Newfoundland and Labrador knocked my socks off. When I saw my first iceberg floating past the colorful houses of Bonavista, I stood there with my mouth open like a kid seeing snow for the first time. Then a massive humpback whale shot out of the water right next to our boat, and I swear my heart stopped for a second.
Listen, I’ve seen some amazing places, but the beautiful places in Newfoundland and Labrador are just different. From the mind-bending cliffs of Gros Morne (seriously, the Earth’s inner layer is just sitting there on the surface) to watching puffins waddle around on Fogo Island, this place feels unreal. Ready to see what I mean? These 12 spots will show you exactly why this corner of Canada is pure magic.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Destinations to Visit in Newfoundland and Labrador
Looking to explore Newfoundland and Labrador’s most beautiful places? From the rugged cliffs of Gros Morne National Park to the stunning coastlines of Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll the historic streets of St. John’s, marvel at the natural beauty of L’Anse aux Meadows, or explore the vibrant culture of Corner Brook. Discover the charming allure of Trinity, the tranquil landscapes of Fogo Island, or the breathtaking views from Signal Hill. Whether you’re into national parks, history, or coastal vistas, here are 12 of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne is honestly one of those places that makes your jaw drop the second you see it. I mean, where else can you literally walk on pieces of the Earth’s mantle that somehow ended up on the surface? The Tablelands look like Mars landed in Newfoundland – this rust-colored, alien landscape is actually 500-million-year-old rock from deep inside our planet.
The Western Brook Pond boat tour is absolutely unmissable (runs mid-May to mid-October, $55-65 adults). You’ll cruise between massive cliffs while waterfalls cascade 2,000 feet down – some are so tall they turn to mist before hitting the water. Book through BonTours or Wild Gros Morne – both offer 2-hour tours with live interpretation. The 3km walk to the dock is pretty easy and totally worth it.
Here’s the thing – Parks Canada is offering free admission from June 20 to September 2, 2025, which is honestly amazing timing. The Gros Morne Mountain trail reopens June 28th after being closed for wildlife protection, and it’s a challenging 17km loop that’ll reward you with incredible views. Stay in Rocky Harbour or Woody Point for the best access to everything. I spent three days here and could’ve easily done a week.
2. Bonavista
Bonavista is where I had one of those “holy crap” moments when a massive iceberg floated past while I was having coffee. This historic town on the Bonavista Peninsula is supposedly where John Cabot first landed in 1497, and you can actually see a full-sized replica of his ship, the Matthew. Looking at that tiny vessel, I can’t imagine crossing the Atlantic in it – those guys were absolutely nuts.
The puffin watching here is incredible from May to September. Elliston (just 30 minutes away) has one of North America’s most accessible puffin colonies – these little guys practically pose for selfies. For boat tours, Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours runs daily tours from 9am-7pm during peak season, around $75-95 per adult. Seas the Day Boat Tours also gets rave reviews for their smaller group experiences.
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse offers stunning views and frequent whale sightings. The Bonavista Social Club serves up amazing locally-sourced meals that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Newfoundland cuisine. June to August is prime time for whales and puffins, but September is fantastic if you want fewer crowds and still great weather.
3. Brigus
Brigus looks like someone took a European fairy tale village and plopped it down on Conception Bay. I’m not even exaggerating – this place is so perfectly preserved it’s almost unreal. The stone walls, narrow footpaths, and colorful heritage buildings create Instagram gold around every corner.
The big draw is Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site – former home of Arctic explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. This guy led Admiral Peary’s expedition to discover the North Pole, and the exhibits inside are fascinating. Open daily 10am-6pm in July and August, $3 entry fee. The Brigus Tunnel, hand-blasted through solid rock in 1860, is a quick but cool photo stop that shows how ingenious these early settlers were.
If you can time your visit for the Brigus Blueberry Festival (usually second weekend in August), you’re in for a treat. This four-day event is absolutely legendary – think traditional Newfoundland food, live music, a hilarious “Miss-ed Blueberry” pageant (guys only), and blueberry wine tastings. I tried the local blueberry wines and they’re actually pretty damn good. The festival runs Thursday 1pm-11pm through Sunday 12pm-10pm, with fireworks over the waterfront.
