Newfoundland Travel Guide
Hey, there! Interested in visiting Newfoundland? Well, you have come to the right place. And if you're not sold on the idea of visiting this picturesque island already, watch the video below because it may change your mind.
In case you're wondering about our credibility to write a travel guide about Newfoundland, let’s just say we know a little bit about the place. Elizabeth spent the first 20+ years of her life on the island and then brought Luke across the pond to live in St. John’s for 2.5 years of adventures that spanned across the island.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive guide of every single thing to do in Newfoundland because we can only highlight the things that we have done and would recommend (which unfortunately doesn't include Labrador), but it should give you an idea of what this big, beautiful island may have in store for you. If you are looking for an all encompassing view on things to do in Newfoundland, check out the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Website.
And in case you're wondering where exactly Newfoundland is, here's a map highlighting the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador:
This is not meant to be an exhaustive guide of every single thing to do in Newfoundland because we can only highlight the things that we have done and would recommend (which unfortunately doesn't include Labrador), but it should give you an idea of what this big, beautiful island may have in store for you. If you are looking for an all encompassing view on things to do in Newfoundland, check out the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Website.
And in case you're wondering where exactly Newfoundland is, here's a map highlighting the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador:
(click to enlarge)
A Brief History / Overview
Newfoundland and Labrador is the most Eastern province in Canada, comprised of the island of Newfoundland and the "mainland" portion of the province, Labrador. Newfoundland has a long and storied history, which in combination with its isolated location, has resulted in a unique culture and a fascinating place to visit!
Many indigenous peoples called Newfoundland home before the Vikings arrived around 1000 AD. Their time on the island was relatively short-lived, and it wasn't until 1497 that European countries rediscovered the island. The (formerly) plentiful fishing grounds were a point of contention for many years as various countries such as England, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal fished in the waters and tried to stake claim over the land, with the British often retaining control of the island.
Fast forward a couple hundred years to when West Country English merchants recruited Irish migrants for seasonal or temporary fishing positions across the pond. Although the jobs were initially seasonal, over time more and more people decided to make a life for themselves along the rocky shores of Newfoundland due to political discontent in Ireland, poverty, and overpopulation. The British (more or less) maintained control over the island with Newfoundland first becoming a British colony, then a British Dominion, before eventually joining Canada in 1949.
Visitors to Newfoundland are often fascinated by the culture and music, as well as the Newfoundland English dialect. The dialect is made up of a variety of local accents that often resemble a combination of South eastern Irish and West Country English, and includes words as well as expressions that aren’t used anywhere else; Newfoundland even has its own dictionary!
Many indigenous peoples called Newfoundland home before the Vikings arrived around 1000 AD. Their time on the island was relatively short-lived, and it wasn't until 1497 that European countries rediscovered the island. The (formerly) plentiful fishing grounds were a point of contention for many years as various countries such as England, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal fished in the waters and tried to stake claim over the land, with the British often retaining control of the island.
Fast forward a couple hundred years to when West Country English merchants recruited Irish migrants for seasonal or temporary fishing positions across the pond. Although the jobs were initially seasonal, over time more and more people decided to make a life for themselves along the rocky shores of Newfoundland due to political discontent in Ireland, poverty, and overpopulation. The British (more or less) maintained control over the island with Newfoundland first becoming a British colony, then a British Dominion, before eventually joining Canada in 1949.
Visitors to Newfoundland are often fascinated by the culture and music, as well as the Newfoundland English dialect. The dialect is made up of a variety of local accents that often resemble a combination of South eastern Irish and West Country English, and includes words as well as expressions that aren’t used anywhere else; Newfoundland even has its own dictionary!
Now it's time to take you across the island from east to west!
Places
St. John's
View of St. John's from the Signal Hill Trail
The capital city is also the largest on the island, by far, and is located on the Avalon Peninsula. When you first arrive in St. John’s, you can head over to Signal Hill and then make the drive over to Cape Spear (the most easterly point in North America!) for great views, wild landscapes, and to get your bearings.
If you want another perspective on the city, you can make your way over to The Rooms Cafe for lunch. The Rooms is not only the location of breathtaking views of the city, but is also home to the Provincial Archives, Art Gallery, and Museum.
If you want another perspective on the city, you can make your way over to The Rooms Cafe for lunch. The Rooms is not only the location of breathtaking views of the city, but is also home to the Provincial Archives, Art Gallery, and Museum.
