The Best Coastal Hiking & Scenic Drives In Newfoundland. 12 Days visit to Newfoundland. Newfoundland, Canada, is a paradise, boasting rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you are driving or hiking along dramatic coastlines, this 12-day itinerary will immerse you in the best that Newfoundland has to offer. Experience coastal drives and embark on unforgettable hikes showcasing the island natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Along the way, enjoy cozy accommodations and delicious local cuisine.

Day 1-2: Irish Loop Drive & East Coast Trail (La Manche Village Path)

Scenic Drive: Begin your journey on the Irish Loop, over 312-km drive winding through quaint fishing villages and dramatic coastlines. Stop at Cape Race, where the first distress signal from the Titanic was received, and visit Mistaken Point, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring million-year-old fossils.

Coastal Hike: La Manche Village PathHike to the abandoned La Manche Village along the East Coast Trail. This 5-km trail leads through boreal forests, across a dramatic suspension bridge, and offers breathtaking coastal views.

More Things to Do:

• Take a boat tour with Gatherall’s Puffin Whale Watch and O’Brien’s Boat Tours to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see puffins and whales.
• Visit Ferryland and explore the historic Colony of Avalon.
• Stop at Tors Cove to take in stunning coastal views.
• Visit the Ferryland lighthouse and have a picnic.
• Visit St. Vincent’s beach to watch whale feed close to the shoreline.

Where to Stay: The Wilds Resort (Salmonier) or Edge of the Avalon Inn (Trepassy)

Where to Eat: The Fork Restaurant (Mobile), 52 Cod Seine Cove Road, Mobile, Nnewfoundland or Irish Loop Coffee House (Witless Bay), 407 Main Highway, Witless Bay, Nnewfoundland.

Day 3-4: Baccalieu Trail & Cape Spear Path

Scenic Drive: Baccalieu Trail. Explore the Baccalieu Trail, which is an over 230 km route circling the Avalon Peninsula northern tip. Visit the historic town of Brigus, famous for its rock walls and tunnels, and stop by picturesque Heart’s Content, home to the first transatlantic cable station.

Coastal Hike: Cape Spear Path. Hike is a 15-km section of the East Coast Trail to Cape Spear, North America’s easternmost point. The trail offers stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and a chance to spot icebergs and whales.

Where to Stay: Ryan Mansion (St. John’s) or Alt Hotel (St. John’s).

Where to Eat: Mallard Cottage (St. John’s) or The Merchant Tavern (St. John’s)

Day 5-6: Cape Shore Drive & Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Scenic Drive: Cape Shore Drive. Take the Cape Shore Drive, over 200-km route along Newfoundland southern coast. Visit Placentia, a historic town with deep French and English heritage, and continue to Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, where thousands of seabirds nest on cliffs.

Coastal Hike: Cape St. Mary’s Trail. A short 1.5-km hike brings you to Bird Rock, a towering sea stack home to one of North America’s largest seabird colonies. Witness thousands of gannets, murres, and kittiwakes up close.

More Things to Do:

• Explore Castle Hill National Historic Site in Placentia.
• Visit the historic St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Placentia.
• Stop at Gooseberry Cove for a scenic beach walk.

Where to Stay: Rosedale Manor Bed & Breakfast (Placentia) or Capeway Inn & Suites (St. Bride’s).

Where to Eat: The Three Sisters Pub (Placentia)

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Day 7-8: Viking Trail & Western Brook Pond Fjord Trail

Scenic Drive: Viking Trail. Head north on the Viking Trail, a 489-km route leading to L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Vikings settled over 1,000 years ago. Stop at Arches Provincial Park to see stunning rock formations along the coast.

Coastal Hike: Western Brook Pond Fjord Trail. Hike the 6-km trail leading to the boat tour dock at Western Brook Pond, a breathtaking fjord in Gros Morne National Park. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine waters make this one of Newfoundland’s most scenic hikes.

More Things to Do:

• Visit the Tablelands, a unique geological wonder.
• Explore the villages of Norris Point and Bonne Bay.
• Boat tour through Western Brook Pond Fjord.

Where to Stay: Ocean View Hotel (Rocky Harbour) or The Burnt Cape Cabins (Raleigh).

Where to Eat: The Black Spruce (Norris Point) or Java Jack’s Restaurant (Rocky Harbour)

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Day 9-10: Discovery Trail & Skerwink Trail

Scenic Drive: Discovery Trail. The Discovery Trail on the Bonavista Peninsula offers a stunning coastal drive with stops in Trinity, Bonavista, and Elliston. Visit the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and watch for puffins at the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site.

Coastal Hike: Skerwink Trail is over 5.3 km long and often rated among Canada top coastal trails. With dramatic sea stacks, towering cliffs, and sweeping views of Trinity Bay, this hike is a must-do.

More Things to Do:

• Visit the historic town of Trinity and take a guided walking tour.
• Explore Port Rexton Brewery and enjoy local craft beer.
• Visit the Green Family Forge for a look at traditional blacksmithing.
• Visit Dungeon Provincial Park for dramatic rock formations.
• Stop by the Bonavista Social Club for fresh, wood-fired pizza.
• Explore the Ryan Premises National Historic Site.

