Holidays to Newfoundland and Labrador
Top destinations in Newfoundland and Labrador
St John's
One of the oldest English-settled cities in North America has never felt newer. St John’s beckons with wild landscapes, a budding arts scene and rollicking nightlife.
Deer Lake
Perched on a huge alpine lake, this pint-sized town is perfect for all kinds of adventures — from hiking and fishing to wildlife viewing.
Gander
Located in the northeastern section of Newfoundland, this Canadian fishing town is a great place to explore rugged, remote landscapes and go whale watching among Arctic icebergs.
Newfoundland and Labrador: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar (C$) |
| Time zone | St. John’s - UTC−3:30 (NST) and UTC−2:30 (NDT) |
| High season | June – September |
| Low season | December – March |
Newfoundland and Labrador holiday highlights
See the icebergs
Every spring, 10,000-year-old icebergs float down from Greenland and the Arctic through Iceberg Alley. Capture these ever-evolving sculptures on a coastal photography tour or cruise. Or paddle up by kayak for one of the best things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador. Be sure to take a guide, as icebergs can be unpredictable.
Spot whales
One of the world’s largest populations of humpback whales migrate north through the province each summer. Watch them breach near your boat, or pop on a snorkel and let them come to you. Look out for other species like minke whales, blue whales and orcas. And don’t miss a chance to see puffins — Witless Bay in Newfoundland is home to the continent’s largest colony.
Unspoilt wilderness
Labrador’s Torngat Mountains comprise one of the most remote national parks in Canada. Reach Base Camp by cruise, charter plane or helicopter. You’ll be rewarded with colossal peaks, glacial lakes and plenty of polar bears. The park has no official trails, so hike with an Indigenous guide and learn about the Inuit’s sacred connection to this land.
Things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador
Top attractions
Visit North America’s easternmost point at Cape Spear and tour its restored 19th-century lighthouse perched on a rugged cliff. In UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, dramatic fjords and towering cliffs provide some of Canada’s most picturesque hiking. For excellent wildlife spotting, head to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve between May and August — when puffins nest and humpback whales migrate through the area.
Beaches
The beaches in Newfoundland and Labrador promise hidden coves, towering sea stacks and gorgeous views. Drive Newfoundland’s Irish Loop on the trail of Celts lured here by then-abundant cod supplies. In Labrador, UNESCO-listed Red Bay is a former Basque whaling station dotted with shipwrecks. For a traditional experience, take part in a beach ‘boil-up’ featuring local food cooked over an open fire.
Nature
For a truly unique activity, watch the sunrise at Cape Spear Lighthouse near St John’s. The Gros Morne National Park is one of the only places where you can walk across the earth’s mantle. And the ancient fossils at Mistaken Point make it one of the most significant sites ever discovered. Warm up afterwards with a bowl of moose stew.
Cuisine
The restaurants in Newfoundland and Labrador celebrate the region’s seafaring heritage. Nothing beats a plate of crispy, golden fish and chips. From there, follow the sound of sea shanties towards the rollicking nightlife of St John’s. Become an honorary Newfoundlander by partaking in the ‘Screech In’ ceremony, which involves downing a shot of rum and kissing a salted cod.
Culture and museums
Everyone from Native Americans to the Irish has called this place home. For an overview, visit The Rooms in St John’s, one of the best museums in Newfoundland and Labrador. Explore Newfoundland’s Norse heritage in L’Anse aux Meadows. The UNESCO-listed site is North America’s only known Viking encampment. In the village of Norstead, see history brought to life inside replica work huts with blacksmithing re-enactments.
Nightlife
For some of the best nightlife in Newfoundland and Labrador, head to George Street in downtown St John’s, where pubs and live music venues offer plenty of after-dark entertainment. And in Corner Brook, local bars regularly host open mic nights and local bands. If you’re visiting a smaller coastal town like Twillingate, expect weekend gatherings at cosy pubs and community halls.
Find the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador
Weather in Newfoundland and Labrador through the year
March – May: Spring brings gradually warming temperatures, but it can still be chilly and windy, especially along the coast. It’s a good time for wildlife watching and spotting icebergs as they drift south.
June – September: Summer is mild and often sunny, with average highs around 16°C, perfect for hiking, whale watching and exploring coastal towns. Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
October – November: Autumn’s crisp air and colourful foliage make it the ideal season for scenic drives and hikes. Rain is common, so be sure to pack your waterproofs.
December – February: Winters are cold with snow and strong winds, especially in Labrador. Dress warmly and enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
Events in Newfoundland and Labrador
Mount Pearl Frosty Festival (February): This long-running winter celebration in Mount Pearl features a host of family-friendly activities, including ice sculpting, snowshoe races, outdoor skating and fireworks.
George Street Festival (July to August): This week-long celebration in St John’s turns two blocks of downtown bars into an open-air concert venue, with live music, dancing and late-night sing-alongs from local legends and touring headliners.
Royal St John’s Regatta (August): North America’s oldest annual sporting event draws crowds to Quidi Vidi Lake to cheer on rowers in colourful wooden boats.
Roots, Rants and Roars (September): Held in Elliston, this coastal food festival pairs cliffside hiking with gourmet tasting stops. Enjoy dishes from top Canadian chefs served with unforgettable Atlantic views.
Know before you go
Budget
Some careful planning will ensure a cheap holiday to Newfoundland and Labrador. In and around the provincial capital of St John’s, you’ll find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around 25 Canadian dollars ($). Wash it down with a domestic beer for about $5 — don’t miss Quidi Vidi Brewing, where drinks are made with 10,000-year-old iceberg water.
Health and safety
The weather in Newfoundland and Labrador can shift quickly, especially along the coast. Winter driving usually requires snow tyres and extra caution on icy roads — having an emergency kit on hand is a good idea. When exploring outdoors, dress in layers, carry a map and bring enough snacks and water. Always check weather forecasts and trail updates before setting out.
Free things to do
Wander down St John’s famous Jellybean Row, where brightly painted townhouses provide the perfect backdrop for a photo op. On the first Wednesday evening of the month, The Rooms cultural centre offers free admission to its exhibits. For gorgeous coastal views, hike the North Head Trail at Signal Hill, where whales, icebergs and seabirds are often visible in summer.
Family friendly
Discover Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich heritage at The Rooms in St John’s, where interactive exhibits bring history to life. For more hands-on fun, visit the Johnson Geo Centre in St John’s, a science museum built inside a giant rock formation. In Twillingate, whale watching and easy walking trails make for a great day out for all ages.
Getting around Newfoundland and Labrador
Public transport
Buses: Intercity bus travel is limited, but DRL Coachlines runs a long-distance route along the Trans-Canada Highway between St John’s and Port aux Basques. Local transit is available in St John’s through Metrobus, with routes across the city and nearby Mount Pearl.
Boats: Marine Atlantic ferries connect Port aux Basques and Argentia with North Sydney, Nova Scotia. In Labrador, some seasonal ferries link remote communities along the coast.
Domestic flights
Flying is the quickest way to get around Newfoundland and Labrador. Major airports in St John’s and Deer Lake have regular services from cities like Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. In Labrador, small regional airlines connect remote towns like Nain and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, where road access can be limited, especially in winter.
Driving and car hire
Driving in Newfoundland and Labrador is generally easy but may require some planning. The Trans-Canada Highway connects St John’s to Port aux Basques with good roads, but expect long stretches without petrol stations or restaurants. In Labrador, Highway 500 is a scenic route through forest and tundra where services are limited — bring extra fuel and supplies. The weather can change quickly, so check forecasts and take it slow on wet or icy roads.
