is one of very few places on Earth where you can see it. You can go out on a hike or take a guided tour.

There is a particularly great trail that starts in the barren Tablelands and goes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Green Gardens Trail is only 5.6 miles (9km) round-trip, and we highly recommend it!

Read more about our time exploring Tablelands and Gros Morne.

10. Catch a Show at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival

In Cow Head, you can enjoy a great night of local live music at the summertime Gros Morne Theatre Festival . It is funny and entertaining and gives you a unique look into the Newfie culture.

11. Go to the Insectarium

This is one of those places we thought we’d just pop into but ended up spending hours. It is near the Deer Lake area of Gros Morne and a must-stop. There are thousands of insects preserved as well as some live ones, even some you can hold!

12. Go on the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

Weather didn’t cooperate for us to do this activity, but everyone we me told us it is amazing to cruise along this landlocked fjord. We’ll definitely be going on our next visit. Read more from Bontours .

13. Take a Night Walk at Berry Hill Campground

The stargazing in this area of Gros Morne Park is amazing. We went on a fun night walk while staying at the campground to learn more about the nocturnal wildlife and best stargazing spots!

14. Stroll Along Shallow Bay’s Sandy Beach

Newfoundland just keeps on coming through with the surprises  – Shallow Bay is a stunning, long sandy beach. It’s a great place to swim in the warm summer water, lounge, and enjoy the sunset.

15. See Corner Brook’s Captain James Cook Historic Site

This area offers a great view alongside a statue of the famous explorer, Captain James Cook.

16. Paddle the Exploits River

Near Grand Falls-Windsor, this whitewater rafting trip with Riverfront Chalets is a relaxing way to enjoy a warm summer day. Read more here.

17. Take a Trip to Off-Shore Fogo Island

If you can swing it, staying overnight at Fogo Island would be even more magical. But even just a day trip to this peaceful, quiet island town seems to be worth the investment from what we’ve heard.

18. See Humpback Whales on a Boat Tour or by the Coast

Whale watching is a fantastic way to spend a day of your Newfoundland visit. We went on a fantastic tour with Molly Bawn into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve that also included seeing puffins flying over us! See more of our experience.

If you are on a budget, you can also go to St. Vincent’s to look for whales swimming alongside the beach!

19. Look at the Murals in the Small town of Botwood

If you find yourself wanting to stretch your legs when mid-way across Newfoundland, definitely stop in Botwood to admire the murals. Everyone there is so friendly and immensely proud of the local art gracing the buildings.

20. Explore Terra Nova National Park

We loved Terra Nova for hiking and wildlife viewing (including bald eagles, whales, puffins, and more). It’s very different than Gros Morne – more lush and water-focused.

Go Ocean Kayaking into the Fjord

This was a highlight of our visit and also much more of a challenge than we expected since we didn’t realize how much extra effort ocean kayaking took!

Take the Boat Shuttle to Hike Up Mt. Stamford

A hike up Mt. Stamford is challenging, but the views are worth it! It also feels like an extra fun little adventure to get to take the boat shuttle there and back.

Hike the 5km Coastal Trail

For a trail without elevation gain, the Coastal Trail is a beautiful place to go for a stroll and enjoy the scenery and look for wildlife.

Go on a Whale & Puffin Watching Tour

To really get a close-up look at the amazing wildlife in this area, the whale and puffin tour leaving the Terra Nova dock is a great time. We also got to fish and go into a few caves on the tour!

Read more about visiting Terra Nova in Newfoundland.

21. Visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

This lighthouse is now a museum, but even if you don’t go inside it is a stunning coastal area! It’s also a great place to spot puffins. However, the light is one of the few in the world that you can climb up to see the same apparatus used in the 1800s!

22. Dungeon Provincial Park

Near Bonavista, you can see a collapsed sea cave with a natural archway at this coastal park.

23. Enjoy Live Music at a Kitchen Party!

If you like lively music and dancing, don’t miss a kitchen party while in Newfoundland. While the bars in St. John’s can get extra rowdy and crowded, most pubs across the island host some kind of kitchen party on the weekends – just call around to see what’s happening during your visit.

24. Visit Iceberg Alley & Look for Polar Bears

One of the most exciting things to do on a Newfoundland road trip is try to spot icebergs! These break off larger glaciers further north and will float by the coast in late spring and early summer. Twillingate, St. Anthony, Bonavista, and St. John’s are all popular cities to look for icebergs. Read more.

Sometimes, on a rare occasion, a polar bear may even float in on an iceberg! Even if you don’t see an iceberg, driving around this area is lovely – with lots of small fishing villages and great views. However, if you want to get up close, they even have iceberg-viewing boat trips!

25. Take on Part (or all) of the East Coast Trail

At almost 168 miles (270 km) of coastal hiking paths, taking on the entire East Coast Trail could take quite a long time. However, there are plenty of sections to enjoy along the eastern coast of Newfoundland.

Some of the best hikes that are shorter portions of the East Coast Trail include: Cobbler’s Path, Bay Bull’s Lighthouse, La Manche Village Path, and Stiles Cove Path. Read more in the blog post.

26. Visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander

This museum is especially significant for WWII history enthusiasts since it shares how Newfoundland had a part in the war.

27. Go to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

This lighthouse is located on the most easterly point of Newfoundland and North America. Cape Spear Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province and has a rich history.

28. Visit the Elliston Puffin Site (and See Root Cellars!)

This is the closest you can get to viewing puffins from land and it is a really great place to visit! You can also explore some root cellars the locals historically used to store items through winter.

29. Wander George Street in Downtown St. John

The hopping city of St. John is the capital of Newfoundland and is a stark contrast to the quaint fishing towns in the rest of the province. George Street is two blocks of bars, pubs, and restaurants with a reputation of being the spot to go on a night out in Newfoundland.

30. Go Up Signal Hill National Historic Site

Within St. John’s, NL, is the iconic Signal Hill where you can get great views of the city along with a history lesson. Cabot Tower built on the hill is a symbol of Canada’s military and communications history.

31. Go to the Johnson GEO Centre

Located under Signal Hill, the interactive exhibits dive into the history of the earth and Newfoundland.

32. Go to The Rooms Museum with Views

The Rooms is Newfoundland & Labrador’s largest public cultural space. It is filled with exhibits showcasing the stories and history of the province. It also offers great views, a café, and a gift shop.

33. Go into the Iconic Quidi Vidi Village

This is just one of those quaint places to enjoy the scenery and have the chance to go back to a simpler time. There is a brewery that makes beer out of icebergs, as well as multiple hiking trails.

34. Go See the Iconic Jellybean Row of St. John’s

These iconic colorful houses are a popular photo opp for visitors to the capital city.

35. Keep an Eye Out for Moose

Newfoundland is very safe, the only real danger is hitting a moose on the road. This is a big concern at night, especially. However, seeing a moose in the wild can be a great experience, just keep your distance.

36. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

This is one of the most accessible places in the world to see nesting seabirds. A short 45-minute walk from where you park takes you to a great viewing area.

37. Take a Really Long Ferry Ride to Mainland Canada

While long ferry rides aren’t for everyone, if you are wanting to drive your own vehicle over to Newfoundland this is your only option. We actually really enjoyed it and felt like it added to the adventure! However, the cost is pretty high, so you may want to compare to flights first.

38. Go to France with a Trip to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

You can take a one-hour ferry over to the small French-owned islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. We couldn’t make this work on our trip, but apparently, it is like visiting France! Read more in this blog post.

How to Get to Newfoundland

Take the ferry.

From Nova Scotia, you can take a six-hour ferry from North Sydney to Port aux Basques. Note that this is on the western side of the island, about a 10-hour drive from the capital city of St. John’s. There is no way to loop, so you would drive the same road back if taking the ferry round-trip.

We loved this option because it allowed us to go to anything we weren’t sure we would have time for on our trip over to St. John’s. See our RVing logistics.

Fly into St. John’s

If you fly into Newfoundland, you’ll likely fly into St. John’s since it is the capital and has an international airport.

While we spent the least amount of time in St. John’s, many people love spending a chunk of their trip based here, so you may want to hang out for a few days before hitting the road!

What is the Best Time to Visit Newfoundland?

The summer months are the most popular for visiting Newfoundland because the weather is lovely – even still a bit cool in the evenings in early summer (but summer weather does mean bugs!). However, planning for spring can allow you to see the iconic icebergs.

We went in early July and still saw a couple of small icebergs, and it also was great whale-watching season then! Of course, similar to places like Maine and Vermont in the U.S., the eastern coast of Canada also has lovely fall colors starting in September.

The province tends to close down tourism for the most part in winter – not as many accommodation options will be available and most outdoor tours will not be able to run.

Where to Stay in Newfoundland

When we visited, we were traveling in a motorhome so we spent our nights camped out at a local campground or boondocking in nature. There are a few luxury hotels, but most accommodations are more quaint cottage-style B&Bs.

Here are our accommodation recommendations going west to east in Newfoundland –

For campers and RVers, here are some of the great campgrounds in Newfoundland:

• Pirate’s Haven in Robinson’s, NL also offers ATV adventures!
• Berry Hill Campground, Shallow Bay Campground, and Trout River Campground in Gros Morne were all nice for being close to activities.
• King’s Point RV Park in King’s Point, NL for a peaceful, less busy option.
• Newman Sound in Terra Nova NP is near a lot of the popular trails.
• Celtic Rendezvous by the Sea RV Park in Tors Cove, NL, for great views.

For those wanting to stay in a hotel, here are some of the top-rated options:

• Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn near Port aux Basques port
• Glenmill Inn and Marble Inn Resort in Corner Brook, NL
• Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, near L’Anse aux Meadows
• Riverfront Chalets in Grand Falls-Windsor
• Fogo Island Inn for a unique island off an island experience
• JAG Hotel, Alt Hotel, or Sheraton in St. John’s
• The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River, Holyrood, NL

How Long Should I Visit Newfoundland?

For two weeks or more, you could plan a pretty epic road trip through Newfoundland, but you definitely wouldn’t be able to see all the main sights.

We were there for six weeks and were constantly having to skip things to stay on track. If you only have a week, I’d definitely recommend just picking one place, like Gros Morne or St. John’s, and seeing as much as you can there.

In our ideal world, our next visit will last months! There is just so much to do and see there.

If you like what Newfoundland has to offer, Iceland and New Zealand are two other nature-lover destinations we always recommend – especially for extended visits!

Have you ever visited Newfoundland? What was your favorite activity in this incredible place?

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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Best Things to do in Newfoundland: The Complete Travel Guide

The Canadian East Coast is a vibrant region unlike any other part of the country. And its most remote province, Newfoundland & Labrador, truly feels like another world. 

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

The region has long been known for its rugged beauty and rich fishing heritage. It officially joined Canada in 1949 after being a British colony for centuries. 

While Newfoundland and Labrador is certainly not new, recent years have put it on the map as a great outdoor adventure destination. This charming easternmost province has 4 national parks (2 in Newfoundland and 2 in Labrador) and miles of undeveloped coastal wilderness. 

