Newfoundland fishing villages

Newfoundland Travel Guide

Best Fishing Villages
in Newfoundland

Trinity, Petty Harbour, Tilting, Quidi Vidi, and every village worth a detour.

Newfoundland’s cultural identity was built on the outport fishing village communities almost entirely dependent on the Atlantic cod fishery for centuries. Many are remarkably preserved. Here are the best to visit.

Best Fishing Villages by Region

Bonavista Peninsula
Trinity

The most beautifully preserved historic outport in Atlantic Canada. 18th and 19th-century architecture intact throughout the town. Rising Tide Theatre, whale watching, the Green Family Forge, and the Skerwink Trail within 15 minutes. 2 hrs 55 min from St. John’s.

20 Minutes from St. John’s
Petty Harbour

The most photogenic fishing village close to the capital traditional fishing stages lean over the harbour, colourful boats crowd the small dock. Chafe’s Landing Restaurant for excellent Atlantic seafood. Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium popular with families.

Fogo Island
Tilting

The most beautifully preserved Irish outport community in Newfoundland. Life moves at a slower pace on this small island with only around 300 inhabitants. Walking among original homes is like a journey back in time. Part of Fogo Island, ferry from Farewell.

St. John’s
Quidi Vidi Village

One of the oldest fishing villages in North America remarkably preserved fishing stages, colourful boats, and traditional outport buildings minutes from downtown St. John’s. Visit Quidi Vidi Brewery (35 Barrows Road) and the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios. Free to walk.

Gros Morne
Trout River

A small outport at the base of the Tablelands scenic drive known for exceptional fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. One of the finest places on the Viking Trail for a genuine outport meal directly from the sea.

Avalon Peninsula
Ferryland

Home to the Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic (pre-order basket) and the Colony of Avalon one of North America’s best-preserved 17th-century European settlements. A classic Irish Loop destination 90 minutes south of St. John’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trinity (Bonavista Peninsula), Petty Harbour (near St. John’s), Tilting on Fogo Island, Quidi Vidi Village (St. John’s), Trout River (Gros Morne area), and Ferryland (Irish Loop).
Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula is widely considered the most beautifully preserved and scenic outport in Atlantic Canada.
Yes. The outport fishing village tradition is one of the most distinctive cultural assets in Atlantic Canada hundreds of coastal communities built on the cod fishery, many remarkably preserved.

Exploring Newfoundland’s Fishing Villages?

A rental car is essential. Every village requires driving.

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