The Ultimate Guide to Newfoundland

The Ultimate Guide to Newfoundland: A blog with information and ideas on what to see and do.

The Best Puffins Viewing Sites

The best time is in Summer, from June through August. Atlantic Puffin is the provincial bird of Newfoundland and Labrador. Every season they flock to the shoreline to feed, breed and nest.

Puffins are the most colourful birds in Newfoundland and Labrador. They spent the summer nesting and feeding on the shore and coastal region of the island. During the winter, they migrated south and spent most of their time in the open water, feeding and swimming.

One of the largest colonies of puffin can be found in Witless Bay.

Every year like clockwork, hundreds of thousands of birds visit Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. As a result, this is one of the most prominent gathering places for puffins in North America.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is situated on a small island off the coast. To view puffin here, you must take one of the two boat tours in the area. They are Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch and O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours. These boat tours will take you around the island, where you can watch the birds onboard.

You can see puffins in Elliston Bonnavista.

Elliston is one of the best places you will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with puffins. You can get so close you can touch them. However, we do not recommend touching these birds as they are wild animals—access to the areas where the puffins nest is free.

These are two of the best place to see puffins in Newfoundland. Puffins are beautiful birds with black bodies, white chests, a yellow and orange beaks.

The best Beaches to Visit

Middle Cove Beach

Middle Cove Beach is one of the best beaches in Newfoundland and Labrador to have a marshmallow roast, and it’s located in Middle Cove, Newfoundland. The beach has sand and rocks closer to the shoreline. There is a series of stone fire pits on the beach, perfect for families to relax and have a fireside chat during the fantastic summer evening. The beach is also a great place to go and watch the caplins roll on the beach in spring. There are hiking trails that will take you back to Torbay.

Lumsden Beach

Lumsden Beach is a beautiful beach in Newfoundland, located in the town of Lumsden. It’s a great place to visit during the summertime, with plenty of locals and tourists enjoying its beauty. The beach is on the ocean, making it easy to enjoy the view. There is also plenty of space at Lumsden Beach where people can sit down and relax while they watch the waves crash against the shoreline.

The beach is a long, sandy shore perfect for swimming and playing in the water. Plus, there are places to eat right near this beach and shops and stores where you can grab some snacks or goodies while lounging in the sun. The water is blue, clear and shallow, making it great for swimming. The sand is also soft and delicate, unlike some beaches with coarse textures. It’s a great place to go if you want to enjoy some sunshine while taking a dip in the water.

Musgrave Harbour Beach

If you’re looking for a gorgeous beach with an isolated vibe, look no further than Musgrave Harbour Beach. Located in the central region along the coast in Musgrave Harbour, you can drive to the beach within one hour and ten minutes of Drive from a Gander. It also makes an excellent place to swim. The beach is very long, making it the perfect place to swim. It’s also sandy, making it ideal for families with small children. There are no facilities at this beach, so remember to bring your water and sunscreen before heading out. The beach is pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Sandbanks Provincial Park has more than three sandy beaches. There is a picnic area, a campground and trails for walking or hiking. It’s an excellent place for families to spend the day in the sun. You can bring your beach toys and accessories. You will feel happy like you are in the Caribbean. The sand is magnificent and soft, making it ideal for digging and building sand castles. This beach is pet-friendly. It’s an excellent place for the whole family to enjoy a family day out. The park has many activities and facilities, making it a great place to spend your day.

Eastport Beach

Eastport Beach is one of the most serene and relaxing beaches in Newfoundland. It’s a perfect place to go if you want to relax and enjoy the serenity. There are great places to swim, and the sand is soft and fluffy under your feet, making it perfect for small children or pets. It’s a lovely beach for swimming with your family or friends. The shallow and calm water makes it a great place to swim. It’s also suitable for walking or running on the beach, and there are picnic tables nearby if you want to bring some lunch with you. It’s a small yet beautiful beach with white sand and crystal-clear water. The warmer temperatures make it very enjoyable during the summertime.

