The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Newfoundland and Labrador
Discover the stunning vistas, vibrant culture, and natural wonders of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 12 must-see destinations.
Few regions in the world can rival the rugged magic of Newfoundland and Labrador. With its windswept coastlines, timeworn fishing settlements, and dramatic geological wonders, Canada’s easternmost province lures adventurers and tranquil seekers alike. Dive into our handpicked list of the 12 most beautiful destinations that capture the spirit and scenery of Newfoundland and Labrador—from storied cities and forgotten harbors to untamed national parks.
1. St. John’s
The lively capital and oldest city of North America, St. John’s is brimming with personality and color. Locals and visitors adore:
- Jellybean Row – Rows of candy-colored Victorian houses stacking the hillsides.
- The Rooms – Newfoundland’s premier art gallery and museum with panoramic city views.
- Signal Hill National Historic Site – Explore the hilltop fort and Cabot Tower, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.
- Cape Spear – Stand at the easternmost point of North America, home to the province’s oldest lighthouse and stunning sunrise views.
- Quidi Vidi Village – A charming harbor enclave with craft breweries and artisan studios.
- Screech-in ceremonies at storied pubs, where you can become an honorary Newfoundlander.
Beyond the sights, relish the city’s renowned food scene—from Bannerman Brewing’s cozy cafe to fresh seafood shacks—and hike curving trails along The Battery or out to the wild headlands.
2. Gros Morne National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park is a jaw-dropping landscape of mountain peaks, glacial fjords, and restless coastline. The park’s highlights include:
- Western Brook Pond – Boat through a freshwater fjord flanked by 600-meter cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- The Tablelands – Hike on the Earth’s mantle, a gold-and-rust plateau resembling Mars more than Earth.
- Long Range Mountains – Venture along epic trails with sweeping ocean views and sightings of moose, caribou, and rare arctic-alpine plants.
- Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse – Discover regional maritime heritage.
Whether kayaking, hiking, or simply marveling at the rock formations and vibrant tundra, Gros Morne offers some of the most unforgettable vistas in Canada.
3. Twillingate
Set on the edge of the North Atlantic, Twillingate is the self-proclaimed “Iceberg Capital of the World.” Every spring and early summer, colossal icebergs drift down from Greenland along “Iceberg Alley,” offering a rare, magical spectacle that can often be seen right from the shore.
- Join whale watching tours and spot humpback, minke, and even blue whales.
- Explore rocky coastal hiking paths with panoramic ocean lookout points.
- Visit folk museums and sample local seafood, including the area’s famed cod dishes.
While summer draws the largest crowds, Twillingate’s quietly dramatic coastlines are a year-round draw for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
4. Bonavista
History meets wild drama on the Bonavista Peninsula. Bonavista itself is where John Cabot is believed to have landed in 1497, and it’s still a vibrant harbor community with:
- The dramatic Bonavista Lighthouse on the windswept point.
- Ryan Premises National Historic Site – A beautifully preserved complex illustrating Newfoundland’s fishing heritage.
- Charming fishing stages and pastel saltboxes lining the waterfront.
- Access to picturesque coastal drives, coves, and puffin nesting sites nearby.
Brilliant wildflowers and the crashing waves of Cape Bonavista add to the peninsula’s distinct wildness, making it a highlight of any road trip.
5. Fogo Island
Fogo Island was once a remote outpost but is now world-famous for its dramatic coastal landscapes and cultural innovation. The island’s top draws include:
- Fogo Island Inn – An award-winning architectural marvel perched above the pounding North Atlantic.
- Quirky fishing villages like Joe Batt’s Arm and Seldom Come By with brightly painted homes and saltbox studios.
- Rugged hiking trails past windswept barrens, coastal headlands, and traditional wooden stages known as “stores.”
- Innovative community-run arts initiatives and food experiences that celebrate local heritage and sustainable living.
The blend of isolation, creativity, and pure, raw scenery makes Fogo truly one of Newfoundland’s most unique destinations.
6. L’Anse aux Meadows
Marking the earliest known evidence of European settlement in the Americas, L’Anse aux Meadows is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and must-see for history lovers.
- Explore reconstructed Viking sod houses and artifacts at this thousand-year-old Norse village.
- Learn from costumed interpreters who bring ancient stories to life.
- Marvel at the unspoiled tundra, bogs, and wildflowers setting the stage for dramatic sunsets.
The site is both an archaeological treasure and an atmospheric window into a lost era of exploration.
7. Trinity
Trinity is a perfectly preserved fishing settlement whose saltbox houses, cobbled lanes, and flower-boxed stores tell tales of Newfoundland’s early days.
- Take a theatrical heritage walking tour for a lively retelling of the town’s colorful past.
- See restored structures such as St. Paul’s Anglican Church and old merchant homes.
- Kayak the tranquil bay surrounded by forested hills, picturesque coves, and the ghostly remains of old wharves.
- In summer, enjoy open-air theater performances under the midnight sun.
Time seems to slow down in Trinity, making it ideal for a peaceful day trip or longer rural escape.
