Best Time to Travel to Newfoundland: A Seasonal Guide
When contemplating a journey to a northern island known affectionately as “The Rock,” you can anticipate a place of stark, elemental beauty. Newfoundland is a land where even the Earth’s raw mantle becomes a fascinating attraction. Here, strong ocean breezes sweep off the cold Atlantic, capable of driving icebergs south and challenging the resilience of fishing boats, even within the shelter of rugged cliffs where large colonies of seabirds make their nests.
The renowned characteristics of Newfoundlanders—their resilience, warmth, and wit—are deeply rooted in generations who have carved a life from this challenging terrain. Their remarkable resourcefulness and generosity were globally highlighted on 9/11 when the small community of Gander welcomed 38 diverted planes and thousands of stranded passengers. This extraordinary event inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away. You will encounter this same welcoming spirit throughout this majestic and rugged island. Understanding the Best Time To Travel To Newfoundland is crucial for planning a trip that aligns with its unique seasonal offerings and challenging climate.
Kayakers paddle past icebergs in Newfoundland during spring iceberg season.
When to Visit Newfoundland: Finding the Best Time
The period from May to October is generally considered the viable travel window for Newfoundland. Each part of this season offers distinct experiences. Spring brings the dramatic procession of icebergs along the coast. In the crisp air of autumn, the vast, open landscapes can feel even more profoundly isolated and beautiful.
The prime travel season, and arguably the Best Time To Travel To Newfoundland for general tourism, is July and August. During these summer months, temperatures are typically pleasant, rarely becoming excessively hot or cold. This is when virtually every historic site, pub, restaurant, and accommodation operates at full capacity, maximizing the short peak season.
However, the popularity of July and August also translates to higher costs, particularly for lodging. Unless you bring your own vehicle via one of the two ferry routes from Nova Scotia, securing a rental car, which is essential for exploring beyond St. John’s, can be challenging and expensive. The main exception is if your trip is a brief weekend escape focused solely on St. John’s, the capital city, which is compact and easily explored on foot.
Winters in Newfoundland are notably severe, with significant snowfall. While this creates excellent conditions for skiing on the western slopes, such as at Marble Mountain, winter is otherwise largely considered an impractical time for most visitors due to weather disruptions and limited services. Therefore, when considering the best time to travel to Newfoundland, winter is typically excluded for general sightseeing.
Colorful buildings line the harbor in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
How Much Time Do You Need for a Newfoundland Trip?
To truly experience Newfoundland, plan your duration carefully based on your interests. A minimum of three days is recommended for exploring the vibrant capital, St. John’s, allowing time for dining, enjoying the nightlife, and walking around. For those interested in the stunning natural beauty of the west coast, allocate at least four days for hiking, driving, and taking boat tours in and around the Gros Morne National Park region.
To gain a comprehensive sense of the entire island, you should plan for at least a week. This allows you to follow the winding coastal roads, which often reveal breathtaking vistas of sprawling archipelagos or towering icebergs drifting on the choppy sea. For a truly remote experience, consider taking a ferry to an outlying area like Fogo Island.
It’s vital to understand the sheer scale of Newfoundland. It’s roughly the size of Cuba and ranks as the fourth-largest island within Canada. Driving distances can be considerable; for instance, the 680km (423-mile) drive from Corner Brook on the west coast to St. John’s on the eastern edge takes a minimum of seven hours. Similarly, the journey from the ferry terminal at Port aux Basques to St. Anthony at the northern tip of the great northern peninsula is a significant drive.
Getting To and Around Newfoundland
When planning your trip and considering the best time to travel to Newfoundland, think about your preferred travel style. Are you drawn to day hikes in prehistoric-looking mountainous terrain? Do you prefer leisurely drives through endless scenery, dotted with scattered villages and ancient historic sites? If so, flying into Deer Lake or arriving by ferry at Port aux Basques and renting a car is the most practical approach.
Alternatively, if you dream of exploring a rocky coastline punctuated by sparsely populated coves and barren islands where whales, icebergs, and seabirds populate lighthouse-studded landscapes, consider the longer 16-hour ferry crossing from Nova Scotia to Argentia on Newfoundland’s east coast, or fly into St. John’s and secure a rental car there.
A crucial point, especially if you’re traveling during the peak summer months which are often the best time to travel to Newfoundland for good weather, is the availability of rental cars. They are notoriously difficult to find during high season. It is strongly advised to book your rental vehicle well in advance of your arrival date.
Atlantic Puffins gather on a rocky cliff in Newfoundland, home to North America's largest colony.