Pairing natural beauty with a vibrant arts & culture scene and some of the friendliest people around, Newfoundland is undeniably unique. It’s been on our list for a while and we were thrilled to be able to explore it on the road in our campervan, Benji. So if you’re considering a trip, check out these amazing things to do in Newfoundland and start planning!   

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

Where is Newfoundland? 

Newfoundland is a large island off the east coast of Canada and the most popular part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Newfoundland occupies an area of 108,860 square kilometres (42,031 sq mi) and is the world’s 16th-largest island and Canada’s fourth-largest island. 

Best Time to Visit Newfoundland

There is no denying that summer is the best time to visit Newfoundland .  The months of July and August are known as high season in Newfoundland and for good reason. It’s the only time of the year when the weather is warm and relatively dry when facilities and attractions across the country are fully opened and the region comes alive with activities.

But don’t be alarmed, even in the high season, it is unlikely that you will EVER find Newfoundland crowded or too touristy. Expect average summer temperatures of 16°C (61°F) during the day and around 10-15°C at night. On the warmest days of the year, the temperature may reach 25-28°C (79-82 °F) in the far north, 30°C (86 °F) in inland areas, and only 24-25 °C (75-77 °F) in the southern coasts. Summers are also often affected by fogs and mists.

Shoulder season – June and September is a good alternative to visiting Newfoundland in the summer. The weather is relatively warm with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C during the day and 5-10°C at night. June is a particularly popular time of the year to visit if you are interested in seeing icebergs, as this is when icebergs are most frequently seen along the coast of Newfoundland. 

It is precisely for this reason that we decided to visit Newfoundland in June. We were lucky enough to catch a couple of icebergs and enjoy mostly dry weather ranging from 10-20°C. 

One thing we quickly learned through our 3 weeks in Newfoundland is that the weather in this region is constantly changing. Strong winds and dense fog are common occurrences in Newfoundland, even in the summer months. So no matter what time of the year you decide to visit, be sure to pack lots of layers, jackets and even hats and mittens. Trust us, you’ll need them, even in the summer months!  

How to Get to Newfoundland and Labrador 

Newfoundland is an island and is not connected by road to the rest of Canada. Labrador can be reached by road from Québec but for the purpose of this article, we’ll just be focusing on Newfoundland since we didn’t get a chance to visit Labrador during our trip. 

Flying is the quickest and easiest way to reach Newfoundland from the rest of Canada or internationally. 

St John’s International Airport ( YYT) serves as the main hub of Newfoundland. Flying time to St. John’s is 1.5 hrs from Halifax, 3.5 hrs from Toronto, 6 hrs from Edmonton/Calgary, and about 5 hrs from London, UK.

Other airports in Newfoundland are Gander International Airport (YQX), Deer Lake Airport (YDF), and St. Anthony Airport (YAY) . These smaller regional airports offer good domestic flight options connecting Newfoundland with Ontario (Toronto, Kitchener, Hamilton), Quebec (Montreal) as well as Nova Scotia (Halifax) and Newbrunswick (Moncton). Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Swoop, and Flair Airlines service these airports with daily flights in the summer months.  

Another popular way to get to Newfoundland is via ferry. Marine Atlantic ferry offers two routes to Newfoundland, arriving in ports on either side of the island. Both routes depart from North Sydney, Nova Scotia and are fairly long sailings.

• North Sydney to Port aux Basques: The main route sails into Port aux Basques on the southwest coast and operates year-round. The Port aux Basques crossing takes about 7 hours (in good weather) and costs just over CAD $200 for a vehicle and two passengers. This is a great route to take if you want to start your trip in Western Newfoundland. 
• North Sydney to Argentia: The other route sails into Argentia, which is on the Avalon Peninsula, about 1.5 hours south of St. John’s. This crossing only runs from June to September and is a much longer journey, clocking in 16 hours on a good day. It costs about double—around CAD $470 for a vehicle and two passengers—but spares the long drive across the island.

Both ferries offer cabin accommodation which we highly recommend, especially for the longer, Argentia crossing. The cabins are similar to what you would expect to see on a small cruise ship. They are equipped with twin beds (2 or 4 depending on the cabin), a small desk, a bedside table and a private bathroom with a sink, toilet and even a shower with hot water. Having a cabin for the crossing makes the experience a LOT more enjoyable, as it allows you to arrive at your destination refreshed.  Book ahead! Cabin spots are limited and sell out fast!

During our visit, we traveled around Newfoundland in our campervan, arriving on the island via Port Aux Basque ferry from Nova Scotia and departing on the Argentia ferry a few weeks later. We booked too late to get a cabin for our 7-hour sailing to Port Aux Basque, which made the crossing quite uncomfortable. The reclining seats on board were very comfortable and while the experience was much better than traveling on an overnight flight, we didn’t get much sleep and were exhausted upon arrival.  

On the way back, we booked a private cabin on the Argentia – North Sydney ferry and loved the experience. We had a 4 berth cabin with a private bathroom, plugs, and a small desk. 16 hours flew by and we got a great night’s sleep and arrived in Nova Scotia fully rested and ready to take on the day! 

How to Get Around Newfoundland 

Most people don’t realize how big Newfoundland actually is. It takes nearly 10 hours to travel across the island so we highly recommend having your own vehicle.

By Car: Renting a car is a great way to explore the island on your own schedule. Remember, many of the best places to visit in Newfoundland are off the beaten path, so having access to your own vehicle allows you to explore beyond the key transportation hubs. 

With an RV/Campervan: RVing in Newfoundland is a popular way to explore the region. With many campgrounds and RV parks and plenty of wild camping spots, there is no shortage of RV/Camping accommodation options in every corner of the region. You can bring your own RV/Campervan to Newfoundland like we did, or rent one upon arrival into Newfoundland. 

Top Things to do in Newfoundland, Canada

Now that we’ve gotten the planning portion of the trip out of the way, lets focus on all the amazing things you’ll be able to see and do in Newfoundland. If you’re wondering what to do in Newfoundland, these popular and one-of-a-kind Newfoundland attractions can’t be missed.

Gros Morne National Park

Western Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an absolute must place to visit in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a favourite for outdoors lovers and adventure seekers. The vast landscape of Gros Morne National Park formed over hundreds of millions of years, shaping a terrain that today looks otherworldly. 

The park spans 1,805 square kilometres and boasts a variety of landscapes including barren Tablelands, moody fjords and Newfoundland’s second highest peak – Gros Morne Mountain.  

Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park

Hike the Tableland Trail (4 km / 2.5 mi) – The Tablelands can’t be missed! This easy loop travels along the famous red rocky Gros Morne Tablelands landscape and is a must hike for anyone visiting the National Park. 

Hike to Gros Morne Mountain (17km/10.5 miles return) – the trail to Gros Morne Mountain follows the path to the peak of Gros Morne, sitting at 806m above sea lever. You can hike this trail just to the base of the mountain (first 4.5km) or all the way to the top with 500m in elevation gain. This difficult hike through the beautiful Arctic-alpine terrain rewards you with views of the Long Range Mountains and the Ten Mile Pond gorge. Note: To protect wildlife during critical weeks of growth and reproduction, the mountain portion, from the base platform, is closed to hikers from May 1 until the June 23rd.

Enjoy other trails: There are a number of other popular hiking trails in the park including the Lookout Trail (5 km / 3.1 mi), which offers panoramic views, and the Eastern Point Trail (2.4 km / 1.5 mi) which follows the cliffside relief. 

Explore Backcountry Trails: For those with more time in the park, there are some amazing backcountry hiking trails to tackle. The most famous of them is the Westernbrook Pond Fjord Trail (7-8kms) and the Long Range Traverse (3-4 nights, 35 km) multi-day trek that requires thorough preparation and previous backcountry hiking experience. 

Go kayaking at Norris Point – We went on an amazing paddle through the Bonne Bay fjord with Gros Morne Adventures . The double-armed fjord has so many beautiful nooks and crannies to explore from the water. We loved getting an alternative view of the National Park and the Tablelands from the water and were lucky enough to even spot a whale while on the water! If you make your way to Bonne Bay, be sure to also stop in at the Bonne Bay Marine Station to learn more about whales and other marine life in this region.

Boat through ancient fjords at Western Brook Pond – After a 3 km (1.8 mi) stroll through the marshlands, hop aboard a boat and sail through a glacier-carved fjord. Reserve a spot ahead of time via Parks Canada or drop by the ticket office on Pond Road in Rocky Harbour. The boat tour offers spectacular views of the fjords in the Westernbrook Pond and a peak at some of the tallest waterfalls in eastern Canada.     

Where to Stay in Gros Morne

The Hew and Draw Hotel – This family-owned hotel is in Corner Brook and features unique suites that pay homage to the region. Our room had beautiful finishes and featured custom-printed wallpaper of the Newfoundland marten. The hotel has a restaurant, brewery, and rooftop patio with hot tubs available to guests on a first-come-first-serve basis! 

Water’s Edge RV Park – Located on the shores of the Bonne Bay fjord, this Gros Morne RV Park is an ideal place to stay if you are traveling in an RV/Campervan. It has several tent and RV sites right at the base of the Tablelands. The sites overlook the water and offer an opportunity to spot whales and other marine life from your RV. 

Inside Gros Morne National Park – There are 5 campgrounds within the park, most opening from May/June – September/October. Berry Hill and Shallow Bay are the largest with over 60 campsites each and oTENTik options. There’s also Trout River, Lomond, and Green Point. We stayed at Green Point Campsite and found it to be conveniently located close to hiking trails and the Western Brook Pond. Amenities were great and our campsite was lush and private.

Viking Trail & St Anthony

Icebergs, whales, and Viking history—the northern tip of Newfoundland is a special place offering all of that and more to the adventurous travelers that make their way to the tip of Newfoundland. Drive the Viking Trail north from Gros Morne to St. Anthony to reach the top end of Iceberg Alley. Keep your eyes peeled for whales as you soak in the sights of quaint fishing villages and classic coastal lighthouses.     

Things to Do in St. Anthony

Visit L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – L’Anse aux Meadows is a Viking settlement and one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Newfoundland. It’s the site of the first known evidence of Europeans in North America. Now, it’s a cool place to explore and try your hand at blacksmithing or basketweaving.

Go iceberg chasing – Whether from land or sea, watch for icebergs as they break off of Greenland and follow the Labrador current down the coast. You can track icebergs via Iceberg Finder and see what icebergs can be found along the Newfoundland coastline using the Iceberg Finder map .    

Look north to see Labrador’s lengthy coast – We didn’t get a chance to touch ground in Labrador but Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula gets pretty close. You may be lucky enough to catch views of Red Bay, Belle Isle, and Battle Harbour, which is the salt fish capital of Labrador.  

Where to Stay in St. Anthony

• Quirpon Lighthouse Inn – Stay in a historic lighthouse from the 1920s complete with a whale and iceberg viewing station.
• Grenfell Heritage Hotel and Suites – Conveniently located right in town, this year-round hotel offers ocean views and great local tours.

