There is so much to discover on a trip to Newfoundland. This incredible island will surprise you with fascinating facts, historical sites, picture perfect villages and jaw dropping views.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador covers a huge amount of territory and this article focuses only on the island of Newfoundland where I visited for 3 weeks.

No matter how long you plan to spend in Newfoundland, from a day to a month, your itinerary will be filled to the max.

And the best part is that so many of these things can only be found in Newfoundland.

Imagine spotting a whale, iceberg, and puffins all in the same day?!

To make sure you don’t miss out, this list has the 15 best things to do in Newfoundland.

 

 

Popular Tours in Newfoundland

Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise is a 1 hour 30 minute tour

2-Hour Guided Boat Tour from St John’s for a chance to see puffins, whales, and icebergs

St John’s Downtown Walking Tour is a great way to learn about the history of Newfoundland

Things to Do in Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park

To take in the magnificent power of mother nature, spend time in the Gros Morne National Park. I visited from Rocky Harbour, it’s an easy day trip but you may want to spend more than one day. with over 700 square miles to explore, there’s so much to see.

Gros Morne has gorgeous freshwater fjords, seaside cliffs, flat-topped mountains, forests, and bogs.

To see it all you can hike, drive, kayak, and camp in the park. Gros Morne National Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Newfoundland for nature lovers.

 

 

Cape Spear Lighthouse

Where can you stand if you want to be at the furthest east spot in all of North America?

Cape Spear. That’s right. Here you can watch the sunrise before anyone else on the continent.

The Cape Spear Lighthouse has a vital function here for ships navigating the Atlantic.

Here you can visit the lighthouse to learn about its long history at the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site.

If you’re in the mood for a hike you can also spend some time on the beautiful coastal trails at Cape Spear.

 

 

Elliston

Elliston is the place to be if you want to see puffins in the wild.

Here you’ll have the best chance to see them in a large numbers on the rugged cliffs at Elliston Puffin Viewing Site. And it’s free to visit!

Just make sure to visit between May and September. I visited in June and got to see a few puffins at Elliston. Bring your best zoom lens and binocular so you can get a good look at them. I didn’t get to see any up close.

Did you know that the Atlantic Puffin is the official bird of Newfoundland and Labrador?

Also known as the Root Cellar Capital of the World, many Elliston residents still use these unique structures to store potatoes, turnip, and cabbages throughout the winter season.

On the walk to the puffin site I saw several root cellars on the way, and I think they have a lot of character, I really liked photographing them.

 

 

 

Signal Hill National Historic Site

Get a magnificent view of St. John’s from Signal Hill.

Loved by visitors and locals alike, you’ll see the entire city and the ocean from this perch. Hiking the trails along the edge of the cliffs will get your blood pumping.

Learn the fascinating history of Signal Hill and Cabot Tower’s place in the history of communication from the 1700s through WWII.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Newfoundland and it’s also on my list of 15 famous Canada landmarks.

 

 

Town of Dildo

Okay, yes, the town of Dildo does make everyone chuckle.

It received a lot of attention after late night host Jimmy Kimmel was made honorary mayor and erected a huge sign (similar to the iconic Hollywood sign). Making Dildo one of the Instagram-worthy places to visit in Newfoundland.

Beyond all of this funny stuff, Dildo is a beautiful place with colorful homes lining the coast. Stop by the Dildo Brewing Company and Museum for a pint. I had a pint of beer and an order of delicious shrimp, highly recommended!

 

 

Iceberg Viewing

There’s really nothing like seeing an iceberg.

That’s why it’s one of the best things to do in Newfoundland. During the spring, they float down from the arctic along the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador – it’s known as iceberg alley.

The best time to spot icebergs are in late spring and early summer. This is why I visited Newfoundland in June, I really really wanted to see an iceberg, and I got to see a few. None of them were really huge, but still very impressive to see.

And probably the best way to see the icebergs is on a boat tour where you’ll likely see some whales too. But you can also spot the icebergs from land too, with some good spots at Twillingate and Witless Bay.

 

 

Trinity

Trinity is where you’ll want to spend some serious time. I loved this town. I spent two nights at a very old hotel called Bishop White Manor (built in early 1800s) with floors so uneven my roller carry-on suitcase could roll across the room without me touching it LOL.

