Plan Your Trip to Newfoundland and Labrador

Planning a successful trip to Newfoundland and Labrador requires understanding the province's unique geography, climate, and travel considerations. This vast and diverse region rewards travelers who plan carefully, allowing time to explore at a comfortable pace and remaining flexible for weather and unexpected discoveries. Our comprehensive planning guide covers everything you need to know before embarking on your Newfoundland and Labrador adventure.

Best Times to Visit

Summer (June through September) represents peak tourism season when weather is warmest and days are longest. July and August offer the most reliable weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) along the coast. However, summer also brings larger crowds at popular attractions and higher accommodation prices. Advance reservations are essential during peak season.

Shoulder seasons (May and September-October) provide excellent value with fewer crowds, though weather becomes less predictable. Late spring offers exceptional iceberg viewing along the coast, with massive ice formations drifting south from Greenland. Fall features spectacular foliage in inland areas and fewer visitors at popular sites.

Winter (November through April) appeals to adventurous travelers seeking solitude, northern lights, and winter activities. Most tourist facilities close, but cities remain accessible. Labrador offers excellent winter experiences including aurora viewing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, though extreme cold and limited daylight require preparation.

Getting There

Air travel provides the most convenient access to Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John's International Airport receives direct flights from major Canadian cities, some U.S. destinations, and seasonal European service. Deer Lake Regional Airport serves Western Newfoundland, convenient for Gros Morne National Park. Happy Valley-Goose Bay offers access to Labrador. Several smaller communities have airports served by regional carriers.

Marine Atlantic operates year-round ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Port aux Basques, Newfoundland (6-7 hours). Summer service also connects North Sydney to Argentia (16 hours), providing vehicle access to the Avalon Peninsula. Reservations are required well in advance during summer months. The ferry journey itself offers enjoyable maritime experiences with onboard amenities.

Getting Around

Car rentals provide maximum flexibility for exploring the province. Major rental agencies operate at airports and in larger cities. Booking in advance ensures availability and better rates. Newfoundland's highways are generally well-maintained, though some rural roads remain gravel. Winter driving requires appropriate vehicles and experience with snow and ice conditions.

Distances between communities can be substantial. St. John's to Gros Morne National Park requires approximately 7 hours driving. Planning realistic daily distances prevents fatigue and allows time to enjoy attractions along the way. Gas stations are abundant in populated areas but scarce in remote regions - always maintain adequate fuel reserves.

Organized tours offer alternatives to self-driving, particularly for specific activities like boat tours, whale watching, and cultural experiences. Some remote areas including Torngat Mountains National Park and offshore islands require charter flights or boats.

Weather and What to Pack

Newfoundland and Labrador weather changes quickly, often experiencing multiple seasons in a single day. Coastal fog can roll in suddenly during summer, bringing cool temperatures even on otherwise warm days. Layered clothing provides flexibility for changing conditions. Essential items include waterproof jacket, fleece or wool mid-layer, warm hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots.

Summer visitors should pack both warm and cool weather clothing. Evening temperatures can drop significantly, especially near the coast. Bug repellent helps manage black flies and mosquitoes during June and early July. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential - the sun can be surprisingly strong during long summer days.

Winter visitors require serious cold weather gear including insulated jacket, warm layers, winter boots, hat, gloves, and face protection. Labrador winter temperatures regularly drop below -30°C (-22°F) with wind chill. Appropriate clothing is not optional - it's a safety requirement.

Accommodations

Newfoundland and Labrador offers diverse accommodation options from luxury hotels to rustic cabins. St. John's and Corner Brook feature full-service hotels, boutique properties, and bed and breakfasts. Rural areas emphasize bed and breakfasts, inns, and cottage rentals, often in historic buildings or scenic locations.

Campgrounds throughout the province cater to RV travelers and tent campers. Gros Morne National Park operates several campgrounds with varying amenities. Private campgrounds offer additional options with services ranging from basic tent sites to full RV hookups.

Booking accommodations in advance is crucial during summer months, particularly in popular areas like Gros Morne, Twillingate during iceberg season, and St. John's during major events. Shoulder season and winter offer more flexibility, though options become more limited as facilities close for the season.

Dining and Local Cuisine

Newfoundland and Labrador cuisine centers on fresh seafood, particularly cod, which has shaped the province's history and culture. Traditional dishes include fish and chips, fish and brewis (salt cod with hardtack), Jiggs dinner (salt beef with vegetables), and toutons (fried bread dough). Regional specialties like cod tongues and seal flipper pie offer adventurous eaters authentic local experiences.

St. John's has developed a sophisticated dining scene with innovative chefs showcasing local ingredients. Restaurants throughout the province emphasize fresh seafood, often caught locally that day. Many establishments feature traditional music, especially on weekends, creating memorable dining experiences.

Smaller communities offer more limited dining options, with family restaurants, fish and chips shops, and occasional cafés. Some rural areas have minimal services - checking ahead and sometimes packing snacks prevents hunger during long drives between communities.

Activities and Attractions

Newfoundland and Labrador's activities emphasize outdoor adventure and natural beauty. Hiking trails range from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents. Gros Morne National Park alone offers dozens of trails showcasing geological wonders and spectacular scenery. The East Coast Trail near St. John's provides 336 kilometers of coastal wilderness hiking.

Boat tours offer encounters with whales, icebergs, seabirds, and dramatic coastlines. Tours operate from numerous communities during summer months. Sea kayaking provides intimate coastal exploration, while river kayaking and canoeing appeal to experienced paddlers.

Cultural attractions include historic sites documenting Viking presence, early European settlement, and maritime heritage. Museums in larger communities present natural and cultural history. Traditional music sessions, theater performances, and festivals celebrate local culture.

Important Considerations

Cell phone coverage exists in populated areas but disappears quickly in remote regions. Downloading offline maps and carrying paper maps provides backup navigation. Let someone know your itinerary when traveling in remote areas.

Wildlife encounters require respect and caution. Moose pose significant driving hazards, particularly at dawn and dusk. The province experiences numerous moose-vehicle collisions annually. Staying alert and reducing speed in known moose areas reduces risk.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, potentially affecting travel plans. Building flexibility into your itinerary allows for weather-related delays or detours. Some boat tours and flights may be cancelled due to fog or rough seas.

According to Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, the province's slogan "Come from away" reflects the warm welcome extended to visitors. Locals often go out of their way to help travelers, share recommendations, and ensure positive experiences. Engaging with residents enriches any visit to this remarkable province.