Planning my trip to Newfoundland was more confusing than I expected. Many travel guides listed a few popular places, but they did not explain how far everything is, how to plan a route, or which experiences are truly worth your time. Newfoundland is a large island, and without a clear plan you can spend hours driving while missing some of the best locations.
I faced the same problem before visiting. I wanted to see icebergs, hike coastal cliffs, and explore fishing villages, but it was difficult to understand which places should come first. After spending several days traveling across the island, hiking trails like the Skerwink Trail, visiting towns like Trinity and Bonavista, and watching whales near the coastline, I learned what truly makes the island special. This guide shares the best things to do in Newfoundland based on my personal travel experience and practical insights that will help first-time visitors plan a better trip.
Key Takeaways
- Newfoundland offers coastal scenery, wildlife, historic towns, and outdoor adventures.
- St. John’s, Gros Morne National Park, and Bonavista are some of the most popular places to visit.
- The best time to visit is June through September for good weather and outdoor activities.
- Iceberg season usually runs from April through June along Iceberg Alley.
- Whale watching season peaks between June and August.
- Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island.
- A trip of 5 to 10 days allows you to see most major attractions.
Newfoundland Travel Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Location | Eastern Canada |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September |
| Iceberg Season | April to June |
| Whale Watching Season | June to August |
| Main Airport | St. John’s International Airport |
| Best Way to Explore | Rental car |
| Recommended Trip Length | 5–10 days |
Map of Newfoundland
Newfoundland sits in the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Canada and is part of the province called Newfoundland and Labrador.
The island has several travel regions.
Avalon Peninsula
St. John’s, Cape Spear, and many coastal villages.
Bonavista Peninsula
Historic towns, puffin colonies, and scenic coastal cliffs.
Central Newfoundland
Forests, lakes, and quieter national parks.
Western Newfoundland
Home to Gros Morne National Park.
Northern Peninsula
Viking history and rugged landscapes.
Driving between these regions was one of the best parts of my trip. The roads follow the coastline, and every few kilometers another small harbor village appears.
Things to Do in Newfoundland
Explore St. John’s
St. John’s is the capital city and the starting point for many visitors. It is also one of the oldest cities in North America.
Walking through downtown was one of my favorite experiences. Colorful row houses line the streets. Locals call them Jelly Bean Houses because of their bright colors.
Water Street is the main historic street. Small shops, seafood restaurants, and cafés sit along the harbor. The area feels lively but relaxed. For first-time visitors, St. John’s is the best place to experience local culture.
Signal Hill
Signal Hill rises above St. John’s harbor and offers one of the best views in the city.
From the top you can see the harbor entrance and the Atlantic Ocean stretching across the horizon. This hill also played an important role in history. The first transatlantic wireless signal was received here in 1901. Cabot Tower stands at the summit. Many visitors hike the trail to reach the viewpoint.
George Street
George Street is known for its nightlife and live music.
The street has one of the highest numbers of bars per square meter in North America. During the evening, music plays from almost every doorway.
Traditional Newfoundland folk music is common here, which makes the atmosphere lively and welcoming.
Quidi Vidi
Quidi Vidi is a small fishing village only a few minutes from downtown St. John’s.
The harbor sits between cliffs, and colorful houses reflect in the water. Fishing boats float quietly along the docks. Many visitors stop at Quidi Vidi Brewery to try locally brewed beer while enjoying the harbor views.
Cape Spear
Cape Spear is the easternmost point in North America.
Standing on the cliffs here feels powerful because the Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly in front of you. Many travelers arrive early to watch the sunrise because this is often the first sunrise seen in North America. There is also a historic lighthouse and several coastal walking paths.
Dildo
Dildo is a small harbor town on the Avalon Peninsula.
The town gained attention because of its unusual name, but the village itself is peaceful and scenic. Colorful homes line the harbor and fishing boats rest along the shoreline. Stopping here during a coastal drive offers a glimpse into traditional Newfoundland life.
Avalon Peninsula
The Avalon Peninsula offers some of the most beautiful coastal drives in Newfoundland.