8. Battle Harbour
Accessible only by ferry, Battle Harbour on the isolated coast of southern Labrador is a living museum to Newfoundland and Labrador’s salt fish trade and seafaring traditions.
- Stroll the sunlit boardwalks among restored 19th-century buildings, fish sheds, and a salt store.
- Visit the white clapboard Anglican church and soak in haunting views of the iceberg-dotted Labrador Sea.
- Spend a night in historic accommodation and wake to seabird calls and the scent of salt air.
Battle Harbour’s remoteness and authenticity transport you back to an era of mariners, merchants, and hard-earned living by the sea.
9. Torngat Mountains National Park
For true wilderness, nothing matches the raw, vertical drama of Torngat Mountains National Park in northern Labrador. Named after the Inuktitut word for “place of spirits,” it’s a land of epic peaks, sheer fjords, and ancient glaciers.
- See caribou, polar bears, and black bears in their natural environment, home to the highest mountains east of the Rockies.
- Traverse Inuit homeland, learning about legends and ways of life that span millennia.
- Cruise mirror-still fjords beneath impossibly steep cliffs or hike over exposed tundra in the company of Parks Canada guides.
Remote, untamed, and only accessible by plane or boat, Torngat is a pilgrimage for those chasing true adventure and arctic wilderness.
10. Red Bay
Red Bay is an unexpected archaeological find on Labrador’s remote coast, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 16th-century Basque whaling history.
- Tour the interpretation center to learn about Basque seafarers’ world and see original shipwrecks, tools, and whale bones.
- Wander along rugged beaches and spot remnants of ancient tryworks (whale oil ovens).
- Take a boat across to Saddle Island for further archaeological exploration.
Red Bay is a testament to the human urge for adventure and the power of the sea in shaping destinies.
11. Labrador
Often overshadowed by Newfoundland’s island side, the great expanse of Labrador is a region of timeless wilderness and deep Indigenous heritage. Journey here for:
- Expansive untouched forests, tundra, and meandering rivers perfect for canoeing or fishing adventures.
- The scenic Trans-Labrador Highway, a true road trip route for the intrepid—passing dense woods, roaring waterfalls, and isolated communities.
- Remote outposts and vibrant Indigenous villages, where you can learn about Innu and Inuit culture.
Labrador’s wildness is its greatest gift; the further you go, the further back in time you travel.
12. Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Just a short drive south of St. John’s, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a haven for wildlife lovers and ocean explorers alike.
- Home to the largest puffin colony in North America, as well as hundreds of thousands of seabirds and marine mammals.
- Boat tours let you see puffins, murres, and razorbills up close, alongside leaping humpback and minke whales.
- The saline air is filled with gull cries, and evenings are capped with unforgettable coastal sunsets.
Bring your binoculars and a sense of awe—these oceanic spectacles are a highlight for any visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quick Facts Table
| Destination | Top Highlight | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | Jellybean Row, Signal Hill | May–September |
| Gros Morne National Park | Western Brook Pond, Tablelands | June–September |
| Twillingate | Iceberg viewing | May–July |
| Bonavista | Lighthouse, Ryan Premises | June–September |
| Fogo Island | Fogo Island Inn, hiking | June–September |
| L’Anse aux Meadows | Viking settlement | June–September |
| Trinity | Heritage tours, theater | June–August |
| Battle Harbour | Historic buildings | July–September |
| Torngat Mountains NP | Wildlife, epic scenery | July–August |
| Red Bay | Basque history | June–September |
| Labrador | Wilderness, Indigenous culture | June–September |
| Witless Bay | Puffins, whales | June–August |
Top Reasons to Visit Newfoundland and Labrador
- Dramatic natural landscapes: From fjords and cliffs to icebergs and dense forests.
- Warm-hearted locals and vibrant culture: Experience stories, songs, and traditions found nowhere else.
- History at every turn: Walk where Vikings, Basques, and explorers landed a millennium ago.
- Wildlife encounters: See puffins, whales, moose, caribou, and even polar bears in their habitats.
- Culinary discoveries: Savor cod tongues, toutons, moose stew, and “screech” rum on the edge of the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador?
The best time to visit is from June to September when temperatures are mild, icebergs and whales are visible, and most attractions are accessible.
How do I see icebergs?
The best iceberg viewing is typically from May to early July in places like Twillingate, St. Anthony, and along the northeast coast. Boat tours or coastal hikes offer prime viewing.
Are these destinations accessible by car?
Most Newfoundland destinations are reachable by car, though remote areas like Fogo Island require a ferry. Labrador attractions often need additional planning and can be accessed via the Trans-Labrador Highway or flight.
Is it possible to see puffins and whales in one trip?
Yes! Coastal sites like Witless Bay offer guided tours where you can see both puffins and whales, especially during summer.
What makes the culture unique in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The province’s culture blends English, Irish, French, Innu, and Inuit roots. Expect spirited storytelling, traditional music (including lively kitchen parties!), and welcoming hospitality wherever you go.
For those who seek wild horizons, storied villages, and untamed beauty, Newfoundland and Labrador remains one of the world’s last great frontiers.
