10 Must See Fall Foliage Spots in Newfoundland and Labrador. Autumn transforms Newfoundland and Labrador into a tapestry of rich colours as forests and parks take on vibrant red, golden yellow, and burnt orange shades. The island is known for its rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and unspoiled wilderness, Newfoundland and Labrador offer some of the most breathtaking fall landscapes in Canada. Fall starts at the beginning of September and goes through early November. All the regions become must-visit destinations for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers looking to experience each region’s fall transformation.

Whether you’re planning a road trip or a day hike, the fall foliage in Newfoundland and Labrador promises unforgettable vistas. Within this guide, we explore ten top spots where you can douse yourself in the magic of Newfoundland and Labrador and autumn vibes. Each top location offers a unique blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and, of course, spectacular autumn colours.

1. Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a top Heritage Site and one of the most visited destinations for fall foliage in Newfoundland and Labrador. Its diverse landscape of fjords, cliffs, and sweeping valleys becomes a spectacle of colour in autumn. Do be surprised that all the park’s lower trails, such as the Lomond River and Lookout Hills, offer accessible routes. If you have a love for panoramic views like the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Tablelands Trail provides a unique vantage point over Gros Morne’s colourful valleys. Additionally, October offers a quieter time to visit, with fewer foot traffic and more opportunities for peaceful hikes.

Key Attraction: Tablelands Trail

Ideal Visit Time: Late September to early October

Gros Morne National Park

The park is located on Newfoundland west coast. This is a place where towering mountains meet colourful valleys and where fjords carve deep into the land. In fall, Gros Morne’s birch, maple, and aspen trees shift into warm hues of amber, gold, and scarlet, creating a contrast against the park’s dark cliffs and still, reflective lakes. One of the best ways to experience fall foliage on the west coast is by hiking the Tablelands Trail. The iconic Tablelands is a ONE-OF-A-KIND area where the earth’s mantle is exposed, giving it a bold red and orange hue that blends with the autumn landscape.

Travel Tip: Visit in early October to catch peak colours, and consider an afternoon hike to see the fall colours dance with the wind rushes over the trees, as does the sunset.

2. Terra Nova National Park

Located along Newfoundland central coastal region, Terra Nova National Park is a splendid choice for viewing autumn foliage against a coastal backdrop. As one of the oldest national parks in the province, Terra Nova trails meander through dense forests of hardwood and evergreen trees, showcasing shades of red, orange, and gold each fall.

The Ochre Hill Lookout is particularly popular for its sweeping views across the park’s rolling hills, offering a sea of colours complemented by the serene waters of Clode Sound. Terra Nova many trails and picnic areas make it a family friendly spot, ideal for an autumn day trip.

Key Attraction: Ochre Hill Lookout

Ideal Visit Time: Late September to early October

Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park is popular for its coastal beauty and diverse flora. As one of Newfoundland oldest national parks, it features both highland and lowland terrains, offering a variety of ecosystems that come alive with colour in the fall. Visitors can enjoy a hike up Ochre Hill, where trails lead to panoramic views of the rolling hills and the Clode Sound coastline, which becomes particularly stunning as autumn deepens.

For a good fall experience, consider kayaking along the shores of Newman Sound, where the reflection of vibrant foliage on the water creates a serene, almost surreal landscape. Terra Nova also has several campgrounds, which means you can immerse yourself in the season by spending a night under a canopy of fall-coloured leaves.

Travel Tip: The middle of September through early October is the best time to visit for fall foliage. Weekday visits offer fewer crowds and more peaceful views. The best place to see fall in its glory is in the Community of Terra Nova.

3. The Humber Valley

The Humber Valley is known for its rich, colourful foliage that spreads along the banks of the Humber River. The valley is accessible from Corner Brook and boasts a combination of maple, birch, and beech trees that blanket the valley in vibrant autumn colours. A drive along Route 450 offers travellers scenic views of the river and forests as they catch the changing colours. Visitors can also explore Marble Mountain, which offers hiking and cable car rides for a bird’s-eye view of the valley. The Humber Valley’s range of fall outdoor activities makes it a top-choice fall destination for all types of adventurers.

Key Attraction: Marble Mountain and Route 450

Ideal Visit Time: Early to mid-October

4. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Cape St. Mary’s is primarily known for its rich birdlife, but it also becomes a captivating destination during the fall. The windswept cliffs and coastal meadows offer a different perspective on fall colours, with shades of gold and bronze adorning the grasses and wildflowers. While the ecological reserve is not heavily forested, its rugged coastal views and dramatic landscape make it an incredible spot for an autumn visit. In addition, Cape St. Mary’s attracts nature enthusiasts looking to witness the migration of seabirds while enjoying unique autumn scenery.