Alexander Murray Hiking Trail

Central Newfoundland

This 8.5 km (5.3 mi) loop is considered one of the best hikes in Central Newfoundland. The hike takes about 3 hours to complete and offers spectacular views of the lakes and forests in the Green Bay area. There is a beautiful waterfall you can check out along the way and picnic tables at the top – an ideal spot for a picnic lunch with a view! The trail is generally flat aside from the 2,200 stairs to get to the top!  

Other Things to Do in Kings Point/Springdale

Go fly fishing – If you want to try your hand at fishing while in Newfoundland, the Indian River is an excellent spot. Starting from about mid-June, Atlantic salmon and trout come into these waters for their annual spawning season, so it’s the perfect time to head out and do some fishing. Keep in mind as a visitor out of province, you’ll need to buy a salmon license and go out with a certified local guide. We recommend Shawn from the Indian Falls Chalets in Springdale who was amazing at not only sharing his knowledge of the best spots to fish in the area but also teaching us some fly fishing techniques. 

Learn how to smoke salmon – We didn’t have any luck catching our own salmon, but we learned the ins and outs of the smoking process during the Smoked Salmon Workshop with Shawn. His smoked salmon was delicious and paired well with a glass of wine overlooking the rapids

Explore the Indian River Walking Trail – This easy 5.6 km walking trail winds along the river where you can catch some birds and ducks and other wildlife. We didn’t see any moose but we’ve heard they are often seen on the trail. 

Where to Stay in Springdale

Indian Falls Chalet – These beautiful self-catering chalets offer the perfect place to hang out and recharge after a day of fishing adventures. The modern chalets have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including comfortable beds, a fully stocked kitchen and even a washer and dryer. The chalets serve as a great launch point to explore the area.  

Grand Falls-Windsor

Grand Falls-Windsor, located on the edge of the Exploits River, is a great place to go whitewater rafting in Newfoundland. We joined Rafting Newfoundland for a fun morning of rafting on their Badger Chute rafting adventure. This is their most popular trip! It’s medium intensity but has low chances of falling out (perfect for when the river is still very cold) but offers plenty of fun and some ​​exciting rapids. They also offer an Adventure Trip and an Extreme Trip perfect for those looking for some extra adrenaline or an excuse to jump into the river along the way!

Other Things to Do in Grand Falls-Windsor

Learn about salmon at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre – Watch wild Atlantic salmon travel through the Exploits River with conservation in mind. Here, you can enjoy an underground observation area and learn all about salmon conservation. A fascinating visit! 

Dine at Third Place Cafe next to the Salmonid Interpretation Centre – the cafe overlooks the dam and offers a brunch/lunch menu featuring burgers, salads, and breakfast specialities. Try their breakfast poutine! 

Where to Stay in Grand Falls-Windsor

Brookdale Inn & RV Park – A lovely family-owned and run Inn with an onsite RV park, suitable for those traveling with an RV/campervan or those looking for a hotel room in the area. The Inn is a labour of love built by the family and a stay with them has that family feel that you won’t find at cookie-cutter hotels in town. There is a pool on-site and fire pits, but the most unique feature of the property is their Percherons – a magnificent breed of draft horses. 

Twillingate

The Iceberg Alley in the Atlantic Ocean is a true icon of tourism Newfoundland. It’s on every list of the 10 best things to do in Newfoundland. But if you can’t make your way up to Iceberg Alley in Western Newfoundland, you can still experience the magic of icebergs in Twillingate, the iceberg capital of Newfoundland. The colourful fishing town is one of the quintessential Newfoundland points of interest, with rocky shores and country roads. 

Things to Do in Twillingate

Go on an iceberg boat tour – Seeing icebergs from the water is even cooler than seeing them from land. Get up close and personal with these magical bergs on a boat tour through the Alley. 

Visit Long Point Lighthouse – The lighthouse looks over Notre Dame Bay and is an amazing lookout point for icebergs and whales.   

Where to Stay in Twillingate

Whitsha Inn B&B – Stay at an oceanfront inn close to the coast and local attractions. They don’t use single-use plastics and run off of fully renewable energy. 

Fogo Island

Fogo Island is definitely one of the most special places to see in Newfoundland. A small community rejuvenated by Fogo Island Inn, this island is as rich in culture and stories as it is in the beautiful scenery. Many wrongly assume that the only reason to visit Fogo Island is to stay at the famous Fogo Island Inn, but after spending 3 beautiful days exploring Fogo Island and not staying at the Inn, we can confirm that this stop is well worth it. 

To get to Fogo You’ll have to take a ferry from Farewell. It’s a quick 75 min sailing to arrive at this rocky barren island with the most inspiring landscapes. 

Things to do in Fogo Island

Visit Living Water Farms – Since Fogo isn’t exactly a hotspot for agriculture, the folks at Living Water Farms have shifted to vertical farming. They now produce lettuce, kale, arugula, and other greens for the community of Fogo Island and beyond. Stop by their shop for a tour of the hydroponic farm or to pick up a pack of greens for your next meal. 

Hike Brimstone Head at sunset – Brimstone Head is an incredible place to catch a sunset on Fogo Island. Take the 2 km (1.2 mi) trail up the stairs to a gorgeous lookout point that is known as one of the four corners of the earth. 

Have cod at the Cod Jigger Diner – It’s no surprise that Newfoundlanders and particularly residents of Fogo Island have survived for generations on cod and potatoes. There is no better place in town to sample some freshly caught local cod than at the Cod Jigger Diner. 

Check out Arts & Crafts shops – Mona’s Quilt & Jam Shop and Herring Cove Art Gallery and Studio were our favourites. They sell Fogo Islands’ famous quilts along with other arts and crafts hand-made in Fogo. 

Go on a walking tour of Tilting – A visit to Tilting is a must for anyone coming to Fogo Island and there is no better way to experience this small community than on Al’s Walking Tour . As someone who was born and bred in Tilting, Al is full of fascinating stories and tales about life in Tilting and gives you an opportunity to see the island from a local’s perspective. Hands down our favourite Fogo Island experience! 

Where to Stay on Fogo Island

Fogo Island Inn – A truly beautiful luxury hotel that operates as a social enterprise plays a huge role in the overall economic development of this small community. The Fogo Island Inn has graced the covers of many architecture magazines and offers an all-inclusive package with dining, tours and accommodation. 

Brimstone Head RV Park – A great campground for tents and RVs located at the base of Brimstone Head. One of the most picturesque campgrounds we stayed at in Newfoundland. Perfect spot to catch a sunset!

Change Islands

We found the small islands and outport communities to be some of the most beautiful places in Newfoundland. The Change Islands are another set of islands located right next to Fogo, known and loved for their slow pace of living, beautiful scenery and for the Newfoundland Ponies. To get to Change Islands, take the Fogo Island ferry departing from the same port in Farewell. The ferry stops at Change Islands en route to Fogo and on the way back. 

Things to Do in the Change Islands

Visit the Newfoundland Pony Sanctuary – The Newfoundland Ponies are a unique breed of horses you can visit in the Change Islands. The sanctuary is run by Netta, who works day in and out to look after the 11 ponies on site. Her work is unfunded by the government and is supported solely by visitor contributions. So stop in, meet the ponies, tour the barn, and learn all about this rare breed.

See the quirky oddities at the Olde Shoppe Museum – Explore the endless collection of oddities owned by Pete Porter. Play the accordion, listen to a jukebox, or just sit back and hear some of Pete’s unique stories. Pete is an incredible character so a visit here is worth it just to hear his stories!

Walk the Squid Jigger’s Trail – Walk the scenic yet rugged 3.5 km (2.2 mi) trail along rocky volcanic outcrops. There are several lookout points and coves to explore and the views of the coastline beneath you is truly breathtaking. 

Where to Stay in the Change Islands

Seven Oakes Island Inn – Step back in time and stay at this restored 1800s fish merchant’s home. The lovely owner, Beulah , has been running the Inn for over 30 years but offers the same friendly and loving experience today as she did back in the day. Staying at the Inn is like visiting your favourite grandmother in the country. Expect a homey, welcoming stay with a home-cooked meal and lots of chats over a cup of tea. 

Gander & Around

Once known as the “Crossroads of the World,” due to its perfectly positioned airport, Gander is a small town and friendly community that continues to be an important transportation hub for all of Newfoundland. Aside from learning about its deep aviation history and an incredible story of the town’s hospitality on 9/11, there isn’t much to do in Gander. But the Kittiwake Coast, which spans from Terra Nova National Park in the south to the town of Lewisporte in the north is worth exploring. 

Hop aboard with Hare Bay Adventures for an incredible adventure along the Kittiwake Coast. They offer a variety of customized tours including Whale and Bird Watching Tour, Resettlement Islands Tour, Fishing and much more! We were super lucky to jump on an afternoon boat adventure with them and a chance to see whales, and icebergs and have an amazing lobster cook-up served to us on a beautiful private beach in the bay. A true Newfoundland experience that became one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. 

Stay in the wild in their incredible wilderness domes coming to market this summer. Positioned in remote but beautiful locations just a boat ride away, these domes offer the ultimate glamping experience and a chance to experience the beauty of this region at its finest.   

Things to do in Eastport

• Explore the new Damnable Trail Hiking System – This newly developed network of trails takes you along the paths of historic settlers around the Eastport Peninsula. 
• Enjoy the sand at Eastport Beach and Sandy Cove – Soft sand is a rarity in Newfoundland but Eastport has two white-sand beaches. Walk the boardwalk, lay in the sand, or go for a dip in the ice-cold Atlantic. 
• Take a drive to Salvage , a quintessential Newfoundland town on the edge of Eastport Peninsula home to beautiful trails and stunning views of the bay. 

Terra Nova National Park

Eastern Newfoundland

When it comes to Newfoundland tourist attractions, Terra Nova is often overshadowed by its west coast cousin, Gros Morne. But, the forested park is well worth a visit, especially if you plan on visiting the eastern part of the province. 

What to Do in Terra Nova National Park

Hike the trails – Terra Nova has 80 km of marked and unmarked trails amongst 12 different routes. We really liked the Coastal Trail and Ochre Hill Lookout for sweeping views over the ocean. 

See the park by kayak – Seeing the park from a different perspective is always neat after a day on the trails. Kayaking around Terra Nova is beautiful and has good odds of seeing whales and other marine life.

Where to Stay Near Terra Nova National Park

Happy Adventure Inn – The perfect place to stay, tour, and feast on delicious local seafood. The inn has 5 rooms, an on-site restaurant, and offers a number of tours including kayaking in Terra Nova National Park. 

Camp in the park – Terra Nova has 2 frontcountry campgrounds, 29 backcountry sites, and over 30 oTENTiks. Newman Sound and Malady Head are the most popular, which you can reserve here .

Bonavista Peninsula 

According to the local tale, the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (aka John Cabot), exclaimed “O buono vista!” giving the name to the small town of Bonavista, the site of the historic landing in 1497.  Over the years, Bonavista maintained a lot of its small-town charm, drawing visitors from all over Newfoundland and beyond to its humble shores. 

