How friggin’ cool is Newfoundland? So cool in fact, that narrowing down this list to just 101 things to do in Newfoundland was a tall order. For a somewhat isolated island hove off into the North Atlantic we have no shortage of things to keep you busy on your trip. This is far from a comprehensive list of great things to do here but these picks are my favourite things to do on the island (I might need a whole new post to cover Labrador!) and there are options for everyone in your crew, including great restaurants, cultural events, attractions, and lots and lots of nature.
Tip: keep an eye on this post as I update and tell you how you can experience everything on the list.
- Go WHALE WATCHING
Witness the majesty of whales breaching in the Atlantic Ocean. - Have a pint at the PORT REXTON BREWERY
Enjoy a locally crafted beer in a charming coastal town. - Visit SIGNAL HILL
Explore a historic site offering panoramic views of St. John’s and the Atlantic. - Climb GROS MORNE
Conquer the stunning Gros Morne Mountain in Gros Morne National Park. - Take a walk with ST. JOHN’S WALKING TOURS
Their Signature Tour is jam packed with fascinating stories, beautiful scenery, and amazing architecture. Beginning in the downtown core, this tour will take you to the edge of downtown via famous Jellybean Row, and back again, with entertaining stories and tidbits all along the way. - Have a cultural experience at the NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR FOLK FESTIVAL
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador. - Have a drink on GEORGE STREET
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of George Street, known for its vibrant nightlife. - Photograph PUFFINS
Capture the adorable puffins on camera at one of the island’s seabird colonies. - Hike the EAST COAST TRAIL
Trek along rugged coastlines and through picturesque fishing villages. - Tackle the MARBLE MOUNTAIN ZIPLINE
Soar through the air and enjoy breathtaking views of the Humber Valley. - Visit THE ROOMS
Discover the art, history, and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador in this cultural center. - Gaze out from JOEY’S LOOKOUT
- Sink your toes in the sand at SANDBANKS PROVINCIAL PARK
Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches of this provincial park. - Ski WHITE HILLS
Hit the slopes and enjoy skiing or snowboarding in a picturesque setting. - Snowshoe through PIPPY PARK
Explore the winter wonderland of Pippy Park on snowshoes. - Buy a t-shirt at DILDO BREWING CO.
Pick up a unique souvenir at this quirky brewery. - Go underground at JOHNSON GEO CENTRE
Explore the geological history of Newfoundland deep underground. - Skate around THE LOOP
Enjoy ice skating in a scenic outdoor skating trail in Bannerman Park. - Talk to butterflies at the NEWFOUNDLAND INSECTARIUM
Learn about Newfoundland’s insect life and interact with butterflies. - Dive the wrecks and go down a mine on BELL ISLAND
Explore the underwater world of shipwrecks and mine shafts. - Have a BOIL UP ON A BEACH
Experience a traditional Newfoundland outdoor meal on the beach. - Count the ROOT CELLARS OF ELLISTON
Discover the unique architecture of root cellars in Elliston. - Get inspired at the WRITERS AT WOODY POINT
Attend literary events and be inspired by Newfoundland’s natural beauty. - Indulge in a scoff of NEWFOUNDLAND FOOD
Visit 6 local restaurants and sample traditional Newfoundland dishes on a walking tour. - Take in a show at the LSPU HALL
Experience Newfoundland’s vibrant arts scene at this historic theater. - Pick up a growler at LANDWASH BREWERY
- Count the chandeliers at THE STONE JUG
Marvel at the opulence of this historic building. - Be or not to be at SHAKESPEARE BY THE SEA
Enjoy outdoor Shakespeare performances in a stunning coastal setting. - Visit one CORNER OF THE FLAT EARTH in Fogo
Explore the unique geography and culture of Fogo Island. - Enjoy the TWILLINGATE DINNER THEATRE
Experience Newfoundland hospitality and entertainment at its best. - Snowmobile the T’RAILWAY
Explore the Newfoundland wilderness on a snowmobile adventure. - Have a bonfire on MIDDLE COVE BEACH
Relax by the fire and enjoy the beauty of Middle Cove Beach. - Sample the sour beer on a BEER TASTING TOUR
