Before knowing the most amazing things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador, let’s know a little about the place.
Newfoundland and Labrador are situated in the most eastern province of Canada. It is made up of Newfoundland island and a mainland named Labrador. Out of Canada’s ten provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador are the newest that joined the confederation in 1949. In 2001, it was officially named Newfoundland and Labrador.
The island of New Found Land or “Newfoundelande” is situated across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, separated by the Strait of Belle Isle from Labrador and Cabot Strait from the southwest neighbor, Nova Scotia.
Labrador shares its southern and western borders with the province of Quebec, while the Labrador sea shares its eastern and western borders. The Labrador sea is part of the Atlantic Ocean (northwestern arm).
Now that we are done with the geography lesson, are you interested in outdoor adventures, historical buildings, breathtaking scenery, natural beauty, sea birds, local art, steep hills, boat trip, a vast landscape, and exploring the gorgeous Newfoundland and Labrador?
There are many things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador, like visiting signal hill national historic site, a UNESCO world heritage site, witless bay ecological reserve, Notre Dame bay, George Street, Newfoundland’s northern peninsula, Nova Scotia, and much more.
Fret not; we have made a list of the 12 most amazing things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador.
1. Visit The Fjords Glacier In A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park, deserves to be on your bucket list of places you want to visit. The fjords of Gros Morne National Park are a sight to behold; visiting them is one of the best things to do in Newfoundland. Glaciers carved these rugged and beautiful landscapes during the last ice age, and they continue to impress visitors today.
There are three main fjords in Gros Morne National Park: Western Brook Pond, Trout River, and Bonne Bay. Each one is unique and offers its own set of attractions for visitors.
Western Brook Pond: This is the most popular fjord in the park, thanks to its dramatic scenery and picturesque surroundings. The highlight of this fjord is undoubtedly Western Brook Pond itself, a freshwater lake stretching over two miles. You can reach the pond by taking boat tours from the town of Woody Point.
Trout River: The Trout River Fjord is home to some of the best salmon fishing in Newfoundland. If you’re interested in trying your hand at this popular sport, then be sure to check out Trout River. It’s also worth noting that this fjord has some of the tallest waterfalls in Atlantic Canada!
Bonne Bay: The Bonne Bay Fjord is known for its incredible views and abundance of wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting moose, bears, deer, eagles, and other animals while exploring this beautiful landscape.
Read about more attractions of Gros Morne National Park here: Gros Morne National Park: 6 Terrific Attractions You Must Visit
2. Attend The Theatre Festival Of Gros Morne
The Gros Morne Theatre Festival is an annual event that takes place in the town of Norris Point, Newfoundland. The festival features a variety of plays and musicals, as well as workshops and other events. It is a popular event among theatre enthusiasts and attracts visitors from all over Canada. So, this is the place to be if you want to enjoy some theatre.
2.1 The History Of The Gros Morne Theatre Festival:
The Gros Morne Theatre Festival was first held in 1994. It was founded by Bill Barry-Butt and his wife, Jean Butt, both theatre professionals. The festival’s goal was to promote theatre arts in rural Newfoundland and to allow local performers to showcase their talent.
2.2 The Highlights Of The Gros Morne Theatre Festival:
Each year, the Gros Morne Theatre Festival features a variety of plays and musicals. Some of the highlights of the past festival include:
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- Pump Boys and Dinettes
- Into The Woods
- Hairspray
3. Go Whale Watching
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, whale watching in Newfoundland is the activity for you! This article will provide an overview of what to expect when whale watching in Newfoundland, as well as tips on making the most of your trip.
3.1 What To Expect:
The best time to go whale watching in Newfoundland is during the summer when the whales are plentiful. You can expect to see many different whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins. The tour guides will give you information about each type of whale you see so that you can learn more about these beautiful creatures.
3.2 Things To Do To Make Your Trip Enjoyable:
You can do a few things to ensure you get the most out of your whale-watching experience in Newfoundland. Firstly, dress appropriately for the weather; it can be cold on the water, even during summer.