4. Cape Spear
Standing at Cape Spear at sunrise means you’re literally the first person in North America to see the sun each day – how’s that for bragging rights? This dramatic headland is the easternmost point of the continent, just 20 minutes from St. John’s, making it an easy day trip that packs a serious punch.
The restored Cape Spear Lighthouse (built 1836) is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. The exhibits inside show what life was like for 19th-century lighthouse keepers – spoiler alert: it was pretty rough. There’s also a newer functional lighthouse and the remains of WWII coastal defense batteries that are pretty cool to explore.
I’ve seen massive icebergs drift by here in May and June, and humpback whales are common from July through August. The hiking trails along the cliffs offer incredible views of the endless Atlantic. Get there 30 minutes before sunrise for the full experience – trust me, you’ll want those photos. The Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in downtown St. John’s is your best bet for accommodation, with easy highway access to the cape.
5. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
Cape St. Mary’s gives you front-row seats to one of nature’s most incredible shows without needing expensive gear or boat trips. Bird Rock is home to over 24,000 northern gannets that turn this massive sea stack into a living, breathing bird metropolis. The noise is absolutely incredible – thousands of birds calling, diving, and just being wild.
The 1-kilometer trail to the main viewing area is surprisingly easy, and you’ll get amazingly close to the action. I couldn’t believe how close these wild birds let you get – even smartphone cameras capture great shots here. Beyond gannets, you’ll see kittiwakes, razorbills, and murres. The dramatic cliffs drop 100 meters to crashing waves below, creating this incredibly dramatic backdrop.
May to September is peak nesting season, with June and July being absolutely bonkers for bird activity. The Interpretation Centre staff are super knowledgeable and will give you spotting tips that make the experience even better. Bird Island Resort offers comfortable accommodations about an hour away. This place is like having a National Geographic documentary happening right in front of you.
6. Codroy Valley
Codroy Valley is the digital detox you never knew you needed. After weeks of rocky coastlines and dramatic cliffs, this lush agricultural valley feels like you’ve entered a completely different province. It’s recognized as a Wetland of International Importance, which sounds fancy but basically means it’s a bird-watching paradise with over 150 species.
The Grand Codroy River offers some of the best Atlantic salmon fishing in Newfoundland, plus peaceful kayaking that’ll actually lower your stress levels. Searston Beach is a rare sandy stretch along Newfoundland’s predominantly rocky coastline – perfect for those “wait, I’m still in Newfoundland?” moments.
What I love about this place is the rich Scottish and Irish heritage that’s still alive in local music and crafts. Local farms and markets provide fresh produce you won’t find anywhere else on the island. May to June is fantastic for spring bird migration, while July and August offer the best weather for exploring. Codroy Valley Cottages provides riverside accommodations with mountain views that’ll make you want to extend your stay indefinitely.
7. Deadman’s Bay Provincial Park
Don’t let the name fool you – Deadman’s Bay is absolutely gorgeous, with 6 kilometers of powder-soft white sand that’ll make you forget you’re in Newfoundland. This pristine beach on the northeast coast feels like a tropical escape, minus the palm trees and overpriced drinks.
The sand here is legitimately some of the softest I’ve felt anywhere, and hunting for colorful sea glass and unique shells becomes surprisingly addictive. Shorebirds constantly dart along the water’s edge while dramatic dunes create this sense of total isolation from the world. The coastal trails provide incredible panoramic views of the rugged shoreline and offshore islands.
June through September offers the warmest weather for beach walks, but May and October are fantastic for bird migrations if you’re into that scene. Sunset here is absolutely magical – golden light transforms the entire landscape into photographer’s heaven. Fogo Island Inn is about 45 minutes away if you want luxury accommodations, or there are simpler options in Musgrave Harbour. This beach proves that Newfoundland has way more variety than most people expect.
8. Fogo Island
Fogo Island is where traditional outport culture meets world-class contemporary design, and somehow it totally works. This remote island transformed from a struggling fishing community into an internationally recognized arts destination, and the story is pretty inspiring.
The Fogo Island Inn is an architectural marvel that looks like it landed from the future on this rocky coastline. The contrast with traditional colorful fishing stages tells this amazing story of an island reinventing itself. The locally foraged cuisine at the inn’s restaurant is absolutely incredible – ingredients you’ve never heard of prepared by chefs who really know their stuff.
