12 BEST places to visit in Newfoundland from coast to coast!

If you take the 7 hour ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to get to Newfoundland, then you’ll start your road trip in Channel-Port aux Basques.

This small town is located in the far southwestern corner of Newfoundland and while there isn’t much to do in Channel-Port aux Basques itself, the surrounding area is beautiful. There are a few fun spots to check out as you start driving north, so jump in the car and get started on your road trip to the best places to visit in Newfoundland!

A+K tip: You’ll mostly find chain restaurants here, so we recommend cooking if you can while in Channel-Port aux Basques.

Top things to do in Channel-Port aux Basques

• Stop by the visitor information center and take a photo in front of the Newfoundland and Labrador sign!
• Make a quick stop to see the iconic Wreckhouse which is known for its crazy winds that can reach up to 200 km/h.
• Hike the Starlite Trail, a 4.6 km (2.9 mile) trail that takes you to a small lake with waterfalls in the background. It’s a quick (but steep) hike just a 25 minute drive from Channel-Port aux Basques.

How much time should you spend in Channel-Port aux Basques?

You’ll only need one day or less in Channel-Port aux Basques. However, depending on when your ferry arrives, you may want to stay the night here after arriving, as driving in the dark is not advised in Newfoundland due to moose.

Top things to do on the Port au Port Peninsula

• Cross a small isthmus known as The Gravels to get to the peninsula. Make sure to stop at the rest area here to hike the Gravels Walking Trail, aka Danny’s Trail.
• Stop to see Hidden Falls, a hidden waterfall from the road. If you didn’t know it was there you’d never see it. But this is a waterfall you don’t want to miss! 
• Spend a few hours at Boutte du Cap Park at the southwest corner of the peninsula, hundreds of feet above the ocean. Hike the Breadcrumb Trail (7.7 km/4.8 miles) along the coast. And if you’re there during July or August, there is a traditional french bread oven that some locals still use to make and sell bread.
• Stop into Tea by the Sea for desserts, homemade baked goods, sandwiches, and of course tea all with a gorgeous view of the sea!
• Have dinner or drinks at Secret Cove Brewing Company!

How much time should you spend on the Port au Port Peninsula?

We recommend spending at least a full day on the Port au Port Peninsula. There are some great hikes to enjoy, but most stops are pretty quick. If you’re traveling in an RV or van, we highly suggest staying the night here at Cape St. George. It was easily one of the best free campsites in Newfoundland!

Top things to do in Corner Brook

• One of our absolute favorite places to visit in Newfoundland, not just in Corner Brook, is Bottle Cove, which is a beautiful hour drive from Corner Brook. Take this short trail to reach Sunset Rock for the best views, especially at sunset!
• Visit Cedar Cove, a gorgeous trail and area to explore. Take the flat 3.7 km (2.3 miles) Cedar Cove Path to reach the cove. Once at the cove, you can hike down the small cliff to reach the rocky beach.
• Hike the Cape Blow Me Down Trail which begins at the Copper Mine Falls Trail parking. You’ll have a steep climb through the forest, which is worth the trek for the panoramic views of the Bay of Islands, rolling hills, and mountains. Then hike the 1 km (0.5 mile) Copper Mine Falls Trail, which is a perfect spot to take an ice cold dip or just feel the mist!
• Climb the Man in the Mountain Trail, also known as the Humber Valley Trail for amazing views of the Humber River Valley below.
• Visit Marble Mountain Ski Resort for some skiing in the winter months or in the summer, you can take a chairlift ride for amazing views and go ziplining.
• Hike the quick Steady Brook Falls trail to a nice viewing platform overlooking the impressive waterfall!
• Relax at Margaret Bowater Park in Corner Brook and enjoy the amenities like picnic areas and a playground for the kids, plus a swimming area and our favorite part, the Corner Brook Stream Trail Network. This is great for people with kids or dogs!
• Eat at the local restaurants like Harbour Grounds, Newfound Sushi, Wowo Asian Home Style Cooking, and Pollen Nation Farm, which is a bee farm that also has a cafe.

How much time should you spend in Corner Brook?

