31 Amazing Things To Do in Newfoundland

Ah, Newfoundland. Home to puffins, whales, icebergs, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

A place that once you visit you won’t be able to get out of your head.

We spent 5 weeks RVing in Canada’s drop-dead gorgeous easternmost province and drove away with its colorful cliffs and friendly folks forever etched in our memories.

We travel full-time and are typically looking forward, but this is a destination we will be making our way back to. We LOVE Newfoundland!

If you are planning a trip to Newfoundland, you will want to add these amazing things to do to your trip itinerary!

Table of Contents

1. Gros Morne National Park

A hiking couple in red and white standing with their arms stretched high next to their brown down in front of a dramatic green cliff on the oceanside in golden hour — One of our favorite hikes in Gros Morne National Park was the Green Gardens Trail

Gros Morne National Park has dramatic grass-covered cliffs, glacier-carved fjords, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains all in one out-of-this-world park.

This was our first main stop in Newfoundland and it completely lived up to the hype.

You can check out our complete guide to the park linked below, or read about our favorite trails in Gros Morne to help you plan your time in this truly unique park that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For a quick rundown, here are a few spots you won’t want to miss:

Lobster Head Cove Lighthouse
Green Gardens Trail
The Tablelands (where you can walk on the Earth’s Mantle)
Gros Morne Mountain
The Western Brook Pond Boat Tour (into the fjord)

Yellow rocks of the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park — The Tablelands, where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle

A red and white Bon Tour boat sitting in front of the fjords at Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne — Western Brook Pond Fjord

2. L’anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site

Bright green landscape stretching out to the cloudy, fog-covered sea at L'anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Newfoundland — L’anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

Our trip to L’anse aux Meadows felt like stepping back in time and is a thrilling and beautiful way to explore this area of Newfoundland’s history and Viking ties.

As you walk through the grassy meadow framed with stunning ocean views, you will discover remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage site is evidence of the first European presence in North America.

If you have time, we highly recommend signing up for Sagas and Shadows where you can experience an authentic reenactment of Viking tales and history inside a recreated Norse structure.

Across the road, you can also visit a recreated Viking Port of Trade at Norstead.

3. St. Anthony

A gray gravel path leading two ways up a grassy hilly bordered by the blue ocean out to the left — Coastal hiking in St. Anthony

Also up on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony is a great place to hike and spot icebergs.

Our favorite things to do in St. Anthony include:

Hike the Daredevil Trail for the best views of the city and surrounding waters
RagnaRock Northern Brewing Company
Eat while watching icebergs and whales at the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cafe
The Great Viking Feast Dinner Theater

A red and white lighthouse and buildings with red roofs sitting on a grassy outcrop ontop of a gray rocky shoreline — View of the Fox Point Lighthouse from the Daredevil Trail

4. Quirpon

Gray rocky coast covered in bright green vegetation surrounded by bright blue waters — The landscape of Quirpon is breathtaking

Located on the very northern tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, this is as far north as you can get on the island of Newfoundland.

It also happens to be a spectacular place for iceberg viewing, with these icy giants drifting by the area’s stunning blue waters and lush green landscape.

As the morning fog lifts, you might just be surprised by a mighty iceberg taking a rest from its long journey in the local harbour. We spent several hours hiking along Quirpon’s coastline, admiring the icebergs and spotting whales!

Bright blue iceberg floating in a blue bay outside of the town of Quirpon in Newfoundland — Icebergs make their way to the coast of Newfoundland from Greenland most years

5. See Icebergs along Iceberg Alley

Two icebergs floating in blue water surrounded by lush green vegetation on the cliffs near the waters edge

Seeing icebergs for the first time is one of our favorite memories of our time in Newfoundland.

Iceberg Alley stretches along the northeastern coast of Newfoundland, from the Labrador Sea all the way down to St. John’s on the eastern coast.

And it is THE place to go to experience the magic of icebergs in Newfoundland.