St Vincent’s Beach

Located on the Avalon Peninsula, this beach is excellent for watching the sunset, whale watching and garnet feeding. There are no facilities here, so bring your food and water. It’s a beautiful rocky beach that is ideal for whale watching. There are picnic tables on the beach if you want to bring some lunch. It’s also an excellent place to walk or run on the beach. The beach is located in the small town of St. Vincent’s, which has about 300 people. The surrounding area is full of wildlife and nature, so it’s an excellent place for birdwatching or fishing. This beach is rarely busy, making it ideal for those looking to relax, escape the city, and drive along the Irish loop.

Salmon Cove Sand Beach

Salmon Cove Sand Beach is a sandy beach on the Avalon peninsula. The beach is situated in the small town of Salmon Cove, which can be within one hour and thirty minutes drive from St. John’s. Due to its beautiful surroundings and proximity to St John’s, this beach has become a popular tourist destination among locals and visitors alike. It also offers excellent fishing opportunities. In addition, a river runs into the ocean on the left corner of the beach, making it a great place to swim in salt and fresh water.

Sandy Cove Beach in Eastport

Sandy Cove Beach in Eastport is a beautiful location that can be enjoyed by just about anyone. With its white sand, good swimming conditions, and clear water, this beach is perfect for families with children. There’s also plenty of space on the beach, and if you’re looking for something even more adventurous than that, you can hike along some nearby trails. To make your trip to Sandy Cove more comfortable and enjoyable, you can have a picnic or sit down with friends and family and sunbathe. If you want to avoid making plans, there are plenty of things to do at Sandy Cove Beach: relax on the shoreline or swim.

Best Things to Do on Burin Peninsula

Fortune Head Geology Centre

Address:49-51 Bunkers Hill Road, Fortune, NL

Tell:709-832-3569

Fortune Head Ecological Reserve

Address: Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador

Tell: 709-826-2753

Provincial Seamen’s Museum

Address: 54 Marine Drive, Grand Bank, NL 

Tell: 709-832-1484

Tidal Wave Memorial

Address:491 Main Street, Burin, NL 

Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park

Address: Route 213, Frenchmans Cove, NL 

Tell:709-826-2753

Cook’s Lookout Trailhead

Address: 38 Penneys Pond Road, Burin, NL 

Marystown Heritage Museum

Address: 283 Ville Marie Drive, Marystown, NL 

Tell:709-279-2463

St. Lawrence Miners Memorial Museum

Address: Saint Lawrence, NL 

Tell:709-873-3160

Grand Bank Regional Theatre

Address: 16 Water Street, Grand Bank, NL 

Tell: 709-832-2282

Winterland Ecomuseum

Address: Winterland Road, Winterland, NL 

New age rentals and adventure tours

Address: 53 barrisway roads, Garnish, NL 

Tell:709-277-2906

Grand Bank Historic Lighthouse and Waterfront

Address:16 Lower Water Street, Grand Bank, NL 

Tell:709-832-2617

Grande Meadows Golf Club

Address: 5 Golf Course Road, Garnish, NL 

Tell:709-826-2600

The best place to stay in St. John’s

Top Gulf Courses to Play

Pippy Park Golf Club

Contact: Email: [email protected], Telephone: 709-737-3655

Location: 15 Mount Scio Road, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3T2

Pippy Park Golf Club is located in St. John’s, Newfoundland and is a 27-hole public course that measures over 6,000 yards long. The golf course is perfectly perched on the hillside overlooking the city of St John’s and Airport Heights. The golf course has perfect greens and long range. Pippy Park Golf Club is open to the public; however, it does have a season pass available for those who wish to become season members of this beautiful facility.

Clovelly Golf Club

Contact: Telephone: 709-330-3673 Email: [email protected]

Location: 100 Golf Course Road, St. John’s, NL, A1A 0A6

Clovelly golf club offers two 18-hole public courses over 3,300 yards long. Both golf course is excellent for beginners and experienced players alike because of their fairways, long-range and perfect greens. The Osprey Par 72 18-hole course is a great place to play. The course measures over 6500 yards long and is available for players of all skill levels.

