Southern Newfoundland Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally magnificent Southern Newfoundland with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, best things to do, hike and bike routes, food and drink, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health tips and transportation options.


Introduction to Southern Newfoundland

Southern Newfoundland is a paradise within a paradise. Its rugged coastline remains largely undiscovered even by the most seasoned travelers. Renowned for its stunning national parks, charming fishing towns, untouched wilderness, historic sites, and unique culture, Southern Newfoundland offers visitors an authentic taste of Atlantic Canada.

In this comprehensive travel guide to Southern Newfoundland, we introduce you to the region and its highlights. We share tips on the best things to do, the top attractions, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and explore the culture and customs of the region.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Newfoundland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cape Race Lighthouse National Historic Site: Discover the site where the Titanic sent her last wireless transmissions.
  • Ryan Premises National Historic Site: An interpretive center featuring exhibits on the history of the Newfoundland fishery and interactive workshops.
  • The Rooms: A museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador through its art, archives, and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Southern Newfoundland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gros Morne National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring breathtaking fjords, steep mountains, and diverse wildlife.
  • Fortune Head Geological Site: Discover 500 million years of geological history through interactive exhibits and geological tours.
  • Witless Bay Ecological Reserve: Home to over 2.5 million seabirds, including puffins and kittiwakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Newfoundland

  • East Coast Trail: A 300-kilometer scenic trail that connects 30 picturesque communities, offering stunning coastal vistas and hiking challenges.
  • La Manche Provincial Park: A charming park consisting of a 4-kilometer trail leading to a suspension bridge over a 50-meter waterfall.
  • The T’Railway: A 900-kilometer trail that runs from St. John’s to Port aux Basques, passing through Southern Newfoundland, offering fantastic views of the landscape.

Best Things to Do in Southern Newfoundland: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching: Take a boat tour from Bay Bulls to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see puffins, whales, and icebergs up close.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the stunning coastlines around the Fortune Bay area.
  • Fishing: Join a fishing tour and learn how to fish Newfoundland-style for Atlantic cod, salmon, and trout.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Newfoundland

Day Destination Activity
Day 1 St. John’s City Tour
Day 2 Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Whale Watching
Day 3 Bonavista Peninsula Explore Small Towns
Day 4 Terra Nova National Park Hiking
Day 5 Gander Aviation History Tour
Day 6 Fogo Island Artisanal Workshops
Day 7 Gros Morne National Park Sightseeing

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Newfoundland

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jiggs Dinner: A traditional Sunday dinner that consists of boiled salt beef, vegetables, and pudding.
  • Fish and Brewis: A classic Newfoundland fish and hard bread dish.
  • Seafood Chowder: A creamy, hearty soup that features fresh seafood.

Local Beverages

  • Screech: A dark rum that is often used to commemorate the “Screech-In” ceremony, a traditional Newfoundland induction ceremony.
  • Iceberg Beer: A premium beer that is brewed with pure iceberg water and features a crisp flavor and a creamy finish.

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

  • Fogo Island Inn: A luxurious and eco-friendly inn on one of Canada’s most scenic islands.
  • The Bayside Bed and Breakfast: A cozy and romantic bed and breakfast in Bonavista.
  • Artisan Inn: A charming and unique accommodation in Twillingate that features historic buildings and a creative arts program.

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

  • Handmade Quilts and Crafts: Get a traditional Newfoundland quilt or some handmade crafts from local artisans in the villages.
  • Newfoundland Chocolate Company: A local chocolate company that uses Newfoundland berries and ingredients to make delicious artisanal chocolates.
  • Iceberg Vodka: A premium vodka that is made with pure iceberg water.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Newfoundland

  • Music and storytelling: Newfoundland has a rich tradition of music and storytelling. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear some live music or listen to a local storyteller.
  • Hospitality and friendliness: The locals in Southern Newfoundland are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Don’t be shy to strike up a conversation and make some new friends in the communities.

Best Time to Visit Southern Newfoundland

The best time to visit Southern Newfoundland is from June to September when the weather is mild, and the attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Newfoundland

Do:

  • Say “Hello”: Southern Newfoundlanders are renowned for their friendliness, so don’t hesitate to say “Hello.”
  • Learn the Lingo: Newfoundlanders speak a unique dialect of English that is peppered with “Newfie-isms.” Learn some of the local slang and impress the locals.
  • Enjoy the Scenery: Take the time to stop and appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Keep the region clean and beautiful by disposing of garbage properly.
  • Disturb the Wildlife: While it’s exciting to see wildlife up close, be respectful of their space and keep a safe distance.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Newfoundland

Southern Newfoundland is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors should be aware of the dangers associated with hiking in remote areas and should avoid walking on unstable cliffs and steep ledges.

Health in Southern Newfoundland

Visitors should bring a personal supply of any required medications and have access to adequate health insurance while visiting Southern Newfoundland.

Getting to Southern Newfoundland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Newfoundland

  • St. John’s International Airport: The main airport in Newfoundland and Labrador, located in St. John’s.

Bus Stations Near Southern Newfoundland

  • Greyhound: The main bus service in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Other Options

  • Car rentals: Rental cars are available from St. John’s and other locations in Newfoundland.

How to Get Around in Southern Newfoundland

  • Car Rental: Renting a car is the best way to explore Southern Newfoundland and access the remote areas and national parks.
  • Taxi Services: Taxi services are available in most of the communities in Southern Newfoundland.

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

Twillingate Island

Twillingate Island is a charming island town located on the North Coast of Newfoundland, known for its stunning cliffs, lighthouses, and icebergs.

St. Pierre and Miquelon

Just off the southern coast of Newfoundland lies the French archipelago of St. Pierre and Miquelon, a unique destination that offers visitors a taste of France and its culture in North America.

Conclusion

Southern Newfoundland offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of Atlantic Canada. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your visit, explore the best attractions, try the local food and drink, meet friendly locals, and discover the hidden gems of the region.

Bank Road, in St. Bernard's-Jacques Fontaine Bank Road, in St. Bernard's-Jacques Fontaine


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