Jellybean Row
It is worth taking some time to wander around the downtown area, among the houses of Jellybean Row, and you may even be interested in taking in a Foodie Tour to gain exposure to local history and cuisine. We thoroughly enjoyed that walking tour and would highly recommend it.
Within the boundaries of the city, you can find a charming fishing neighbourhood in Quidi Vidi. Quidi Vidi boasts a new artist/craft studio called the Quidi Vidi Plantation; Quidi Vidi Brewery, where you can take a tour, or enjoy the weekly Friday night Kitchen Party; Mallard Cottage, an inviting and tasty restaurant; and a beautiful hiking trail with panoramic views of the city.
Within the boundaries of the city, you can find a charming fishing neighbourhood in Quidi Vidi. Quidi Vidi boasts a new artist/craft studio called the Quidi Vidi Plantation; Quidi Vidi Brewery, where you can take a tour, or enjoy the weekly Friday night Kitchen Party; Mallard Cottage, an inviting and tasty restaurant; and a beautiful hiking trail with panoramic views of the city.
Torbay Point Hike
Speaking of hiking, there are many trails around the province that take hikers along the rugged shoreline, with the 265 km East Coast Trail being the longest. This trail extends both North and South of the city, with some of our favourite nearby trails being the Stiles Cove Path in Pouch Cove, and the Torbay Point Hike in Outer Cove.
And while you're in town, you can't forget to go to the street with the most pubs and bars per capita of any street in North America, George Street. Since you're already on the street, you may as well get Screeched in! It's a "ceremony" to become an Honorary Newfoundlander and is a must-do for anyone visiting the island. There's nothing wrong with doing a shot of Screech, kissing a cod, and repeating some Newfie words you don't understand, right?
And while you're in town, you can't forget to go to the street with the most pubs and bars per capita of any street in North America, George Street. Since you're already on the street, you may as well get Screeched in! It's a "ceremony" to become an Honorary Newfoundlander and is a must-do for anyone visiting the island. There's nothing wrong with doing a shot of Screech, kissing a cod, and repeating some Newfie words you don't understand, right?
Some other highlights of St. John's include:
- The Johnson GEO CENTRE: A geologic interpretation centre that takes you down into the rocks of Signal Hill
- Commissariat House: The former location of an administrative branch of the British armed forces and current Provincial Historic Site, Commissariat House now showcases an interactive multi-media exhibit about 19th century St. John's and the struggle for a Newfoundland government.
- Newman Wine Vaults: These wine vaults are where Newman and Company aged their port for over 100 years. There is an unusual story behind this Provincial Historic Site and why the company brought their port across the Atlantic to age it.
- St. John's Time: 11 days of festivals, activities, and fun that starts at the end of July and goes through the first half of August! The main events are the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, George Street Festival, the Busker's Festival, and the Royal St. John's Regatta. Basically, it's a good time to visit!
From St. John's, you can also venture to some nearby communities such as
- Petty Harbour: a small picturesque fishing village which boasts a mini-aquarium, zip-lining, and some tasty fish and chips.
- Bell Island: an island in Conception Bay which is home to an abandoned iron ore mine. Lots of fun to explore, on a guided tour, of course.
Oh, and if you happen to be in St. John's in December, make sure you check out (or participate in) the Mummer's Parade!
- The Johnson GEO CENTRE: A geologic interpretation centre that takes you down into the rocks of Signal Hill
- Commissariat House: The former location of an administrative branch of the British armed forces and current Provincial Historic Site, Commissariat House now showcases an interactive multi-media exhibit about 19th century St. John's and the struggle for a Newfoundland government.
- Newman Wine Vaults: These wine vaults are where Newman and Company aged their port for over 100 years. There is an unusual story behind this Provincial Historic Site and why the company brought their port across the Atlantic to age it.
- St. John's Time: 11 days of festivals, activities, and fun that starts at the end of July and goes through the first half of August! The main events are the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, George Street Festival, the Busker's Festival, and the Royal St. John's Regatta. Basically, it's a good time to visit!
From St. John's, you can also venture to some nearby communities such as
- Petty Harbour: a small picturesque fishing village which boasts a mini-aquarium, zip-lining, and some tasty fish and chips.
- Bell Island: an island in Conception Bay which is home to an abandoned iron ore mine. Lots of fun to explore, on a guided tour, of course.