This map pinpoints main areas all along Iceberg Alley, which stretches from Labrador and across Newfoundland, that can be great places to see icebergs each year:

The best places we saw icebergs were way up north on the Great Northern Peninsula in Quirpon and St. Anthony, and the charming town of Twillingate.

The northern parts of Newfoundland will have the longest iceberg season, but earlier in the iceberg season you can also see icebergs as far east as St. John’s and Witless Bay!

A brown boat looking very small against a large white and blue iceberg — Hopping on a boat tour shows you just how large the icebergs are… and only 10% of them are above water!

A few popular iceberg tours in Newfoundland include:

Twillingate

Trinity

Great Northern Peninsula

Iceberg Alley Boat Tours (St. Anthony)
Northland Discovery Boat Tours (St. Anthony)
Linkum Zodiak Tours (Quirpon)

Stay up to date on iceberg sightings and locations! You can sign up for Newfoundland iceberg alerts on Iceberg Finder

6. Hike and Camp on the Rockcut Twillingate Trails

A bright green tent camping overlooking orange cliffs and ocean in Twillingate Newfoundland — Backcountry camping on one of the Rockcut Trails in Twillingate

The town of Twillingate is lively and charming, with more of the stunning coastal views that are seemingly inescapable as you make your way around Newfoundland.

It is also home to a well-curated system of hiking trails, complete with opportunities to camp under the stars, waking to the sounds of ocean waves crashing to shore.

A hiker standing on top of a natural arch with water below — Natural Arch

A hiker in a pink shirt standing with her arms spread up below a natural arch — Natural Arch

The most scenic Rockcut trails include:

French Beach
Spiller’s Cove
Little Harbour
Natural Arch

7. Puffins Viewing

One single puffin holding a small twig in its bright orange beak

Not only are Atlantic Puffins extremely adorable, but they are also the official provincial bird of Newfoundland!

An estimated 60% of the Atlantic Puffin population comes to Newfoundland to nest in protected areas each year.

Your very best bet for seeing puffins will likely be in July and August, which also overlaps with whale activity and brings some of the best weather of the year to the island. We recommend setting out on your puffin-viewing adventures early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and catch the puffins when they are most active.

We were lucky enough to have the puffins fly up and land extremely close to us. Life goal achieved!

A birdwatcher dressed in blue smiling with her binoculars surrounded by puffins in Newfoundland — Surrounded by puffins at Elliston Point

8. Long Point Lighthouse, Twillingate

Couple smiling on a wooden deck in front of Long Point Lighthouse in Twillingate Newfoundland — Long Point Lighthouse

Long Point Lighthouse in Twillingate is the perfect spot for a dreamy sunset, as well as one of the best places for whale watching (and if you are lucky iceberg viewing) right from land.

This is one of the most photographed spots on the northeastern coast of Newfoundland and with its panoramic ocean views perched 300 feet above the sea, it is easy to see why.

The bright red Long Point Lighthouse sitting on the edge of a tree-covered cliff in Twillingate Newfoundland

9. Get Screeched In & Become An Honorary Newfoundlander

Two Newfoundland Screechers certificates laid out on a brown table — A must-do when you visit Newfoundland!

You can’t visit Newfoundland as a come-from-away (an outsider) without participating in a Screech-In ceremony and becoming an honorary Newfoundlander.

As someone who hates being up in front of a crowd, this took a bit of convincing on my part… and ended up with me laughing the hardest I had in a while.

It’s a pretty neat initiation fitting for somewhere as unique as Newfoundland… complete with local jargon including “‘deed I is, me ol’ cock! and “long may yer big jib draw!”

The Newfoundland Screech In Ceremony typically includes some form of:

Some lines to recite (learn to eat, drink, and talk like a Newfoundlander)
A shot of Newfoundland Screech (rum)
Kissing the cod

You can get screeched in all over the island. The most famous place is Christian’s Pub on George Street in St. John’s.

We recommend looking into places offering the ceremony and getting your name on a list in advance (as they can book up). You’ll walk away with fond memories, and even an official certificate as well!