Key Attraction: Birdwatching and coastal meadows

Ideal Visit Time: Mid to late October

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve offers a unique perspective on autumn with its windswept cliffs and coastal meadows. This reserve is known for its birdwatching opportunities, where large colonies of northern gannets, kittiwakes, and murres gather during migration. The fall season casts a golden glow over the meadows, contrasting beautifully with the ocean’s dark blue below.

Unlike heavily wooded areas, Cape St. Mary’s foliage consists of rugged, low-lying vegetation that takes on earthy tones in fall. This reserve is ideal for those seeking something different from traditional forested views and is perfect for birdwatchers who can observe fall migrations while soaking in the season’s beauty.

Travel Tip: Bring a camera with a zoom lens for close-ups of seabirds against the colourful coastal backdrop. Peak fall views here are usually in mid to late October.

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5. Signal Hill National Historic Site

In St. John’s, Signal Hill offers an iconic viewpoint to watch fall foliage transform Newfoundland oldest city. Overlooking St. John’s Harbor, this historic site combines colourful fall scenery with panoramic views of the North Atlantic. As visitors climb up to Cabot Tower, they’ll see patches of vibrant red and yellow foliage mingling with the rugged cliffs below.

North Head Trail is a popular walking trail route that is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty and historical significance. With fall being a less-crowded time to visit, Signal Hill offers a peaceful escape for those wanting to capture stunning autumn landscapes.

Key Attraction: Cabot Tower and North Head Trail

Ideal Visit Time: Late September to mid-October

Signal Hill National Historic Site

You’ll find a mix of history and fall beauty at Signal Hill in St. John’s. The hike up to Cabot Tower offers incredible views of St. John’s Harbor framed by autumn leaves. Signal Hill’s trails, such as the North Head Trail, pass through rich foliage and provide panoramic viewpoints of the city below, making it a fantastic place for photographers. In addition to its foliage, Signal Hill’s historic elements, like the Cabot Tower, add a cultural layer to the experience. The North Head Trail winds along steep cliffs, providing excellent vantage points of the harbour and city painted with autumn colours.

Travel Tip: Sunset is the perfect time for a hike to Cabot Tower, as the lighting enhances the red and orange hues of the fall foliage.

6. Avalon Wilderness Reserve

On Newfoundland Avalon Peninsula, the Avalon Wilderness Reserve is a unique must visit destination for anyone looking to capture the fall moment in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Wilderness Reserve is Known for its untouched landscapes. The reserve’s forests and bogs become a kaleidoscope of colour each fall, offering shades of red and gold across a wild, remote setting. The reserve’s highland plateaus provide scenic overlooks, and visitors might even spot a caribou or moose grazing amidst the autumn foliage. The reserve’s trails, such as the Salmonier Nature Park Trail, allow travellers to explore this hidden gem up close, making it an unforgettable spot for autumn exploration.

Key Attraction: Salmonier Nature Park Trail

Ideal Visit Time: Early to mid-October

Avalon Wilderness Reserve

A haven for wilderness lovers, the Avalon Wilderness Reserve is an area of unspoiled nature. The dense forests, bogs, and wetlands explode with colour in fall. The reserve provides visitors with a vibrant display of red, gold, and bronze. The reserve is home to a significant population of woodland caribou, which may be seen grazing among the colourful vegetation in the fall. The trail network offers one of the best ways to experience the fall foliage in this area, taking you through dense trees and open meadows. This trail allows visitors to experience the variety of plant life, while the highland areas provide vantage points for a broader view of the surrounding wilderness.

Travel Tip: Early morning visits offer the best chances to spot wildlife and capture the soft autumn colours with minimal disturbances.

7. Torngat Mountains National Park

For the truly adventurous, Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador provides an unmatched fall foliage experience. The journey into the Torngat requires planning; those who visit are rewarded with a unique mix of tundra and boreal forest landscapes that turn vibrant in the fall. The rugged mountainsides and valleys create a dramatic backdrop as they shift from green to stunning shades of orange and crimson. Autumn visitor often combines their visit with wildlife watching, as polar bears, caribou, and wolves are commonly sighted in the region. Guided tours are recommended, as the park’s remote nature requires careful navigation, making it a truly immersive fall experience in Labrador’s wilderness.

Key Attraction: Rugged landscapes and wildlife sightings

Ideal Visit Time: Early to mid-September

Torngat Mountains National Park

Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador offers one of the most inspiring and secluded fall experiences for those who crave remote adventure. This park, known for its high peaks and deep valleys, takes on an extraordinary autumn palette. The sparse vegetation is punctuated by fiery orange and red shades, adding warmth to the stark, mountainous landscape. The fall season provides excellent opportunities for guided tours to spot polar bears, caribou, and even wolves, making it a destination for those seeking a genuinely immersive fall experience in Labrador’s wilderness.