Explore communities like Tilting and Joe Batt’s Arm where those iconic fishing stages reveal the island’s deep connection to the sea. The Brimstone Head trail offers views so spectacular they’ll be burned into your memory forever. June through September is perfect for hiking and exploring, but winter here offers a unique snowy experience if you’re feeling adventurous. The ferry from Farewell runs regularly, making access easier than you’d expect for such a remote place.
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9. Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in downtown St. John’s is honestly one of those buildings that makes you stop dead in your tracks. This Neo-Gothic masterpiece with its 172-foot spire dominates the colorful harbor city’s skyline and is actually the second-oldest Anglican cathedral in North America.
Step inside and your jaw will literally drop – the hammer-beam ceiling stretches overhead while spectacular stained glass windows bathe everything in ethereal light. I couldn’t believe how massive and beautiful the interior is when I first walked in. The cathedral survived both the Great Fire of 1892 and significant damage in 1955, which shows just how important this place is to locals.
Located right in the heart of downtown, you can easily combine a cathedral visit with exploring Water Street, grabbing dinner, or checking out the harbor. The church is open year-round for interior visits, though summer offers the best lighting for exterior photography. The Murray Premises Hotel is within walking distance and offers harbor views that complement the cathedral experience perfectly. This is one of those stops that gives you serious perspective on St. John’s‘ history and resilience.
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10. Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova is where the boreal forest meets the sea in absolutely spectacular fashion, creating this incredible coastal wilderness that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. As Newfoundland’s first national park, it protects 400 square kilometers of forest and rocky headlands that feel worlds away from civilization.
The sheltered ocean inlets are fantastic for kayaking – even beginners can handle these calm waters while bald eagles soar overhead and curious seals pop up to check you out. I spent hours paddling around here and never got tired of the scenery. The park has over 80 kilometers of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging routes. Blue Hill Pond Trail offers amazing panoramic views while the Coastal Trail shows off that rugged Newfoundland shoreline.
Keep your camera ready because moose, foxes, and beavers frequently cross the trails – I saw a massive bull moose just casually munching breakfast beside the path. Night skies here are incredible for stargazing since you’re far from any city lights. Malady Head Campground provides waterfront camping within the park, or there are accommodations in nearby Terra Nova. June through September offers the warmest weather and full park services.
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11. Torngat Mountains National Park
Torngat Mountains is for serious adventurers who want bragging rights that’ll last a lifetime. This vast Arctic wilderness in northern Labrador represents one of North America’s last true frontiers – jagged peaks rising dramatically from deep fjords in a landscape so remote it’s only accessible by boat or charter flight.
Polar bears, caribou, and Arctic wolves roam freely through this completely untouched environment. The night sky absolutely explodes with Northern Lights displays that’ll leave you speechless – I’m talking about aurora shows that put anything you’ve seen in photos to shame. The brief Arctic summer (mid-July to early September) is your only window to visit.
What makes Torngat truly special is the living Inuit culture. You’ll learn traditional knowledge directly from Inuit guides at the Base Camp and Research Station – this isn’t just tourism, it’s cultural education at its finest. All visitors must stay at the base camp for safety reasons, and honestly, the guided experiences make this way more meaningful than just hiking around on your own. This place will absolutely change how you see wilderness and Indigenous knowledge – it’s transformative in ways I can’t really explain.
12. Twillingate
Imagine sipping your morning coffee while a 10,000-year-old iceberg casually drifts past your window. That’s just a typical May morning in Twillingate, the self-proclaimed “Iceberg Capital of the World.” These floating ice sculptures create a natural spectacle that’s absolutely unreal – like having front-row seats to Earth’s greatest show.
Long Point Lighthouse offers the perfect vantage point for iceberg spotting, and the museum inside tells fascinating maritime stories about this vital landmark. For close-up encounters, book boat tours through operators like Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours or Twillingate Adventure Tours. Tours run daily during iceberg season (May-June) and whale season (July-August), typically $65-85 for adults.
The colorful fishing stages scattered around the islands create perfect photo opportunities, while Auk Island Winery crafts unique berry wines that are actually worth trying – their partridgeberry wine is surprisingly good. Anchor Inn Hotel offers panoramic harbor views and is perfectly positioned for watching icebergs from your room. The hiking trails connecting scenic coves provide fantastic exercise between all the eating and drinking. This place proves that sometimes the best entertainment is just sitting and watching nature do its thing.