10. Hike The Skerwink Trail

A hiking couple standing in a field of grass overlooking a large cliff with bright blue waters below on the Skerwink Trail

Awarded one of the best walks in North America and Europe, the Skerwink Trail is a must for your Newfoundland Itinerary.

Starting from a small unassuming parking area near Trinity, you wind your way along the cliffside past dazzling sea stacks and bright turquoise waters that could have you believing you are somewhere tropical.

Keep an eye out for whales, icebergs, and eagles as you traverse this magical trail that will leave you wishing it would never end.

Bright blue waters below a tree covered cliff

A hiker looking out at the blue ocean from the Skerwink Trail in Newfoundland

11. Arches Provincial Park

Two hikers standing below a sea arch covered in green grass at the Arches Provincial Park in Newfoundland — Arches Provincial Park

Only 15 minutes north of Gros Morne National Park, a short path leads you to a cobblestone beach with phenomenal views of three delicate sea arches that have been carved away throughout history.

This quick stop was well worth it and a great place to spend an afternoon or enjoy a quick seaside picnic!

12. Cape Spear National Historic Site

A white lighthouse among other white buildings and a historic red and white lighthouse at Cape Spear

Just 20 minutes southeast of downtown St. John’s you will find Cape Spear.

Here you can walk along coastal trails among both the historic and current lighthouse, explore the underground remains of a WWII Battery, and stand at the easternmost point in Canada (and all of North America).

This is a great spot for a sunrise hike!

Aerial shot of the trail system around Cape Spear, with the white Cape Spear Lighthouse standing tall on the edge — Cape Spear Lighthouse (North America’s easternmost point!)

13. Terra Nova National Park

Hikers and their brown dog standing on an overlook above thick green boreal forests and blue waters

Terra Nova is Canada’s most easterly National Park!

In contrast to the other great things to do in Newfoundland, Terra Nova National Park offers large tracts of untouched wilderness where land meets sea.

We loved how remote and laid-back this park felt. It was a great place to camp and explore boreal forests, rivers, ponds, and beaches all in one place.

Top trails & experiences:

Enjoy the night sky (the park is a Dark Sky Preserve)
Explore the touch tank and marine exhibit at the Visitor Center
Ochre Hill Trail & Fire Tower
Terra Nova Coastal Trail
Mill Cove Lookout for sunset
Southwest Arm Trail
Camp at Newman Sound Campground

Sets of metal steps leading up to the red and white Ochre Hill Fire Tower in Terra Nova National Park — Ochre Hill Fire Tower

A forested landscape along a river beneath a bright blue sky with soft white clouds

14. Signal Hill National Historic Site

The cobblestone Cabot Tower sitting atop the rocks at Signal Hill overlooking St. John's — Cabot Tower sits prominently at the top of Signal Hill

Signal Hill provides the best vantage point of Newfoundland’s largest city, St. John’s.

With a strategic position overlooking the sole entrance into St. John’s Harbour, it became an important defense and lookout installation, even playing a role in the Seven Years’ War.

Historic cannons of Signal Hill overlooking St. John's Harbour and downtown St. John's Newfoundland — We loved the view of St. John’s while hiking around Signal Hill

Today this is a great place to hike and enjoy coastal views and views of downtown St. John’s, or explore the historic battery that gives a glimpse into the area’s storied past.

Tip: You can drive up Signal Hill and enjoy a short walk around the Cabot Tower if you aren’t up for a longer coastal hike!

15. Dungeon Provincial Park

Bright blue waters inside a heart-shaped sea cave with a green grass bluff above

Located at the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, a short walk reveals a heart-shaped crater in the Earth.

Walk around the grassy bluff and admire how the sea retreats and returns through the two arched entrances of this magnificent sea cave.

This is a quick and easy stop while exploring the town of Bonavista and the surrounding sights on the Bonavista Peninsula.

16. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

A couple standing in front of bird rock where thousands of sea birds come to nest at Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve each year — Bird Rock at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

On the southwestern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the Cape Shore is the most accessible sea colony in North America.