Learn about Newfoundland’s long brewing history and sample 7 different locally brewed beers on a St. John’s walking tour. - Go foraging with COD SOUNDS
Learn about foraging and enjoy a meal made from local ingredients. - Run the TELY 10
Participate in Newfoundland’s famous 10-mile road race. - Watch the sunrise at CAPE SPEAR
Be the first in North America to see the sun rise at this historic site. - Pretend to be a Viking at L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS
Explore the Viking settlement and learn about Norse history. - Treat yo’self at the FOGO ISLAND INN
Experience luxury and hospitality on Fogo Island. - Keep your eyes out for MOOSE on the highway
Watch for wildlife while driving through Newfoundland’s scenic landscapes. - Keep your eyes out for a marten at SALMONIER NATURE PARK
Spot native wildlife, including the elusive marten, at this nature park. - Play games of chance at the ROYAL ST. JOHN’S REGATTA
Enjoy the carnival atmosphere of North America’s oldest annual sporting event. - Road trip along ICEBERG ALLEY
Drive along the coast and witness majestic icebergs floating by. - Experience TRINITY IN THE FALL
Visit the charming town of Trinity during the beautiful autumn season. - Have a FERRYLAND LIGHTHOUSE PICNIC
Enjoy a picnic with a view at the historic Ferryland Lighthouse. - Check out the old printing press in PORT UNION
Learn about Newfoundland’s printing history at this historic site. - Hike the SKERWINK TRAIL
Trek along stunning coastal cliffs and through picturesque forests. - Go SEA KAYAKING
Explore Newfoundland’s coastline from the water on a sea kayaking adventure. - Have a beach day at NORTHERN BAY SANDS
- Send a tweet from the HEART’S CONTENT CABLE STATION
Visit the site where the first transatlantic cable was laid. - See the earth’s mantel at the TABLELANDS
Explore the unique geological features of the Tablelands. - Count the birds at CAPE ST. MARY’S
Witness the incredible bird colonies at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. - Get your Instagram shot at THE ARCHES PROVINCIAL PARK
Capture the natural beauty of the rock formations at this park. - Learn about a lost people at the BEOTHUK INTREPRETATION CENTRE
Discover the history and culture of the Beothuk people, a now extinct indigenous population. - Have an adrenaline rush RAFTING THE EXPLOITS RIVER
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Exploits River. - Go BERRY PICKING
Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery while picking wild berries. - Dig into history at the COLONY OF AVALON
Explore the archaeological site of a 17th-century English settlement. - Try some port at the NEWMAN WINE VAULTS
Sample locally produced port wine at this historic site. - See what life in the ’30s was like at the MOCKBEGGAR PLANTATION
Step back in time and experience life on a 1930s Newfoundland plantation. - Hike the NORTH HEAD TRAIL
Trek along rugged cliffs and enjoy stunning ocean views. - Have TOUTONS for breakfast
Start your day with this traditional Newfoundland breakfast treat. - Tour the CARMANVILLE WETLANDS
Explore the diverse ecosystem of the Carmanville Wetlands. - Wave hello to THE KYLE
Visit the historic Kyle, a coastal boat that once served Newfoundland communities. - Walk the trails of GREENSPOND
Explore the scenic trails of Greenspond and learn about its history. - Learn about a way of life at the SEALERS INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Discover the history and culture of Newfoundland’s sealers. - Sample the cake table during a MALLARD COTTAGE BRUNCH
Indulge in a delicious brunch featuring Newfoundland specialties. - Get lost in the CORN MAZE AT LESTER FARMS
Have fun navigating your way through a corn maze. - Pretend you’re going to Hogwarts at the RAILWAY SOCIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND HISTORIC TRAIN SITE
Explore historic trains and imagine you’re boarding the Hogwarts Express. - Look for fossils at the MANUELS RIVER CENTRE
Discover ancient fossils along the banks of the Manuels River. - Get rigged up and walk in the MUMMERS PARADE
Join the fun of Newfoundland’s traditional Mummers Parade. - Be awestruck at WESTERN BROOK POND
Take a boat tour of this stunning fjord in Gros Morne National Park. - Take part in the TRINITY PAGENT
Experience the culture and history of Trinity through this annual event. - Make new friends at THE GATHERING