Colorful historic buildings create a picture perfect landscape along the ocean. You’ll love exploring these special places like the St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Fort Point Lighthouse.

Immerse yourself in the 1700s as Rising Tide Theatre performs New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant and other plays.

Hiking the Skerwink Trail is the best way to see the entire area and maybe you’ll even spot some whales and icebergs from this coastal trail. I did not, but perhaps you will have better luck.

 

 

North Atlantic Aviation Museum (Gander)

History buffs will adore the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in the town of Gander.

Here you’ll learn the story of Gander’s important role in the development of aviation from 1935 to the present and see things like a Lockheed Hudson Bomber and a De Havilland Tiger Moth.

The exhibits include interesting artifacts and stories including a display of letters from people around the world impacted by air travel on September 11, 2001. When 38 planes were diverted to the airport at Gander (population 10,000) the passengers and crew members (over 6,000 total) experienced the kindness of the locals. This was my favorite part of the museum, reading the letters was really touching.

A visit to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum is definitely one of the interesting things to do in Newfoundland.

 

 

Twillingate

For some of the best views of whales and icebergs, head to Twillingate.

You can head out onto the water on a boat tour specializing in seeing both.

 

 

Or you can head up to the Long Point Lighthouse. From this high point, you’ll have a stellar view of the water and everything in it.

You’ll also enjoy the hikes along the coast with even more opportunities to take in views of the Atlantic. I loved the Spillers Cove hike at French Beach, such gorgeous views the whole way.

 

 

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

Uniquely striped with red and white, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is one of the picture-perfect places to visit in Newfoundland.

With the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, you’ll love everything about the lighthouse.

Here you can take a peek into the original workings of the stone tower and its lantern which was powered by seal oil.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is also one of the best places for a chance to spot whales, icebergs and puffins if your timing is right. Late May to early June is the best time for iceberg sightings.

 

 

Dungeon Provincial Park

One of the coolest things to see in Newfoundland has to be the Dungeon.

This awesome heart-shaped crater was formed by the crashing waves along the Bonavista Peninsula. I found this place mesmerizing to watch the waves.

The great power of the ocean has created two archways where the water continues to flow into and out of the crater.

The Dungeon Provincial Park is a great place to visit to see this incredible sea cave, gorgeous views of the Atlantic and hikes through the landscape.

 

 

La Manche Provincial Park

La Manche Provincial Park has everything to love about the natural landscape in Newfoundland.

You can do everything from hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and camping in La Manche.

I especially enjoyed walking the 50-foot suspension bridge over the rushing river with a view of the gorgeous LaManche Falls.

What makes La Manche one of the coolest places to visit in Newfoundland is that you can explore the foundations of the abandoned fishing village of La Manche.

 

 

 

Cape St Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Birders rejoice! Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Newfoundland to see seabirds up close. You can even get as close as 10 meters (around 30 ft) away. Now, that’s close! This one is on my Newfoundland bucket list for next visit.

The Cape is home to Northern gannet, black-legged kittiwake, common and thick-billed murre, razorbill and black guillemot to name a few.

Looking out into the water you can also spot spouting whales.

 

 

Quidi Vidi Village

Quidi Vidi Village is a beautiful fishing community in St. John’s that dates all the way back to the 1600s.

You’ll love exploring colorful buildings that line the water. Taking a walk around the Quidi Vidi lake you’ll be able to see it from every perspective.

Try an iceberg beer at the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company. It’s made with water from a 20,000-year-old iceberg and is one of the coolest things to do in Newfoundland.

 

 

Live Music at a Pub

Hands-down one of the best things to do in Newfoundland is to enjoy a pint and live music at a pub.

You’ll have luck on George Street in St. John’s where the two blocks have nothing but bars, pubs, and restaurants.

Known far and wide as the best place to hear live music, you’ll catch some tunes just about any day of the week.

And at different times of the year, the entire street turns into an outdoor concert.

Final Thoughts on Newfoundland Things to Do

With picturesque landscapes and an abundance of unique experiences you’ll need several days to see all the best sites on The Rock. Save this article for later when you plan your itinerary and you’ll have a great starting point for planning all the best stuff to do in Newfoundland.

Save it to Pinterest!