Walk along the cliffs out to Bird Rock, the third-largest nesting site and the southernmost colony of northern gannets in North America.

With thousands of seabirds all over the cliffside, this is a birdwatcher’s paradise. We were lucky enough to have the whole place to ourselves just before sunset!

A couple sitting together in front of dramatic green cliffs leading down to a bright blue ocean — The cliffs of Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

17. Mistaken Point Geological Site

Large rock slabs on the edge of blue water at Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve on the Irish Loop in Newfoundland — Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve

On the Avalon Peninsula in eastern Newfoundland, Portugal Cove South is home to the Edge of Avalon Interpretation Center, the visitor center for Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve.

Here you can learn about the geological significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fossils that have been found here.

Access to view the fossils up close is only available with a guided tour, typically offered May to early October.

Email MistakenPointTour@gov.nl.ca for booking information. Advanced reservations are recommended! You can also visit their website here.

This is just one of many great stops along Newfoundland’s Irish Loop!

18. Ferryland Lighthouse

The red Ferryland Lighthouse perched on a green grassy hill next to a white house with red trim — Ferryland Lighthouse

Ferryland is home to the archaeological dig at the Colony of Avalon National Historic Site (one of the oldest European settlements in North America) and the iconic Ferryland Lighthouse.

During peak season, you can even enjoy a scrumptious picnic on the lighthouse grounds, through Lighthouse Picnics (be sure to reserve in advance)! This is another beautiful stretch of Newfoundland coast perfect for hiking!

Aerial view of a red lighthouse sitting among a green landscape with sharp rocky edges where blue waters crash to shore in a white foam — Ferryland Lighthouse on the Avalon Peninsula

19. Cape Race Lighthouse

White lighthouse with a red top surrounded by a dramatic rocky coast with blue waters crashing to shore — Cape Race Lighthouse

Cape Race was one of the first observed points of land in the New World, and the location of a wireless station that received and transmitted distress signals from the Titanic in 1912.

The views from Cape Race will leave you speechless.

We could have sat on the cliffs in the grass under the lighthouse’s shadow, watching the waves crash to shore for hours on end. It’s a place so quiet you feel as if you are at the end of the world, and where the whales are so close the sound of their spouts will make you jump.

20. Drive Newfoundland’s Irish Loop

Blue sign with a yellow circle and green clover designating the Irish Loop along a roadway following the ocean

Newfoundland’s Irish Loop covers a large section of the Avalon Peninsula along Highway 10.

Want to see some of the best scenery on the Avalon Peninsula? Complete this scenic drive.

The Irish Loop begins at Highway 10 out of St. John’s and follows along down the eastern coastline of the Avalon Peninsula, eventually meeting up with Route 90 at St. Vincent’s and connecting with Trans-Canada Highway 1 before returning to St. John’s.

Distance: 312 km (or roughly 193 miles) one way when done in a large loop, starting and ending in St. John’s

Time To Drive: 3-4 hours (ideally more to really experience each stop). Give yourself a full day or make it a weekend getaway to more fully appreciate all of the unique sights and experiences along the Irish Loop.

A long gray beach tracing the blue waters outside the rolling green hills in St. Vincent's Newfoundland along the Irish Loop — St. Vincent’s Beach

21. Castle Hill National Historic Site

Coastal views looking out from Castle Hill National Historic Site — View from Castle Hill National Historic Site

Explore remnants of a stone fort towering over a picturesque seaside town that was once the site of a struggle for power between the French and British, both vying for a lucrative fishery located here.

A great stop on your way to visit Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve with amazing views overlooking the picturesque town of Placentia!

22. Cataracts Provincial Park

A female hiker standing at an overlook of a gushing waterfall at Cataracts Provincial Park

A short trail and a few steps hidden away from the road lead you to a cascading waterfall framed in lush green foliage next to a historic arch bridge.

You can tent camp near this deep river gorge, or simply explore here on your way to experience the Cape Shore section of the Avalon Peninsula.

