9 Unique Experiences in Eastern Newfoundland
ICEBERGS, WHALES & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Nestled on the easternmost edge of North America, the Canadian province of Newfoundland stands as a captivating land brimming with unique adventures and hidden gems. In an era where so many travel destinations are treading a path well-worn, this rugged destination offers a refreshing escape, unveiling a unique tapestry of experiences.
From the awe-inspiring spectacles of icebergs serenely drifting along “Iceberg Alley” to the vibrancy of St. John's, the colorful capital city, here are 9 unique experiences in Eastern Newfoundland.
drink iceberg beer
In Newfoundland, a refreshing beer awaits those seeking a unique taste experience: Iceberg Beer.
Crafted amidst the rugged beauty of this coastal province, Iceberg Beer embraces the essence of its surroundings. Made with water sourced from icebergs floating off the Newfoundland coast, each sip transports you to a frosty oasis and gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “Ice Cold Beer”.
The Quidi Vidi Brewing Co is Newfoundland & Labrador's largest craft brewery located in the historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi. Here you can sample their famous beer in the taproom overlooking the harbour, or buy a pack to take home.
2. EXPLORE Jellybean row
When you think of Newfoundland you may picture the popular city of St John’s and its rows and rows of colourful houses.
Jellybean Row is the collective term used to describe these famous colourful buildings which make up downtown St. John's. The vibrant neighborhood is nestled in the heart of the city, right next to St John’s harbour. Radiating a cheerful atmosphere, you can’t not smile as a kaleidoscope of colors surround you. Around every corner, you’ll find vividly painted terrace houses, adorned with “gingerbread trims” in contrasting colours.
Read our article A 7 DAY NOVA SCOTIA ROAD TRIP to extent your outdoor adventures in Canada
Jellybean Row not only showcases the artistic spirit of St. John's but also pays homage to the city's rich fishing history. It’s thought that these houses were painted in bright colours to help fishermen make their way home in foggy and unpredictable weather.
➜ Tip: To get a great view of the whole of Jellybean Row head to the Signal Hill National Historic Site. Overlooking downtown St John’s, this famous landmark is known for the iconic Cabot Tower, hiking trails, and views over the North Atlantic. Head to the information kiosk where you can rent a set of binoculars, perfect for watching the whales that swim below.
➜ Here are hotel options in St Johns
3. watch the first sunrise in North America
If you want to be the first to experience the sunrise on the North American continent, head to Cape Spear.
Cape Spear, located at the easternmost point of North America, is like a gateway to the vast Atlantic Ocean. It’s the first place to get the rising sun in North America and its also the closest land in North America to our home, the UK. With it comes its very own half-hour time zone, giving you an extra 30 minutes to start your day. Spend this watching the seabirds and listening out for the sounds of humpback whales breaking the water surface, watching them flip their large tails into the air!
The Cape Spear Lighthouse, built in 1836, proudly holds the title of being the oldest surviving lighthouse in all of Newfoundland and Labrador. Perched upon rugged cliffs battered by crashing waves, the designated National Historic Site symbolizes resilience and protection for seafarers navigating the treacherous waters.
➜ Tip: Along with seabirds and whales, you may get the chance to see an iceberg if visiting around June to August time!
4. go iceberg hunting
Dotted along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, exists one of nature's most fascinating wonders: icebergs.
These colossal formations of floating ice come in extraordinary shapes and sizes, captivating visitors with their sheer grandeur. Carved from ancient glaciers, these icebergs journey southward, driven by ocean currents and winds. “Iceberg Alley” serves as a highway for these floating giants. The alley stretches from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of Newfoundland.
As they float their way through the cold waters, these icebergs showcase an array of blue and white hues, standing as reminders of the Earth's icy past.
There are only a handful of countries around the world in which you can see icebergs. Including Alaska, Iceland, and Greenland. Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada is known as one of the best places in the world to see them! Around 90% of icebergs that are seen from Newfoundland and Labrador come from the glaciers off Western Greenland.
When can you see icebergs in Newfoundland and Labrador? The icebergs float through Iceberg Alley from spring to early summer. For Newfoundland, Icebergs are best viewed in late May and early June, and for Labrador, between March and July. Here’s some iceberg viewing tips.
➜ Tip: We used this Iceberg Finder Map which tells you where icebergs were last seen, their size, shape, and even photos people have uploaded!
