Canada’s easternmost province is almost like its own country. In fact, up until March 31, 1949, it was. When it comes to the best places to visit in Newfoundland, you’ll have a wealth of outstanding options. Despite being jam-packed with incredible landscapes, many people can’t even place it on the map. Of course, that makes it all the better for those looking for tranquil nature without the crowds.
Don’t expect to see it all unless you have unlimited time. Newfoundland boasts everything from rugged coastlines with idyllic beaches where icebergs float by to soaring mountains, fjords, and colorful towns. It’s a huge island. From St. John’s to L’anse aux Meadows Viking site at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, it’s a 12-hour drive. And that’s without stopping for photos. I’ve been visiting since 2014 and it’s been one of my favorite destinations ever since.
This list of top spots to visit in Newfoundland can help make the most of the time you have. While you don’t have to explore them all, it can make for a great itinerary too.
St. John’s
The Newfoundland capital has a small-town feel with a big personality. It has a rich history as one of the oldest cities in North America. Discovered and used as fishing grounds in 1497, it was ultimately established in 1583. The colorful homes, like the famous Jellybean Row houses, brighten up even the dreariest of days while making it fun just to wander. Pop into the unique shops and galleries along the way. You’ll find lots of impressive local works. And, you might even find yourself chatting with one of the many artists who live here.
When it comes to views, it’s hard to beat Signal Hill. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, the coast, and surrounding landscapes. Not to mention, it’s a National Historic Site, home to Cabot Tower, built to honor John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland. The remains of military fortifications and barracks can be explored and there are several scenic hiking trails too.
Be sure to enjoy at least one night out on George Street. It’s famous for housing more pubs and bars per square foot of any street in North America. Plus, a wide range of live music is hosted every night of the week. I’ve really enjoyed O’Reilly’s. As the name suggests, it often hosts Irish bands.
There are some great places to visit in Newfoundland within close proximity of St. John’s as well.
Quidi Vidi Village
Quidi Vidi is a unique fishing village just outside of the city. Incredibly picturesque, it’s best known as the home of St. John’s largest brewery, Quidi Vidi Brewery which is tucked among the cliffs along the water. Enjoy a sample of Iceberg beer and a tour. It’s also worth popping into the Quidi Vidi Inn of Olde, a dive bar/museum with a collection of objects from across the globe and a slanted bar that might make you think you’ve had a few too many pints.
Cape Spear
Cape Spear is the easternmost spot in the Western Hemisphere. It’s also the best place to visit in Newfoundland for a sunrise. If you can handle an early wake-up call, arrive just before dawn to see the first spot where the early morning rays touch the continent. It’s also home to Cape Spear Lighthouse, flashing since the mid-19th century while offering a panoramic ocean view. I like to visit around mid-June. That’s when you’ll have the best chance for sightings of icebergs, whales, and puffins.
The Irish Loop
The Irish Loop is often called the “most Irish place on the planet,” outside the Emerald Isle anyway. When I met my first local here, his lilt made me think he was from Ireland. But in fact, his Irish ancestors arrived 400 years ago. An approximately 200-mile loop, it’s easily accessible from St. John’s and includes highlights like Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a collection of small islands that are home to more than 250,000 Atlantic puffins and hundreds of thousands of other seabirds.
The Ferryland Lighthouse is an iconic photo stop as well as to watch for whales, puffins, and icebergs. At Mistaken Point, soak up the breathtaking views and explore ancient fossils. It’s one of the world’s most important fossil sites due to the abundance, variety, and age of fossils here.
If you’re here between mid-June and early September, be sure to visit St. Vincent’s Beach. It’s the best place to see whales up close without getting on a boat. Humpbacks, minkes, and other whales come to feast on the capelin and can often be seen feeding, playing, and breaching just offshore.
Trinity
After saying goodbye to St. John’s, you might want to head to the tiny town of Trinity. One of the must places to visit in Newfoundland, it looks as if it was made for a film set, but it’s very real. As you wander the streets you’ll see beautiful saltbox homes and other well-preserved historic buildings dating from the 18th century. There are also museums, art galleries, and shops to explore.
If you book well in advance, you might stay at the Artisan Inn. It offers a variety of accommodation options like the 1840 Campbell House overlooking the water. The inn’s restaurant, the Twine Loft is the very best place for dining in town. In the summer, the Rising Tide Theatre offers dinner theater featuring local actors, singers, and musicians with a focus on traditional Newfoundland songs.
One of the best things to do here is whale watching. As a huge whale nerd, I’ve been whale-watching across the globe. I count family-owned and operated Sea of Whales Adventures to be one of the world’s best.
There are numerous hiking trails throughout the area too. Don’t miss the 3.2-mile Skerwink loop. Often listed among the most scenic in North America, winds past sea stacks and caves. Icebergs and whales can be spotted seasonally.