Secondly, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent; there’s nothing worse than being sunburned or bitten by mosquitoes while trying to view whales! Finally, don’t forget your camera! Whale watching is an amazing opportunity to capture some truly incredible photos.
3.3 The Best Place To Whale Watch In Newfoundland:
There are many great places to whale watch in Newfoundland, but one of the best spots in Gander Bay. This area is known for its large population of humpback whales, which can often be seen breaching near the surface. Other great places to whale watch include Trinity Bay and Signal Hill National Historic Site.
3.4 How To Get There:
There are several different towns along the coast of Newfoundland where you can go whale watching. Most of these towns have their pier from which the boats depart. If you’re traveling from outside Canada, your best bet would be to fly into St. John’s Airport and rent a car.
4. Go Camping At Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park is a beautiful park in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is home to many types of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and bald eagles. The park also features hiking trails, kayaking routes, and camping areas.
4.1 The History Of Terra Nova National Park:
Terra Nova National Park was established in 1938 as a place where people could enjoy nature and experience the beauty of the wilderness. The park has since become one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations.
4.2 Things To Do In Newfoundland Terra Nova National Park
- Hiking: There is over 100km of hiking trails in the park, which vary in difficulty level.
- Kayaking: There are several different kayaking routes available in the park, all of which offer beautiful scenery.
- Camping: Several campgrounds are located within the park’s borders, which offer various facilities and amenities.
4.3 Camping
Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and escape city life’s busy and hectic schedules. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to camp, look no further than Terra Nova National Park. This park offers plenty of outdoor activities and scenery in eastern Newfoundland, Canada.
The Best Campgrounds In Terra Nova:
There are several campgrounds located within the boundaries of Terra Nova National Park. Some of the best ones include:
- Topsail Campground: This campground is situated on the banks of Topsail Pond, making it a perfect spot for fishing and swimming. It also has playgrounds and washroom facilities available.
- Cobb’s Arm Campground: This campground is located near the entrance of Terra Nova National Park and features 110 sites that can accommodate RVs or tents.
- Newman Sound Campground: Accessible only by plane or boat, a trip-worthy campground is here. It offers stunning views of Twillingate Harbor and excellent fishing opportunities.
5. Bask In The Beauty Of Jellybean Row At St John’s
In the heart of Redmond, Washington, lies a small street called Jellybean Row. The array of colorful buildings with the sidewalks lined with jellybeans puts the special in this special place.
The story behind these beans began in 1957 when local artist and sculptor Helene Selix was commissioned to create a public art installation for the city’s new library. Selix decided to use jellybeans as her medium and created a row of brightly-colored bean sculptures stretched down the center of the street.
The installation was an immediate hit with locals and visitors alike; over the years, it became a landmark in Redmond. Many people come from all over to see Jellybean Row up close. The best time to visit is springtime, when the flowers bloom, and the beans are at their brightest.
5.1 How To Get To The Jellybean Row:
The jellybean row is easy to find. Take Highway 1 to Mile Marker 28 and park in the lot on the left side of the road. From there, it’s a light walk just down to the flowing river.
5.2 What You Can Find At The Jellybean Row:
The jellybean row is home to some of the best fishing in St. John’s. It’s a great place to try your hand at sport fishing! You can find almost any type of fish here, including barracuda, snapper, flounder, and eel.
If you are visiting Newfoundland near Redmond, stop by Jellybean Row – you won’t regret it!
Planning to go to St. John’s? Read 15 Best Things to Do in St. John’s, Newfoundland
6. Feel Awed By Torngat Mountain National Park, Labrador
The Torngat Mountains National Park is a beautiful and remote park located in northeastern Canada. Stunning landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife are the habitants of this park. Not only this, but this park is also what Inuit People call their homeland.
6.1 Things To Know:
- The park is only open during the summer season. Visitors can access it from June until September.
- The canoe must move here and there in this park as it does not have trails or roads.
- The park is home to grizzly bears, black bears, polar bears, caribou, wolves, and other wildlife. It is important to take precautions while traveling in the park and always to stay aware of your surroundings.
