Overview

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s easternmost province — a place where dramatic cliffs meet crashing waves, icebergs drift past colorful fishing villages, and centuries of culture are proudly preserved in every accent and tradition. With its wild landscapes, rich maritime heritage, and warm, welcoming people, Newfoundland is like no other. Whether you’re hiking fjords in Gros Morne, spotting puffins on the coast, or enjoying live music in a St. John’s pub, this province promises an unforgettable Atlantic adventure.

  • Capital: St. John’s
  • Other Major Towns/Cities: Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
  • Population: ~530,000 (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Newfoundland Standard Time (UTC−3:30) / Newfoundland Daylight Time (UTC−2:30)
  • Climate: Varies — maritime coastal (cool and foggy) in the east, subarctic in the north, and snowy in the interior

Top Destinations in Newfoundland & Labrador

St. John’s

The oldest city in North America, known for its jellybean-colored row houses, Signal Hill, lively music scene, and friendly pubs.

Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring fjords, cliffs, mountains, and some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Canada.

Twillingate & Fogo Island

Known as the “Iceberg Alley” for spring sightings, these scenic islands also offer charming communities, whale watching, and local art.

L’Anse aux Meadows

A National Historic Site where Vikings landed over 1,000 years ago — the only known Norse settlement in North America.

Labrador

A vast, remote region of raw wilderness, Inuit culture, and untouched beauty, accessible by ferry or air.

Must-See Attractions

  • Signal Hill & Cabot Tower (St. John’s) – Historic site of the first transatlantic wireless signal
  • Cape Spear – Easternmost point in North America with dramatic ocean views and a lighthouse
  • The Rooms – Newfoundland’s top museum and art gallery overlooking St. John’s harbour
  • Western Brook Pond – Boat tour through glacier-carved fjords in Gros Morne
  • Elliston – Home to one of the best puffin viewing sites in the world

Things to Do

  • Watch icebergs drift by (April–July) along the northern and eastern coasts
  • Go whale watching or sea kayaking along the Atlantic
  • Take in traditional music and a “kitchen party” in a local pub
  • Join a screech-in ceremony to become an honorary Newfoundlander
  • Hike the East Coast Trail – 300 km of rugged coastline and seaside paths

Getting There & Around

Airports

  • St. John’s (YYT), Gander (YQX), Deer Lake (YDF), Goose Bay (YYR), and regional airports

Ferries

  • Marine Atlantic ferries connect Newfoundland to Nova Scotia (via Port aux Basques and Argentia)
  • Local ferries access remote islands and Labrador

Transport

  • Car rentals are the best way to explore
  • Public transit is limited to urban areas
  • Long-distance buses and shuttle services are available on the island

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Ideal for hiking, festivals, whale watching, and iceberg viewing
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Brilliant colors, fewer crowds, and cozy coastal retreats
  • Winter (Dec–Mar): Snowmobiling, skiing, and winter scenery (especially in western NL and Labrador)
  • Spring (Apr–May): Iceberg season begins, and puffins return to the coast

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Rooted in hearty seafood, traditional recipes, and homegrown ingredients
  • Specialties: Jiggs’ dinner, toutons (fried bread), cod tongues, fish and brewis, bakeapple (cloudberry) jam, and salt beef
  • Drinks: Newfoundland Screech rum, Quidi Vidi beer, iceberg vodka
  • Events:
    • George Street Festival (St. John’s)
    • Roots, Rants & Roars (Elliston) – Culinary and music festival
    • Labrador Winter Games
    • Iceberg Festival (Twillingate)
  • Language & Accents: Unique Newfoundland English and Irish-influenced expressions — full of charm and character

Souvenirs from Newfoundland & Labrador

  • Screech rum and iceberg vodka
  • Knitwear and wool products from local artisans
  • Hand-carved driftwood art and puffin figurines
  • Traditional music CDs, books, and storytelling collections
  • Wild berry jams (bakeapple, partridgeberry, crowberry)

Fun Facts

  • Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, making it the country’s youngest province
  • Gros Morne’s Tablelands are one of the few places on Earth where you can walk on Earth’s mantle
  • Newfoundland has its own time zone — 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time
  • Over 22 species of whales visit the region during migration
  • The province is the only place outside Europe with confirmed Viking ruins

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day St. John’s City & Coastline Trip

  • Day 1: Explore downtown St. John’s – The Rooms, Signal Hill, Jellybean Row
  • Day 2: Cape Spear, puffins at Witless Bay, dinner and live music on George Street
  • Day 3: Day trip along the East Coast Trail or to Bell Island

5-Day Icebergs, Fjords & History Journey

  • Day 1: Fly to Deer Lake – drive to Gros Morne
  • Day 2: Western Brook Pond boat tour + hiking
  • Day 3: Drive to Twillingate – iceberg alley + lighthouse visit
  • Day 4: Visit L’Anse aux Meadows – Viking ruins + coastal drive
  • Day 5: Return via scenic route or explore local villages and craft shops

Cities

  • St. John’s