Newfoundland and Labrador
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s perches above a working harbor with Jellybean-colored row houses, Signal Hill and the Rooms museum.
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Corner Brook
Set on the Bay of Islands, Corner Brook combines steep wooded hills, the Humber River waterfront, a pulp-mill legacy and Marble Mountain ski area - good for seafood, hiking and winter slopes.
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Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gander grew around the great transatlantic airfield and still draws plane geeks to its aviation museum, historic airport sites and the small downtown diners famed for generous hospitality; nearby hikes and iceberg season keep nature-minded visitors busy.
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Labrador City
Remote mining town on the Labrador Plateau where tundra meets iron ore pits; adventurers come for northern lights, snowmobile routes and access to boreal hiking.
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Mount Pearl
Bordering St.
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Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Situated on the Churchill River, Happy Valley - Goose Bay serves as Labrador’s transport hub for fishing lodges, aurora viewing and military history sites.
Top Cities in Newfoundland and Labrador
Regions of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Avalon Peninsula is Newfoundland’s most visited pocket: a mix of vibrant St. John’s, dramatic headlands and fishing villages. Hike rocky trails, watch iceberg-strewn seas in spring and chase folk music in cozy pubs. The peninsula’s accessibility and scenery make it an easy introduction to the island’s culture and coastline.
Top Spots
- St. John’s - Colorful waterfront, lively pubs, and Signal Hill panoramas.
- Cape Spear - North America’s easternmost point with rugged coastline and history.
- Flatrock - Charming coastal community just outside the city.
Awesome cliffs, windswept capes and a strong sense of history mark the Great Northern Peninsula. This is where Vikings landed and where you can walk remote headlands and spot whales offshore. Travelers come for the raw coastal drama, small museums and to drive the scenic Viking and Discovery routes.
Top Spots
- L’Anse aux Meadows - UNESCO Viking site and must-see archaeological park.
- Bonavista - Historic harbour town and lighthouse walks.
- Trinity - Beautiful restored village with theatre and coastal trails.
Gros Morne’s UNESCO-listed landscapes - fjords, tablelands and towering cliffs - are the province’s crown jewel for outdoor activity. Hike scenic ridges, paddle mirrored lakes and watch geological history on display. The western coast bases offer rugged adventures, wildlife spotting and quiet coastal communities.
Top Spots
- Gros Morne National Park - Fjords, mountains and hiking unlike anywhere else in the province.
- Corner Brook - Regional hub with cultural venues and outdoor access.
- Trout River - Gateway for boat cruises into Western Brook Pond fjord.
Labrador feels immense and remote: tundra, rugged coastline and sparse settlements stretching to the Arctic. Travellers come here for Labrador itineraries that combine Indigenous culture, sea ice and huge bird colonies. Logistics are more challenging, but the reward is a true sense of northern wilderness and solitude.
Top Spots
- Red Bay - Basque whaling heritage and dramatic coastal ruins.
- Labrador City - Gateway for inland wilderness and mining history.
- Cartwright - Coastal village with rich Inuit and Labradorian culture.
Don't Miss
Gros Morne National Park - Ancient fjords and the Tablelands reveal continental mantle rock with rewarding hikes and scenic coastal drives.
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site - Viking archaeological site showing Norse settlement remains and interpretation at Newfoundland’s northern tip.
Signal Hill National Historic Site (St. John’s) - Historic battery site overlooking St. John’s harbour with Cabot Tower and panoramic ocean views.
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site - Canada’s easternmost point featuring a historic lighthouse and dramatic Atlantic cliffside vistas.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve - Boat excursions from nearby towns to see Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and seasonal iceberg passings.
Hidden Gems
Fogo Island - Island community with bold architecture, artist residencies, and intimate cultural hospitality off Newfoundland’s northeast coast.
Twillingate - Iceberg-viewing and iceberg-related museums in a tight-knit town on Newfoundland’s northeastern shores.
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station - Remote UNESCO site preserving 16th-century Basque whaling archaeology and interpretive exhibits in southern Labrador.
Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove - Quaint fishing village near St. John’s offering authentic harbour life and excellent seafood crackers.
L’Anse aux Meadows interpretation trails (less-traveled paths) - Short coastal trails around the Norse site that reveal archaeological features and coastal ecology away from crowds.
Road Trips
Viking Trail (Route 430) - Multi-day coastal drive from Gros Morne region to L’Anse aux Meadows, passing coastal communities and viewpoints.
Irish Loop (Avalon Peninsula) - Half-day to full-day circuit from St. John’s visiting Cape Spear, Petty Harbour, and seaside fishing villages.
Labrador Coastal Journey (by ferry and road) - Extended expedition combining ferries and highway travel along Labrador’s coast to remote settlements and fjords.
The East Coast Trail (day hikes) - Network of coastal trails around the Avalon Peninsula offering day-long walks between cliffs, coves, and historic sites.
Newfoundland and Labrador at a Glance
Known For: Icebergs and rugged coastlines - Iceberg season, fjords, and coastal fishing communities
Best Months: Jun-Sep - Milder weather, whale and iceberg viewing season
Gateway City: St. John’s - Main international airport, starting point for coastal drives
About Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is a province of two very different halves: the island of Newfoundland with its ragged, photogenic coastline and the vast mainland of Labrador carved by ice and sea. Rocky headlands, deep fjords and long sandy coves give way inland to boreal forest and tundra; the province’s character is shaped as much by its shoreline and the North Atlantic as by any single town. In western Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site - showcases the island’s geologic drama with towering mountains, glacial valleys and coastal cliffs.
The provincial capital, St. John’s, perches on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula and is one of the oldest European-settled cities in North America. Overlooking the city, Signal Hill is a designated National Historic Site with sweeping views of the harbour; in town, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Government House are among the most notable historic buildings.
Much of Newfoundland is best experienced at a relaxed pace along coastal routes. The Irish Loop around the Avalon Peninsula threads past small fishing communities, and nearby natural reserves such as Salmonier Nature Park and La Manche Provincial Park offer short hikes and wildlife watching. Eastern coastal trails, including the Discovery Trail, and historic sites like the Ryan Premises National Historic Site interpret the island’s long relationship with the sea, where whale and iceberg viewing are popular seasonsal experiences.
Labrador feels more remote: long coastal stretches, windswept plateaus and tiny settlements give way to vast wilderness. Icebergs and migrating sea life are visible off the coast in season, and the region is prized for hiking, fishing and backcountry camping when conditions allow. Throughout the province, communities remain strongly connected to maritime traditions and outdoor life rather than to urban bustle.
Why Visit Newfoundland and Labrador
Every spring and early summer, icebergs drift past Newfoundland’s east coast - St. Anthony, Twillingate and Bonavista are reliable viewing bases. Skyline hikes and zodiac tours get you close to sculpted blue ice; bring binoculars and a warm jacket. Iceberg watching here feels elemental and dramatic, not contrived.
Gros Morne National Park is geology you can walk through: fjords, the Tablelands’ exposed mantle rock and deep coastal inlets. Hike Gros Morne Mountain or take a boat into Western Brook Pond for cathedral-like cliffs. It’s a world-class park that rarely crowds and rewards time with its layered landscapes.
St. John’s mixes colorfully painted row houses, lively pubs and a folkloric music scene centered on George Street. Spend evenings sampling local cod dishes and chatting with musicians while daytime walks reveal Signal Hill and the Narrows. The town’s character feels honest - a great base for nearby coastal drives.
Visit the UNESCO Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows to see Norse-style turf houses and artifacts that confirm pre-Columbian European voyaging. The reconstructed longhouses and interpretive trails make the archaeology accessible without being dry. It’s a short, potent stop that reframes how you think about North Atlantic history.
Fly into the Torngat Mountains National Park for remote tundra, Inuit cultural encounters and dramatic fjords where polar bears and belugas may appear in season. Outfitters run guided boat trips and on-foot excursions that require planning but reward with rarely seen Arctic wilderness. Prepare for basic facilities and true isolation.