Oh, and if you happen to be in St. John's in December, make sure you check out (or participate in) the Mummer's Parade!
Avalon Region
Sea kayaking in Bay Bulls
The Avalon Peninsula may be home to the capital city of St. John's, but there is much more to be seen outside of the city!
If you drive South from St. John's, along the Southern Shore, small towns run along the coastline. Some of the highlights of the area include sea kayaking or whale watching in Bay Bulls, walking across a suspension bridge in La Manche Provincial Park, and walking around an archaeological dig of an old English settlement and eating a fancy picnic near a lighthouse on the rugged cliffs of Ferryland. Plus, the Brigus Head Trail is a great one, if you're looking to do some of the East Coast Trail.
If you drive South from St. John's, along the Southern Shore, small towns run along the coastline. Some of the highlights of the area include sea kayaking or whale watching in Bay Bulls, walking across a suspension bridge in La Manche Provincial Park, and walking around an archaeological dig of an old English settlement and eating a fancy picnic near a lighthouse on the rugged cliffs of Ferryland. Plus, the Brigus Head Trail is a great one, if you're looking to do some of the East Coast Trail.
Continuing all the way to the bottom of the peninsula to Mistaken Point, you can see fossils of the oldest complex lifeforms found anywhere on Earth! Mistaken Point is looking to become a future UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lighthouse in Heart's Content
If instead of going South on the Avalon you hop on the Trans Canada Highway and head West from St. John's, you are on your way to explore the rest of the island!
Not too far from St. John's, you can see some local Newfoundland wildlife at Salmonier Nature Park, take an Eco Boat Tour in Holyrood, or watch some car racing at the Eastbound International Speedway. If you continue along the highway but stick to the Avalon Peninsula, you'll come across some picturesque communities such as Brigus, Cupids, and Bay Roberts which are all home to some interesting historical sites. You'll find an old, but significant, cable station in Heart's Content and a wooden boat museum in Winterton, however they will require you to drive further off the highway.
Keep on driving west, but before you drive to the edge of the Avalon, take a left at the turn off for Placentia and Argentia. In that area, you can explore 17th century French fortifications at Castle Hill, see one of Newfoundland's largest seabird colonies at Cape St. Mary's, and eat lunch next to a picturesque waterfall that is definitely off the beaten path!
Eastern Region
Swift Current
The Eastern region of Newfoundland covers a diverse area between the Southern tip of the Burin Peninsula and the Northern tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, and everything in between.
Turning off at Goobies, where the big (fake) moose is, will take you to the Burin Peninsula. Unfortunately our only taste of the Burin Peninsula has been the scenic community of Swift Current which we ended up visiting on a whim! There are some lovely trails in that area, such as the Piper's Hole River Trail, which are great for a summer hike or a winter snowshoe.
Turning off at Goobies, where the big (fake) moose is, will take you to the Burin Peninsula. Unfortunately our only taste of the Burin Peninsula has been the scenic community of Swift Current which we ended up visiting on a whim! There are some lovely trails in that area, such as the Piper's Hole River Trail, which are great for a summer hike or a winter snowshoe.
Continuing on the winter theme, further along the Trans Canada Highway, there is downhill skiing at White Hills, as well as groomed cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Driving past Clarenville you will come across Exit 230 to Bonavista and Trinity, which are classic tourist destinations - for good reason!
Trinity is a quaint, picturesque community that contains many historic buildings and Provincial Historic Sites. But our favourite thing we did near Trinity was the coastal Skerwink Trail.
Trinity is a quaint, picturesque community that contains many historic buildings and Provincial Historic Sites. But our favourite thing we did near Trinity was the coastal Skerwink Trail.
Dungeon Provincial Park
Bonavista was discovered by John Cabot in 1497 and remained an important fishing hub for centuries. Nowadays, there are many tourist attractions in this town such as the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, a replica of The Matthew (John Cabot's ship), and the Ryan Premises which is a museum about the history of the fishery in Newfoundland.
Dungeon Provincial Park can be found less than 10 minutes out of town with its main feature being, you guessed it, a dungeon! The dungeon was created by a collapsed sea cave and has been carved into archways by the waves. The views of the dungeon and the surrounding areas are stunning.
Dungeon Provincial Park can be found less than 10 minutes out of town with its main feature being, you guessed it, a dungeon! The dungeon was created by a collapsed sea cave and has been carved into archways by the waves. The views of the dungeon and the surrounding areas are stunning.