During my drive through this region I saw cliffs dropping into the ocean, seabirds flying above the waves, and fishing villages appearing along the coastline.
The area also contains several sections of the East Coast Trail, which is one of the best coastal hiking networks in Canada.
Trinity
Trinity is one of the most charming towns I visited.
Historic wooden buildings sit along the harbor, and many streets look almost unchanged from the past. Walking through the town feels like stepping back in time. Small cafés, museums, and art galleries make it a relaxing stop during a road trip.
Bonavista
Bonavista sits on the Bonavista Peninsula and is known for its dramatic coastline.
The Bonavista Lighthouse stands on tall cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Waves crash against the rocks below while seabirds circle above. Nearby Elliston is famous for puffin colonies.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is one of the best wildlife locations in Newfoundland.
The reserve protects several islands that host large seabird colonies. Thousands of puffins nest here during the summer.
Boat tours bring visitors close to the cliffs. During my visit I saw puffins diving into the ocean and humpback whales swimming nearby.
Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park offers forests, lakes, and quiet outdoor spaces.
Compared with other destinations, it feels less crowded. Many travelers come here for hiking, kayaking, and camping. Morning hikes here felt calm and peaceful.
Twillingate
Twillingate is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World.
Each spring and early summer giant icebergs drift past the coastline. These icebergs break away from glaciers in Greenland and travel south through the Atlantic Ocean.
Watching them float slowly across the water was an unforgettable sight. Boat tours here also offer excellent whale watching opportunities.
Fogo Island
Fogo Island feels remote and authentic.
Small fishing villages sit along rocky coastlines, and the scenery feels wild and untouched. The famous Fogo Island Inn stands on tall stilts above the rocks. Exploring the island felt peaceful and different from busy tourist destinations.
Corner Brook
Corner Brook sits on the west coast of Newfoundland near the Bay of Islands.
Mountains surround the town, and the landscape is especially beautiful in autumn when the forests turn red and orange. Outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking are popular here.
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is one of the most famous attractions in Newfoundland.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal scenery. One of the most interesting areas in the park is the Tablelands, where part of the earth’s mantle was pushed to the surface millions of years ago. The rocky ground looks orange and almost desert-like.
Skerwink Trail
- Skerwink Trail near Trinity is often ranked among the best coastal hikes in Canada.
- The trail is about five kilometers long and passes through forests, cliffs, and ocean viewpoints.
- During my hike I saw seabirds flying along the cliffs and whales swimming in the distance.
L’Anse aux Meadows
L’Anse aux Meadows sits on the northern tip of Newfoundland.
This archaeological site is the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. Norse explorers arrived here around the year 1000.
Visitors can walk through reconstructed Viking buildings and learn about early exploration history.
Mistaken Point
Mistaken Point is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area contains fossils that are more than 560 million years old. Scientists consider this one of the most important fossil sites in the world. Guided tours allow visitors to see these fossils preserved in rock.
Top Attractions in Newfoundland
| Attraction | Why Visit |
| St. John’s | Colorful houses and historic harbor |
| Gros Morne National Park | Mountains, fjords, hiking trails |
| Cape Spear | Easternmost point in North America |
| Bonavista | Puffins and coastal cliffs |
| Twillingate | Iceberg viewing |
| L’Anse aux Meadows | Viking history |
| Skerwink Trail | One of Canada’s best coastal hikes |
Driving Distances in Newfoundland
| Route | Driving Time |
| St. John’s → Bonavista | 3 hours |
| St. John’s → Trinity | 3 hours |
| St. John’s → Twillingate | 5 hours |
| St. John’s → Gros Morne | 8 hours |
| Corner Brook → Gros Morne | 1 hour |
Best Experiences in Newfoundland
| Experience | Location |
| Whale Watching | Twillingate, St. John’s |
| Puffin Viewing | Witless Bay, Elliston |
| Iceberg Viewing | Twillingate, Bonavista |
| Coastal Hiking | Skerwink Trail, East Coast Trail |
| Viking History | L’Anse aux Meadows |
Outdoor and Cultural Experiences
Road Tripping
Driving across Newfoundland is an adventure.
