Take a trip to Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost edge where the sun first rises on the continent. Home to some of the oldest European settlements and cities, Newfoundland is rich in history and activities. Travelers to this beautiful province will spend their time exploring vibrant cultures, magnificent coastlines, breaching whales, awe-inspiring icebergs and so much more. With so many things to see and do in Newfoundland, here are 10 activities you must cross off your travelling bucket list!
Visit Signal Hill, St. John’s most popular landmark. This site served as St. John’s harbour defenses from the 17th century up to the Second World War when it became a historical site. Spend a day hiking along the hill’s coast, watching the Signal Hill Tattoo’s performance with military drills and drums, exploring Cabot Tower and firing a cannon atop Signal Hill.
Every spring and summer, Newfoundland’s coast holds the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Take a boat tour on O’Brien’s Boat Tours or Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch to see humpbacks, along with 21 other whale species, dolphins and porpoises, swim and play along the coastline. Watch as whales breach and show off their stunning acrobatic ability in nature’s spectacular show. As you plan your trip, book your tickets during prime whale watching season, from mid-June to mid-August. Although there is plenty to see during other seasons.
On any given day, these 10,000-year-old glacial giants are visible from many points along Newfoundland’s coast. As you travel around the province, you will see icebergs displaying multiple shapes, sizes and colors, ranging from bright white to deep aquamarine. Go online to see which iceberg types are floating near the coast in real time, then hop aboard the Iceberg Quest or Northland Discovery Boat Tour to see icebergs a whole new way.
As you enter Castle Hill National Historic Site, imagine sounds of cannons in the distance and muskets emitting clouds of smoke as British and French forces battled on Newfoundland’s shores. First fortified in 1693, this stone fort still proudly overlooks Canadian towns below. Explore this area by walking along hiking trails to various skirmish sites and fortifications while you learn the detailed history of this battle-hardened site. After your tour, spend the rest of the day wandering around Cape St. Mary’s. This beautiful ecological reserve houses millions of seabirds who use this nesting site to nest, dive and fly. Get up close and personal with black-legged kittiwakes, common murres, European golden plovers and over 350 other species of birds.
A trip to Newfoundland isn’t complete without visiting Quidi Vidi, an old, scenic fishing village found on the coast. Located outside the capital city of St. John, this small village dates back to the early 1500s. Now, it’s filled with local food stores and old dive bars filled with the local favorite—Iceberg Beer. Spend a few hours walking along the streets and sampling local foods for an experience you’ll never forget.
In Newfoundland, tourists have the opportunity to get “Screeched-in” to earn the status as honourary Newfoundlanders. Ceremonies typically include kissing a frozen cod, eating bologna, swearing an oath and drinking a shot of Screech (Newfoundlander rum). Don’t miss this opportunity! Several pubs on George Street offer “Screeched-in” ceremonies, including Christian’s Bar, Trapper John’s and Green Sleeves.
In 1834, Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming announced that the Catholics in St. John were going to build a large stone Cathedral. At that time, St. John’s population was estimated to be around 19,000 people. Centuries later, this magnificent piece of architecture is still in operation. Take a quick tour around the Basilica Cathedral or visit their calendar online for upcoming events.
The Ocean Sciences Centre at Memorial University researches local fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography and more. Each summer, they offer the Outdoor Summer Marine Public Education Program to teach kids and adults alike about the magnificent world underwater. Feel free to touch sea critters in the Touch Tank and say hello to resident harp seals Babette, Tyler and Deane.
Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980 on the edge of St. John’s. Five months and 5,400 kilometers after, Terry had to stop when cancer appeared in his lungs. While he never finished running across Canada, his run inspired millions of Canadians to raise money for cancer research. As you explore Newfoundland, visit Terry Fox’s Monument, located at the run’s starting point in St. John’s, to learn more about his unforgettable story.
As you venture to historic Cape Spear Lighthouse, you’ll notice it is perched on a cliff overlooking all of North America. This lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province and has become an iconic symbol for the area. It was constructed in 1836 and still proudly shows off the unique architecture of the time. Get ready to step inside and explore!
With 26 different paths and 300 kilometers of wilderness to choose from, a hike on the East Coast Trail is a must for any visitor to Newfoundland. Start by selecting your hiking level—easy, moderate, strenuous or difficult—then grab a map and prepare for a hike you’ll never forget. Be sure to take pictures as you walk past lighthouses, ecological reserves, active archaeological dig sites, icebergs, whales, historic sites and more.
After spending the day exploring icebergs and lighthouses, return to the modern comfort of Best Western Plus St. John’s. The hotel’s heated pool, hot tub and water slide makes the trip even more fun for kids and adults. Each morning, as you prepare for the day’s adventure, enjoy a delicious breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi. With these amenities and more, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip in Newfoundland.