Twillingate Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs in Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Read our week-long itinerary, recommendations on where to eat and stay, and tips on how to get there and stay safe.


Introduction to Twillingate

Located in Central Newfoundland, Twillingate is a quintessential fishing town that has evolved into a popular tourist destination in recent years. Surrounded by the majestic natural scenery of the Atlantic Ocean, icebergs, whales, and other marine wildlife are common sights. Twillingate also has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its museums and historical sites. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or a quiet vacation, Twillingate has something to offer. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive tour of Twillingate, discussing the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs.

List of Places to Visit in Twillingate

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Twillingate has a rich history that is evident in its many museums and historical sites. Here are some must-visit attractions:

  • Twilingate Museum: Located in Twillingate’s former hospital, the museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s history, from its early fishing industry to today’s tourism.
  • Prime Berth Fishing Museum: A great hands-on learning experience that offers guided tours of a traditional fishing village, including a crab pot hauling demonstration.
  • Durrell Museum: Housed in an 1830s fishing stage, the museum provides visitors with an insight into the local fishing industry, including its traps and boats, fishing methods, and preservation techniques.

Natural Attractions of Twillingate: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Twillingate’s natural surrounding is its main attraction. Here are some must-visit natural attractions:

  • Iceberg Viewing: Twillingate is situated on Iceberg Alley, making it a prime spot to see some of the picturesque, tall ice formations floating in the Atlantic from May to June.
  • Whale Watching: In Twillingate, spot majestic whales from May to September, along with seals, dolphins, and other marine animals.
  • Long Point Lighthouse: For stunning views across the harbour and coast, head to Long Point Lighthouse, situated atop a rocky outcrop.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Twillingate

Twillingate offers some of Canada’s best scenic views and is a great place to go hiking and biking. Here are some routes you shouldn’t miss:

  • Auk Island Winery Trail: A scenic three-kilometer hike through vineyards contrasted against wild marine views.
  • Spaulding Nature Trail: A moderate hike that leads you through Twillingate’s breathtaking natural environment with coastal views, forests, and willow thickets.

Best Things to Do in Twillingate: Activities and Tours

Twillingate offers an excellent array of land and sea-based activities. Here are some top picks:

  • Scenic Boat Tours: Go on a scenic Newfoundland boat tour and witness whales and icebergs. To increase your chances of sighting whales, opt for evening or early morning tours.
  • Zip Line Across Ochre Hill: Fly across Ochre Hill on a zip line for an unforgettable adventure, including magnificent views of Twillingate.
  • Sunset Kayak Tours: Experience Twillingate’s breathtaking scenery from a sea kayak at sunset, spotting seabirds, and other aquatic life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Twillingate

To experience the best of Twillingate, we recommend you follow this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Experience the culture and history of Twillingate with a visit to Twilingate Museum and the Prime Berth Fishing Museum.

Day 2: Take a scenic hike along the scenic Spaulding Nature Trail. In the afternoon, go whale watching and witness humpback whales, orcas, and minke whales in the ocean.

Day 3: Kayaking Tours to experience a serene and peaceful experience amidst Twillingate’s breathtaking scenery after the whale watching tour.

Day 4: Drive to Long Point Lighthouse in the morning to enjoy some spectacular views of Twellingate Island and the ocean.

Day 5: Go to the northernmost part of the island and discover the 3,500-year-old beach and the mysteries of historic Dorset Palaeoeskimo people.

Day 6: Go for an exciting Zip Line Adventure in Ochre Hill to experience the stunning views of the coastal surrounding.

Day 7: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Twillingate’s local restaurants or cafes, ensuring to enjoy the Newfoundland fish and Chips.

Food and Drink Scene of Twillingate

Twillingate offers a fantastic range of dining experiences, with seafood is a specialty of many restaurants. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: Newfoundland’s signature dish that continues to be one of the top-seafood dishes in the province, with a twist on the traditional recipe by using the wild-caught Atlantic Cod fish.
  • Lobster: Twillingate has the perfect destination for food lovers looking for an authentic lobster experience. Dig in with a boiled or grilled lobster dinner, popular in several restaurants in the town.
  • Moose Meat Pie: This Newfoundland specialty is a meat pie that mixes venison, moose, and other gamey meats that locals love.

Local Beverages

Newfoundland’s craft beer scene is slowly gaining popularity, with several breweries within the province.