Where to Stay: Fisher’s Loft Inn (Port Rexton) or Artisan Inn (Trinity). Where to Eat: Two Whales Coffee Shop (Port Rexton) or Twine Loft Dining (Trinity)

Day 11-12: Road to the Isles & Twillingate Coastline Trail

Scenic Drive: Road to the Isles. Drive along the Road to the Isles, passing through charming communities like Lewisporte and Fogo Island. End in Twillingate, known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World.”

Coastal Hike: Twillingate Coastline Trail. Hike from French Beach to Spiller’s Cove to Codjacks Cove to enjoy the Twillingate coastline. Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas, hidden sea caves, and chances to see icebergs and whales.

More Things to Do:

• Visit Long Point Lighthouse for spectacular ocean views.
• Explore the Prime Berth Fishing Museum.
• Take an iceberg-watching boat tour (seasonal).

Where to Stay: Anchor Inn Hotel (Twillingate) or The Old Salt Box Co. (Fogo Island).

Where to Eat:  Pier 39 (Twillingate) or Annie’s Harbour Restaurant (Twillingate)

Accommodations & Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (May-October) offers the best weather, with summer (June-August) peak travel season. Icebergs are most visible in spring. Fall trees are in full swing during late October.

How to Get Around: Renting a car is essential for exploring Newfoundland scenic routes.

Packing Essentials:

• Layered clothing for unpredictable weather
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Binoculars for bird and whale watching.
• Sunscreen
• A camera

What is Twillingate Famous For?

Twillingate, often called the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” is renowned for its breathtaking, vibrant culture. This picturesque town in Newfoundland and Labrador is famous for its spectacular iceberg sightings, particularly during the spring and early summer. Twillingate’s rich Atlantic history, traditional fishing culture, and warm, welcoming community make it a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Newfoundland experience.

Is It Worth Visiting Twillingate?

Twillingate is well worth a visit. The town offers unique natural wonders, including stunning coastlines, abundant wildlife, and majestic icebergs. Visitors can enjoy activities such as iceberg and whale watching, hiking along scenic trails, exploring historic sites, and engaging with the local arts and culture scene. The charm and hospitality of Twillingate’s residents further enhance the visitor experience, making it a must-see destination in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Is Twillingate the Iceberg Capital of the World?

Twillingate is often called the “Iceberg Capital of the World.” This title is well-earned due to the town’s prime location along Iceberg Alley, where icebergs from Greenland make their way down the Atlantic Ocean, passing close to the shores of Twillingate. The town’s accessibility and excellent viewing points make it one of the best places in the world to observe these natural wonders up close.

When Can You See Big Icebergs on Twillingate Coastline?

The best time to see icebergs in Twillingate is from late May to early June. During these months, the icebergs are most abundant and visible as they travel down Iceberg Alley. However, depending on weather conditions and iceberg flow, sightings can still occur from April to July.

How long is the La Manche Trail?

The La Manche Trail, part of the East Coast Trail network, spans approximately 6.4 kilometres one-way from the trailhead at La Manche Provincial Park to the suspension bridge over La Manche River. The trail offers scenic coastal views and rugged landscapes.

How long does it take to hike to La Manche suspension bridge?

The hike to the La Manche suspension bridge typically takes about 30 to 40 Minutes one-way, depending on the hiker’s pace and the trail conditions. The journey is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and rocky terrain, but the stunning views and the experience of crossing the suspension bridge make it well worth the effort.

s St. John’s, Newfoundland, worth visiting?

St. John’s, the capital, is worth visiting. St. John’s offers a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Known for its colourful row houses, historic sites like Signal Hill, and picturesque harbour, St. John’s provides a unique blend of natural beauty. The city’s friendly locals, lively music scene, and excellent seafood add to its charm, making it a must-visit destination.

What is St. John’s, Newfoundland, famous for?

St. John’s is famous for several things:

• Signal Hill: This historic site offers panoramic views, and the Cabot Tower is where the first transatlantic wireless communication was received.
• George Street is renowned for its nightlife, with the most bars and pubs per capita in North America.
• Colourful Row Houses: Known as Jellybean Row, these brightly painted homes are iconic.
• Rich History: As one of the oldest cities in North America, it has a rich maritime history and cultural heritage.

How many days does it take to visit St. John’s, Newfoundland?

To fully experience St. John’s and its surroundings, a visit of 4 to 5 days is recommended. This allows time to explore the city’s historical sites, enjoy the local cuisine, enjoy the nightlife on George Street, and venture out to nearby natural attractions such as Cape Spear and Quidi Vidi Village.

Can you spot the northern lights in Newfoundland in the summer?

While it is less common due to shorter nights and more daylight, it is still possible to see the Northern Lights in Newfoundland during the late summer, especially in August and early September.

Did the Titanic sink in Iceberg Alley?

Yes, the Titanic sank in an area of the North Atlantic Ocean known as Iceberg Alley, where the Labrador Current carries icebergs from Greenland.

When should I visit Iceberg Alley?

The best time to visit Iceberg Alley is from late May to early June when the icebergs are most plentiful and visible along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Why is it called Iceberg Alley?

Iceberg Alley is a major route through which icebergs travel down along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, making it one of the best places in the world to see icebergs.