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Canada Travel Blog- Best things to do in Newfoundland & Labrador
Best things to do in Newfoundland & Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. With stunning coastal landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural heritage, this province offers an unparalleled adventure for UK travellers.
Best of all, it's just over five hours away by direct flight from London to St. John’s. Whether you are seeking thrilling outdoor activities, serene nature encounters, or mouthwatering cuisine, Newfoundland and Labrador has something for everyone. Here are the top things to do in this captivating province on a Canada holiday.
READ ALSO: 8 reasons why you should visit Newfoundland & Labrador
Viewing icebergs
Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the premier destinations in the world for iceberg viewing. These majestic ice giants, some as old as 10,000 years, can be seen drifting along the coast.
If you want to see some of the province’s icebergs for yourself, the peak season for iceberg viewing is from late May to early June. Popular spots include the world-famous Iceberg Alley, where you can take boat tours or watch from the shore for a breathtaking experience. You can even paddle yourself to see these amazing feats of nature by hopping in a kayak.
Cailin from the travel blog Travel Yourself has shared her experience of seeing the icebergs of Newfoundland and Labrador: “Seeing Icebergs in Newfoundland is one of the ‘coolest’ things that I have ever experienced. My experience seeing them in Twillingate last summer almost convinced me to move there to work as an Iceberg Tour Guide just so I could see them every day, and it is something that I am still contemplating doing at some point in my life.”
When it comes to Newfoundland and Labrador attractions, the frozen giants of Iceberg Alley are must-visits.
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Wildlife watching
For a truly remarkable wildlife-watching activity, witness the world's largest population of humpback whales as they migrate through the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador between May and September. Whale-watching boat tours, sea kayaking, or even land-based viewing points provide excellent opportunities to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Linda from the travel blog Retired and Travelling enjoyed a whale-watching boat tour herself during a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador: “We were not sure who was more curious – us or them. They lazily swam past one by one or in a group. Several bopped up and showed us their noses, spy hopping. We never saw whale features so close up – noses, nostrils, mouths and their barnacled surfaces. When it was time to dive, they flipped us a tail and went down.”
The province is also a bird watcher’s paradise with 35 million seabirds and over 350 species of birds, including the largest puffin colony in North America. Key locations such as Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve offer unparalleled birdwatching experiences.
Newfoundland and Labrador is truly a bird’s watcher’s paradise, with birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, ospreys, and owls, also patrolling these parts. The province is also home to over 800 bald eagles, making it one of the largest populations in North America.
READ ALSO: Everything you want to know about whale watching in Canada
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Outdoor Adventures
With 29,000 kilometres of coastline and nearly 300 hiking and walking trails, Newfoundland and Labrador is a hiker’s dream. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers more than 100 kilometres of trails through diverse landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and coastal areas.
Gretchen, from the blog Boxy Colonial on the Road, has been to Newfoundland and Labrador with her family and has spoken about the hiking: “For us, Newfoundland was very much a hiking destination. There are trails everywhere; it seemed that nearly every town maintained some nice trails, in addition to all the trails in the national and provincial parks. And there are trails of all different difficulties and lengths: we did so many medium-length hikes with amazing views.”
Water sports are another must-try activity in the area. Visitors can experience the thrill of kayaking, rafting, and diving in the pristine waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. The province’s rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for these exciting water-based adventures.
For a more serene activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, why not try a bit of fishing? Renowned for its rich fishing grounds, the province offers world-class angling opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen. Try your hand at catching Atlantic salmon, trout, and other local species.
Visitors can also look forward to immersing themselves in the province’s glorious natural surroundings with a range of camping experiences. There are over 90 campsites and campgrounds where you can enjoy the province's natural beauty under a starry sky. RV rentals are also available, making Newfoundland and Labrador perfect for Canada motorhome holidays.
READ ALSO: The Four Corners of Atlantic Canada
Sampling the diverse cuisine
Newfoundland and Labrador’s food scene has flourished in recent years, offering a delicious array of seafood, wild game, and traditional meals. From fresh fish to hearty stew, the province’s culinary offerings are sure to delight.
Local culinary delights include cod, lobster, mussels, and moose, often prepared with unique regional twists. The province's food culture has flourished recently, with innovative chefs and cosy eateries offering contemporary takes on classic recipes.
Visitors can savour everything from Jigg’s dinner (a traditional Sunday meal) and toutons to gourmet creations, making dining in Newfoundland and Labrador a memorable and delicious experience.
Christopher, from the travel blog Traveling Mitch, has been to Newfoundland and Labrador and speaks very highly of the cuisine: "Perhaps the most underrated aspect of visiting Newfoundland & Labrador is the cuisine. For one, I'd recommend eating as many bakeapple-themed desserts and jams as possible. You'll also want to try a touton, which are essentially Newfoundland doughnuts!
“If you're eating in a restaurant on a Sunday, look to see if they offer a traditional ‘Jiggs Dinner,’ but more than anything else, enjoy, appreciate and savour the abundance of fresh seafood. Enjoy cod, lobster, cold-water shrimp, halibut, mussels, salmon, and so much more! What's neat about Newfoundland is that, in terms of seafood, you can eat regionally and, in many cases, enjoy something that was caught that very morning."
READ ALSO: Why Atlantic Canada is a must-visit
Experiencing the province’s living heritage
Newfoundland and Labrador also provide plenty of opportunities to dive into the province’s living heritage with a collection of unique experiences. For example, you can stay in a lighthouse keeper's residence in Quirpon or try your hand at boat building in Winerton.
You could find yourself crafting a hand-laid rock maze in English Harbour, catching some cod from a traditional Newfoundland dory in Cox's Cove, and participating in an archaeological dig near Ferryland.
There’s even a chance to experience Viking life at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at L'Anse aux Meadows. There’s something for everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador, and no end to the opportunities to embrace its rich heritage.
READ ALSO: 8 reasons why you should visit Atlantic Canada
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Must try activities in Newfoundland & Labrador
- View epic icebergs
- Go wildlife watching
- Enjoy hiking, water sports, fishing and camping
- Sample diverse cuisine
- Experience the province’s living heritage
From breathtaking iceberg sightings and thrilling wildlife encounters to rich cultural experiences and delectable cuisine, Newfoundland and Labrador offers something for every traveller.
Ready to explore all that this incredible province has to offer? We can arrange everything from flights to Canada from the UK to all the activities you want to experience. Ask the Canada travel experts at Canadian Affair to tailor-make you an unforgettable holiday to Newfoundland & Labrador.
Ask the Canada travel experts at Canadian Affair to tailor-make you an unforgettable holiday to Newfoundland & Labrador.
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