Who's Newfoundland and Labrador For?
Couples
A drive along the Viking Trail with a stay in Gros Morne or St. John’s cozy B&Bs makes for a dramatic, intimate escape. Iceberg spotting adds romance in spring.
Families
Interactive exhibits at The Rooms and whale-watching tours are great for kids. Gros Morne offers easy coastal trails suited to family hikes and nature learning.
Backpackers
St. John’s hostels and campsite networks exist, but long distances and seasonal services raise costs. It’s rewarding for hardy travelers prepared to roam.
Digital Nomads
Reliable high-speed internet is mostly confined to St. John’s and a few towns. Remote working across the island is difficult because of connectivity and isolation.
Foodies
Fresh Atlantic seafood defines the cuisine: cod, mussels, and the local Jiggs dinner tradition. Rustic kitchen tables and fish shacks deliver authentic flavours.
Adventure Seekers
Sea-kayaking, iceberg approaches, and Gros Morne’s Tablelands provide epic outdoor challenges. The Torngat Mountains in Labrador are a true expedition playground.
Party Animals
St. John’s punches above its weight with live music, pubs and friendly late-night scenes. It’s one of Canada’s most convivial small-city nightlife hubs.
Nature Buffs
From fjords and icebergs to boreal coasts, Newfoundland and Labrador are wilderness central. Bird colonies, whales and stark geology reward serious nature lovers.
Top Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador
Park
Gros Morne National Park
Geologically diverse park with fjords and coastal cliffs
Trail
Long Range Traverse
Island
Newfoundland
Large Atlantic Canadian island with rugged coasts and fisheries
Archaeological Site
L'Anse aux Meadows
Norse archaeological site; earliest known European North American settlement
Stream
Churchill River (Atlantic)
Large Canadian river flowing to the Atlantic Ocean
National Park
Terra Nova National Park
Coastal park protecting boreal forests and seabird colonies
Mountains
Torngat Mountains
Remote Arctic mountain range in northern Labrador
Island
Killiniq Island
Arctic island at Labrador's northern tip, uninhabited
Best Time to Visit Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador have a cool maritime climate on the island and much colder conditions in Labrador, with strong seasonal storms, fog and rapid weather changes. Best travel months are July-August for the warmest weather and festival season; May-June and September are good shoulder months for iceberg and whale sightings.
High Season
Mid-summer offers the warmest, most settled weather for whale and iceberg watching, festivals and boat excursions. This is the busiest period for coastal tourism.
Shoulder Season
Late spring and early autumn are excellent for iceberg and whale sightings with fewer crowds, though fog and variable weather remain common. Services and tour availability increase compared with winter.
Low Season
Long, cold winters with frequent storms reduce accessibility to many coastal and remote areas; some services and tours operate only seasonally. Winter offers opportunities for local cultural experiences but can involve travel disruptions.
January
10-30°F / -12 to -1°C · Cold and snowy · Low Season
January is firmly winter with snow, frequent storms and strong winds, especially on the coast. Travel disruptions from storms and icy conditions are possible.
Events
- Mummering and local winter events - Traditional Newfoundlander winter customs and community events take place in some towns.
February
10-35°F / -12 to 2°C · Cold and stormy · Low Season
February remains cold with frequent snow and coastal storms. Some tourist attractions are closed or operate reduced hours during deep winter.
Events
- Winter community festivals - Small local winter festivals and community celebrations occur in some towns and villages.
March
20-40°F / -7 to 4°C · Cold, variable · Low Season
March can be changeable with late snow, coastal storms, and gradual thaw inland. Ice and road conditions may still be challenging in many areas.
Events
- Early spring festivals - Local events marking the change of seasons appear in late March in some communities.
April
30-50°F / -1 to 10°C · Cool and showery · Shoulder Season
April brings more frequent rain and melting snow; coastal fog is common. Wildlife viewing improves and services begin to ramp up for the summer season.
