Newfoundland And Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador: Icebergs, Vikings, and Vibrant Coastlines

Stand on the most easterly point in North America at Cape Spear Lighthouse and you will be the first person in the country to watch the sunrise. This is Newfoundland and Labrador, a place of dramatic firsts and ancient histories. Explore the remnants of a 1,000-year-old Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Hike the otherworldly landscape of the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park, where you can walk upon the exposed mantle of the Earth.

From the colourful Jellybean Row houses of St. John’s to the rugged coastline of the East Coast Trail, the province is a spectacular mix of culture and nature. In late spring and early summer, watch for 10,000-year-old icebergs and migrating humpback whales from coastal towns like Twillingate. You can also visit Red Bay to discover the history of a 16th-century Basque whaling station.

This destination is a perfect fit for adventurous travellers, history buffs, and anyone seeking authentic experiences in a truly unique landscape. With so many distinct regions and historical sites, planning a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador can be complex, but an AMA travel expert can help you craft the perfect itinerary.

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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$155

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Delta Hotels St. John's Conference Centre

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$144

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$129

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Best Western Plus St. John's Airport Hotel and Suites

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$146

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. John's Airport

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$123

/ night

Including taxes and fees

Exclusive

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. John's Airport by Ihg

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$150

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$133

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Courtyard by Marriott St. John's Newfoundland

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$139

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Alt Hotel St. John's

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$153

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Ramada by Wyndham St. John's

placeSaint John's, Canada

bed7 night, Dec 12–Dec 19

$165

$133

/ night

Including taxes and fees

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Hotel prices are based on double occupancy

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Discover Newfoundland And Labrador through our guides

Our articles help you travel smarter, save time, and get the most out of every trip.

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What's the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador for iceberg viewing?

The best time to see icebergs in Newfoundland and Labrador is late May through early June, with peak season running from mid-May to mid-June. The stretch of coastline known as Iceberg Alley, particularly around Twillingate, St. Anthony, and Bonavista, offers spectacular viewing opportunities. Most icebergs drift south from Greenland with the Labrador Current, and their arrival depends on weather and ice conditions. For optimal viewing, plan your trip during the last two weeks of May or the first week of June. Local boat tours operate during this period, providing close-up encounters, while many icebergs can also be viewed from shore. Keep in mind that iceberg sightings are weather-dependent, so building flexibility into your itinerary increases your chances of witnessing these natural wonders.

How do I get to Newfoundland and Labrador from Western Canada?

Traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador from Western Canada offers options for direct or connecting flights. WestJet operates direct flights from both Calgary and Edmonton to St. John's, while many travelers also fly with connections through Toronto, Montreal, or Halifax. Flight times typically range from 7 to 10 hours including layovers. Air Canada offers the most frequent connections, while WestJet also services this route. For those visiting western Newfoundland, Deer Lake Regional Airport is an alternative entry point, closer to Gros Morne National Park. If you're planning to explore Labrador, flights to Goose Bay or Wabush are available but require additional connections. Book flights well in advance, especially for summer travel when demand peaks. Consider arriving a day early if you have tight tour schedules, as weather can occasionally delay flights into St. John's.

What should I pack for a summer trip to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Pack for highly variable weather conditions, even in summer. Essential items include waterproof rain gear, layered clothing, a warm fleece or insulated jacket, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots. Temperatures in summer typically range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, but coastal areas can feel much cooler due to wind and fog. Bring a wind-resistant outer layer, as breezy conditions are common along the coast. Don't forget a hat, gloves, and warm socks for boat tours or early morning excursions. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential for bright days, and insect repellent is crucial for inland hikes. If you're planning whale watching or iceberg tours, dress in your warmest layers as it's significantly colder on the water. The weather changes quickly, so being prepared for rain, wind, sun, and cool temperatures in a single day is key to comfort.

How many days should I plan for exploring Newfoundland and Labrador?

Plan a minimum of seven to ten days to experience Newfoundland's highlights without feeling rushed. A week allows you to explore St. John's, the Avalon Peninsula, and one other region such as the Bonavista or Twillingate areas. For a more comprehensive trip including Gros Morne National Park on the west coast, allocate ten to fourteen days. This gives you time to drive the scenic routes, enjoy boat tours, hike trails, and experience the local culture. If you want to include Labrador, add at least three to five additional days. Keep in mind that driving distances are significant, roads can be winding, and you'll want time to stop at scenic viewpoints and charming outport communities. Given the long journey from Alberta, extending your stay maximizes the value of your travel investment and reduces the pace, allowing for spontaneous discoveries along the way.

