Western Newfoundland Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, food to eat, and more in Western Newfoundland with our comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Western Newfoundland

Western Newfoundland is a stunning region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It boasts beautiful landscapes, rugged coastlines, and unique cultural attractions. This region is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures or cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Western Newfoundland

Here are some of the top places to visit in Western Newfoundland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gros Morne National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park is home to stunning natural beauty. There are also many cultural attractions within the park, including the Tablelands geological region and the Western Brook Pond fjord.
  • The Viking Trail: This scenic drive takes you through Northern Newfoundland and showcases the area’s Viking history.
  • The Ryan Premises National Historic Site: This site preserves the history of the fishing industry in Bonavista.
  • The Labrador Interpretation Centre: This museum is dedicated to the cultural history of Labrador.
  • The Grenfell Interpretation Centre: This museum explores the life and work of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a medical missionary who helped the people of Labrador and Northern Newfoundland for over forty years.

Natural Attractions of Western Newfoundland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Long Range Mountains: The Long Range Mountains are a beautiful range of mountains that run through the heart of Western Newfoundland.
  • Bonne Bay: This bay is home to some of the most beautiful views in all of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • The Humber River: The Humber River is a fantastic spot for those looking to go fly-fishing.
  • L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site: This Viking settlement is a great spot to explore and learn about history.
  • The Wreckhouse: Known for its strong winds, this area is a fascinating natural phenomenon.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Newfoundland

Western Newfoundland has some excellent hiking and biking routes. Here are a few of the best:

  • The Lookout Trail: This hike in Gros Morne National Park takes you to the top of a mountain with fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • The Green Gardens Trail: This 10.5 km hiking route takes you through some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • The Old Man’s Pond Trail: This is an excellent trail for those who want a quick and easy hike with stunning views.
  • The Corner Brook Gorge Trail: This trail takes you through a gorge and over a suspension bridge and offers fantastic views of Corner Brook and the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Western Newfoundland: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Western Newfoundland:

  • Whale Watching: Western Newfoundland is home to a wide range of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas.
  • Fishing: Whether you’re looking to fish for salmon or trout, Western Newfoundland has many great spots to cast your line.
  • Kayaking: There are many places in Western Newfoundland to rent a kayak and explore the beautiful coastline.
  • Zipline Tours: Take a thrilling zipline tour through the beautiful forests and mountains of Western Newfoundland.
  • Iceberg Tours: See the beautiful icebergs that are a common sight in Western Newfoundland with a guided tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Western Newfoundland

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring Western Newfoundland:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Gros Morne National Park
Day 2 Learn about the fishing industry at the Ryan Premises National Historic Site
Day 3 Take a whale-watching tour
Day 4 Go kayaking in Bonne Bay
Day 5 Hike the Lookout Trail
Day 6 Visit L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the local food and drink scene

Food and Drink Scene of Western Newfoundland

When it comes to food and drink in Western Newfoundland, there are plenty of unique dishes to try and local beverages to sample.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cod Tongues: A traditional Newfoundland dish made from cod fish tongues. It is often served fried.
  • Jiggs Dinner: This is a hearty and traditional Newfoundland Sunday dinner consisting of boiled salt beef, mixed vegetables, and pease pudding.
  • Toutons: These fried dough balls are typically served for breakfast in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Local Beverages

  • Screech: This is a rum popular in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Iceberg Beer: Made with water from icebergs that float off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, this is a unique beer that is worth trying.

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

There are many great options for lodging in Western Newfoundland, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are a few options:

  • Gros Morne Suites: Located in Rocky Harbour, this hotel is a great option for those exploring Gros Morne National Park.
  • Bonne Bay Inn: This charming inn is located in Woody Point and offers fantastic views of Bonne Bay.
  • The Shallow Bay Motel: This motel is located near Cow Head and is a popular choice for those exploring Gros Morne National Park.

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

When you’re in Western Newfoundland, there are some unique souvenirs and local products that you may want to bring home. Here are a few options:

  • Labradorite: This is a beautiful stone that is mined in Labrador and used in jewelry.
  • Quidi Vidi Beer: This local brewery produces a wide range of delicious beers.
  • Knick Knacks: You can find many unique knick-knacks in the small towns throughout Western Newfoundland.

Local Culture and Customs of Western Newfoundland

One of the unique aspects of Western Newfoundland is its rich cultural heritage. Newfoundland and Labrador has a distinct identity and culture, which visitors can experience through festivals, music, food, and cultural attractions.

Best Time to Visit Western Newfoundland

The best time to visit Western Newfoundland is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. However, if you are interested in winter sports, you may want to visit during the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Western Newfoundland

Do:

  • Try the local seafood.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Western Newfoundland.
  • Learn about the unique cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the weather - it can change quickly and dramatically.
  • Treat the local wildlife with disrespect.

Safety and Health

Safety in Western Newfoundland

Western Newfoundland is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should still take standard precautions. Hiking trails can be challenging and rugged, so visitors should take care when exploring the outdoors.

Health in Western Newfoundland

Visitors to Western Newfoundland should bring any necessary medications with them, as access to medical services may be limited in some areas.

Getting to Western Newfoundland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Western Newfoundland

  • Deer Lake Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Western Newfoundland

  • Bonavista Bus Line
  • DRL Coachlines

Other Options

  • Ferry Service: There are ferry services that connect Newfoundland to the mainland of Canada.
  • Rental Car: Renting a car is a great way to get around Western Newfoundland.

How to Get Around in Western Newfoundland

Getting around Western Newfoundland is easy with a rental car. There are also some options for public transportation, including bus lines.

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

  • Labrador: Just across the Strait of Belle Isle from Western Newfoundland, Labrador is a fascinating destination for those interested in history and unique natural attractions.
  • St. John’s: The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s is a bustling city with a rich heritage and culture.

Conclusion

Western Newfoundland is a unique and beautiful region of Newfoundland and Labrador. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and many outdoor activities, it is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure and exploration. Whether you’re visiting for a week or longer, we hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your trip to Western Newfoundland.

Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park Recreated Norse buildings at L'Anse aux Meadows Recreated Norse buildings at L'Anse aux Meadows


    Corner Brook
    Gros Morne National Park
    Port aux Basques
    Stephenville