Elliston & Bonavista
Less than 10 minutes apart, Elliston and Bonavista are located at the northern tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, just a 40-minute drive from Trinity. Once called Bird Island Cove, the town is renowned for offering one of the closest land views of puffins on the continent. The colorful sea birds occupy the end of a rocky outcrop known as Puffin Island. Just a short walk and you’ll be spitting distance from thousands of them.
The highlight of Bonavista is Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. It’s one of the world’s few remaining lighthouses where you can still see the same seal oil-fueled light used in the 19th century. Visitors can also step into the shoes of a lightkeeper during the period. Their tasks typically included polishing glass, recording weather patterns, filling oil lamps and gazing out at the sea.
Twillingate
Billing itself the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” Twillingate offers plenty. You might want to spend at least a couple of days here. Not only is it a great place to see icebergs in spring and early summer, it’s also home to a unique winery. Auk Island Winery produces wine from Newfoundland berries and specialty wines made with iceberg water. Tours and tastings are available. There’s also a gift shop and an ice cream shop that includes homemade wine ice cream on the menu.
Other highlights here include the Long Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed landmarks on the northern coast. It’s a great lookout point with a panoramic view of the Atlantic and the chance to spot icebergs, seals, and whales. There are several interesting museums as well, including the Durrell Museum home to the famous polar bear named Titus. I also discovered that it’s another great place to see icebergs.
Fogo Island
One of the best places to visit in Newfoundland when you want to get off the beaten path, Fogo Island can be reached by taking the ferry from Farewell, not far from Twillingate. It’s home to 11 unique communities like Tilting, a traditional Irish village where most locals have a thick Irish lilt. You’ll find many hiking trails like Brimstone Head in the town of Fogo. Plus, there are even some white sandy beaches with turquoise water that look as if they were stolen from the Caribbean. Explore art galleries like Herring Cove, with original paintings, prints, and handcrafted items created by local Winston Osmond.
The island has also become famous for its luxury inn. Fogo Island Inn stands out on the windswept landscape. At first glimpse, you’ll probably think, “What is THAT doing here?” But there’s a good reason for it. The hotel was built by a local who was born and raised here, left, and made millions in the 1990s. She returned to help create economic and cultural opportunities for Fogo residents. The furniture is primarily handcrafted on the island, employing local artisans and makers. For those who have money to spend, every room boasts panoramic ocean views.
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne spans nearly 700 square miles of the Long Range Mountains along Newfoundland’s west coast. It includes little seaside communities like Rocky Harbour, home to Earl’s restaurant with traditional Newfoundland meals like moose stew.
The scenery is incredible, with dramatic cliffs, freshwater fjords, and idyllic beaches, along with plenty of moose. One of the most popular attractions is the Western Pond Brook Tour. A cruise will bring you to see the glacier-carved land-locked fjord, countless waterfalls, billion-year-old cliffs and lots of wildlife.
Great Northern Peninsula
One of my favorite places to visit in Newfoundland is the Great Northern Peninsula. It’s a four-hour drive along the Viking Trail from Gros Morne, and St. Anthony makes a good base for exploring. But there are also some great vacation home rentals further north, available through Valhalla Lodge. They’ll put you closer to the famous L’anse aux Meadows National Historic Site which provides proof the Vikings set foot in North America in the early 11th century.
At Fishing Point Park in St. Anthony, you can climb the 540 or so steps to the top of Fishing Point head. Your reward is a breathtaking view of the sea and an outstanding vantage point for icebergs and whales. A visit to the Grenfell Interpretation Center (Museum) and Grenfell House Museum is a must for anyone with an interest in the area’s history.
North America’s only authenticated Viking settlement site, discovered in 1960, is the crown jewel of the area. You can tour the rebuilt turf-walled longhouses and collect shells on the very same grounds explorer Leif Ericson is likely to have walked across himself.
Nearby is the recreated Viking port of trade, Norstead. Here you can throw an ax, sit in a chieftain’s chair holding a sword and drinking horn and sword, and try your hand at a traditional Norse game.
Be sure to spend an evening at Skipper Hot’s Lounge for the chance to get up on stage and play the ugly stick, and become an honorary Newfoundlander at a Screech-In.
Newfoundland Travel Tips
- Book accommodation well in advance of your trip, ideally at least 9 months ahead as options are limited in many areas.
- It’s also a must to reserve a rental car as soon as you book airfare or know the dates you’ll be traveling. Rental cars often sell out well ahead of the busy season (June through early September).
- If you want the best chance of seeing whales, icebergs, and puffins, plan your trip around the second half of June.
- While sunny, warm days are possible, you’ll want to pack clothing that can be layered. I’ve experienced everything from 80 degrees and sunshine in late May to snow in early June. Be prepared for it all.
Looking for more fantastic wildlife-watching destinations? Be sure to check out my post on Alaska’s best wildlife-watching experiences.
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