There are lots to do on Bonavista Peninsula, so be sure to give yourself a few days to explore the region or to spend days soaking in its colourful towns and charms. 

Things to do in Bonavista Peninsula 

Discover the natural beauty and history of Trinity – Visit the visitor centre to get acquainted with the area and discover its popular Newfoundland sightseeing spots. The historic town is one of the most picturesque in Newfoundland and the kind of place you just want to enjoy for a while. We loved exploring the town of Trinity and wished we spent more time here! It’s a visitor’s favourite! 

Visit the town of Bonavista – Walk along Church Street, visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, and explore Dungeon Provincial Park. 

Go on a whale watching tour –  Depending on the season, several species of whales can be found in this part of the North Atlantic. The Sea of Whales Adventures is a great operator on Bonavista offering whale-watching tours, iceberg tours, and more! We had a blast hitting the water with them during our visit and got lucky s we spotted whales and icebergs on our tour. 

See puffins in Elliston – The Elliston Puffin Viewing Site can’t be missed! If you hadn’t had a chance to see puffins in Newfoundland yet, this is your chance. The puffins here nest on a rock very close to shore, making this one of the best places to see puffins from land. Be warned though, puffins are very small birds and are difficult to see with a naked eye. For the best experience, bring binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera.

Catch the sunrise from Gun Hill Lookout – This trail is part of the Hike Discovery Network and offers a panoramic view of the cliffs of Skerwink, Fort Point Lighthouse, Town of Trinity and Trinity Harbour. It’s a great spot to catch a sunrise or visit on a clear day. 

Hike the Skerwink Trail in Port Rexton – this incredible trail is another feature of the Hike Discovery Network. The Skerwink Trail is a moderate 5.3-km coastal loop offering incredible views of the rugged coastline. We didn’t expect much from this trail but it surpassed all of our expectations. It’s no wonder it was selected by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top 35 walks in North America and Europe .

Have a beer at Port Rexton Brewing – you can’t come to Bonavista without visiting Port Rexton Brewery. This local gem offers a large variety of craft beer that you can enjoy at their taproom, outdoor patio, and beer garden. Oh My Cheeses food truck is onsite serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and street fries, making this a great stop for a drink and a bite to eat after a morning out of the trail!

Have dinner at Fisher’s Loft – this amazing restaurant overlooking Trinity Bay is located in Port Rexton and offers beautiful views and an incredible dining experience. Their set menu is inspired by the availability of fresh produce from the kitchen garden and greenhouse, local fish and seafood in season, and berries and mushrooms from surrounding hillside meadows and forests. Our meal at Fisher’s Loft was one of the best on our entire trip! 

Where to Stay in Bonavista

Artisan Inn & Vacation Homes

If you want to stay in Trinity during your time in Bonavista, the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes is the place to find the cutest houses in town. The Inn offers rooms starting at $125/night and the agency also manages the rentals of a number of holiday homes in town. These range from small homes suitable for a couple to large 3-4 bedroom houses perfect for a large family. 

We stayed in the Admiral’s Lookout home, a lovingly restored, registered heritage building and loved its homey vibe and incredible location right on the water. The home is decorated with the award-winning furniture of local woodworkers and had 4 bedrooms and a spacious living/dining area as well as an entertainment room. It was a perfect spot to base ourselves while exploring the peninsula.

Lockston Path Provincial Park

Those traveling with an RV or campervan can enjoy camping near Port Rexton at Lockston Path Provincial Park. The campground is nicely shaded and offers lots of privacy and opportunities for kayaking, fishing, cycling, and bird watching

DETOUR: Take a Trip to St Pierre & Miquelon

Catch the ferry from the southern coast in Fortune in Newfoundland and venture 25 km by ferry to end up in France! Yes, you read that right – FRANCE! The small islands of St Pierre and Miquelon (SPM) are no less French than Paris itself. Be prepared to eat escargot and drink great French wine, stay in tiny rooms with European plugs! For a taste of France, SPM is the best it gets and luckily this French territory is located a stone’s throw from Newfoundland. 

Of course, it’s not technically in Newfoundland, but a trip to SPM is one of the coolest places to go in Newfoundland. We just couldn’t leave it off the list!

Things to Do in St Pierre & Miquelon

Take a walking tour of the city – If there was one thing we learned from our short visit to Saint Pierre and Miquelon is that a local guide is a must to help you understand the unique history and culture of this French Archipelago. We highly recommend starting your visit with a walking tour of the city’s colourful old district. A local guide can be organized through Musee de L’Arche .  

Hike the rocky coastline trails – We joined Escapade Insulaire to explore the wilderness of St Pierre. The rocky hills and coastal cliffs were very different from the vibrant streets of Saint Pierre, but are well worth the visit. The views from the top are particularly impressive, especially if you visit at sunset!

Join Les Zigotos for a scenic traditional boat ride. The fishermen share interesting history of St Pierre and the dory boats and take you to admire wildlife (hello, puffins!) and enjoy the scenic harbour of St Pierre. 

Dine at Les P’tits Graviers – French cuisine off the shores of Canada? Yes, please! Les P’tits Graviers serves delicious meat and fish dishes in true French style. 

Where to Stay in St Pierre & Miquelon

Auberge Quatre Temps – This lovely B&B is conveniently located within walking distance from the city centre and offers an immersive stay while in Saint Pierre. Pascal and his wife Marie-Andrée offer not only a comfortable stay but also delicious meals. Chef Pascal, who is from the archipelago, is certified in French gastronomy and has won several prizes and awards for his cooking. Our meal at Auberge was worth a trip to SPM in and of itself! 

Explore the City of St John’s

Eastern Newfoundland – Avalon Peninsula

St John’s is undeniably Newfoundland and Labrador’s top travel destination and one that’s not to be missed by anyone visiting the region. The city’s colourful jelly bean houses, winding streets, and historic harbour create a destination that’s modern yet historical with plenty of attractions in and out of the city. The city boasts a history and culture that’s older than any other city in Canada.  

Things to Do in St John’s, Newfoundland

See panoramic views of the city at Signal Hill National Historic Site – Once home to military battles, today, Signal Hill celebrates the rich communication and military history and offers a gorgeous vantage point over the city. Plan your visit to catch re-enactments of canon firings put on by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. On the way back to the city, stop in at the Johnson GEO Centre to learn about the unique geology of the province.

Walk the jellybean house-lined streets of downtown St. John’s – Walk the streets and peruse the shops before stopping into The Rooms for a dose of history and culture.

Visit Quidi Vidi Village – Enjoy a craft beer from Quidi Vidi Brewery with a side of quintessential Newfoundland scenery. Or a locally sourced meal seasonal meal at the Mallard Cottage , that’s if you can snag a reservation, of course!  

Visit Cape Spear Lighthouse – Cape Spear is a National Historic Site and Newfoundland’s oldest surviving lighthouse. It’s an iconic symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine history and a must-see site in Newfoundland. Located at North America’s most easterly point, Cape Spear is particularly magical at sunrise. Those that make it out here at the crack of dawn, will be rewarded with incredible views of crashing waves, whales, and in-season, majestic icebergs at the most beautiful time of the day. Plan to stay a while, as Cape Spear also provides an entry point to the breathtaking East Coast Trail .

Travel the Irish Loop – If you’re not feeling up to hiking the East Coast Trail, the Irish Loop offers a great alternative! Stop in the tow n of Bay Bulls and take a boat tour with Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Tour through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve . Check out Berry Head Arch , have a picnic at Ferryland Lighthouse and don’t miss a stop at Mistaken Point, a barren cliff with a rare collection of fossils millions of years old.

Where to Stay in St John’s

• Pippy Park Campground – Open May to October, Pippy Park is a convenient campground that’s less than 10 minutes from downtown St. John’s. 
• Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland – The Sheraton is located right downtown St. John’s and features an indoor pool and on-site restaurant as part of its amenities. The rooms offer beautiful harbour views. 

Is Newfoundland worth visiting?

If you’ve made it this far in the article, it’s likely that this is no longer a question at all! But in case you are still wondering, our answer is a resounding YES! Newfoundland is an incredibly beautiful and unique destination full of natural wonders, rich history and culture and a fair dose of WOW! Its rugged landscapes and a plethora of outdoor activities, make it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers, those seeking wildlife encounters, as well as history buffs!

We absolutely loved our time in Newfoundland and hope for a chance to return to Newfoundland and Labrador again in the near future! Because this is a destination you can return to again and again! 

Have you ever been to Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada? What destinations and activities would you add to this list of best things to do in Newfoundland?

Disclaimer: We traveled to Newfoundland in collaboration with Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador , but as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are our own.  

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do in St Johns, Newfoundland

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How to Plan a Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary in 2023

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: March 28, 2023  - Last updated: July 16, 2023

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Planning a Newfoundland road trip? I grew up in Newfoundland and have driven across the province more times than I can even count! In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about planning a road trip to Newfoundland.

If chasing icebergs, hiking coastal trails, and watching whales breach sounds up your alley, then you will love visiting Newfoundland.

Located on the easternmost tip of North America, Newfoundland isn’t the most accessible destination to reach in Canada, but it’s certainly one of the most rewarding.

While planning your Newfoundland itinerary, it’s important to remember that Newfoundland and Labrador is a BIG province.

Even though I grew up here and spent the better part of summer 2020 exploring the island, there are still places I haven’t seen. Not to mention Labrador!

Although we are one province, Newfoundland and Labrador are quite different. Going to Labrador is a whole adventure on its own (which I hope to write about someday).

If you want to travel around Newfoundland properly, it will take you at least three weeks. Unfortunately, most people don’t have that much time, so you’ll have to pick and choose where to go.

This travel guide highlights all the best places to visit in Newfoundland so that you can plan a fantastic road trip itinerary.

Book your car rental in Newfoundland ahead

If you aren’t taking your own vehicle for the road trip, make sure to rent a car in advance, as car rentals can get booked up early in the summertime (especially in Newfoundland).

BEST CANADA CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

When booking your Canada car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search both international and local Canadian companies, so you get the best price.

All the airports have car rental agencies inside them, so this is the easiest option if you’re flying into one of the provinces from the mainland or abroad.

To find the best prices on car rentals, search Discover Cars. They will search all the main car rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, etc). so you can easily compare rental prices.

Bucket List Newfoundland Experiences

Go whale-watching! This is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Newfoundland.

Over 22 species of whales live in the ocean surrounding the island, including an abundance of humpbacks that migrate here every summer. It’s one of the best places to go whale-watching in the world!

The best time to see them is during July and August when the Capelin are rolling onto shore.

Look out for puffins. Newfoundland is home to thousands of puffins that nest on the cliffs every summer. It’s one of the best places for puffin spotting in North America !

Elliston on the Bonavista Peninsula is one of the best places to see puffins.