Bally Haly Country Club

Contact: 709-726-4021 Email: [email protected]

Location: 100 Logy Bay Road, St. John’s, NL

Bally Haly country club is minutes from downtown St. John’s and boasts some of the best views in the province. The country club is public, so you can visit and play golf all day. Bally Haly Country Club welcomes players of all skill levels. The club has a full-service restaurant, private boardroom, and elegant green course for all players to enjoy. The beautiful clubhouse is available for special events such as weddings and banquets. In addition, the country club offers golfers a chance to see Newfoundland’s beautiful scenery in the distance while they play their rounds. The staff at this course is friendly and helpful, which makes your day more enjoyable.

Glendenning Golf Course

Contact: 709-368-4747

Location: 120 Gabriel Road, St. John’s, NL

Glendenning Golf Course

The Glendenning course has 18 holes, a slope rating of 126 and a yardage of 6,214 yards. The greens are extensive and well-maintained, with several trees separating each hole. You can enjoy meals and refreshments in the restaurant after your round. The staff at Glendenning is friendly and helpful, which makes your day more enjoyable. There is a driving range if you want to warm up before teeing off. The course will test your skills. There are many different types of scenery on the course, including ponds and trees.

The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River

Contact: 709-229-5444 Email: [email protected]

Location:643 Salmonier Line, Route 90, Holyrood, NL

The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River is a lavish golf resort that offers everything you could want in an outdoor activity. There are 18 holes on their challenging course, a driving range, and a green and pro shop. This resort also features catering services for your special event or tournament needs. If you are looking for an excellent place to play golf in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is the place. It has been voted one of the best courses in Newfoundland for many years and is sure to impress. The course itself is immaculate and will test your skills at every turn.

Terra Nova Golf Resort

Contact: 709-543-2525

Location: 5-9 Muddy Brook Road, Port Blandford, NL

Terra Nova Golf Resort is a public golf course near the Terra Nova National Park entrance, making it an ideal choice for a day trip from St. John’s. The resort has a par 71 layout that measures 6,546 yards from the back tees and plays to 120 to 129 slope. This is an 18-hole course, so if you’re travelling with your family or friends and want to try more than one course during your visit, this could be an option. This golf course is known for having beautiful views of surrounding ponds, lakes and wildlife. There are also many challenging holes here—if you want something new but aren’t sure where your game stands yet. Then this would be the perfect course for you.

Best RV Parks in Newfoundland and Labrador 

Barachois Pond Provincial Park

Do You Need Reservations needed? Yes

Book your Site Here: NLCamping.ca

Barachois Pond Provincial Park is a great place to take a walk, swim, fish and boat. The park is known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful environment.

• Hiking trails: There are more than 3 km of hiking trails in the park. These trails will lead you through landscapes such as fields, forests, streams and ponds.
• Swimming: Two beaches give you access to the water of Barachois Pond if you want to go swimming or canoeing. The water is usually calm during most times of the year, making this an excellent place for children because there aren’t any waves or currents pulling them away from shoreline areas.
• Fishing: If fishing is what you like, then this might be one of those perfect places since there are different species living around these parts, including trout species such as brown trout and rainbow trout.

J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park

Do You Need Reservations needed? Yes

Book your Site Here: NLCamping.ca

• The park is located in the western region on the tip of the Great Nothern peninsula. It is one of the most popular parks in Newfoundland, which means that there are usually many people occupying its campsites. There are different facilities, including showers and toilets for campers and day-use visitors.
• This park offers both RV sites with full hookups and tenting sites for those who want to camp in tents or hammocks. The amenities include showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, picnic areas and playgrounds for children to play on, and wooded trails for hiking/walking if you feel like getting some fresh air.