A waterfall and historic arch bridge surrounded by green trees in Cataracts Provincial Park — View of the 1920s arch bridge found in the park

23. La Manche Provincial Park

A female and her dog sitting in the grass looking at a silver suspension bridge in La Manche Provincial Park in Newfoundland — The suspension bridge at La Manche Provincial Park

Roughly an hour south of St. John’s, La Manche Provincial Park is the perfect place to hike along some more stretches of rocky coastline, see a rushing waterfall, and walk across the wobbly suspension bridge.

You can camp in the woods, swim at the beach, and simply enjoy nature in this pristine setting away from the city.

24. East Coast Trail

Female hiker and her brown dog looking over the cliff side while hiking in St. John's Newfoundland

The East Coast Trail stretches (336 km or 208 miles) along the Avalon Peninsula, inspired by the Coastal Trails that once linked the historic seaside communities of Newfoundland.

If you are up for a larger adventure, you might try hiking the East Coast Trail in its entirety, or simply explore some of the most beautiful sections!

Some of our favorite hikes on the East Coast Trail include:

Tinker’s Point in Tors Cove
Cobbler’s Path & Torbay Point
Cape Spear
La Manche Suspension Bridge
Sugarloaf Path

The beautiful green coastline along Tors Cove Newfoundland where the green hills turn to rocks as the blue water meets land — Tinkers Point

25. Quidi Vidi

A dreamy pink and orange sunset sky reflecting on Quidi Vidi Lake in Newfoundland — Quidi Vidi at sunset

Sitting along Quidi Vidi Lake, Quidi Vidi feels like a hidden gem in the heart of St. John’s.

A wharf in an iconic fishing community built to reflect the stage of fishing in the 1600s, Quidi Vidi is a nod to simpler times.

Explore the artisan studios, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks at the wharf, or enjoy a drink on the patio and watch the sunset at Quidi Vidi Brewing Company.

26. Jelly Bean Row

Woman and her brown dog walking along the colorful jellybean row houses in St. John's Newfoundland

Jellybean Row refers to not just one place in the city, but rather the color-filled atmosphere of the lively row houses that line the hills all over the city.

Like an assortment of jellybeans stacked side by side, the streets are bright and cheery. Walking around St. John’s you can’t help but smile!

27. Historic George Street

Cobblestone pedestrian area lined with bars on the famous George Street in St. John's

Ahh George Street. We started hearing about you the moment we stepped foot onto the island. From the far corners of the western mountains, people raved about this popular tourist destination.

The place for nightlife, live music, and home of “THE PLACE” to get screeched in (Christian’s Pub).

A short stretch of bars and taverns on a cobblestone street closed off to vehicle traffic, it is one of those places you go for the experience, and we did have a blast meeting and chatting with locals.

For more dining and less nightlife, Water Street just one street over may be more your speed.

28. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site

The red and white striped Cape Bonavista Lighthouse sitting up on a hill behind a green field filled with purple wildflowers — Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

One of the most photographed places in Newfoundland, this is an iconic lighthouse that still houses a seal oil-fueled light like they used in the 1800s when it was first built.

Walk around the grounds for great views of the ocean, keep your eyes peeled for icebergs and whales, and head behind the lighthouse for another puffin viewing site on a small rock island just offshore. You will want your binoculars or telephoto lens for this one!

A small rock island with nesting puffins in Newfoundland — Puffin Colony on a small island out behind the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

29. Ryan Premises National Historic Site

White historic Ryan Premises buildings sitting along the Bonvavista waterfront — Ryan Premises structures on the water in Bonavista

A nod to the rich history of the Newfoundland Cod fishery, the Ryan Premises give you a glimpse into one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest salt fish mercantile firms built by the Ryan family on the Bonavista waterfront.

Walk through exhibits and learn about the 500-year-old story of the Atlantic Cod fishery and then just down the road explore modern-day Bonavista and all of its great shops and restaurants!