Events
- Migratory bird arrivals - Spring bird migration begins and birdwatching opportunities increase in coastal marshes.
May
35-50°F / 2-10°C · Cool, changeable · Shoulder Season
May is prime iceberg-watching season with increasing boat tour availability; weather is cool and often foggy on the east coast. Whale migration becomes more visible nearshore.
Events
- Iceberg season begins - Icebergs drift down from Greenland and are commonly sighted off the coast from May into early summer.
June
45-60°F / 7-16°C · Mild and breezy · Shoulder Season
June offers cooler but pleasant weather for outdoor activities; boat tours run more reliably and wildflower season begins inland. Coastal fog remains possible, especially in the mornings.
Events
- Whale and iceberg watching - Boat excursions for whales and icebergs operate more widely as sea conditions improve.
July
55-68°F / 13-20°C · Cool and comfortable · High Season
July is the warmest and busiest month, with festivals, whale watching, and reliable boat tours. Expect cool evenings, variable weather, and higher visitor numbers.
Events
- George Street Festival (St. John’s) - A multi-day music festival and nightlife event in St. John’s, typically in July.
August
54-66°F / 12-19°C · Mild and active · High Season
August remains mild and is the peak tourist season with many community festivals and outdoor activities. Coastal weather can still be foggy but generally good for sightseeing and boat trips.
Events
- Royal St. John’s Regatta - North America’s oldest organized sporting event - a rowing regatta held in St. John’s in summer.
September
45-60°F / 7-16°C · Cool and crisp · Shoulder Season
September offers cooler, crisper weather and fewer tourists; it’s a good month for hikes and coastal drives. Some boat tours continue into early autumn depending on conditions.
Events
- Fall fisheries and cultural events - Community harvest and cultural events celebrating the end of summer fishing season.
October
35-50°F / 2-10°C · Chilly and wet · Low Season
October brings shorter days, cooler temperatures and increased rain and fog on the coast. Many summer services wind down and some remote routes close for the season.
Events
- Falling leaves and local fairs - Autumn fairs and community events occur across the island and Labrador.
November
20-40°F / -7 to 4°C · Cold and stormy · Low Season
November marks transition into winter with more frequent storms and dropping temperatures. Coastal travel can be interrupted by gale-force winds and heavy precipitation.
Events
- Remembrance and community gatherings - Municipal Remembrance Day ceremonies and small community events are held.
December
10-30°F / -12 to -1°C · Cold and snowy · Low Season
December is fully winter with snow, strong winds and potential for storm-related travel delays. Towns and communities celebrate the holidays, but many outdoor activities are limited by weather.
Events
- Traditional Christmas and mummering events - Community holiday events and traditional mummering often occur in December and through the New Year.
Where to Stay in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador has plenty of small inns and B&Bs in St. John’s, and cabins or lodges near Gros Morne and coastal fishing communities. Travel is seasonal in many rural areas-book ahead in summer and during iceberg season.
Hotels & Inns (St. John's)
CAD 120-260 / night mid-range
St. John’s offers the largest hotel selection-central properties near Water Street and the harbour are convenient for dining and tours. Expect mid-range to boutique inn options and higher rates during festival weekends.
B&Bs & Guesthouses
CAD 90-180 / night
Signal Hill and downtown St. John’s neighbourhoods have many family-run B&Bs, suitable for short stays and sightseeing. Book early for George Street events and summer tourism.
Cabins & Lodges (Gros Morne & Coastal)
CAD 120-250 / night
Gros Morne National Park and coastal outports offer cabins and lodge stays for hikers and whale- or iceberg-watching tours. Choose lodges near Norris Point or Cow Head for park access.
Camping & Provincial Parks
CAD 20-60 / night campsites
Provincial parks and private campgrounds operate across the island, with serviced sites near Gros Morne and Terra Nova. Facilities vary-reserve in summer, when sites fill quickly.