Chase icebergs . Every spring, hundreds of icebergs make their way from Greenland, often getting stuck in the bays around Newfoundland.

Visit Iceberg Finder to see where they are this year. Trinity, Twillingate , and St. Anthony are popular spots for iceberg spotting.

The best time to see icebergs is in the spring from April-June (although sometimes they can last until July). Boat tours can take you up close, although icebergs can also be enjoyed from shore.

Go hiking along the coast . With over 29,000 km of coastlines to explore, Newfoundland is a paradise for hiking trails.

You can find trails throughout the province, but some of my favorites are the East Coast Trail in St. John’s, the Discovery Trail in Bonavista, and the hiking trails in Gros Morne , one of two national parks in Newfoundland.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Newfoundland and Labrador is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites (pretty impressive, considering there are only 20 in Canada ).

These include Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve on the Irish Loop , L’anse Aux Meadows on the Northern Peninsula , Gros Morne National Park , and Red Bay in Labrador. They are all spectacular and deserve a spot on your Newfoundland vacation itinerary!

Enjoy the fantastic seafood . Maybe I’m biased, but I truly believe we have the best seafood in the world

Enjoy freshly caught cod, lobster, shrimp, and so much more. We also have some pretty talented chefs and notable restaurants here. In fact, three of Canada’s top 100 restaurants are in Newfoundland!

How to Get to Newfoundland

Planning a road trip to Newfoundland isn’t as easy as the rest of Canada because it’s an island only accessible by ferry or airplane. Most people don’t realize just how far away it is from the mainland!

Travel to Newfoundland by Ferry

The ferry from Sydney (in Cape Breton Island , Nova Scotia) takes about seven hours to reach Port Aux Basque on Newfoundland’s west coast.

There is also a longer ferry (16 hours+), which goes to Argentia on the East Coast. You can tour Newfoundland by car via these ferries or go on as a walk-on passenger.

Travel to Newfoundland by Plane

Newfoundland doesn’t have the best international connections. If you’re coming internationally, you’ll likely have to connect via Toronto or Montreal. From Toronto, it’s a 3-4 hour plane ride depending on the wind.

The fact that Newfoundland is out of the way often deters people from coming here, which is a shame. It’s a unique province unlike anywhere else in the country. There’s a reason everyone who comes here falls in love!

The best way to enjoy Newfoundland is by car. It makes an excellent addition to an East Coast Canada road trip if you want to see some of the other maritime provinces like Nova Scotia , Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.

If you’re short on time, the best option is to fly into St. John’s (east coast) or Deer Lake (west coast) and hire a rental car from there.

If you aren’t taking your vehicle for the road trip, there are multiple car rental agencies in Newfoundland to rent from. If you’re flying in, you can pick up a rental car at the St. John’s International Airport or the Deer Lake Lake airport.

Getting Around Newfoundland

Back in the day, there was a train that went across Newfoundland that went along the coast. It’s such a shame that it doesn’t exist anymore.

Now the train across Canada only goes from Vancouver to Halifax , and from there, you can drive/take a ferry to Newfoundland.

Having a car is pretty essential for traveling around Newfoundland. There is a DRL bus that goes across the island, but it doesn’t go down the peninsulas where all the best places are.

Best Places to Road Trip Newfoundland

The magic of Newfoundland lies in the peninsulas.

There’s one highway that goes across the province (TCH 1), and driving across Newfoundland without detouring off the highway might not leave you with the best impression.

Sure, there are some scenic parts of the drive, but the best places to go in Newfoundland are by the ocean off the highway.

While planning your Newfoundland vacation, here are some suggestions for the best places to visit on your trip across the island. Note that this is by no means an inclusive list!

Newfoundland is full of unique small towns to see, and you could spend years exploring them all.

Eastern Newfoundland

Newfoundland road trip map

Avalon Peninsula

The Avalon Peninsula is where over half of the population lives, and it’s jam-packed with fun activities.

St. John’s and surrounding area

St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and where I grew up. It’s a charming city with lots to see and do.

If you’re flying into Newfoundland, you’ll most likely be landing here. It makes a great place to start or end your Newfoundland travel itinerary.

Spend a couple of days wandering around the colorful streets of downtown, enjoying the nightlife and dining at Canada’s best restaurants.

RECOMMENDED ST. JOHN’S HOTEL

One of the most beautiful places to stay in downtown St. John’s is Blue on Water. This 4-star accommodation features beautiful interior designs and is steps away from top attractions.

If you’re a come from away (aka not from Newfoundland), do a screech-in ceremony downtown on George Street to become an honorary Newfoundlander. It’s a fun time!

Even though it’s a city, it’s not hard to find nature while in St. John’s. The entire city is surrounded by a network of trails known as the East Coast Trail , a beautiful coastal 326 hiking trail broken into 26 paths that stretch across the Avalon Peninsula’s shores.

There are also many other hiking trails in and around St. John’s . Definitely check out Signal Hill National Historic Sites for the city’s best views.

From there is a trail you can take that goes through the Battery all the way to Quidi Vidi, a charming fishing village. Afterward, take a drive to Cape Spear lighthouse, the most easterly point in all of North America!

There are many smaller communities surrounding St. John’s, which make great day trips. If you’re a diver, one fun thing to do is join a dive with Ocean Quest Adventures around Bell Island, where you can dive with shipwrecks.

Discover more things to do in St Johns Newfoundland

The Irish Loop is a beautiful section of the Avalon Peninsula that you can drive as a day trip from St. John’s, or spend a couple of nights exploring.

It’s home to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, one of Newfoundland’s best places to see puffins and whales.

RECOMMENDED WHALE-WATCHING TOUR

Departing from Bay Bulls, this whale and puffin cruise will take you to marvel at marine wildlife through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

The reserve is home to over 2.5 million seabirds and one of the largest populations of whales in the North Atlantic!

It’s also home to the UNESCO world heritage site Mistaken Point , where you can see 650 million-year-old fossils.

Argentia/Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Following along the Trans Canada Highway 1, there are two more peninsulas you can explore on the Avalon Peninsula.

One is the turn-off for Argentia, where the ferry departs for Nova Scotia (this is the longer ferry). At the tip of the peninsula is Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve , a paradise for bird watchers.

Bay de Verde Peninsula

On the other side of the Avalon Peninsula is the Bay de Verde peninsula, home to Newfoundland’s most famous town: Dildo. Yes, you read that right!

Made famous by Jimmy Kimmel, Dildo is quite a cute place to stay with some great restaurants and even a brewery. It’s a great addition to your Newfoundland driving itinerary.

RECOMMENDED DILDO HOTEL

Why not stay overnight in Dildo? The Dildo boathouse inn is a great choice, with stunning sea views from the rooms to soak in the spectacular sunsets.

Continue down this peninsula, and you’ll come across more charming small towns. At the tip is Grate’s Cove – I haven’t had a chance to explore it, yet but have heard great things.

Brigus and Cupids are two other small towns along this peninsula worth visiting. If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Brigus blueberry festival – it’s always a good time.

Burin Peninsula

I haven’t had a chance to explore this peninsula yet, but I really want to because at the bottom you can take a ferry that goes to France! Yes, you can even visit Europe while road-tripping through Newfoundland.

St. Pierre et Miquelon is a small island owned by France, which you can visit by heading down the Burin Peninsula and catching a ferry. This has been on my bucket list for so long!

Bonavista Peninsula

The Bonavista Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of Newfoundland. Full of adorable small towns, gorgeous hiking trails , epic whale watching, puffin spotting, and iceberg-chasing opportunities.

The two best towns to stay here are Trinity and Bonavista, about 40 minutes apart.

RECOMMENDED TRINITY HOTEL

The Eriksen Premises is one of Trinity’s historic homes and a great place to spend the night. Antique wood décor is featured in all individually decorated rooms, and it’s next to restaurants and shops.

Be sure to stop in Port Rexton in between the two towns and hike the Skerwink Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails here. Afterward, enjoy a cold brew at the Port Rexton Brewery.

Discover more things to do in Trinity

Central Newfoundland

I never knew how amazing Central Newfoundland was until I visited for a week during the summer of 2020.

For a long time, I just thought of it as a place to stop along the highway on your way across the province. But Central Newfoundland has so much to offer than that. Don’t miss this part of the province on your Newfoundland trip!

Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park is one of two national parks in Newfoundland! You’ll drive right through it on your road trip in Newfoundland if you’re taking the TCH-1 across the province, but it’s worth detouring here if you love the outdoors. Terra Nova is an excellent place for camping as well as hiking.

Eastport Peninsula

The Eastport Peninsula , also known as the road to the beaches (route 310), is a great side trip while on a road trip through Newfoundland.

It takes you down to one of the cutest communities and picturesque beaches in Newfoundland. Yes, we have white-sand beaches here! There’s also a great hiking trail network here called the Damnable trail.

Hare Bay – Route 320/330

On the other side of Bonavista Bay is Hare Bay, one of the best places to go whale watching in Newfoundland.

We did a four-hour excursion with Hare Bay Adventures , and it was incredible to see so much marine life. The whales were jumping everywhere, and there were thousands of birds overhead.

Nearby is the town of Dover, where you can see the Dover Fault site. This is where the North American and European continents collided 150 million years ago! They have an interpretation site set up, and there’s also a small plane wreck you can see.

Keep driving on route 320/330, and you’ll reach Lumsden, which I’ve been told also has wonderful beaches.

Gander isn’t the most naturally appealing place in Newfoundland, but it does have some interesting places to visit for those interested in history.

Gander played an important role in WWII, as well as on September 11th. Made famous by the play Come From Away! There’s also an international airport here.

Twillingate and Fogo Island

Twillingate and Fogo Islands are quickly becoming two of the most popular places to visit in Newfoundland.

Twillingate is a magical town known for its epic iceberg-watching opportunities, hiking trails, and gorgeous coastline.

RECOMMENDED TWILLINGATE HOTEL

With its seaside charm, Twillingate is the perfect place to spend a night or two on your road trip. I recommend the Salt Box Co. , so you can experience what it’s like to stay in a traditional saltbox house.

Fogo Island has seen a boom in tourism thanks to the Fogo Island Inn, attracting celebrities and artists worldwide.

Be sure to hike Brimstone head to visit one of the four corners of the flat earth, and join Al’s walking tour here to take you around the historic town of Tilting. Afterward, Stop in Bang Belly for lunch for a delicious lunch.

RECOMMENDED FOGO HOTEL

We all wish we could stay at the Fogo Inn, but it’s not in most people’s budget. Instead, stay at one of The Old Salt Box Co. locations and enjoy sunsets over the ocean from your room.

There are also the Change Islands , where the boat will stop on the way to Fogo Island. Although not nearly as popular, I’ve heard great things about these islands. There’s a Newfoundland Pony sanctuary there!

Grand-Falls Windsor

Grand Falls is another place right off the highway that most people use as a place to sleep, as it’s about halfway across the province. However, it does have some fun activities to offer. For example, it’s home to the Exploits River, where you can go river-rafting!