Depending on how many hikes you want to tackle, we recommend spending two or three days in Corner Brook. There’s so much beautiful scenery to enjoy, plus the luxuries of a larger city, so take advantage of it!

Top things to do in Gros Morne National Park

• Take a Western Brook Pond boat tour (additional fee) through a freshwater fjord. Its towering rock walls, with waterfalls that cascade down, will make you feel absolutely tiny as you cruise alongside them. Note: This boat tour does require a flat 2.7 km (1.7 mile) walk from the parking area out to the boat terminal.
• Hike in the Tablelands area where you get to hike ON the earth’s mantle…which is WILD! To experience it, you can hike the Tablelands Trail on your own, both on a maintained or off trail route, or go on a free guided hike with a ranger!
• Hike the Baker’s Brook Falls Trail is a 9.1 km (5.7 miles) trail through the forest and by a pond to an impressive waterfall!
• See the views from the top of Gros Morne Mountain, the second tallest mountain in the park at 806 meters (2,644 feet). The Gros Morne Mountain Trail is VERY steep and rugged, so it should ONLY be done by those who have hiking experience, plenty of water with them, and are physically able.
• Hike Lookout Trail (5.5 km/3.4 miles) for views of Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain, the Tablelands, and the Lookout Hills. We think this hike has the best effort-to-view ratio in the park!
• For a unique hiking option, consider the Green Gardens Trail (9.9 km/6.2 miles). From the barren Tablelands and down to the beach, with sea stacks and cliff top meadows, there’s lots of variety of scenery. 
• See the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and explore the tide pools around the lighthouse at low tide.
• For the extra adventurous, hike the epic Long Range Traverse! This is a 3-4 day trek that traverses the Long Range mountains, the northernmost section of the Appalachian Mountains. However, it is a difficult journey, with NO maintained trail, so it is NOT for everyone. In fact, only 12 people can hit the trail per day. To learn more about this hike, check out our detailed guide about backpacking the Long Range Traverse! In this guide we share the cost, how to get permits, boat ride logistics, the best campsites along the way, and so much more!

Top things to do in St. Anthony

• Visit a Viking settlement! In 1968 there was a discovery that led to uncovering the remains of an 11th century Viking settlement. The L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is the only confirmed Norse site in North America. Here you can interact with costumed Viking interpreters, go on a tour that includes Viking stories around a campfire, and see how the Vikings lived and worked here.
• Go on a hike in the area. The Camel’s Back Trail is a short and flat trail in Saint Lunaire that is a great walk to see icebergs! You can also venture to the Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve for beautiful coastal views
• Visit Fishing Point Municipal Park located in St. Anthony. There are a few hiking trails, with one of the best being the Santana Trail. On this trail you can climb the 476 steps to the top of Fishing Point Head for panoramic views over the area. You can also visit Fox Point Lighthouse!
• Take the Ferry to Labrador. The ferry leaves from St. Barbe, Newfoundland, crosses the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and arrives in Blanc Sablon, Quebec a little under 2 hours later. From there it’s a short drive to Labrador.
• Look for icebergs! You can often see some of the icebergs from land, but an even better way to experience them is on an iceberg tour. A few tour operators in the area are Northland Discovery Boat Tours, Iceberg Alley Boat Tours and Dark Tickle Expeditions
• Attend the Iceberg Festival if you are visiting in June!
• Enjoy some of the local cuisine at The Norseman Restaurant and Daily Catch Restaurant.

How much time should you spend in St. Anthony?

You’ll want to plan for at least four days to visit St. Anthony, since getting there will take about a day each way. This will give you two full days to explore the area, experience the culture, learn the history, and enjoy the hikes!

Top things to do in Grand Falls-Windsor & Gander

• Visit the Thunder Brook Falls! Follow this short trail along the river to a couple large waterfalls with nice pools to swim in. It’s a hidden gem!
• See the musical, “Come From Away”, based on a true story on September 11, 2001 when all US airspace was closed and 34 planes had to be rerouted to the Gander airport. There were a total of around 6,600 passengers and crew, growing Gander’s 9,600 population by 70% in just a few hours. Gander, and many nearby towns, stepped up to feed, house, and keep the “plane people” as comfortable as possible during their stay. During this time friendships were formed and many people keep in contact to this day.
• If you’re an aviation fan visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving Gander’s role in the development of Trans Atlantic Aviation.
• Eat local food! These towns have a variety of chain restaurants to dine at, but for a local spot, head to Rosie’s Restaurant & Bakery in Gander!