Fishing Lodges & B&Bs in Outports
CAD 100-220 / night
Smaller fishing communities (Twillingate, Bonavista) have inns and B&Bs geared to wildlife and iceberg watching. These are often family-run with local guiding options-book during spring-early summer for icebergs.
Planning Your Trip to Newfoundland and Labrador
Weekend Newfoundland and Labrador Itinerary
Short Newfoundland escape based in St. John's: colourful downtown, Signal Hill, Cape Spear, and coastal villages. Great for seafood, local music, and dramatic Atlantic views over a weekend.
- Day 1 - Arrive St. John's; walk Jellybean Row and Signal Hill.
- Day 2 - Cape Spear lighthouse and Quidi Vidi village brewery visit.
- Day 3 - St. John's museums and local music in evening.
1 Week Newfoundland and Labrador Itinerary
A week touring Newfoundland's eastern Avalon and Bonavista Peninsula: St. John's, puffin cruises, historic Trinity and Bonavista, with a stretch into Terra Nova National Park and Gander.
- Day 1 - Arrive St. John's; harbour walk and provincial museum.
- Day 2 - Boat to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve for puffin watching.
- Day 3 - Drive to Trinity; historic town and stages theatre.
- Day 4 - Bonavista and Cape Bonavista lighthouse exploration.
- Day 5 - Drive inland to Terra Nova National Park; short hikes.
- Day 6 - Head north to Gander; town and aviation sites.
- Day 7 - Return to St. John's and depart.
2 Weeks Newfoundland and Labrador Itinerary
Two-week Newfoundland circuit: St. John's base, puffin and whale cruises, Trinity and Fogo Island cultural stay, then a long westward loop to Gros Morne and western fjords.
- Day 1 - Arrive St. John's; Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi.
- Day 2 - Witless Bay puffin and whale-watching boat tour.
- Day 3 - Drive to Trinity; explore historic fishing stage sites.
- Day 4 - Ferry day to Fogo Island; island studios and walking trails.
- Day 5 - Fogo Island cultural day and return to mainland.
- Day 6 - Drive to Bonavista and nearby cliffs.
- Day 7 - Head west toward Gros Morne region (long drive segments).
- Day 8 - Explore Gros Morne National Park visitor sites and walks.
- Day 9 - Boat or hike Western Brook Pond fjord.
- Day 10 - Scenic drives to Trout River and coastal viewpoints.
- Day 11 - Visit Cow Head and local interpretation centres.
- Day 12 - Drive toward Deer Lake; relax and local museums.
- Day 13 - Return drive to eastern Newfoundland; stop at small towns.
- Day 14 - Final day in St. John's; depart.
Getting to & Around Newfoundland and Labrador
The province combines a road-linked island (Newfoundland) with a remote mainland (Labrador); communities are far apart and many are coastal or island locations. Expect long drives, limited bus frequencies and reliance on ferries or flights to reach outport communities.
Most visitors arrive by air at St. John’s International (YYT) or by ferry from North Sydney (Marine Atlantic) to Port aux Basques or Argentia. Regional flights serve Deer Lake, Gander and several Labrador airports (Wabush, Goose Bay).
Rental Car
Driving is the most practical way to explore Newfoundland & Labrador outside St. John’s; the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) links major towns on the island. Distances are long and services thin in remote areas, so plan fuel and supplies in advance.
Ferries
Marine Atlantic operates ferries from North Sydney (Nova Scotia) to Port aux Basques and seasonal sailings to Argentia, providing vehicle and passenger links to the island. Local ferries also connect coastal communities and islands around St. John’s and the south coast.
Domestic Flights
Main airports are St. John’s International (YYT), Deer Lake (YDF) for the west coast, and Gander (YQX); Labrador communities are served by Wabush (YWK) and Goose Bay (YYR). Flights are often the quickest way to reach Labrador and long-distance coastal communities.
Buses
Intercity bus services connect major towns along the island’s highway corridor but are limited in frequency; many smaller communities lack regular public-bus service, so check timetables and book ahead.