Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador

Region

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province.

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province. In early summer, icebergs drift off the coast, Gros Morne National Park features fjords and the barren Tablelands, and L'Anse aux Meadows is home to North America's only confirmed Viking settlement. The capital, St. John's, is known for its colourful wooden houses.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, welcomes you with rugged, unspoiled nature characterized by dramatic coastal landscapes. Here you'll discover a deeply rooted maritime culture and a history stretching back to the Vikings at L'Anse aux Meadows. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, impresses with its fjords and mountainous landscapes, while the colorful houses of St. John's offer a vibrant atmosphere. Between May and July, you have the best chances to spot majestic icebergs along the coast and observe whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Explore the picturesque coastal roads and small fishing villages to experience authentic island life.

More places in Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John's

The harbour city of St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, welcomes you with a unique blend of maritime history and vibrant culture. Here you'll find North America's oldest English settlement, its charm reflected in the colourful houses of "Jellybean Row". Visit the Signal Hill National Historic Site, from where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal, and enjoy panoramic views over the city and the sea. The cultural centre The Rooms offers insights into regional history and art. For an authentic experience of the former fishing village, a trip to Quidi Vidi is recommended. The best time to visit is summer, to avoid the often foggy days and experience the festivals.

Sights in Newfoundland and Labrador

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Peter Lewis Gallery

The Peter Lewis Gallery in St. John's is an established fixture in the art scene of Newfoundland and Labrador, primarily presenting the works of its namesake artist, Peter Lewis. Here you'll find an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, which often reflect the rugged beauty and unique culture of the island. Peter Lewis is known for his vibrant landscapes and seascapes, which evocatively capture the region's maritime identity. The gallery offers an intimate insight into the artistic interpretation of Newfoundland's nature and way of life. In addition to Lewis's own works, pieces by other local and regional artists are regularly exhibited, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the contemporary art scene. Our tip: Take your time to discover the subtle details in the landscape paintings, which often capture Newfoundland's changing light conditions and dramatic coastline. For a tranquil experience, it's best to visit the gallery on weekday mornings to quietly appreciate the art and enjoy the atmosphere.

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Signal Hill

Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a place of significant historical importance. In 1762, it was the site of the final battle of the Seven Years' War in North America, securing the British victory over the French. Later, in 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal on this hill, a milestone in the history of telecommunications.When you visit Signal Hill, you'll find not only a journey into the past, but also spectacular views. From the hill's heights, enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of St. John's, its picturesque harbour, and the vast Atlantic. The iconic Cabot Tower, a monument to John Cabot and Queen Victoria, majestically crowns the summit, offering further vantage points. You can explore the various walking trails, including the challenging North Head Trail, which winds along the cliffs and provides breathtaking photo opportunities.Our Tip: Come in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and capture the best light for photos. Also, keep an eye out for the ships entering and leaving the harbour through the narrow Narrows – a fascinating sight.

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Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is an outstanding example of Neo-Romanesque architecture and a National Historic Site of Canada. Its construction between 1841 and 1855 marked an important milestone for the region's Catholic community. Upon entering, you will be impressed by its majestic scale and detailed interior. The Cathedral features massive granite walls, two distinctive towers, and ornate stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. Inside, you will also find numerous statues and altars reflecting its rich religious history. The acoustics are remarkable and contribute to the solemn atmosphere. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural centre and a testament to Newfoundland's European settlement history. Its dominant location on a hill also offers expansive views over the city and harbour. Our Tip: Visit the Cathedral in the morning to capture the best light for photos of the stained-glass windows. To avoid crowds, a visit outside of main service hours is recommended. For an impressive exterior view and panoramic photos of the city, the best position is on Signal Hill.

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Food & Drink

Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca St. John's Downtown

Restaurant in 377 Duckworth St.

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The Fish Depot

Restaurant in 369 Duckworth St.

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Rocket Bakery & Fresh Food

Bakery in 294 Water St.

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The Adelaide Oyster House

Bar in 334 Water St.

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Food and Drink

Newfoundland's cuisine is simple, hearty, and shaped by cod, which for centuries sustained the island's economy.

Fish and Brewis

Soaked salt fish with hardtack, often served with rendered bacon ('Scrunchions') – the island's classic dish.

Cod Tongues

Fried cod tongues, actually a muscle from the throat area, are a local specialty.

Jiggs Dinner

The traditional Sunday meal consists of boiled salt beef, cabbage, turnips, potatoes, and pease pudding.

Screech

The dark rum is closely tied to the 'Screech-in', a ritual making visitors honorary Newfoundlanders.

Best Time to Visit

When is the best time for your trip?

June

July

August

September

11–16°C

In June, most icebergs drift off the coast, and puffins breed until August. July and August are the warmest, and humpback whales feed off the coast. In September, things quiet down, though many facilities then close.

Monthly average temperatures for St. John's. On the coast, it is often windy and foggy.

Seasons

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

High season

Iceberg and off-season

Quiet Time

Best Time to Visit

▶Show detailed monthly data

Month	Temp (°C)
January	-5.0
February	-5.0
March	-3.0
April	1.0
May	6.0
June	11.0
July	16.0
August	16.0
September	12.0
October	7.0
November	3.0
December	-2.0

Historical Heritage and Culture of Newfoundland and Labrador

The history of Newfoundland and Labrador is deeply rooted in its maritime origins. For millennia, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples such as the Beothuk, Mi'kmaq, and Inuit, before the Vikings founded the first European settlement in North America at L'Anse aux Meadows around 1000 AD. Following John Cabot's arrival in 1497, the era of European colonization began, transforming Newfoundland into a vital fishing hub and governing the territory as an independent Dominion until 1949, before it joined Canada.Architecturally, colorful wooden houses, particularly the famous "Jellybean Row" houses in St. John's, along with numerous lighthouses and simple fishing huts, characterize the coastal landscape. The local culture is rich in oral traditions, music, and dance, reflecting the rugged beauty and resilience of its inhabitants. Traditional festivals and customs, such as the Mummers' Play during the Christmas season, keep old traditions alive and emphasize the strong sense of community. This unique blend of Indigenous influences, European seafaring history, and island location has shaped an unmistakable identity that is expressed in every aspect of daily life.

Arrival & On the Way

Getting ThereThe St. John's Airport (YYT) is the main gateway, with connections to Halifax, Toronto, and Montreal, and seasonally to Europe. Deer Lake (YDF) in the west is the closest airport to Gros Morne National Park.Marine Atlantic operates car ferries from North Sydney (Nova Scotia) to Port aux Basques (approx. 7 hours, year-round) and, in summer, to Argentia on the Avalon Peninsula (approx. 16 hours).On the IslandThe Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) spans approximately 900 km across Newfoundland from Port aux Basques to St. John's. Allow ample time and avoid driving at dusk if possible: Moose on the road are a serious accident hazard. The island is difficult to travel without a car.Time ZoneNewfoundland has its own time zone: Clocks are half an hour ahead of Atlantic Time in Nova Scotia.