Connect with locals and fellow travelers at this social event. - Get SCREECHED-IN at Christian’s Pub
Participate in this traditional Newfoundland ceremony at a local pub. - Camp AT TERRA NOVA NATIONAL PARK
Spend a night under the stars in this beautiful national park. - Pretend to be John Cabot on THE MATTHEW replica
Step aboard a replica of John Cabot’s ship and imagine sailing to the New World. - Go on a HAUNTED HIKE
Explore Newfoundland’s spooky side on a guided haunted hike. - Have the best pizza of your life at BONAVISTA SOCIAL CLUB
Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza with stunning ocean views. - See where the Titanic’s distress call was answered at CAPE RACE
Visit the site where the first distress call from the Titanic was received. - Have a wine tasting at AUK ISLAND WINERY
Sample locally produced wines at this picturesque winery. - Take a selfie at JELLYBEAN ROW
Snap a photo of the colorful houses on mythical Jellybean Row in St. John’s. - Try some local produce at the ST. JOHN’S FARMER’S MARKET
Taste fresh, locally grown produce at this vibrant market. - Tour the mirror house at the BARBOUR HERITAGE VILLAGE
Explore the historic Barbour house, known for its unique mirrored interior. - Learn the difference between a dory and a punt at the WINTERTON BOAT MUSEUM
Discover the history of Newfoundland’s fishing boats. - Look for fairies in the tuckamore at LOBSTER COVE HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Explore the mystical tuckamore forest and look for hidden fairies. - Find the Peter Pan statue at BOWRING PARK
Discover the whimsical Peter Pan statue in this beautiful park. Maybe feed the ducks while you’re there. - Spot some fish at THE FLUVARIUM
Explore the underwater world of Newfoundland’s rivers and ponds. - Find the fairy doors at MUN BOTANICAL GARDEN
Search for hidden fairy doors in this beautiful botanical garden. - Fill your belly at ROOTS, RANTS, AND ROAR
Indulge in a culinary adventure at this unique food festival. - Jig for COD
Experience the traditional Newfoundland way of fishing for cod. - Mourn Ned at RANDOM PASSAGE
Explore the filming location of the TV series “Random Passage.” - Play volleyball on the BEACHES OF EASTPORT
Enjoy a game of volleyball on the sandy beaches of Eastport. - Delight your taste buds with CHIPS, DRESSING & GRAVY
Try this iconic Newfoundland dish of fries, dressing, and gravy. - Have some crisp at the BRIGUS BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Enjoy delicious blueberry crisp at this annual festival. - Hike GREEN GARDENS
Trek through lush green meadows to stunning ocean cliffs. - Pretend you’re in a tourism ad at the FISHING SHEDS OF CAVENDISH
Explore the picturesque fishing sheds of Cavendish. - Go shopping at SOME GOOD MARKET
Discover locally made goods and unique treasures at this market. - See where the continents collided at the DOVER FAULT
Explore the geological wonder of the Dover Fault and relieve a moment from Come From Away. - Join in a TRAD SESSION AT THE NEWFOUNDLAND EMBASSY
Experience traditional Newfoundland music at a local pub every Saturday afternoon. - Ride the (stationary) rails at the RAILWAY COASTAL MUSEUM
Learn about Newfoundland’s railway history at this museum. - Visit the outport within city limits at THE BATTERY
Explore this historic outport located within St. John’s. - Take in a REEL DOWNTOWN MOVIE
Watch a film at this downtown outdoor cinema and enjoy a taste of local culture.
What’s the first thing you’re going to check off your Newfoundland bucket list?
Book Your Trip to Newfoundland & Labrador
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Expedia. It’s one of my favourite search engines because it allows you to search for and compare flights from multiple airlines.
Book Your Accommodations
You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in Newfoundland & Labrador, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.
Book Your Car Rental
Newfoundland & Labrador is mainly rural and it’s best to have a vehicle at your disposal. Be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early because they often sell out in summer.
Book Your Travel Insurance
While Newfoundland is generally a safe province, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing.