Top Things to Do in Newfoundland
Newfoundland offers a compelling balance of nature and culture. One personally recommended region is the west coast, encompassing the fjords, ancient tabletop mountains, and quiet towns like Norris Point and Woody Point near Gros Morne National Park. Dedicate a full day to hiking up Gros Morne Mountain for breathtaking views from the flat summit. Also, spend a few hours exploring the Tablelands, a rare exposed section of the Earth’s mantle offering an eerie, Martian-like landscape. The best time to travel to Newfoundland for hiking in Gros Morne is typically summer and early fall when trails are clear.
Late May and early June define iceberg season. These massive, glistening giants drift along the northern and eastern coasts, occasionally grounding in shallower waters. To track sightings, join groups like the Newfoundland and Labrador Iceberg Report on Facebook. In St. John’s, a popular activity is walking up to Signal Hill, home to Cabot Tower, which overlooks the harbor mouth. With luck, you might spot icebergs or even a whale spouting nearby. Signal Hill is also historically significant as the site where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
For unparalleled wildlife viewing, drive south from St. John’s for about two hours to the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. Looking towards Bird Rock, you’ll see vast clouds of seabirds, including some 30,000 northern gannets, 20,000 kittiwakes, and 20,000 common murres. Just 45 minutes from the capital lies the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, housing an astonishing 620,000 nesting pairs of Leach’s storm petrels, the world’s second-largest colony. However, the main stars here are often the 260,000 pairs of Atlantic puffins, North America’s largest colony, who also nest and fish in the area. To see Newfoundland’s official provincial bird up close, you’ll need to book a boat tour in Witless Bay. The best time to travel to Newfoundland for puffin viewing is during their nesting season, typically late spring and summer.
Nearly as thrilling is experiencing a night out on George Street in downtown St. John’s. This area, packed with bars and pubs, feels like a party that started in the 19th century and never stopped. George Street boasts having the most bars and pubs per square foot of any street in North America. In the summer, music spills from almost every doorway onto the street, where a main outdoor stage often hosts live acts. Craft beer, energetic music, and good times are readily available. This experience is available most of the year, but is arguably at its liveliest during the peak summer months.
Budgeting for Your Newfoundland Trip
Compared to many other Canadian destinations, Newfoundland’s relative isolation in the North Atlantic makes it a more expensive place to reach. If you choose to cross by ferry with Marine Atlantic to one of Newfoundland’s two terminals, you must first travel to the northern tip of Nova Scotia. The cost for a couple with a car for a return trip to Port aux Basques is at least $400, while the return Argentia crossing starts at around $700. Note that sleeping cabins incur additional costs.
Once on the island, daily expenses for hotels, restaurants, and bars are generally comparable to other regions of Canada. If you’re traveling on a budget, consider camping or opting for B&Bs, where you can connect with friendly locals, perhaps pick up a few words of the unique Newfoundland dialect, and might even be treated to a traditional “scoff” of Jiggs dinner.
Daily costs can vary significantly depending on your style of travel.
Sample Daily Costs:
- Basic room for two: $110-350
- Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $110-130
- Coffee: $2-6
- Sandwich: $5-24
- Dinner for two: $75-100
- Fish and chips: $18-32
- Beer/pint at the bar: $6.75-10
- Iceberg tour: $40-95
Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year, with peak season rates typically at the higher end. Factoring in these costs is an essential part of determining the best time to travel to Newfoundland for your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Newfoundland
Here are some common questions potential visitors have when planning their trip to Newfoundland:
What should I wear on a trip to Newfoundland?
Bring multiple layers of clothing and a reliable raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. A sturdy pair of hiking shoes is also essential to fully enjoy the island’s extensive trail network, which is one of its best features.
Do I need a visa to visit Newfoundland?
Many visitors may not require a visa, but it is crucial to verify the specific entry requirements with the Canadian government based on your nationality.
Is it true that Newfoundland has its own time zone?
Yes, Newfoundland operates on Newfoundland Standard Time (NST), which is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time.
Is driving safe in Newfoundland?
You will drive on the right side of the road. Familiarize yourself with Newfoundland’s designated scenic routes. Roads and highways are generally not busy or dangerous, but there is a significant exception: exercise extreme caution when driving at night due to the risk of moose wandering onto roads.
How do I prepare for a wilderness hike?
Wear appropriate clothing, including warm layers, a waterproof outer layer, and suitable footwear. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry extra water and food.
Is tipping customary in Newfoundland?
Yes, tipping is customary. A typical tip for restaurant or taxi service is 15 percent, though amounts can range from zero at fast-food establishments to 25 percent for exceptional service.
Did anyone live in Newfoundland before European settlers?
Despite its name, Newfoundland has a long and complex human history predating European arrival. To fully appreciate the rich human legacy of Newfoundland, learn about the Vikings who reached North America centuries before Columbus, archaic peoples like the Dorset Palaeo-eskimos, the now-extinct Beothuk, and the Mi’kmaq people who maintain a significant presence today. Understanding this history can enrich your travel experience regardless of the best time to travel to Newfoundland you choose.