  • Quidi Vidi Brewery - Quidi Vidi is Newfoundland’s largest craft brewery, established in 1996, and is located in St. John’s. With multiple craft beers style, Quidi Vidi offers some great selection of beers for a thirsty westerner.
  • Iceberg Vodka - Made using iceberg water, Iceberg Vodka is a local specialty that’s widely available.

Where to Stay in Twillingate: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Twillingate has several options for accommodation:

  • HI Twillingate Hostel - The top-rated hostel in Twillingate provides great facilities and comfortable rooms with ocean views.
  • The Doctor’s House Inn and Spa - A heritage property providing luxurious lodging and spa services on Twillingate Island.
  • The Secret Garden Inn- A guesthouse-like property located in Twillingate, brings comfort and upscale service in an 1890 farming house, infused with local charm.

What to Buy in Twillingate: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Twillingate offers some great local products that are perfect to bring home for remembrance. Here are three favorites:

  • Traditional Fisherman’s Sweater - Twillingate-based shops offer traditional sweaters made with 100% wool, perfect for the chilly climates. This sweater is a must-have for your wardrobe.
  • Local Jams & Preserves - Newfoundland’s wild berries like partridgeberries or bakeapples, used to make delicious jams and marmalades, provides a scrumptious souvenir for preservation enthusiasts.
  • Local Art - Twillingate has a great art scene. Visit studios and galleries to take home a unique piece of Newfoundland work.

Local Culture and Customs of Twillingate

Twillingate and its surrounding communities have a unique and distinct Newfoundland identity, rooted in their traditions, way of life, and personality. Such traditions include church suppers and singalongs, boil ups, mummering, and fishing. It is common for locals to engage in small talks and wave to passersby on the streets.

Best Time to Visit Twillingate

For the best outdoor adventure experience, the best time to visit Twillingate is from May to October. The summer months bring perfect weather, and you can participate in outdoor activities like hiking, boat tours, and kayaking. The fall months are relatively quieter, and the changing foliage provides beautiful views across the countryside.

Do’s and Don’ts of Twillingate

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for visitors to Twillingate:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture, gender norms, and customs.
  • Plan your trip carefully, and keep in mind the opening and closing times of tourist places, especially in winter.
  • Dress appropriately, as the weather can change quickly

Don’t:

  • Litter. Keep the natural beauty of Twillingate intact by keeping the environments clean.
  • Overspeed on the narrow roads. The roads are narrow with tight bridges and sharp turns, so be cautious while driving.

Safety and Health

Twillingate has a generally safe environment, but visitors should be wary of the following:

Safety in Twillingate

  • The weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, so prepare accordingly.
  • Stay away from the cliffs and follow signs near risky areas, as they’re generally not fenced off. Coastal areas can have high up or weak cliff sections.

Health in Twillingate

  • Take precautions against ticks, especially during warmer weather.
  • Bring sunscreen as it can get hot, despite being surrounded by ice and snow.

Getting to Twillingate: Transportation Options and Logistics

Twillingate is far away from any significant metropolis or traffic intersection. Therefore the transportation options are limited.

Airports Near Twillingate

The nearest airport to Twillingate is Gander International Airport, 101.6 km away.

Bus Stations Near Twillingate

Twillingate is a small fishing town, and public transportation services are limited, with no bus or train stations locally available.

Other Options

Opt for car rentals or cabs to reach Twillingate. -

How to Get Around in Twillingate

Twillingate is a small town and relatively walkable, but to get to the hiking trails or other temples located outside of the town, a car rental is necessary.

Where to Go Next from Twillingate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some other nearby destinations to visit after your Twillingate vacation:

  • Fogo Island: A beautiful island that’s a combination of stunning natural scenery, history, and local culture.
  • St John’s: A vibrant, and colorful city that is the capital of Newfoundland and one of Canada’s oldest cities.
  • Gros Morne National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site that’s part of the Long Range Mountains, and Northern Peninsula Appalachian Mountains, with breathtaking scenery and unique ecosystems.

Conclusion

Twillingate is a unique destination, combining its ecological and historical heritage with small-town charm and natural beauty. With amazing outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and delicious food and drink, Twillingate is a must-visit destination for any traveler. This comprehensive tour guide will set you up for a great trip to Twillingate, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada.

A newer looking wharf in the area A newer looking wharf in the area One of the many fishing communities along the scenic coastline One of the many fishing communities along the scenic coastline