Fortune Harbour & Bay of Exploits

This is one of my favorite places in Central Newfoundland. The Bay of Exploits is hands down the best place for sea kayaking in Newfoundland .

Fortune Harbour is just a small community nearby but makes an excellent base to stay in if you are joining a day kayaking tour with Adventures Newfoundland.

Kings Point

Another great stop in Central Newfoundland right off the highway is King’s Point, near Springdale.

It’s not only a great place to go whale watching but also for hiking. It’s home to the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail, a gorgeous three-hour hike that brings you to one of the best viewpoints in Central.

Western Newfoundland

Western Newfoundland is incredible. It’s got a completely different landscape than the rest of the province, with gorgeous mountain ranges.

Following the TCH-1 from King’s Point, it’s about an hour and a half until you reach the town of Deer Lake.

There are hotels here if you need a place to spend the night, but it’s also the turn-off for Highway 430, which takes you to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. There’s also an airport in Deer Lake, so you can fly here from St. John’s if you’re short on time.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a must while road-tripping around Newfoundland. Just driving in Newfoundland through the national park is an activity in itself; the landscapes are stunning.

RECOMMENDED GROS MORNE HOTEL

Rocky Harbour is the most convenient place to stay in the park if you aren’t camping. I recommend Bambury’s Hillside Chalets, cute saltbox homes with a 9.5+ rating.

Be sure to check out the tablelands trails, where you can see what the inside of the earth’s mantle looks like. Gros Morne National Park was named a UNESCO world heritage site for its outstanding geological significance.

Gros Morne is full of stunning hiking trails , but one of the best to go on is Gros Morne Mountain.

This 800m ascent is no easy feat but takes you to one of the best views in the park overlooking the long-range mountains and surrounding ponds.

Another must-do activity in Gros Morne is a boat ride down Western Brook Pond through the fjords. I felt like I had been transported to Norway; it was breathtaking.

Great Northern Peninsula – Viking Trail

Route 430, known as the Viking trail , is one of the best road trips in Newfoundland.

It starts after turning off for Gros Morne from Deer Lake, taking you right through the park. However, it’s worth it to keep driving around Newfoundland to St. Anthony on the Northern tip.

There you can find L’anse Aux Meadows . This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the only Viking settlements outside Greenland.

At L’anse aux Medows, you can see a reconstructed Viking village and learn about this fascinating part of history in the Parks Canada interpretation center.

Most people stay in St. Anthony for a night or two here since it takes about four hours to drive from Deer Lake. St. Anthony is also one of the best places to see icebergs and whales in Newfoundland!

RECOMMENDED ST. ANTHONY HOTEL

Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites is a historic hotel in St. Anthony, centrally located in town. It offers fully equipped kitchens in the apartment rooms – we stayed here for a week and loved it!

Corner Brook and Humber Valley

Corner Brook is the second-largest city in Newfoundland, although only about 30,000 people live here. Nevertheless, it’s a great base to stay in if you’re exploring the west coast with many hotels to choose from.

RECOMMENDED CORNER BROOK HOTEL

If you’re staying overnight in Corner Brook, stay at the Hew & Draw hotel. This family-owned and operated, pet-friendly boutique hotel is thoughtfully curated with Newfoundland-inspired custom furnishings. Plus, they have a hot tub on the rooftop! It’s one of the best hotels in Newfoundland.

Corner Brook is home to Marble Mountain, one of the best places for winter sports in Newfoundland. In the summer, it’s got gorgeous hiking trails, especially around the Humber Valley area.

Codroy Valley

Codroy Valley is a hidden gem in Newfoundland . You’ll see the mountains in the distance driving towards Port Aux Basques, but it’s worth spending some time here. Sheltered by the long-range mountains, the weather is lovely here – and so is the hiking.

Port Aux Basques

Port Aux Basque is where you take the ferry to Nova Scotia. I haven’t spent much time here outside of that, but there are some places to stay overnight .

Another place that’s high on my Newfoundland list to check out is Burgeo, on the other side of the west part of the island. I’ve heard fantastic things about this area, although it’s more off-the-beaten-path.

Newfoundland Road Trip Itineraries

You could spend an entire summer exploring the best Newfoundland road trips and still not see it all (trust me, I’ve tried); I realize most people have limited vacation time.

If you only have a few days, I recommend sticking to one side of the island (East, Central, or West). Otherwise, you will spend all your time traveling. It takes about 12 hours to drive the province from East to West!

3 Week Newfoundland Itinerary

With three weeks, you could go on a fantastic road trip around Newfoundland, hitting many of the best places in Newfoundland:

• Day 1-3: Explore St. John’s, optional day trip around Irish Loop
• Day 3: Drive to Trinity (3 hours), optional stop in Dildo on way
• Day 4: Explore Bonavista Peninsula
• Day 5: Drive to Terra Nova National Park (1 hour), spend the night
• Day 6: Drive to Eastport Peninsula (1 hour), spend the night
• Day 7: Drive to Hare Bay (1 hour), spend the night
• Day 8: Drive to Twillingate (2 hours), optional stop in Gander
• Day 9: Explore Twillingate, take the ferry to Fogo Island that day
• Day 10: Explore Fogo Island
• Day 11: Take the ferry back from Fogo, drive to Fortune Harbour (3 1/2 hours)
• Day 12: Explore the Bay of Exploits
• Day 13: Drive to King’s Point (2 hours), optional stop in Grand-Falls Windsor
• Day 14: Drive to Gros Morne National Park (2 hours)
• Day 15-16: Explore Gros Morne National Park
• Day 17: Drive to St. Anthony (3-4 hours)
• Day 18: Explore St. Anthony/L’anse Aux Meadows
• Day 19: Drive back to Deer Lake or Corner Brook (4-5 hours)
• Day 20: Explore Corner Brook
• Day 21: Fly or take ferry back home

As you can see, even with three weeks, it’s tight to hit all the places I’ve mentioned in this post. Depending on how much time you have, you really need to pick and choose which areas you want to see the most here!

If you’re short on time, you can also fly between some cities in Newfoundland, such as St. John’s and Deer Lake. Although I do think touring Newfoundland by car is the best way to see the province.

2 week Newfoundland Itinerary (14 days)

With two weeks in Newfoundland, you can still see a lot of the province. I would still stick to two regions (east, central, or west) and make the most of your time there, spending a week in each.

Just combine two of the one week itineraries I’ve suggested above to make a 14 day Newfoundland itinerary.

Newfoundland itinerary 7 days (one week in Newfoundland)

With 7 days in Newfoundland, it’s best to dive deep into one region of the province otherwise, you’ll spend most of your time driving. Some people fly into St. John’s, spend a few days exploring the city , then head over to Gros Morne National Park for their remaining few days.

A week in St. John’s would give you plenty of time to explore the surrounding towns as day trips, as well as visit the Bonavista Peninsula.

Alternatively, you could spend the week exploring Central Newfoundlan d. We covered Eastport, Hare Bay, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Grand Falls, and the Bay of Exploits in one week. It was magical.

If you want to explore the Viking Trail , it’s best to fly into Deer Lake and stick to the island’s west coast. Spend the week in Corner Brook and drive along the Viking Trail towards St. Anthony, stopping in Gros Morne National Park along the way.

Best Time to Visit Newfoundland

The best time to Visit Newfoundland is during the summer months (July an August), as this is when you’ll get the nicest weather for hiking, and the whales are most plentiful.

However, if you want to see icebergs, springtime from May to June is the best time to visit, although sometimes they can last until July.

Fall is also a beautiful time in Newfoundland, and pleasant weather can last well until October. However, many tour operators will start shutting down in September, so this is something to consider.

If you love winter, Newfoundland can also be lovely for skiing and winter hiking . However, the weather is very unpredictable; so you’ll have to factor in travel delays to your plans.

Renting a car in Newfoundland

Car rentals are somewhat limited in Newfoundland, so I recommend booking ahead of your trip , as they often sell out in the busy summer season when most people are Newfoundland touring.

To find the best prices on car rentals, search Discover Cars.  They will search all the main car rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, etc.). so you can easily compare rental prices and find the best deal!

My favorite rental agency in Newfoundland is Enterprise, as they were fantastic to deal with when I had a car accident. The manager even came after working hours to help me sort everything out!

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Before heading out on any road trip, it’s essential to protect yourself with travel and medical insurance. You never know what can happen while you’re out on an adventure, and the last thing you want is expensive medical bills ruining your trip (because no, healthcare in Canada is not free for everyone).

As a digital nomad, I use SafetyWing travel insurance. For shorter trips, I recommend HeyMondo.

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL INSURANCE

Don’t forget to protect your trip with HeyMondo travel insurance. Get peace of mind with:

• 24/7 worldwide assistance (including covid)
• Extended Stays
• Cover for non-refundable expenses
• Heymondo assistance app

Newfoundland Tours | Trips to Newfoundland

A Newfoundland self-drive tour is the best way to explore Newfoundland. Unfortunately, there aren’t many guided trip options that tour the entire province, but here are some individual tours you can book while on a Newfoundland driving tour.

There are some bus tours that will take you around Newfoundland, but these are pretty expensive and generally geared toward an older crowd.

Lastly, there are some cruise ships that come to Newfoundland and small ship expeditions.

FAQ: Newfoundland road trip

How long does it take to drive around newfoundland.

It takes 12 hours to drive from St. John’s on the east coast to Port Aux Basques on the west coast. However, this is all along the main highway. If you’re detouring off the peninsulas (which you should), it’s going to take you much longer to drive around Newfoundland. This post has all the info you need.

How much time to visit Newfoundland?

Newfoundland is a big province and you could spend months exploring all the quaint towns and scenic drives in Newfoundland. To make the most of your time, you’ll want at least a week.

How big is Newfoundland?

Newfoundland covers an area of over 400,000 km², so it’s a big province and takes a long time to drive through. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a Newfoundland roadtrip itinerary.

Can you drive to Newfoundland?

Yes, but you have to put your car on a ferry from Nova Scotia, as Newfoundland is an island with no bridge there.

Have any questions about visiting Newfoundland or planning a road trip here? I know this was a lot of information, but there are just so many beautiful places to visit in Newfoundland.

Even if you only see one part of the province, you’ll still have an amazing time. Between the outdoor adventures and kind hospitality, Newfoundland is easily one of Canada’s most unique places to visit!

Visiting other parts of Canada? Don’t miss these posts!

• Where to Stay in Halifax
• Where to stay on the Cabot Trail
• The best things to do in Ontario in winter
• Top Toronto fall activities

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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Lora—–my wife and i looking to spend 2-3 weeks in september and had a couple of questions 1. are the best fishing eating restaurant’s still open till sept.30th? 2. we are going to rent a vehicle, should we start at St. John’s or Deer Lake does it make any difference 3. our primary purpose is to sightsee and fish meals, as we have seen whales. Icebergs in our past. —plus any tips weather/car rental or must see’s much appreciated and Thanks—dave

hi Lora, it was nice reading your post. Planning a trip this August (as things are opening up now) I like to ask you which ones I should avoid if I do not want to hike (the strenuous and inclined ones) as I am not fit. I am taking this trip to do some photography (landscape, seascape, fishing villages and Puffins). Can you give me a hand in understanding your itinerary so that I can eliminate the ones that are not in my interest or fitness. Thanks.