What are the must-see attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Top attractions include Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic fjords and unique geology; Signal Hill in St. John's for historic significance and stunning harbour views; Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America; and the colourful row houses of Jellybean Row in downtown St. John's. Twillingate and Fogo Island offer incredible iceberg and whale watching opportunities. The Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows showcases the only authenticated Norse site in North America. Trinity and Bonavista are beautifully preserved historic fishing villages worth exploring. For natural wonders, visit the Tablelands in Gros Morne, where you can walk on the Earth's mantle. The Rooms in St. John's provides excellent cultural and historical context. Don't miss a traditional Newfoundland kitchen party or live music session in a local pub for authentic cultural immersion.

What unique local foods should I try in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Newfoundland and Labrador's cuisine reflects its maritime heritage and rugged landscape. Must-try dishes include fish and chips made with fresh cod, often considered the best in Canada. Sample Jiggs dinner, a traditional Sunday meal of salt beef, cabbage, potato, carrot, turnip, and pease pudding. Try toutons, fried bread dough typically served with molasses for breakfast. Fresh seafood is exceptional, including cod tongues, pan-fried capelin, mussels, scallops, and snow crab. Bakeapple pie or jam made from cloudberries is a local delicacy. Don't miss a traditional boil-up, an outdoor meal featuring salt meat and bread cooked over an open fire. Screech, a Newfoundland rum, and Iceberg Vodka or Beer made from 10,000-year-old iceberg water offer distinctive local beverages. Many restaurants in St. John's showcase modern interpretations of traditional dishes using local ingredients, providing both authentic and contemporary culinary experiences.

What's the driving like in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Driving in Newfoundland requires patience and careful attention. The Trans-Canada Highway is the main route, but many secondary roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved. Expect slower travel times than GPS estimates suggest, typically averaging 60 to 80 kilometres per hour on many routes. Watch for wildlife, particularly moose, which pose a serious collision risk, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive defensively and reduce speed in areas with poor visibility. Fog is common, especially along the coast, requiring headlights and reduced speeds. Gas stations can be sparse in remote areas, so fill up when you have the opportunity. Rural roads may lack shoulders and guardrails. The scenery is spectacular, with countless pull-offs for photos, so build extra time into your driving schedule. Winter driving is challenging and not recommended for visitors. Most rental companies offer moose collision coverage, which is worth considering given the risk.

When is the best time to see whales and puffins in Newfoundland?

Whale watching season runs from May through September, with peak sightings in June and July when humpback, minke, and fin whales are most active. Orcas and blue whales are occasionally spotted in deeper waters. The best locations include Witless Bay Ecological Reserve near St. John's, Twillingate, Trinity Bay, and the waters around Gros Morne. Puffin viewing season is late May through early September, with peak times in June and July before the birds depart for the open ocean. Witless Bay is home to North America's largest puffin colony, with hundreds of thousands of birds nesting on offshore islands. Boat tours from Bay Bulls, Bonavista, Twillingate, and Elliston offer excellent viewing opportunities. Many tours combine whale and puffin watching. Book tours in advance during peak summer months, and bring warm layers as it's cold on the water even in summer.

Do I need travel insurance for a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador?

While travel insurance isn't mandatory for domestic travel within Canada, it's still highly recommended. Your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan provides basic medical coverage in other provinces, but you may face gaps in coverage for services like ambulance transport, prescription medications, or medical evacuation. Trip cancellation insurance protects your investment if you need to cancel due to illness, family emergency, or other covered reasons. Consider trip interruption coverage, especially given the long travel distances and connecting flights involved. If you're planning adventure activities like sea kayaking, hiking, or boat tours, ensure your policy covers these activities. Flight delay coverage can be valuable given the weather-related flight disruptions that occasionally affect St. John's airport. Review your existing credit card benefits and home insurance policy, as you may already have some coverage. A comprehensive travel insurance policy typically costs between two and five percent of your total trip cost.

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