Bonus: the nearby community of Elliston is a top location for viewing puffins and is also the root cellar capital of the world!
Central Region
Beaches Accordion Festival
Head 3-4 hours west of St. John's along the Trans Canada Highway and you'll be in Central Newfoundland. This far away from "Town", there's plenty of natural beauty to see, and there are some nice communities to visit too.
Terra Nova National Park straddles the highway as you head west, and is a great spot for some camping and hiking. There are numerous campsites in the park, but when we visited we decided to stay in the Newman Sound campgrounds. A day trip from Terra Nova, Eastport is one of very few places in Newfoundland that has sandy beaches, and the sea is warm enough to swim in during the summer. There are plenty of B&Bs in the area, and it makes for a nice day or weekend trip, especially during the area's annual accordion festival.
Terra Nova National Park straddles the highway as you head west, and is a great spot for some camping and hiking. There are numerous campsites in the park, but when we visited we decided to stay in the Newman Sound campgrounds. A day trip from Terra Nova, Eastport is one of very few places in Newfoundland that has sandy beaches, and the sea is warm enough to swim in during the summer. There are plenty of B&Bs in the area, and it makes for a nice day or weekend trip, especially during the area's annual accordion festival.
The Spirit of the Beothuk Statue in Boyd's Cove
Keep on driving for a couple more hours (Newfoundland is fairly sizable!) and you'll reach the stunning Twillingate islands. These islands are connected to the rest of the island by a series of causeways, and feature some amazing coastline and hiking opportunities. If you come at the right time of year, you may chance upon an iceberg or two; Twillingate is a prime viewing location for these ice giants.
Another recommended stop in the area is the Boyd's Cove Archaeological Site where you can learn about the now-extinct Beothuk people that were native to the island of Newfoundland. The nearby town of Lewisporte is a boating hub in Notre Dame Bay and has a sizeable recreational marina. From there, you can hire a boat to take you around Notre Dame Bay or to the resettled island of Exploits.
Another recommended stop in the area is the Boyd's Cove Archaeological Site where you can learn about the now-extinct Beothuk people that were native to the island of Newfoundland. The nearby town of Lewisporte is a boating hub in Notre Dame Bay and has a sizeable recreational marina. From there, you can hire a boat to take you around Notre Dame Bay or to the resettled island of Exploits.
At the Conne River Powwow
One of our favourite cultural activities or festivals that we have attended in Newfoundland is the Conne River Powwow in the Coast of Bays, which takes place every summer. It is a great chance to witness the culture of the Miawpukek First Nation in the only Reserve in Newfoundland, and the surrounding valleys are spectacular with a few beautiful trails nearby. Everyone is welcome!
Back on the Trans Canada Highway, if you're in the mood for some water sports, rafting on the Exploits River is a lot of fun, and the riverside chalets that you can rent are very luxurious.
Back on the Trans Canada Highway, if you're in the mood for some water sports, rafting on the Exploits River is a lot of fun, and the riverside chalets that you can rent are very luxurious.
Finally, we haven't made it to Fogo Island (yet), but it is home to the impressive Fogo Island Inn and is probably worth the ferry ride if you have the time!
Western Region
Western Brook Pond Fjord in Gros Morne
Western Newfoundland is a large region, spanning 700 km from the Southwest coast all the way to the tip of the Northern Peninsula. This also encompasses Corner Brook, Newfoundland's second largest city outside of the Metro St. John's area, and the ski resort of Marble Mountain.
One of the top highlights of the region is Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Park on Newfoundland's west coast. The park is full of natural wonders, including a large freshwater fjord, fascinating geology supporting the theory of plate tectonics, picturesque hikes, and beautiful beaches.
One of the top highlights of the region is Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Park on Newfoundland's west coast. The park is full of natural wonders, including a large freshwater fjord, fascinating geology supporting the theory of plate tectonics, picturesque hikes, and beautiful beaches.
L'Anse aux Meadows
If you continue your journey for a few more hours up the Northern Peninsula, you'll come to L'Anse aux Meadows, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of the only accepted pre-Columbian European settlement in North America. The site itself contains the remains of a Viking camp, believed to have been established by Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, as he made his way south from Greenland in search of resources.
St. Anthony, a town also located near the tip of the Northern Peninsula, is home to the Grenfell Heritage Sites which tell the story of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, an adventurous British doctor who brought healthcare to much of western Newfoundland, and Labrador, in the early 20th Century. St. Anthony also has some beautiful coastal hiking trails near the lighthouse.