Hi Reuben. While hiking is available in all of these places there are none that you really need to avoid as they also offer opportunities for photography and more leisure activities. Bonavista is a great place to take photos of puffins!

Top Things to Do in Newfoundland, Canada

Places to visit in newfoundland, explore popular experiences, popular cities in newfoundland.

Ways to tour Newfoundland

2-Hour Guided Boat Tour from St. John's

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

• 4 Hour St John’s Tour w Come From Away star (lunch included)

2 Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate

Trinity Tow 'N' Go Kayak Tour

The best of St. John's walking tour

St. John's 3 Hour Newfoundland Food Tour

2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

Whale Watching, Shark and Cod Fishing, from St. John's Harbor

St. John's, Quidi Vidi Village & Signal Hill Small Group Tour

Top attractions in newfoundland.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Whale Watching

Cultural tours.

Water Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Walking tours.

Half-day Tours

What travellers are saying.

• # 2 Mine Tour and Museum
• Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch
• O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours
• Discovery Sea Adventures
• NL Boat Tours
• Skerwink Trail
• Gros Morne National Park
• Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
• North Head Trail
• East Coast Trail
• Farm to Picnic Table Experience with Local Guide in Newfoundland
• All Terrain Vehicle tour the Newfoundland Wilderness
• Iceberg Man Tours

15 Best Things to Do in Newfoundland

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

There is so much to discover on a trip to Newfoundland. This incredible island will surprise you with fascinating facts, historical sites, picture perfect villages and jaw dropping views.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador covers a huge amount of territory and this article focuses only on the island of Newfoundland where I visited for 3 weeks.

No matter how long you plan to spend in Newfoundland, from a day to a month, your itinerary will be filled to the max.

And the best part is that so many of these things can only be found in Newfoundland.

Imagine spotting a whale, iceberg, and puffins all in the same day?!

To make sure you don’t miss out, this list has the 15 best things to do in Newfoundland .

Popular Tours in Newfoundland

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise   is a 1 hour 30 minute tour

2-Hour Guided Boat Tour from St John’s   for a chance to see puffins, whales, and icebergs

St John’s Downtown Walking Tour   is a great way to learn about the history of Newfoundland

Things to Do in Newfoundland

Gros morne national park.

To take in the magnificent power of mother nature, spend time in the Gros Morne National Park. I visited from Rocky Harbour, it’s an easy day trip but you may want to spend more than one day. with over 700 square miles to explore, there’s so much to see.

Gros Morne has gorgeous freshwater fjords, seaside cliffs, flat-topped mountains, forests, and bogs.

To see it all you can hike, drive, kayak, and camp in the park. Gros Morne National Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Newfoundland for nature lovers.

At Gros Morne National Park in June you’ll still see some snow during a hike

Cape Spear Lighthouse

Where can you stand if you want to be at the furthest east spot in all of North America?

Cape Spear. That’s right. Here you can watch the sunrise before anyone else on the continent.

The Cape Spear Lighthouse has a vital function here for ships navigating the Atlantic.

Here you can visit the lighthouse to learn about its long history at the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site .

If you’re in the mood for a hike you can also spend some time on the beautiful coastal trails at Cape Spear.

Sunrise at Cape Spear Lighthouse – the easternmost point in North America

Elliston is the place to be if you want to see puffins in the wild .

Here you’ll have the best chance to see them in a large numbers on the rugged cliffs at Elliston Puffin Viewing Site . And it’s free to visit!

Just make sure to visit between May and September. I visited in June and got to see a few puffins at Elliston. Bring your best zoom lens and binocular so you can get a good look at them. I didn’t get to see any up close.

Did you know that the Atlantic Puffin is the official bird of Newfoundland and Labrador?

Also known as the Root Cellar Capital of the World , many Elliston residents still use these unique structures to store potatoes, turnip, and cabbages throughout the winter season.

On the walk to the puffin site I saw several root cellars on the way, and I think they have a lot of character, I really liked photographing them.

Atlantic Puffins are adorable birds and they visit Elliston NL every year

Root cellars are still used by some of the residents of Elliston

Signal Hill National Historic Site

Get a magnificent view of St. John’s from Signal Hill.

Loved by visitors and locals alike, you’ll see the entire city and the ocean from this perch. Hiking the trails along the edge of the cliffs will get your blood pumping.

Learn the fascinating history of Signal Hill and Cabot Tower’s place in the history of communication from the 1700s through WWII.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Newfoundland and it’s also on my list of 15 famous Canada landmarks .

The coastal hikes at Signal Hill are highly recommended

Town of Dildo

Okay, yes, the town of Dildo does make everyone chuckle.

It received a lot of attention after late night host Jimmy Kimmel was made honorary mayor and erected a huge sign (similar to the iconic Hollywood sign). Making Dildo one of the Instagram-worthy places to visit in Newfoundland.

Beyond all of this funny stuff, Dildo is a beautiful place with colorful homes lining the coast. Stop by the Dildo Brewing Company and Museum for a pint. I had a pint of beer and an order of delicious shrimp, highly recommended!

Dildo is a town with a name you’ll not soon forget!

Iceberg Viewing

There’s really nothing like seeing an iceberg.

That’s why it’s one of the best things to do in Newfoundland. During the spring, they float down from the arctic along the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador – it’s known as iceberg alley.

The best time to spot icebergs are in late spring and early summer. This is why I visited Newfoundland in June, I really really wanted to see an iceberg, and I got to see a few. None of them were really huge, but still very impressive to see.

And probably the best way to see the icebergs is on a boat tour where you’ll likely see some whales too. But you can also spot the icebergs from land too, with some good spots at Twillingate and Witless Bay.

Twillingate is one of the best places to see icebergs in Newfoundland

Trinity is where you’ll want to spend some serious time. I loved this town. I spent two nights at a very old hotel called Bishop White Manor (built in early 1800s) with floors so uneven my roller carry-on suitcase could roll across the room without me touching it LOL.

Colorful historic buildings create a picture perfect landscape along the ocean. You’ll love exploring these special places like the St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Fort Point Lighthouse .

Immerse yourself in the 1700s as Rising Tide Theatre performs New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant and other plays.

Hiking the Skerwink Trail is the best way to see the entire area and maybe you’ll even spot some whales and icebergs from this coastal trail. I did not, but perhaps you will have better luck.

In Trinity make a stop at St Paul’s Anglican Church

North Atlantic Aviation Museum (Gander)

History buffs will adore the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in the town of Gander.

Here you’ll learn the story of Gander’s important role in the development of aviation from 1935 to the present and see things like a Lockheed Hudson Bomber and a De Havilland Tiger Moth.

The exhibits include interesting artifacts and stories including a display of letters from people around the world impacted by air travel on September 11, 2001. When 38 planes were diverted to the airport at Gander (population 10,000) the passengers and crew members (over 6,000 total) experienced the kindness of the locals. This was my favorite part of the museum, reading the letters was really touching.

A visit to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum is definitely one of the interesting things to do in Newfoundland.

Visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander NL

Twillingate

For some of the best views of whales and icebergs , head to Twillingate.

You can head out onto the water on a boat tour specializing in seeing both.

Whale watching and iceberg boat tours are a top attraction in Twillingate

Or you can head up to the Long Point Lighthouse . From this high point, you’ll have a stellar view of the water and everything in it.

You’ll also enjoy the hikes along the coast with even more opportunities to take in views of the Atlantic. I loved the Spillers Cove hike at French Beach, such gorgeous views the whole way.

Twillingate is home to spectacular hikes along the rocky coastline

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

Uniquely striped with red and white, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is one of the picture-perfect places to visit in Newfoundland.

With the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, you’ll love everything about the lighthouse.

Here you can take a peek into the original workings of the stone tower and its lantern which was powered by seal oil.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is also one of the best places for a chance to spot whales, icebergs and puffins if your timing is right. Late May to early June is the best time for iceberg sightings.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse also features the potential for viewing whales, puffins, and icebergs

Dungeon Provincial Park

One of the coolest things to see in Newfoundland has to be the Dungeon.

This awesome heart-shaped crater was formed by the crashing waves along the Bonavista Peninsula. I found this place mesmerizing to watch the waves.

The great power of the ocean has created two archways where the water continues to flow into and out of the crater.

The Dungeon Provincial Park is a great place to visit to see this incredible sea cave, gorgeous views of the Atlantic and hikes through the landscape.

Visit Bonavista Peninsula and Dungeon Provincial Park to see the fabulous arches

La Manche Provincial Park

La Manche Provincial Park has everything to love about the natural landscape in Newfoundland.

You can do everything from hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and camping in La Manche.

I especially enjoyed walking the 50-foot suspension bridge over the rushing river with a view of the gorgeous LaManche Falls.

What makes La Manche one of the coolest places to visit in Newfoundland is that you can explore the foundations of the abandoned fishing village of La Manche.

At La Manche Provincial Park the waterfalls are a highlight not to be missed

A short hike to La Manche Suspension Bridge is a perfect day trip from St John’s

Cape St Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Birders rejoice! Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Newfoundland to see seabirds up close. You can even get as close as 10 meters (around 30 ft) away. Now, that’s close! This one is on my Newfoundland bucket list for next visit.

The Cape is home to Northern gannet, black-legged kittiwake, common and thick-billed murre, razorbill and black guillemot to name a few.

Looking out into the water you can also spot spouting whales.

Birdwatching is top notch at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve on the Avalon Peninsula

Quidi Vidi Village

Quidi Vidi Village is a beautiful fishing community in St. John’s that dates all the way back to the 1600s.

You’ll love exploring colorful buildings that line the water. Taking a walk around the Quidi Vidi lake you’ll be able to see it from every perspective.

Try an iceberg beer at the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company . It’s made with water from a 20,000-year-old iceberg and is one of the coolest things to do in Newfoundland.

While in St John’s you can visit the Quidi Vidi Village and stop in for a pint at the brewery

Live Music at a Pub

Hands-down one of the best things to do in Newfoundland is to enjoy a pint and live music at a pub.

You’ll have luck on George Street in St. John’s where the two blocks have nothing but bars, pubs, and restaurants.

Known far and wide as the best place to hear live music, you’ll catch some tunes just about any day of the week.

And at different times of the year, the entire street turns into an outdoor concert.

Final Thoughts on Newfoundland Things to Do

With picturesque landscapes and an abundance of unique experiences you’ll need several days to see all the best sites on The Rock. Save this article for later when you plan your itinerary and you’ll have a great starting point for planning all the best stuff to do in Newfoundland.

Save it to Pinterest!