5. GO WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching in Newfoundland is such an awe-inspiring experience!
This rugged Canadian province is renowned for its diverse marine life, making it an ideal destination for spotting these majestic creatures. From the huge humpback whales to the black and white orcas, the coastal waters of Newfoundland offer a front-row seat to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
What whales can you see in Newfoundland and Labrador? You can see Humpbacks, Minkes, Pilots, Fins, Blue Whales, and orcas.
The world's largest population of feeding humpback whales is found in Newfoundland and Labrador! No wonder we saw them every day while on our trip to Eastern Newfoundland. Even just walking along the coastline we could hear the whales breaching around us.
Whether aboard a boat tour or from the shoreline, the anticipation of catching a glimpse of a breaching whale is nothing short of exhilarating. You can find lots of whale-watching tours in Newfoundland and Labrador here.
We did our boat trip with Sea of Whales Adventures in Trinity. We saw a humpback whale multiple times, a minke whale, lots of puffins, eagles, seals and two huge icebergs! We would have been ecstatic to have seen one whale or one iceberg, let alone all of these in one go!
This is the 3rd Canadian province that we’ve been whale watching in and it was our favourite. Not just because of the whales but also the experience of seeing icebergs too. The dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs and icebergs adds to the allure, creating a truly unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.
6. EAT COD TONGUEs (THE LOCAL DELICACY)
When it comes to unique food experiences, this is as unique as they come!
Cod tongue is a traditional delicacy in Newfoundland that captures the true essence of the region's rich maritime heritage. This local dish showcases the resourcefulness and appreciation for seafood in Newfoundland cuisine.
The regional dish features the tongues of the cod, lightly breaded and then fried to a golden crisp. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a standalone dish, or added to a seafood platter.
We tried the local delicacy in The St. John's Fish Exchange, an amazing seafood restaurant overlooking the water in St John’s.
7. GET The closest view of puffins on the continent
Visiting Elliston's Puffin Viewing site gives you the opportunity to get the closest view of puffins, from the land, in all of North America.
Here you can sit right at the edge of the coastline and watch as these intuitive birds come to you, just a few feet away. Watch them fly to and fro the water, collecting food that they’ll bring back to the rocky outcrop they call home for half the year.
When is best to visit Elliston's Puffin Viewing site? Between May and September is the best time of year to spot the colourful birds.
➜ Tip: While in the area, just a 20-minute drive away is the Puffin colony opposite the stripey Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. This spectacular part of Eastern Newfoundland was featured in the article “21 Most Beautiful Places in Canada”. One of the most photographed places in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is a prime location to view what we were calling the “Newfoundland Big 3” - the whales, icebergs, and puffins altogether.
8. hike the skerwink trail
The Skerwink Trail is a 5.3 km coastal loop and breathtaking adventure including dramatic sea stacks, lush forests, and stunning coastal views.
With multiple lookout points atop the rugged cliffs, you can admire the vast expanse of the ocean and spot wildlife such as whales, seabirds, and icebergs depending on the seasons. You can bring a picnic and sit on the clifftops and listen to the whales breaching below.
The Skerwink Trail was selected as one of the “Top 35 Walks in North America & Europe “ by the Travel & Leisure Magazine and we can see why!
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a leisurely walker, the Skerwink Trail promises a scenic experience in the heart of Newfoundland's natural beauty.
Read our article “10 INCREDIBLE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN NOVA SCOTIA” for more travel inspo!
9. Visit the Seabird Capital of North America
Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is the most accessible Northern Gannet colony in the whole of North America and is one of seven protected seabird ecological reserves.
This natural wonder, nestled along the rugged coast, is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. Most notably, the 30,000 northern gannets that call the reserve home.
The towering sea cliffs, reaching up to 100 meters in height, provide a dramatic backdrop for the mesmerizing display of birdlife. The reserve offers an immersive experience, allowing nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers to hear the jumble of bird calls, see the vibrant splashes of colour, and watch the aerial acrobatics as these birds soar above the water. Along with bird watching, the reserve is the perfect place to go for a scenic walk or a more challenging hike.
A vantage point overlooks the main sea stack where you can witness countless birds that all gather here to breed and raise their young. You can stand just meters away from the mighty sea stack, and watch the flurry of bird activity. These birds include northern gannets, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, common murres and cormorants.
Along with the birds, you can watch whales diving into the deep waters below. We saw two humpback whales during our visit. They kept close to the cliffs and worked alongside the birds, to catch their next meal.
PIN FOR LATER
Our trip to Newfoundland & Labrador was in partnership with Atlantic Canada and Newfoundland & Labrador. We explored Newfoundland for 4 days, capturing the most beautiful sites and outdoor adventures along the way! #ExploreNL #IceburgsNL