How much time should you spend in Grand Falls-Windsor & Gander?

Since there’s not a lot to do here, we recommend only spending a day here. You can visit the attractions you’re interested in, as well as spend some time stocking up for the rest of the trip.

Top things to do on the Twillingate Islands

• Go on a boat tour or kayak tour to see Icebergs. Twillingate has billed itself as the “Iceberg capital of the world”, and is one of the best places to see them!
• Visit the Prime Berth Fishing Museum, a private collection of fishing equipment, artifacts and exhibits that share and interpret Newfoundland inshore fishing.
• Hike the Rockcut Trails, an amazing trail system that traverses rugged coastline, passes by rocky beaches, sea stacks, and offers endless gorgeous views. Two trails we recommend are the Nanny Hole and Long Point Lighthouse Loop (8.9 km/5.5 miles) and Spillers Cove and French Beach (4.8 km/3 miles).
• Visit the Long Point Lighthouse. From here you’ll be treated to views of the Atlantic ocean where you can spot icebergs, whales, and other wildlife.
• Enjoy a fun night of food and entertainment at the Twillingate / New World Island Dinner Theatre!
• Explore downtown Twillingate. It is small, but there are some cool stores!
• Eat local food at the Crow’s Nest Cafe, Canvas Cove Bistro, Stage Head Pub, and Pier 39.

How much time should you spend on the Twillingate Islands?

We recommend spending about two days exploring the Twillingate Islands. Enjoy some of the hikes, see the lighthouse, go to the dinner theater and spend time downtown. To learn even more things to do on the Twillingate Islands and see itinerary options, check out this guide!

Top things to do on Fogo Island

• Take a hike! Fogo Island might be small, but it is loaded with trails! We love the Lions Den Trail, Joe Batt’s Trail, Oliver’s Cove Path, Turpin’s Trail, and the Waterman’s Brook Trail.
• Visit one of the “four corners of the flat Earth” along the Brimstone Head Trail. In case you’re concerned, we do not believe the Earth is flat, but it is too quirky to pass up!
• Explore the town of Tilting, a small fishing village with a ton of Irish influence. Make sure to visit Squish Studio and Dwyer Premises! But to really learn about the area, go on a tour with Al’s Walking Tour.
• Relax at Sandy Cove, quite possibly the most beautiful beach we encountered in  all of Newfoundland. With white sand and bright, crystal clear water, it is picture perfect!
• Eat some at some of the best local restaurants in all of Newfoundland! Bangbelly Bistro not only has delicious seafood, but the decor is beautiful and the people are so friendly. Punch Buggy Pizza & Coffee Co is a cute stand with delicious coffee and pizza. This super cute, bright pink stand is hard to miss! Growlers Ice Cream has the best ice cream in Newfoundland!

How much time should you spend on Fogo Island?

You could spend just one day on Fogo Island, but we highly recommend spending two days if you can fit that into your Newfoundland itinerary!

Top things to do in Terra Nova National Park

• Hike the Ochre Hill Trail through a bit of forest and along a pond to the top of Ochre Hill for spectacular views of green forest and dark blue lakes. For another hike with sweeping views, check out the Mill Cove Lookout.
• Relax on the beach. Terra Nova National Park and the surrounding areas are known for their fresh and saltwater beaches. Check out Sandy Pond, plus Eastport Beach and Sandy Cove nearby.
• Go paddling! You can venture out on your own or go on a guided trip with Happy Adventure Tours, for anywhere from a few hours to a multi day adventure!
• Cook around the campfire! While there aren’t many options for eating in the park, this is a great park to pack a picnic or cook around the campfire!

How much time should you spend in Terra Nova National Park?

We recommend spending at least one day, but preferably two, in Terra Nova National Park. This will give you enough time to hike, kayak, and visit beaches.