30. Salmonier Nature Park

A bald eagle with brown wings and a white head sitting on a log in the Salmonier Nature Park in Newfoundland — Bald eagle at the Salmonier Nature Park

Looking for a chance to see some of Newfoudland’s wildlife up close?

The Salmonier Nature Park is a center for environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, research, and environmental monitoring open to the public for free.

The distance to walk the trails through the park exhibits is 3km (just under 2 miles) and can be completed in about 1 hour.

Hours: Salmonier Nature Park is open from 11 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. daily
Animals in the park include: Arctic Fox, Bald Eagle, Canada Geese, Caribou, Great Horned Owl, Lynx, Meadow Vole, Mink, Moose, Newfoundland Marten, Otter, Red Fox, Snowshoe Hare, Snowy Owl, Spruce Grouse, and Woodchuck (though they aren’t always easy to spot and many will be hiding)

31. Whale Watching

Newfoundland is one of the best places for whale watching in the world!

Each year an influx of food (capelin) brings whales (and seabirds) closer to Newfoundland’s shore to feed.

We were speechless by the number of whales we saw spouting off the island’s coastline. It was truly as if we could not go on a hike or relax at an overlook without spotting at least 10.

Over our 5 weeks traveling around Newfoundland, we saw hundreds of whales, starting near Rocky Harbour, up in Quirpon and St. Anthony, in Twillingate, and even all the way down south on the Avalon Peninsula at Cape Race.

The eastern side of the island (such as Witless Bay Ecological Reserve) has the longest whale-watching season, typically running from June to August, while the northern side of the island (such as Twillingate) picks up in late July or early August and tapers off in early September.

The best time for whale watching in Newfoundland will be late July through August

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Reserve a whale and puffin sightseeing tour at Witless Bay:

31. The Battery

Colorful homes of The Battery neighborhood built into the cliffside in St. John's Newfoundland — The Battery nestled on the cliffside of the harbor in St. John’s

A historic enclave nestled near the entrance to St. John’s Harbour, the colorful homes located here look as if they are suspended in the air, overlooking the city with great pride and dignity.

A haven for artists and photographers, this neighborhood is a great place to experience epic views where urban life and rugged nature clash in the midst of a place steeped with rich history.

Map Of The Top Things To Do In Newfoundland

The map below provides a visual look at all of the amazing places in Newfoundland covered in the list above, in addition to some of our favorite trails and additional stops along the way!

Additional Things To Do In Newfoundland

As with any trip, you just can’t do it all!

The above list covers a great deal of the best of Newfoundland, but here are a few places we missed that we would like to explore on a future trip!

Port aux Choix National Historic Site
Fogo Island
Change Islands
Red Bay National Historic Site in Labrador
Dildo Run Provincial Park
Butterpot Provincial Park
Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve
Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador
Mi’kmaq Discovery Centre (South Coast)
Rocky Point Lighthouse (South Coast)
Harbour Breton Bay Fjord (South Coast)
St. Pierre & Miquelon (Owned by France)

Important Tips For Your Trip To Newfoundland

Reserve your Marine Atlantic ferry early
If flying in, reserve your rental car early
Reserve Canada Parks camping in advance or find local stays with Booking.com
Check out local tours
Be prepared for rain, wind, and bugs (pack rain gear, head nets, bug spray, and waterproof hiking shoes)
Consider a travel credit card with no international fees (we love our Chase Sapphire Reserve and it helps us build travel points for future trips)

Be prepared for pricier food in remote towns (especially produce)
Newfoundland Time is 90 minutes ahead of EST (its own time zone)
July is typically the driest month and the best weather
Be mindful of wildlife if driving at dawn or dusk
The island is large, give yourself time to explore
Don’t forget your passport! (And rabies certificate if traveling with your pets) Check out these border-crossing tips!

More Resources To Plan Your Perfect Trip To Newfoundland:

**The Perfect Itinerary For Driving Newfoundland’s Irish Loop**

Marine Atlantic Ferry sitting at the dock in Sydney, Nova Scotia — **The Perfect Itinerary For Driving Newfoundland’s Irish Loop**

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