St. Anthony, a town also located near the tip of the Northern Peninsula, is home to the Grenfell Heritage Sites which tell the story of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, an adventurous British doctor who brought healthcare to much of western Newfoundland, and Labrador, in the early 20th Century. St. Anthony also has some beautiful coastal hiking trails near the lighthouse.
Other Things to See
Icebergs
There's no guarantee you'll see an iceberg on your visit to Newfoundland, but the best time of year is late spring or early summer (May - early July). 2014 was a great year for them and we managed to see quite a few. If you want to see them, you'll probably have to get out of St. John's - although some large ones have made it just outside of St. John's harbour on occasion) - with Twillingate being a top spot for iceberg viewing. The best way to find out where the icebergs are at any given time is on Iceberg Finder. It is incredibly useful!
Capelin
Capelin are small fish that come into the beaches of Newfoundland in the end of June / beginning of July every year to spawn. They come by the millions and locals simply have to walk a few feet in the ocean to scoop them up in a bucket or a net. If you happen to be in the province when the capelin are "rolling", you will be amazed at this natural wonder - it looks like the waves are made of fish!
Saint Pierre et Miquelon
If you want a taste of France in North America, head over to the French Islands of Saint Pierre et Miquelon, 25 km off the coast of Newfoundland. Most people take the ferry from Fortune, at the tip of the Burin Peninsula, but we would recommend flying from St. John's.
Labrador
The mainland part of the province! Somehow we have yet to visit Labrador as it is not easily accessible and flights can be pricey... although, that's no excuse.
Some of the top tourist sites include:
- Red Bay: a former Basque whaling station which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being "the earliest, most comprehensive and best preserved archaeological testimony of a pre-industrial whaling station"
- Battle Harbour: the former salt fish capital and economic centre of the South-eastern Labrador coast, which is now set up as a living museum.
- Torngat Mountains National Park: a National Park that covers 9700 sq km of stunning landscape at the Northernmost tip of the province. It's much trickier to get to than many places in Labrador but is worth it for the few that make the trek.
Some of the top tourist sites include:
- Red Bay: a former Basque whaling station which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being "the earliest, most comprehensive and best preserved archaeological testimony of a pre-industrial whaling station"
- Battle Harbour: the former salt fish capital and economic centre of the South-eastern Labrador coast, which is now set up as a living museum.
- Torngat Mountains National Park: a National Park that covers 9700 sq km of stunning landscape at the Northernmost tip of the province. It's much trickier to get to than many places in Labrador but is worth it for the few that make the trek.
How to Get to Newfoundland
By airplane
You can fly directly to St. John's from most major airports in Eastern Canada, New York, and London. You can also fly to Gander, in Central Newfoundland; Deer Lake, in Western Newfoundland; or St Anthony, on the Northern Peninsula.
By ferry
Hop on one of the ferries from North Sydney, Nova Scotia which will either take you to Port-aux-Basques on the southwest coast of the island (9 hours from St. John's by car), or Argentia (1.5 hours from St. John's by car).
Tips for Visiting
Rent a car
Newfoundland is a large island, with communities all along the coast, and it is best explored by car. The public transportation system isn't great, so if you want full control of your visit you should rent a car. But try to rent it as soon as possible as car rental companies have been known to run out in high season.
Pack Layers
Since Newfoundland is an island in the Atlantic, the weather can change fairly quickly, and we have been known to have all four seasons in one day. But it does get hot in the summer, which people may not expect. It isn't as far north as you may think!
Guest Posts that we have written about Newfoundland
The Uniqueness of Newfoundland - Snow in Tromso
Tourist in Your Hometown: St. John's - Stamp in My Passport
Destinations: Newfoundland - Land of Marvels
Tourist in Your Hometown: St. John's - Stamp in My Passport
Destinations: Newfoundland - Land of Marvels
This only scratches the surface of our knowledge about things to do in St. John's/Newfoundland, so here is a link to all of our blog posts in St. John's. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send us a message through our About Page.
* If any of the above information seems incorrect, please let us know.
* All of the photos in this guide were taken by us. Unauthorized reproduction will not be tolerated. Please contact us through our About Page for more information.
* All of the photos in this guide were taken by us. Unauthorized reproduction will not be tolerated. Please contact us through our About Page for more information.