SELIM AHMED

Thursday 13th of July 2023

GOOD MY RELATION IS IN NEW--FOUNDLAND

Sunday 9th of April 2023

Trinity Pagent..Four Corners Hike Fogo , Skirwink Trail, Western Gorge Boat Tour, Whale Watching Kings Point, Lance Aux Meadows Viking Settlement.Marble Mountain .. while the Dungeons And LaManche Park are interesting, Just my opinion but There are so many spectacular things to see in central, southern and western Newfoundland that are not included on this list.

SoloTripsAndTips

Jim, Thank you for commenting. There are so many amazing places on the island of Newfoundland! Cheers, Susan

The best places to visit in the Netherlands

May 3, 2024 • 7 min read

Contrast days exploring the Netherland's many cultural institutions with outdoorsy pursuits on Texel © Sara Winter / Shutterstock

The Netherlands is a treasure chest of exquisite art-filled cities and towns, canals, windmills and tulip fields, along with shiny-new sustainable urban environments, and glorious natural landscapes, coastlines and islands. While it’s one of Europe’s smaller nations (you can cross the entire country in a handful of hours), choosing where to spend your time takes planning.

These are the best places to begin your explorations.

1. Amsterdam

Best city for culture.

Ribboned by UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals that are lined by tilting gabled buildings that form its central core, the Dutch capital is a cultural jewel.

Amsterdam brims with museums headlined by the national showpiece the Rijksmuseum, neighboring Van Gogh Museum and modern-art Stedelijk Museum, with eye-openers like the Wereldmuseum museum of world cultures, and scores of smaller, specialist gems as niche as piano-player pianolas or sustainable fashion.

Music spanning classical to EDM spills from historic churches, hallowed concert halls (the Concertgebouw has near-perfect acoustics) and legendary venues like Melkweg, as well as open-air spaces such as the stage in the sprawling green Vondelpark.

Planning tip: It’s easy to avoid overtourism and escape the crowds by heading to less-visited neighborhoods. Amsterdam Noord is a fantastic starting point, home to a state-of-the-art film museum, the world’s biggest street-art museum, vast art "breeding ground" in former shipping warehouse NDSM-Loods, and eco-focused cafes and bars, many built from recycled materials. 

Find the ideal neighborhood to base yourself in Amsterdam.

2. Rotterdam

Best city for contemporary architecture.

The Netherlands’ second-biggest city and Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam has triumphed over the adversity of its WWII devastation, transforming into a veritable gallery of contemporary architecture and public art. Standout structures include the Overblaak "forest" of tilted cube-shaped houses (one houses the Kijk-Kubus museum), the soaring, horseshoe-shaped Markthal with original food stalls and restaurants, and the gleaming mirror-ball-like Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – a world-first open-access art storage facility. Repurposed spaces abound, such as the Schieblock, a mid-century office building converted into creative studios, topped by a harvestable roof terrace.

Planning tip: An exhilarating way to see the shapeshifting cityscape is aboard a water taxi zipping across the harbor. Daredevils can even abseil 100m (328 ft) from Rotterdam’s iconic 1960-opened Euromast observation tower.

Save this guide to the top things to do in Rotterdam.

Best spot for outdoors activities

Basking less than 2 miles off the Dutch coast, the bucolic Wadden Sea island of Texel (pronounced "Tes-sel") is capped by a crimson lighthouse and fringed by sweeping white-sand beaches. With its lush pastures grazed by fluffy sheep (prized for their wool) and dairy cows (producing milk used in local cheeses, chocolate and ice cream, mixed with freshly picked berries), along with rambling forests and nature reserves, Texel is an outdoors paradise. Cycling trails crisscross the island, with activities ranging from horse riding and skydiving. Watersports include sailing and kite-surfing.

Some 10,000 seals swim in the surrounding waters; you can spot them on boat trips or at Ecomare’s seal sanctuary.

Planning tip: Ferries carry foot passengers, cars and bikes from mainland Den Helder to Texel in just 20 minutes. In summer, there’s also a service linking Texel with the Frisian island of Vlieland . 

Best for time-honored streetscapes and artistic traditions

Lovely little Delft , with its web of narrow canals lined by quaint, colorful buildings, seems preserved in another era. Centered on its medieval Markt, one of Europe’s largest market squares (markets still set up here on Thursdays), it’s crowned by the lopsided 14th-century spire of its Oude Kerk (Old Church), and 17th-century-completed Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – climbing its tower’s 376 spiraling steps provides beautiful views of the town.

A less demanding but equally picturesque impression is across the canal at Hooikade, where 17th-century Deft-born artist Vermeer, painted his famous View of Delft that’s still recognizable today. Vermeer’s life and techniques are covered at the Vermeer Centrum Delft.

The 17th century also saw artisans create an enduring legacy with the production of blue-and-white-painted pottery, known to the world as Delftware. Operating since 1653, Royal Delft has behind-the-scenes tours.

5. Den Haag (The Hague)

Best for regal museums and performing arts.

Stately Den Haag (The Hague) , the Netherlands’ third-largest city, isn’t the capital – that’s Amsterdam – but it is the seat of government and royalty. The glimmering Hofvijver pond relects the Gothic-style Binnenhof (Inner Court), the permanent home of the Dutch parliament (temporarily relocated until renovations that began in 2022 wrap up around 2028). The country’s monarch King Willem-Alexander works from adjacent Noordeinde Palace and lives at nearby palace Huis ten Bosch.

You won’t need a royal invitation to visit the dazzling royal picture gallery the Mauritshuis, hanging such masterpieces as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Fabritius’ The Goldfinch . Former royal residence the Lange Voorhout Palace showcases the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist MC Escher. Bringing together organizations including the Royal Conservatoire and modern-dance Nederlands Dans Theater across four halls, 2021-opened performing arts complex Amare is the city’s cultural meeting point.

Planning tip: When the weather warms up, join locals unwinding at laid-back beach bars along the long, sandy strand at Scheveningen.

6. Maastricht

Best for roman relics and revelry  .

In this otherwise-flat country’s hilly southeast, Maastricht upends most visitors’ impressions of the Netherlands. Bordered by Germany and Belgium, its location on the ancient trading route between Cologne and Boulogne-sur-Mer saw the Romans establish a fort to guard the crossing on the Maas (Meuse) river. You can see the site of the original bridge from its replacement, the arched, stone footbridge Sint Servaasbrug, begun in 1280 and the Netherland’s oldest bridge.

Maastricht’s unbuttoned joie de vivre harks back to the 15th century when it was part of the vast Burgundy powerbase, resulting in rich food and flowing wine, beer and merriment. Great places to whet your appetite are the city squares Markt, Vrijthof (overlooked by Romanesque basilica Sint Servaasbasiliek) and Onze Lieve Vrowplein (by Romanesque church, Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek).

Planning tip: Carousing peaks during Carnaval, in the lead-up to Shrove Tuesday (February or March), when many businesses otherwise close and costumed parades and parties take over.

Want to attend a festival like Carnaval or King's Day? Here are the best times to g o.

Best spot for history lessons

Whether your historical interest is academia, art or trans-Atlantic history, Leiden is a must-visit. Threaded by canals, it’s home to the Netherlands’ oldest and most illustrious university, gifted to Leiden by Willem the Silent in 1575; its botanical garden, the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, opened in 1590, shelters rare species from all over the world.

Befitting an academic city, Leiden is stuffed with fascinating museums; the flagship Museum De Lakenhal, in a former cloth warehouse, displays works by artists including Rembrandt, who was born in Leiden in 1606. The Pilgrims, religious refugees who had fled England for Amsterdam in 1608, moved to Leiden the following year, raising money to lease the Speedwell to commence their journey to the New World in 1620. The tiny Leiden American Pilgrim Museum charts their story.

Planning tip: Leiden is a jumping-off point for springtime trips through the rainbow-striped tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens , 10 miles north at Lisse, when some seven million bulbs bloom.

Best place for unique perspectives

Utrecht ’s university was founded in 1636, and this vibrant student city buzzes with independent shops, bars and bakery-cafes.

The city has some singular vantage points. From the top of its Utrecht's medieval landmark, the 112m (367ft) belfry Domtoren, reached by 465 steps, you can see as far as Amsterdam on a clear day. The Domkerk cathedral’s nave was destroyed by a hurricane in 1674 and never rebuilt. Below ground DOMunder guided tours take you to an underground archaeological site covering two millennia of history. Paleis Lofen tours explore the subterranean remains of this residence built by the Holy Roman Emperors around 1020 AD, incorporating Roman remains.

Also unique to Utrecht are its canals. Sluicing through the historic center, the Oudegracht and Nieuwegracht have double-decker towpaths, at both river level, where merchants offloaded goods into kelders (cellars), many of which house cafes and accommodation, and street level above. You can see another side to them from the water by boat, kayak or canoe.

Best for beaches, dunes and wildlife

The grand city of Haarlem – with its Grote Markt (Great Market) square, centuries-old churches (try to catch a Müller organ recital at the Grote Kerk) and impressive ensemble of museums (notably Frans Hals and Teylers) – is a splendid place to visit in itself.

When you’ve had your fill, the city is an ideal base for accessing powdery-soft, white-sand beaches at Zandvoort and Bloemendal aan Zee, via the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park , which teems with wildlife: along with birds and bats, you might spot bison, red foxes and fallow deer, as well as 2016-introduced horned Highland cattle. Kopje van Bloemendaal is the Netherlands’ highest dune, with views of the sea and Amsterdam (the capital is just 20 minutes from Haarlem). 

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Ways to Watch

• Icebergs, Whales & Birds – The Triple Play!

When it comes to viewing icebergs, this is one of the best places in the world. During spring and summer, these 10,000-year-old glacial giants are visible from many points along the northern and eastern coasts. They come in every shape and size, with colours from snow-white to the deepest aquamarine. Icebergs are truly something you have to see to believe — and now’s your chance! Get up close (but not too close) with Maggie and learn more about these frozen behemoths.

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It’s taken them 10,000 years to get here, but you can discover them in just a click with IcebergFinder.com . Sometimes, these frosty giants are spotted from outer space, other times, from a sliver of our 29,000 kilometres of coastline.

These ancient works of art don’t like to stay in one place for too long, so if you’re serious about pinning down their precise location, or would like to learn more, please visit us at the nearest Visitor Information Centre .

Discover Ways to Watch (When the Time is Right)

Where to watch, time of year, iceberg safety.

Icebergs can be unpredictable, which makes them difficult to navigate around safely. When viewing icebergs from the water, it is recommended that you maintain a safe distance (D) – equal to the length of the iceberg (L), or twice its height (H), whichever is greater. Within this perimeter, there is a risk of falling ice, large waves, and submerged hazards. Safety should always be your first priority.

Discover Icebergs, Whales & Birds – The Triple Play!

We’re one of the few places in the world to receive simultaneous visits from whales, seabirds, and icebergs. As the whales and birds migrate north and the icebergs sail south, there’s a chance to experience all three of these wonderful sights in one trip. Like so much in nature, there are many factors that vary from year to year, but with luck you’ll witness this exciting spectacle.

View or download our Whales, Seabirds & Icebergs map.

The View From Here

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