- The scenery you will find in the Torngat Mountain national park is some of the best in North America. Visitors can expect to see pristine lakes, rugged peaks, and soaring glaciers.
6.2 Accessing The Park:
The easiest way to access the Torngat Mountains National Park is by plane. Several airports near the park include Goose Bay Airport and Happy Valley-Goose Bay Airport. You can also access the park by boat or car, but these routes are much more difficult and time-consuming.
6.3 Things To Do:
Camping In The Park:
There are several campsites available in the Torngat Mountains National Park. These sites offer basic amenities such as tents, platforms, cooking areas, toilets, and showers. It is important to note that no stores or services are located in the park, so you will need to bring your food and supplies with you.
Hiking In The Park:
The Torngat Mountains National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in North America. Some popular trails include Putalis Point Trail, Saglek Fiord Trail, and Nachvak Mountain Trail. There are trails of super easy, easy, and difficult kinds. So, whatever your level is, choose that.
Fishing:
Many different types of fish, including salmon, trout, and char, call the park their home. There are also a lot of rivers and lakes if you are a hard-core fishing person. The only thing you need? A fishing license. That’s it!
Wildlife Viewing:
Torngat Mountains NP has an abundance of wildlife, one of the many best features. You can see caribou, moose, deer, and wolves all year round.
7. Go To Fogo Island
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada is where you can find Fogo island. The island is known for its rugged landscape, pristine forests, and dramatic coastlines. It is also home to a population of friendly locals proud of their traditional lifestyle and culture.
There are many things to do on Fogo Island, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, and kayaking. The island is also home to some amazing restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes made with local ingredients.
7.1 Myths And Legends:
One Of The Four Corners Of The Earth:
For many years, people have been debating the shape of the Earth. Is it round or flat? “Some people believe that the Earth is flat, while others believe it is round.” Fogo island is considered one of the Earth’s four corners by some flat earth theorists. It is believed that the brimstone head is that corner.
Home Of The Dragons:
Some people believe that real-life dragons inhabit the cliffs on Fogo Island. These dragons are said to be very large and powerful, and they often attack boats passing through the area.
The Lost City Of Atlantis:
According to legend, Atlantis was located on Fogo Island before it was destroyed by a tsunami thousands of years ago. Today, many people believe that the ruins of this lost city can still be found on Fogo Island.
The UFO Base:
Many people believe that Fogo Island is home to a secret UFO base. They claim that aliens use this base to monitor human activity on Earth.
8. Look At Adorable Puffins
Puffins are unique birds found in the wild only in Newfoundland, Canada. They are characteristically identified by their bright orange and black bill, as well as their brightly-colored plumage.
Puffins live mainly on the coast, where they can be found in large colonies. They nest in underground burrows and lay one egg at a time. After hatching, the chick remains with its parents for about six weeks until it can fly.
Puffins are very social birds and play an important role in the ecosystem. They feed mainly on small fish they catch by diving into the water head-first. Puffins can stay underwater for up to 30 seconds!
8.1 The Importance Of Puffins:
Puffins are an important part of the Newfoundland ecosystem and are vital in controlling the marine life population. They also provide an essential service to local fishermen by eating small fish that could damage fisherman’s nets or lead to the overpopulation of certain fish species.
Additionally, puffins are a tourist attraction and bring millions of dollars into Newfoundland annually.
8.2 Where To Find Puffins:
Puffins can be found all along the coast of Newfoundland, from Petty Harbor in the south to Cape St. John in the north. They usually reside on small islands or headlands, where there is plenty of seaweed to eat.
9. Hiking Trails: The East Coast Trail
The East Coast Trail is a hike that runs along the east coast of Newfoundland. It is made up of 26 different rugged coast trails, each with its unique features and scenery. The trail is well-maintained but without replacing its rocky outcrop, making it perfect for hikers of all levels.