Butter Pot Provincial Park

Do You Need Reservations needed? Yes

Book your Site Here: NLCamping.ca

Butter Pot Provincial Park is a beautiful place in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a great place to go hiking, camping, fishing and taking pictures. Butter Pot Provincial Park is located about an hour outside St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the Avalon Region. Butter Pot Provincial Park has many different trails that you can take through the park. The most popular trail will take you to Butter Pot Hill. There are also several other trails available for hiking as well if you want a longer hike than just walking around one spot.

La Manche Provincial Park

Do You Need Reservations needed? Yes

Book your Site Here: NLCamping.ca

La Manche Provincial Park is excellent for campers who want to get away from the city but still be close enough to the city. This park is near the Town of Bay Bulls and is easily accessible by car. The park offers several activities for visitors: fishing, hiking, and biking are just some of the things you can do here. You’ll also find ample opportunities for bird watching (especially during spring), boating, and canoeing along the nearby ponds.

Notre Dame Provincial Park

Do You Need Reservations needed? Yes

Book your Site Here: NLCamping.ca

• Activities: A popular activity at Notre Dame Provincial Park is hiking along the trails in and around the park, which offer views of ponds and thick forests. You can also swim in the ponds or explore the beachfront alone.
• Facilities: Campsites are available for booking. Each site has a table and fire pit nearby; amenities include showers, toilets and laundry facilities. There are electrical hookups available.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Do You Need Reservations needed? Yes

Book your Site Here: NLCamping.ca

Sandbanks Provincial Park is located in the town of Burgeo, in the western region of Newfoundland. It’s a popular destination for camping and hiking due to its many trails and beautiful scenery. There are many campsites in Sandbanks Provincial Park. We recommend making reservations at least one month in advance if you want a place to stay in this park. The park has some very popular campsites. Sandbanks Provincial Park is known for its beautiful white sand beaches; there’s no better place on Earth to spend a summer weekend than exploring these shores.

Top Places to Explore 

Newfoundland is an island, and you must fly or take a ferry from the mainland to get there. Newfoundland is part of the Atlantic Provinces region, which includes Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (PEI), as well as New Brunswick. You can get to Newfoundland by plane or ferry. It’s a long flight from the US, but there are direct flights from Toronto and Montreal. It takes about 3 hours and 5 minutes to fly from Toronto and about 2 hours and 30 minutes hours to fly from Montreal. Newfoundland is the most eastern province of Canada and is a beautiful place to visit. It has many beautiful beaches, interesting towns and communities, historical sites and much more. There are plenty of activities for you to enjoy while you’re there.

Are you planning your trip to Newfoundland?

Below are some top tips, tours, hotels, and more!

St John’s

St. John’s is a colourful city and the capital of Newfoundland and home to most of the province’s population. This beautiful city has a great mix of historical and modern architecture, including the historic Quidi Vidi neighbourhood, Fort Amherst, Cape Spear and Signal Hill. The city also has many museums, art galleries and theatres to visit during your time here.

When planning your trip to St John’s, it is highly recommended that you take some time to explore all the fantastic things this city has to offer!

Some places worth checking out are Signal Hill Park, Quidi Vidi Lake or one of many live shows held at local venues like The Arts and Culture Centre, George Street, which hosts some fantastic concerts throughout summer months featuring various musical acts, including big names such as Great Big Sea, Shanneyganock and The Navigators.

St John’s also offers tons more fun activities, such as Memorial University Botanical Garden, Bell Island, Puffin and Whale Watching, Hiking the East Coast Trail, Johnson GEO Centre and Salmonier Nature Park.

Twillingate

Twillingate is a small town in Newfoundland, Canada. It’s located in the island’s central region along the coast, making it easy to get to from anywhere else.

The best place to stay in Twillingate

The best things to do in Twillingate

Split Rock Brewing Co. is a great place to hang out and enjoy local beer, snacks, and meals. The brewery offers tours and tastings, as well as live music events. In addition, you can enjoy other nearby activities, including hiking trails, fishing, whale watching and boat tours.

