Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide

Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide2020-06-10T21:20:53+00:00

Why You Should Visit Newfoundland and Labrador Now

“Welcome to the Rock if you come from away,” goes the opening line of the hit Broadway musical, Come From Away. Newfoundland and Labrador has truly earned its nickname. It’s a place of remote rocky coastlines, warm people, and lovable quirks. A place where you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Where you can make friends with a humpback and feast on cod cooked in seawater on a beach. Where you can visit the easternmost point in North America one day and stroll to one of the four corners of the flat earth the next. Where both the beauty and the wind can take your breath away. Take your time exploring and you’ll be welcomed by locals, who are happy to show off their distinctive food and culture.

Good to Know

When to Go to Newfoundland and Labrador

The best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador really depends on what experience you want to have. We love early July to mid-August since it’s the peak travel season. Tourism operator are in full swing, festivals are happening every weekend including some of the biggest like the George Street Festival, Brigus Blueberry Festival, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, whales are abundant, and the weather is the nicest. In the summer you can also go berry picking, watch the capelin roll, take a boat tour to see puffins, and get your fill of camping and hiking.

If you prefer smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, the fall shoulder season is also spectacular. Visit before Thanksgiving and you’ll likely still catch seasonal accommodations and attractions. You might even find a deal. September and October are fantastic months for hiking trips with the beautiful fall foliage.

Like the snow? Head to the west coast between January and March for world class skiing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities like snowshoeing.

Getting Around Newfoundland and Labrador

Most trips to Newfoundland and Labrador begin either with a flight to St. John’s on the east coast or a ferry crossing to Port-aux-Basques on the west coast. Though you may also choose to fly into another town like Deer Lake, Gander, or Happy Valley-Goose Bay or take the overnight ferry to Argentia. From there you have the option to get around the province by bus, shuttle van, or private vehicle.

By Bus

Newfoundland has one bus service that runs from St. John’s to Port-aux-Basques making multiple stops along the way. DRL-LR operates one eastbound and one westbound trip daily. For inner-city travel, St. John’s and Corner Brook are the only municipalities with bus service.

By Shuttle

There are many bus & shuttle services throughout the province that act as public transport, and offer door-to-door service from anywhere to anywhere on their route. Most operate once daily, heading into St John’s early in the morning, and returning to the outports in the afternoon. Skerwink Hostel maintains an excellent list of these services.

Renting a Car

Tourist transportation infrastructure is minimal in Newfoundland and Labrador so the best way to explore the province is by renting a vehicle. This will give you the freedom to explore all towns on your own schedule. During the peak season of June-August rentals are very limited so it’s best to pre-book your vehicle well in advance.

By Ferry

There are several communities in Newfoundland and Labrador that are only accessible by ferry, such as Fogo, Ramea, and Gaultois. The province runs a network of intra-provincial ferries that you can ride for a low cost. These can also take you across the Gulf to the south coast of Labrador and onwards north.

Can’t Miss

  • Visit in the spring to catch awe-inspiring icebergs. Plan your trip along “iceberg alley” (the northern and eastern coasts) between April and July and marvel at the icy behemoths that are so plentiful, locals use them to make vodka, gin, rum, and beer. View from the coast or take a boat tour to get even closer. Don’t forget to bring a sweater.

  • Festivals are a mainstay of a Newfoundland summer. Just about every town has their own, from the Fog Festival of Arnold’s Cove to SquidFest in Holyrood. Check out locals bands, sample some deep fried yummys from a food truck, and make new friends in the beer tent.

  • Whales and puffins are some of our favourite summer visitors. Whether you’re visiting puffins in Bonavista, Elliston, or Witless Bay, you’re going to love meeting the adorable clowns of the sea. Keep an eye out for humpbacks and fin whales as you hike along the East Coast Trail or take a boat tour to get down on their level – they love to show off.

  • George Street is known as the entertainment district of St. John’s and if you like live music, you’re going to want to make a beeline for it. Lore has it that the short street has more bars per square mile than anywhere else. Spots like O’Reilly’s, Bridie Molloy’s, and Shamrock City have live, local music every night of the week to get your toes tapping.

Food and Drink

Newfoundland and Labrador was built on cod so it’s no surprise that it’s known for its seafood. Ask a dozen people for the best fish & chips and you’ll get a dozen different answers…and a dozen delicious meals. While you’re here be sure to get a plate of fries, dressing & gravy with a pineapple Crush to wash it down. Have a touton or two for breakfast with a side of fried bologna. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province allowed to serve wild game in its restaurants so order up a moose burger or a caribou pie. You’ll never go wrong with bakeapple cheesecake, a partridgeberry tart, or a couple jam-jam cookies for dessert.

No trip would be complete without imbibing in some of the local specialities like blueberry wine, Quidi Vidi’s Iceberg beer, or rum made from iceberg water. If you’re a hop fan, make a point to visit one of the many breweries that have opened in recent years, or swing through Milton for some cider. If alcohol isn’t your jam, ask for a glass of Purity syrup instead.

Culture

Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich history going back over a thousand years. From the Maritime Archaic to the Beothuk, from Vikings to European settlers, the province has been home to people who’ve each shaped the cultural landscape. Learn about their history in countless community museums and exhibitions like the Rooms, the Wooden Boat Museum in Winterton, or the Heart’s Content Cable Station.

Explore our four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Tablelands in Gros Morne, L’Anse aux Meadows, Red Bay, and Mistaken Point.

With so much creativity in Newfoundland and Labrador you might start to think that there’s something in the saltwater. Take in a theatre production in Trinity, or find an open mic at a local pub. Browse a gallery for some new artwork. If you’re lucky enough you might be invited to a kitchen party or a summertime shed party.

What the Locals Know

  • The sales tax is called the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and is 15%.

  • The area code is 709 and must be dialled for long distance calls.

  • Newfoundland and Labrador is in the Newfoundland Standard Time Zone (UTC/GMT -3:30 hours) and participates in Daylight Savings Time.
  • Moose are a common hazard on roads, so drive with caution, especially at dawn, dusk, and at night.

  • Newfoundlanders have a dialect all their own and includes words and phrases not heard outside the province. You’ll notice this most in smaller communities.

Read Before You Go

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Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the world's top whale watching destinations, drawing thousands of humpback whales to its shores every summer. From the world-class tours out of Bay Bulls to the dramatic shore-based spectacle at St. Vincent's Beach and the iceberg-and-whale combo in Twillingate, you'll find outstanding options across the island. This guide covers the best spots, top tour operators, and everything you need to plan your trip.

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Quidi Vidi: Exploring the Charming Fishing Village in St. John’s

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Burgeo, located on Newfoundland’s southwest coast, is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty and maritime history. As one of the province's oldest fishing ports, it offers a peaceful escape with stunning landscapes, including Sandbanks Provincial Park's beaches and dunes, great birdwatching, and nearby Ramea Island for hiking and local culture. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, enjoying fresh seafood, or immersing yourself in the town’s rich history, Burgeo provides a unique and authentic Newfoundland experience.

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Skiing in Atlantic Canada is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by many winter sports enthusiasts. The region may not have the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains or the vast expanses of snow found in the Canadian Rockies, but it is still a great destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

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