The highways follow the coastline and connect many small villages. Scenic views appear constantly along the route.
Travel tip: Moose are common in Newfoundland and sometimes cross roads, especially at night. Drive carefully in rural areas.
Whale Watching
- Newfoundland is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
- The peak season runs from June through August, and humpback whales are commonly seen.
- Boat tours operate in several towns including Twillingate and St. John’s.
Icebergs and Iceberg Alley
- Each spring giant icebergs drift down the coast along a route called Iceberg Alley.
- These icebergs break away from glaciers in Greenland and move south through the Atlantic Ocean.
- The best viewing time is usually late April through June.
Puffins
- Puffins are small seabirds with bright orange beaks.
- Large colonies live along the cliffs of Newfoundland. Elliston and Witless Bay are two of the best places to see them.
- Watching them dive into the ocean was one of the most enjoyable wildlife moments of my trip.
Hiking
- Newfoundland has excellent hiking trails.
- The East Coast Trail stretches for hundreds of kilometers along coastal cliffs on the Avalon Peninsula.
- Gros Morne National Park also offers many famous hiking routes.
Get Screeched In
One well known local tradition is being Screeched In.
Visitors take part in a short ceremony where they drink local Screech rum and repeat a few phrases. After the ceremony, they receive a certificate declaring them honorary Newfoundlanders.
Read also: 18 Best Things to Do in The Hague for First-Time Visitors
Unique Newfoundland Food and Drink
Food in Newfoundland reflects the island’s fishing heritage.
Popular dishes include:
- Cod tongues
- Fish and brewis
- Jiggs dinner
- Toutons with molasses
Fresh seafood appears on many menus across the island.
Travel Planning
History of Newfoundland
Newfoundland has a long history shaped by fishing and exploration.
Indigenous communities lived here for thousands of years. Later European fishermen established settlements along the coast. The Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows shows how far back exploration history goes.
How to Get to Newfoundland
- Most travelers arrive by airplane through St. John’s International Airport.
- Ferries also connect Newfoundland with mainland Canada.
Getting Around Newfoundland
- Renting a car is the best way to explore.
- Many attractions are far apart, and public transportation is limited.
How Long to Spend in Newfoundland
- A short trip of three or four days allows you to explore St. John’s and nearby areas.
- However, many travelers spend seven to ten days exploring the island.
Best Time to Go to Newfoundland
- Summer from June through September offers the best weather.
- Spring is best for iceberg viewing, while fall brings colorful forests and fewer visitors.
5 Day Newfoundland Itinerary
Day 1
Explore St. John’s, Signal Hill, and Cape Spear.
Day 2
Drive the Avalon Peninsula and visit Witless Bay.
Day 3
Visit Trinity and hike the Skerwink Trail.
Day 4
Travel to Twillingate for iceberg and whale watching.
Day 5
Explore Gros Morne National Park.
Final Thoughts
Traveling across Newfoundland felt very different from many other destinations I have visited. The island has a quiet beauty that stays with you. One morning I was watching whales near the coastline, and later that same day I was hiking along cliffs with endless ocean views.
The best way to enjoy Newfoundland is to slow down and explore at your own pace. Drive the coastal roads, stop in small fishing villages, and take time to walk along the trails whenever you see a scenic viewpoint.
For travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and authentic local culture, the things to do in Newfoundland offer far more than a simple list of attractions. With the right plan and enough time to explore, this island can easily become one of the most memorable trips you will take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newfoundland worth visiting?
Yes. Newfoundland offers coastal scenery, wildlife, and unique historic sites.
How many days do you need in Newfoundland?
Most travelers spend between five and ten days exploring the island.
What is the best time to visit Newfoundland?
Summer from June through September provides the best weather.
Can you see icebergs in Newfoundland?
Yes. Icebergs drift along the coast during spring, usually from April through June.
Do you need a car in Newfoundland?
Yes. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore because attractions are spread across the island.