Isles Wooden Boat Museum is a great place to learn about wooden boats and how they were made.

Twillingate/NWI Dinner Theatre is a great dinner and shows option. The theatre offers a variety of performance styles, as well as shows specifically aimed at family and to make you laugh.

Twillingate Adventure Tours is an excellent option for adventure seekers. In addition, the company offers whale-watching tours. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, so they will ensure you have a fantastic time whale watching.

Long Point Lighthouse & Exhibit, The Long Point Lighthouse is the perfect place to visit for those who love lighthouses. Visitors can check out the exhibit and venture on the hiking trails around the lighthouse to enjoy the scenery.

Auk Island Restaurant and Auk Island Winery If you love seafood and wine, then Auk Island Winery is your place. The winery offers a variety of wines that can be enjoyed on-site or purchased. They also have a restaurant where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from local chefs.

Rock Adventures offer outdoor adventure and activities, including kayaking and trail running. Visitors can also hike on their own or take advantage of the guided tours provided by Rock Adventures.

Twillingate Museum The museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of Twillingate and the surrounding area.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a must-visit destination in Newfoundland. This is one of the most visited national parks in the province. At this world’s World Heritage Site, You’ll find geologically unique areas like the Tablelands and Western Brook pond fjord, home to unique plant and animal life. There are a lot of parks, including hiking trails, a campground and cabins to rent. You can also explore the area by kayak or canoe on the many lakes and rivers in the park. Even guided tours are available if you’re interested in learning more about Gros Morne National Park’s unique geological features.

Corner Brook

The best place to stay in Corner Brook

Corner Brook is the second largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Corner Brook is located in the western region of Newfoundland. Corner Brook is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing in the winter and fishing. The city is also home to many cultural places, including Corner Brook Museum and Archives, the Railway Society of Newfoundland and Captain James Cook National Historic Site. You can find plenty of places to stay in Corner Brook, including hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts.

L’anse Aux Meadows and the Northern Peninsula

L’anse Aux Meadows is the site of North America’s only known Viking settlement. It’s a fascinating place to visit, especially if you’re into history, and it can also be combined with exploring other parts of the west coast. The Northern Peninsula is one of Newfoundland’s wildest and most beautiful corners. This remote part of eastern Canada has many fishing villages and lighthouses, which make for great photo opportunities if you have an eye for photography. The Northern Peninsula is also home to many wildlife, such as moose and caribou.

Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park is in the central region of the island of Newfoundland. It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially if you’re into nature and wildlife. There are many hiking trails in the park, which allow you to explore the untouched wilderness of Newfoundland. The most popular hiking trail is the Terra Nova Coastal Trail, which takes you along the coast and has a breathtaking view over the coastal area of the park. Terra Nova National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Newfoundland. Terra Nova National Park also features various wildlife, such as caribou and moose. This park is a great hiking destination if you’re looking for fresh air and exercise.

Bonavista Peninsula

The Bonavista Peninsula is one of Newfoundland’s best places to see whales, dolphins and icebergs. You can go whale watching in Bonavista, swimming, hiking and camping at Lockston Path Provincial Park. If you’re looking for a relaxing (but memorable) adventure, consider taking a boat tour around Trinity with Trinity Eco tours. In addition, you can enjoy Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Dungeon Provincial Park, Matthew Legacy, Ryan Premises National Historic Site, Puffin Viewing Site and Boat tour with Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours.

The best place to stay in Bonavista

An 8 to 10-day Newfoundland travel itinerary will show you the best of Newfoundland. Newfoundland is an island in the Eastern Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador that requires an airplane to get to, though you can reach it by ferry from Nova Scotia.

Iceberg spotting in Iceberg Alley

Iceberg spotting is a must-see activity in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s part of the tourism industry, which brings people to this region from all over the world. You can see icebergs from either shore or on boats. Iceberg Alley is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore this region and get up close to icebergs. We recommend going with an experienced operator like Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours, which will take you out into the ocean to see icebergs up close. You’ll see them from a different perspective, and you can even take pictures.