Travel Tip: September offers the best chance to see both fall foliage and wildlife before colder weather sets in.

8. Bowring Park

One of St. John’s beloved urban parks, Bowring Park is a well-known spot for visitors to enjoy the colours of fall. The park’s pathways wind through maple, oak, and birch tree groves, creating a vibrant canopy of reds, oranges, and yellows. With ponds, bridges, and iconic statues adding to its charm, Bowring Park provides the perfect mix of natural beauty and city convenience. Fall is the ideal time to stroll through the park’s tree-lined pathways or enjoy a quiet picnic by the duck pond. Families often come to Bowring Park in autumn to savour the scenery, and photographers find the park a great location for capturing seasonal beauty.

Key Attraction: Duck pond and tree-lined pathways

Ideal Visit Time: Mid to late October

Bowring Park

In the heart of St. John’s, Bowring Park is a beautiful urban escape, particularly during the fall. The park’s paths are lined with oak, maple, and birch trees that come alive in a warm array of colours each autumn. With iconic features like a scenic duck pond, a historic fountain, and several statues, Bowring Park is a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike.

For families, Bowring Park is an ideal spot for an autumn picnic or stroll, with ample seating areas and open lawns. The pond reflects the trees’ colours beautifully, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photographs.

Travel Tip: Late October is ideal for peak colours, and morning visits offer beautiful lighting for photos by the pond.

9. The East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail is a prime destination for those looking to combine adventure with fall season adventures. Stretching over 300 kilometres along Newfoundland eastern coastline, the trail offers a variety of sections where hikers can enjoy scenic views of the changing leaves and rugged oceanfront cliffs. Popular trails for fall foliage include the La Manche Village Path and the Cobbler Path. Both of which offer manageable hikes with unforgettable views. The East Coast Trail is ideal for those looking to experience the crisp autumn air, peaceful hikes, and spectacular natural colours.

Key Attraction: La Manche Village Path and Cobbler Path

Ideal Visit Time: Mid-September to mid-October

The East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail stretches along the coast of Newfoundland. The trail network is a hiking paradise with fall foliage that enhances its dramatic cliffside scenery. Trails like La Manche Village Path, where a wooden suspension bridge crosses over rugged cliffs, and the Cobbler Path, known for its views of Torbay, offer memorable foliage views. These trail is a favourite for hikers who love exploring surrounded by fall colours. The trail’s coastal setting means hikers can enjoy the brilliant autumn foliage and the cool, invigorating breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.

Travel Tip: Plan a mid-September hike to enjoy the trails before the peak of fall crowds. Bring layers as coastal temperatures can shift quickly.

10. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

As North America easternmost point, Cape Spear provides a unique geographical experience and a breathtaking fall foliage setting. The surrounding landscape, filled with grasses and low-lying vegetation, turns warm amber and gold during autumn, creating a peaceful contrast to the Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs. Visiting Cape Spear in the fall offers a quieter, more contemplative experience, and the season’s shorter days allow visitors to catch a glimpse of both sunrise and sunset. A stroll along the pathways around the lighthouse provides views of coastal vegetation and the stunning horizon, making it an ideal stop for fall foliage fans who also enjoy historical landmarks.

Key Attraction: Cape Spear Lighthouse and coastal views

Ideal Visit Time: Early to mid-October

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Cape Spear Lighthouse offers a different type of fall foliage experience. The surrounding coastal vegetation, consisting of shrubs, takes on warm shades of gold and brown, creating a stark yet beautiful contrast with the dark blue ocean and iconic white lighthouse. Cape Spear is exceptionally peaceful in fall, as fewer visitors make their way to the lighthouse, allowing for an unhurried experience of the Atlantic’s autumn beauty. The lighthouse provides a striking focal point for photos, while the surrounding trails offer panoramic views of the foliage set against Newfoundland famously rugged coast.

Travel Tip: Visit at sunrise for incredible lighting and to be among the first in North America to see the morning light hit the autumn landscape.

10 Must-See Fall Foliage Spots in Newfoundland and Labrador

The fall season in Newfoundland and Labrador brings a new dimension to the province’s rugged landscapes, turning lush green vistas into a spectrum of autumn colours. Whether exploring the UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, hiking the scenic East Coast Trail, or standing on the cliffs of Cape Spear, each of these locations offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of autumn. With fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and breathtaking scenery, autumn is one of the most rewarding times to experience Newfoundland and Labrador natural beauty. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor from afar, these ten fall foliage spots provide a memorable and picturesque way to enjoy the season, celebrate nature, and create lasting memories against some of Canada most scenic backdrops. Each location, from the rugged cliffs of Cape Spear to the remote wilderness of the Torngat Mountains, offers unique perspectives on the season, inviting visitors to explore, photograph, and savour fall season splendour.