Top things to do on the Bonavista Peninsula

• See the Tickle Cove Sea Arch! It is a quick stop with a natural arch that’s an interesting shade of reddish purple, tucked away in a little cove, surrounded by clear, blue water.
• Explore the town of Bonavista. While here, try some classic Newfoundland dishes, like toutons, Fisherman’s brewis, and fish cakes at Mifflin’s Tea Room. And for a historical stop, check out the Ryan Premises National Historic Site.
• See the Puffins at the Puffing Viewing Site in Elliston. The puffins are usually here from May to August. While you’re here, see the root cellars, traditional food storage systems built right into the ground.
• Visit the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. This is one of the few lighthouses in the world where you can climb the stone tower and see the seal oil fueled catoptric light used in the 1800s!
• See the towering rock columns and outcroppings at Spillars Cove. It’s one of the most rugged sections of coastline that we saw across the province. And if you have enough time, there is a trail you can hike to see even more!
• Spend some time at Dungeon Provincial Park. Known for its collapsed sea cave with a natural archway, it also has horses and sheep that roam about!
• Hike the Skerwink Trail, which is rated #1 trail in Newfoundland according to AllTrails. This hike is loaded with jaw dropping coastal views, including sea stacks.
• Grab coffee at Two Whales Coffee Shop, a cute coffee shop, plus cafe!
• See the town of Trinity, the most beautiful town on the peninsula. While here, hike up to the Gun Hill Lookout, catch a show at Rising Tide Theatre, plus check out some of the Trinity Historical Society sites. You can also go on an iceberg kayaking tour!
• Make the drive on a windy and bumpy road out to the Fort Point Lighthouse. 

How much time should you spend on the Bonavista Peninsula?

We recommend spending at least two to three days here, if not more! To learn even more things to do on the Bonavista Peninsula and see itinerary options, check out this guide!

Top things to do in St. John’s

• Watch the sunrise at Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. You can also see the oldest lighthouse in all of Newfoundland here, plus MASSIVE waves!
• See the colorful buildings of Jellybean Row. 
• Explore The Rooms, a museum that is home to the province’s most extensive collection of artifacts, art and historical records. 
• Get “Screeched-in”, a ceremony where non-Newfoundlanders or “Come From Aways” can become honorary Newfoundlanders. You recite some local sayings, kiss a cod, and do a shot of Screech, a rum with 40% alcohol content. A couple popular places to get screeched-in in St. John’s are Christian’s Pub (sign up online in advance!) and Trapper John’s.
• Visit The Battery, a neighborhood with super narrow streets and colorful houses perched on the cliffside. 
• Hike the North Head Trail to the Signal Hill National Historic Site. This spot played a huge role in signaling and transatlantic communication. You can take a guided history tour, fire a historic musket, fire the noon day gun, go inside the Cabot Tower, see the exhibit about Marconi, and enjoy the 360º views of St. John’s!
• Check out the quaint, historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi. Here you can stroll through shops, check out local eats, drink beer made from icebergs, and walk along Quidi Vidi Lake or hike the Sugarloaf Path.
• Visit some of the best local restaurants! Our favorite spot was Bannerman Brewing for coffee, plus Thai food at Namjim inside. But there are many other great places to eat in St. John’s!

How much time should you spend in St. John’s?

You’ll need at least two full days to explore St. John’s and the surrounding villages. But there is so much to do here that you definitely can make that three, four, or more days! And if you need help planning your time here, we have itinerary suggestions to help you out.

Top things to do on the Avalon Peninsula

• Hike part of the East Coast Trail, a 336 km (227 mile) long trail system along the coast that is great for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. Some sections we love are Stiles Cove Path (featuring tall cliffs, waterfalls, and gigantic waves) and the Spout Path (featuring a wave powered geyser). Plus Cobbler’s Path, La Manche Suspension Bridge, Flamber Head Path, Biscan Cove Path, and the Spurwink Island Path.
• Go on a puffin and whale watching tour with Gatherall’s or O’Briens. If you visit during the right season, this is a must!
• Have a beach campfire at Middle Cove Beach, which is a popular spot for beach campfires.
• Grab coffee (with a view!) at Irish Loop Coffee House.

How much time should you spend on the Avalon Peninsula?

Depending on the hikes you choose, one to three days is enough time on the Avalon Peninsula to see the sights and experience the culture!