9.1 The Highlights:
Signal Hill National Historic Site:
This national historic site is a lookout point that provides stunning views of St. John’s and the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Spear:
The most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear, is home to amazing wildlife sightings and beautiful coastal landscapes.
Gros Morne National Park:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most scenic areas on the trail, with towering mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests.
The Eastern coast trail is a 620-kilometer trail that runs along the coastline of Newfoundland, from St. John’s to Cape Bonavista. The trail officially opened in June 2009 and has become a popular tourist attraction for hikers, cyclists, and bird watchers.
The trail winds through beautiful scenery, with rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean and lush green forests stretching inland. There are also plenty of rivers and waterfalls to explore, as well as beaches and small villages scattered along the route.
One of the best things about the East Coast Trail is that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy it. Families with young children can access several easy sections, while more challenging sections cater to experienced hikers. No matter your fitness level or experience level, there’s something for everyone on the East Coast Trail.
No matter what time of year you visit the East Coast Trail, you will surely experience incredible natural beauty and adventure.
10. See Northern Lights At The Iceberg Alley In The Iceberg Capital
Newfoundland is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, including iceberg alley. This stretch of coastline is named for the large number of icebergs that can be found each year and the northern lights at the northern tip.
10.1 How To Get To Iceberg Alley:
To get to iceberg alley, you must first fly into St. John’s Airport. You can take a taxi or rent a car and drive to Deer Lake. The drive takes about 2 hours, and you will need a valid driver’s license and insurance to rent a car.
10.2 What You Can See In Iceberg Alley:
The best time to see icebergs in Newfoundland is from May to July. Most of them can be found near Twillingate, but they can be spotted anywhere along the coast. In addition to icebergs, you can also see whales, dolphins, and seabirds while visiting this area.
10.3 What You Need To Know Before Trying To See The Northern Lights:
You need to know a few things before trying to see the northern lights in Iceberg Alley. These include:
(i) The Best Time Of Year:
The best time of year to see the northern lights is from September to April. However, they can be seen any time of year if you are lucky.
(ii) The Best Place To View Them:
The best place to view the northern lights is near or on water. This is because the reflections off the water make them more visible. Some good places to view them include iceberg alley and Signal Hill in St. John’s.
(iii) What They Look Like:
The northern lights typically resemble masses of green, blue, and purple light dancing across the sky. They can be very beautiful and mesmerizing to watch.
11. Visit Corner Brook
Corner Brook is a city located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. According to the 2016 census, the population of Corner Brook is 18,609. The city is home to various businesses and industries, including forestry, tourism, and manufacturing.
11.1 Some Of The Key Attractions In Corner Brook Include:
Humber Valley Resort:
This ski resort offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing trails. It also has an on-site restaurant and bar.
White Hills Ski Area:
This ski area is smaller than Humber Valley Resort but offers lower prices for lift tickets. It features six runs served by two lifts.
Western Memorial Regional Hospital:
This hospital is one of the largest employers in Corner Brook. It provides general medical care and services to people living in western Newfoundland and Labrador.
12. Walk On The Earth’s Mantle
Located in central Newfoundland, the Tablelands are a unique geological feature that offers visitors a remarkable glimpse into the Earth’s mantle. Here you can find vast expanses of exposed rock and rivers and lakes made from melted mantle rock.
12.1 The Origins Of The Tablelands:
The Tablelands formed about 60 million years ago when the North American and Eurasian plates collided. This caused large sections of the Earth’s crust to be thrust upward, exposing the mantle beneath. Some of the oldest rocks, dating back to 3 billion years, or more, can be found here.
12.2 A Unique Geologic Landscape:
Due to their origins, the Tablelands are home to a unique landscape unlike anything else in Canada. Here you can find huge swaths of exposed rock and rivers and lakes made from melted mantle rock. The landscape is constantly changing due to erosion and weathering, so it never looks quite the same twice.
12.3 A Visitor’s Destination:
Today, the Tablelands are a popular tourist destination for those who want to see a piece of our planet’s history up close. Hiking, camping, fishing, and bird-watching, are some of the things you can do while you’re here.
