Destination Newfoundland & Labrador - Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's 10th province and consists of Newfoundland Island (new fin-LAND in Newfoundland English) and the mainland Labrador on the Atlantic Coast. The Capital is St John’s.

This a huge Province and its wonders go back thousands of years. Take an opportunity to explore this mysterious land, take your time, throw away your expectations and allow yourself to wowed.

Hike the rugged coast while watching whales frolic in the ocean, dance jigs and reels, eat food with funny-sounding names. Kiss a cod and get screeched in – unique experiences you won’t witness elsewhere. In the winter enjoy downhill or cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or snow shoeing.

Labrador is one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet with towering mountains, massive rock faces, huge lakes and rivers. The air is pure, the water clear and the people hospitable. Enjoy a great adventure, challenge yourself in the white-water, or just hike and photograph this beautiful landscape. This area teems with fish and game and is ideal for sport fishermen and hunting.

The history of Labrador is long and intriguing. The indigenous people can be traced back almost 9000 years to early human habitation of the North American continent. Early European presence can be found at Red Bay where archaeologists have uncovered a 16th Century Basque whaling station.

From the Northern tip of Labrador down to the east coasts of Newfoundland the shores are nicknamed Iceberg Alley. 10,000 year old Icebergs tumble and twist down this coast breaking into beautiful shapes before melting in the warm waters of the gulf stream. What shows above water is just a fraction of what flows beneath the waves. Sailors are always mindful of the Icebergs as bits and pieces of all shapes and sizes can be found and become serious obstacles to ships as was the case when the Titanic met its doom in April of 1912.
There are hundreds of towns, coves and bays organized into 5 regions to help you plan your journey. Each place comes with its own charm, colourful personality, and collection of characters.
St John’s, the capital is a bold vibrant city and is the oldest city in North America. Then there are places like Ha Ha Bay, Tickle Cove, Fortune Bay, and Happy Adventure, the Battery, Joe Batt's Arm, Jerry’s Nose and Heart’s Delight. Places to get you thinking on how they came up with the names.
There are numerous exciting places to visit, here are just 3:
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site:
Experience 19th century light keeping in this 1843 lighthouse one of the most photographed sites in the province. This is a great spot for viewing whales, icebergs, and puffins.
Terra Nova National Park of Canada:
Forested hills, barrens and bogs where wildlife and birds abound. Over 50kms of hiking trails, guided nature walks, theatre programs, interactive displays and exhibits that interpret the park's heritage. At the Visitor’s Centre discover Marine exhibits, aquariums and a touch tank that give you a glimpse of the fascinating world underwater. Interpretive boat tours offer exploration of the coastline.
L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Sites:
Discovery of a small cloak pin in 1968 by archaeologists Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad. proved that Leif Erickson and crews of Norse explorers settled in Newfoundland and Labrador (or Vinland as it was named) over a thousand years ago.
The Vikings, the first Europeans to reach the new world, landed at L’Anse aux Meadows. Norse Sagas have spoken about it for centuries, but in 1978, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site became one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites as the first and only authenticated Norse settlement in North America.
Visit the site where Vikings once stood. Costumed interpreters will help you discover what life was like for a Viking in 1000 AD. Enjoy the Icelandic Sagas and learn of the rich Norse history.
2kms down the road visit Norstead, a recreated Viking port of trade. Try a traditional Norse game, learn to throw an axe, spin yarn, or take a pottery lesson. Step aboard Snorri, a replica of the Viking ship that retraced Erickson’s course from Greenland to the Meadows.
A visit to Newfoundland and Labrador is a unique experience that you will remember always along with the warm hospitality of its down-to-earth people.