Whale watching in Eastport Peninsula.

Eastport is located outside of Terra Nova National Park. It’s a small town, home to pristine beaches and whale-watching sites. Summer and spring is the perfect time to go whale watching in Newfoundland between May and July when the whales are migrating north. Whale-watching tours last around 1 to 2 hours and usually start in the early morning or late afternoon so that you can see calves with their mothers. The main species you’ll see here are killer whales, humpbacks, finback whales, sperm whales and blue whales. You can book these tours online or from our website.

If you are an animal lover and want to see more of the most majestic creatures in our oceans up close, whale watching is an excellent activity. Whale watching is a popular activity in Newfoundland during the spring and summer months, as it allows you to view whales, seals, puffins, and other birds from the land and a boat. Many whale watch companies offer tours around Central Newfoundland and Labrador that cater to adults and children alike. In addition, whale-watching tours can be enjoyed individually or in groups of friends who want to experience something new together. If this is your first-time whale watching, we recommend going with an experienced operator like Twillingate Adventure Tours, which offers tours where visitors get plenty of time at sea without feeling rushed.

Exciting things to see and do in Central Newfoundland

Central Newfoundland is a region that’s known for its beautiful scenery and hospitality. There are many things to do in central Newfoundland, including visiting the top tourist destinations of Gander and Twillingate.

If you’re looking for something active, try golfing on one of the golf courses in the region. If you want to relax, spend some time sunbathing at one of our many beaches. Central Newfoundland is the region to visit.

Gander

Gander is a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s one of the largest towns in the province with a growing population. It is home to an international airport and sits beside Grand Falls-Windsor, where you’ll find several things to do and see.

The Gander Region Visitor Centre has information about all sorts of things happening around town and places to visit nearby. There are a few golf courses here in the central region; one at Gander Golf Club and another at Terra Nova Golf Course.

Fogo Island and Change Islands

Fogo Island is an island off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a short ferry ride from Farewell to get there, but it will feel like you’re in your little world. This place has tons of fantastic birdlife, hiking trails and food options. You need to make sure that you add Fogo Island to your bucket list.

Change Islands

The Change Islands are part of the Fogo Island Group and can be reached by boat from Fogo Island and Farewell. The island has many hiking trails that are beautiful and offer great views of the ocean. If you want to relax or watch some wildlife, there are plenty of places where you can do both things at once.

Central NL is a great place to travel.

There are many things to do in central Newfoundland, and it’s just as beautiful as it is historic. For example, you can visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. In addition, the region has some of the best beaches in the province, so if you’re looking for a beach to visit with your family or friends while visiting Central Newfoundland and Labrador, visit one of these beaches.

• Cape Freels Beach
• Lumsden Beach
• Musgrave Harbour Beach

What are you waiting for? Visit us! Let’s show you around our beautiful island.

Top Places to Whale Watch 

Bal Bulls

Along the coast in Bay Bulls is Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The two tours operating in Bay Bulls are Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch and O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is one of Newfoundland’s best places to enjoy whale-watching tours.

Visit St. Vincent’s Beach 

You can whale watch from the shoreline on this beach. The whales swim very close to shore, so you can get a good view of them. St. Vincent’s Beach is on the Irish Loop. It’s about two and half hours drive from St. John’s. 

Visit Trinity

Two of the best whale-watching tours in Trinity are Sea of Whales Adventures and Trinity Eco-Tours and Lodge. You can enjoy tours on their zodiac boats around the coastline to watch whales feed.

Twillingate

Welcome to the place where icebergs and whales visit every summer. The top tours to book are Twillingate Adventure Tours, Twillingate Island Boat Tours Ltd, Iceberg Man Tours and Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours.

Visit St Anthony

The Nothern tip of Newfoundland is where most whales and Icebergs start their journey on our coastline after leaving labrador. Some of the best tours to book are Northland Discovery Iceberg & Whale Tours and Iceberg Alley Boat Tour.