Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Newfoundland and Labrador with this comprehensive guide covering top attractions, activities, local culture, food, accommodation, and travel logistics.


Introduction to Newfoundland and Labrador

Located in Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is a breathtaking land of natural wonders, rugged coastline, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. This province is the easternmost point of North America and consists of the island of Newfoundland and the mainland Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador offer a unique blend of modern cities and picturesque rural communities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

List of Places to Visit in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador have a vast range of tourist attractions, including culturally significant museums and historical landmarks, natural wonders, hiking and biking trails, and recreational activities.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Rooms: This museum and art gallery in St. John’s features exhibits on natural history, art, and the province’s unique cultural heritage. It also houses archives and records of Newfoundland and Labrador.

  2. Bonavista Museum: It’s a historic site where John Cabot landed in 1497, and the museum showcases artifacts from the coastal fishing industry, traditional cuisine, and daily life during the early days of settlement.

  3. Signal Hill: This iconic landmark is the heart of Newfoundland’s capital and home to Cabot Tower, which was constructed in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Cabot’s arrival in Newfoundland. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city of St. John’s.

Natural Attractions of Newfoundland and Labrador: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Gros Morne National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking scenery, with soaring fjords, ancient glacial valleys, and rugged coastal terrain. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and boat tours.

  2. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site: The easternmost point of North America features a historic lighthouse that has been in operation since the early 1800s. It offers spectacular views of rugged coastline and a fantastic spot to watch whales and icebergs.

  3. Iceberg Alley: This stretch of ocean off the coast of Newfoundland is known for its breathtaking views of drifting icebergs, a natural wonder that graces the province’s shores each spring.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador have some of the world’s most scenic hiking and biking routes. Here are a few must-visit trails:

  1. East Coast Trail: This 336 km trail will take you through charming fishing villages, towering cliffs, sea stacks, and spectacular coastal scenery.

  2. Grand Concourse: This urban walkway network in St. John’s offers over 160 km of trails, winding through lush forests, botanical gardens, historic sites, and bustling city neighborhoods.

  3. Labrador Pioneer Footpath: This 65 km trail in the remote wilderness of Labrador offers rugged terrain, sweeping vistas, and a unique opportunity to explore an area rich in cultural history.

Best Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador: Activities and Tours

  1. Whale Watching: Newfoundland and Labrador offer some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world. Witness the majestic humpback whales and other marine mammals up-close.

  2. Fishing: The province has a rich fishing history, and visitors can try their hand at salmon fishing, cod jigging, or watching the traditional Newfoundland fishing method with dory boats.

  3. Bird Watching: Newfoundland and Labrador are home to over 350 bird species, including the Atlantic puffin, bald eagle, and osprey. Visit Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve to see thousands of nesting seabirds.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newfoundland and Labrador

Day 1: Visit St. John’s and hike the Signal Hill Trail Day 2: Explore the East Coast Trail and visit several historic fishing villages Day 3: Take a boat tour to see icebergs and whales in the St. Anthony area Day 4: Visit Gros Morne National Park and hike the Tablelands trail Day 5: Drive along the Viking Trail to see the L’Anse aux Meadows UNESCO site and coastal vistas Day 6: Explore Fogo Island, a remote destination known for its breathtaking scenery and unique culture Day 7: Visit the Signal Hill Tattoo and enjoy a traditional Newfoundland Jiggs dinner

Food and Drink Scene of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador are famous for their traditional cuisine, boasting rustic dishes that use local ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Jiggs Dinner: A hearty meal consisting of salt beef, cabbage, carrots, turnips, and pease pudding.

  2. Cod tongues: Deep-fried cod tongue served with scrunchions (salted pork fat)

  3. Toutons: Fried dough popularly paired with molasses or syrup.

Local Beverages

  1. Screech: A type of rum that played a significant role in Newfoundland history and folklore.

  2. Iceberg beer: Made with water harvested from icebergs and famous for its crisp and clean taste.

  3. Blueberry wine: Made with locally picked wild blueberries to give it a unique fruity flavor.

Where to Stay in Newfoundland and Labrador: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Newfoundland and Labrador offer visitors several accommodation options from hostels to luxurious hotels, and cozy guesthouses. Here are some popular options:

  1. The Fogo Island Inn: A luxurious and remote retreat on Fogo Island, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  2. Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland: A modern, upscale hotel located in the heart of St. John’s.

  3. George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast: A charming guesthouse located in Dildo, Newfoundland, featuring traditional Newfoundland décor and hospitality.

What to Buy in Newfoundland and Labrador: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Labradorite jewelry: A unique Canadian gemstone renowned for its iridescent beauty

  2. Newfoundland artisanal products: locally made soaps, candles, and knitwear

  3. Screech rum: A popular Newfoundland drink available in all local liquor stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador have a unique culture influenced by the province’s early settlement, isolation, and reliance on fishing. Locals are friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the region.

Best Time to Visit Newfoundland and Labrador

The best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador is between June and September when the weather is mild, and tourist attractions are in full swing. Newfoundland and Labrador are also an excellent destination for winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newfoundland and Labrador

Do:

  1. Embrace the local culture and cuisine.
  2. Respect the environment and wildlife.
  3. Bring appropriate attire for outdoor activities and weather conditions.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or harm the ecosystem.
  2. Underestimate the extreme terrain and weather conditions.
  3. Ignore the safety guidelines provided by local authorities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe place to travel. Still, visitors should be aware of the rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, and potential wildlife hazards. It is advisable to follow safety guidelines provided by the authorities and practice responsible travel.

Health in Newfoundland and Labrador

Visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador should have basic health insurance coverage. The province has excellent medical facilities, but visitors should still carry all necessary medications and have their medical history on hand in case of emergencies.

Getting to Newfoundland and Labrador: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Newfoundland and Labrador

  1. St. John’s International Airport
  2. Gander International Airport
  3. Deer Lake Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Newfoundland and Labrador

  1. DRL Coachlines
  2. Labrador Motor Coach Services.
  3. Keltic Express Bus

Other Options

Travelers can also explore Newfoundland and Labrador through various cruise lines serving the area, ferry services, or renting a car.

How to Get Around in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador have several transportation options, including buses, taxis, rental cars, ferries, and flights. It is advisable to have a GPS device or a physical map as some areas are remote and might not have decent cellular coverage.

Where to Go Next from Newfoundland and Labrador: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Nova Scotia: The neighboring Canadian province is home to numerous historical sites, stunning coastlines, and world-famous cuisine.

  2. Prince Edward Island: A small province on the east coast of Canada that boasts sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs, and Anne of Green Gables literature-famous destinations.

  3. Quebec: Known for its historic streetscapes, grand architecture, and lively culture, Quebec is a top destination for travelers wanting an urban escape.

Conclusion

Newfoundland and Labrador are hidden gems in Atlantic Canada, offering countless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. From hiking the east coast trail to tasting traditional cod dishes, visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador cannot get enough of the province’s rugged beauty and friendly hospitality. Start planning your trip to Newfoundland and Labrador soon and discover a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

A fishing boat in the snow A fishing boat in the snow Gros Morne National Park Gros Morne National Park Pilots Hill in St John's Pilots Hill in St John's Cape Spear Cape Spear Fish and brewis with scrunchions Fish and brewis with scrunchions


    Central Newfoundland
    Eastern Newfoundland
    Labrador
    Southern Newfoundland
    Western Newfoundland