Why We Fell in Love with Newfoundland
When we arrived in Newfoundland, we knew very little about the province and its unique charm. Fast forward three weeks later, and now it's hard to imagine our lives without this beautiful place—we have fallen in love with all Newfoundland has to offer!
In this post, we'll share our favorite discoveries of Newfoundland. Hopefully, we will convince you to schedule a trip to this small, rugged island to take a closer look at it for you.
1. Newfoundlands Rugged Beauty
Of all the reasons to love this island, this one falls at the top of the list. It didn’t matter where we were or which direction we turned; the view was always majestic, raw, and mostly untouched. I must have said OMG! Look! a million times. It feels like the whole province is a national park with small towns scattered here and there.
Planning a bucket list trip to Newfoundland?? Let us help! Our complete Newfoundland Travel Guide makes planning a breeze!
2. The People
I know it sounds so cliche, but it is true! We had strangers coming up to give us information on everything from their favorite local restaurant to must-see spots throughout Newfoundland. The people we met during our trip were kind and friendly and immediately made us feel at home. We found their unique accents and vernacular so charming and interesting. Newfoundlanders are known for their love of music and storytelling, so be prepared for a good time and a nice long chat whenever you visit.
Newfoundland Videos
3. The Lighthouses
As you travel the coast of Newfoundland, you will find beautiful lighthouses in every direction. You will find a historic, beautiful lighthouse around every coastal corner of Newfoundland. You could create an epic trip just by hopping from one to the next. You can even stay in a few of them! Head over to our blog on the Best Newfoundland Lighthouses for more information.
4. Breathtaking natural scenery
One of the things that immediately grabbed our attention in Newfoundland was its stunning natural scenery. This island has everything from soaring fjords and dramatic cliffs to pristine lakes and lush forests. The Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail are jaw-dropping places that will leave you in awe.
5. Starry Nights
You do not have to worry about light pollution making the stars at night difficult to see. Newfoundland only has five people per square mile, so pollution is not a problem! There are so many beautiful locations in Newfoundland to see the night sky.
Terra Nova National Park: Dark Sky Preserve
Brimstone Head, Fogo Island: Minimal light pollution. Perfect for stargazing. The Flat Earth Society considers this one of the Earth's four corners.
L’Anse Aux Meadows, UNESCO World Heritage Site: Perfect place to gaze at the Milky Way
Gros Morne National Park: Anywhere in the park is perfect for stargazing
Codroy Valley: You can see a whole galaxy at night
6. Newfoundland Culture
The culture and heritage of Newfoundland are rich with Irish, English, French, and Indigenous influences. You will find rich tales and traditions all over the province. The island has a rich history of fishing and seafaring, which has shaped the way of life for the people who call it home. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are everywhere in Newfoundland.
Catch cod with locals in a traditional fishing boat
Dig for buried treasure from the 17th century at the Colony of Avalon’s Archeology site
Sleep in a lighthouse keeper’s residence in St Johns
Build a boat in Winterton
Fire a cannon on Signal Hill
Get screeched in to become an honorary Newfoundlander
7. Unique Wildlife
Newfoundland is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It's home to a diverse range of animals, including whales, dolphins, bald eagles, puffins, and moose, to name a few. We were lucky enough to go on a boat tour to see a humpback whale and her calf up close, which was an unforgettable experience. You can see them in the video below.
8. Newfoundland’s rich History
Newfoundland's history is a big part of its charm. This province has a significant cultural heritage shaped by its long history of fishing, whaling, and shipbuilding. You can still see the remnants of this past in the many lighthouses, fishing villages, and museums that abound in the region.
One of the most popular places to visit is The Rooms, a museum in St. John's that celebrates Newfoundland's art, history, and culture. Explore the Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, where you can find the remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement.
9. Quaint Fishing Villages
The colorful fishing villages dot the Newfoundland coastline are like something from a storybook. We loved wandering the narrow streets, admiring the brightly painted houses, and watching the local fishermen haul in their catch. These picturesque villages offer a glimpse into a way of life passed down for generations.
More Newfoundland Videos
10. Spectacular Icebergs
If you are an iceberg chaser, this is the place for you! These massive hunks of ice originate from the glaciers of Greenland and are carried by ocean currents to Newfoundland's coast. Seeing these natural wonders up close is an unforgettable experience that is hard to describe. The icebergs can be seen from various vantage points, such as boat tours, hiking trails, or viewing platforms. Some of the best places to see them are Twillingate, the Great Northern Peninsula, and Iceberg Alley (a stretch of ocean along the province's eastern coast).
The best time to view icebergs is late May through June. If you are lucky, you can also catch a few in July. We never were able to see one while we were there. They seem to be all around us. We heard "one just floated out to sea" so many times!
Keep an eye on them with the Iceberg Finder and a few Facebook pages.
11. Newfoundland's Delicious Cuisine
Newfoundland's cuisine is another thing that makes it stand out. With fresh seafood as its centerpiece, Newfoundland cuisine uniquely blends English, Irish, and indigenous ingredients. Codfish is a staple of the local diet, and you can try it in many delicious ways, such as fish and brewis or fishcakes. I ate seafood every day while I was there.
You will also find unique dishes such as toutons (deep-fried dough), Jiggs Dinner (a boiled dinner with salt meat), and moose sausages and burgers. Don't forget to wash it all down with a pint of the local beer. The Quidi Vidi brewery is a great option!
More Newfoundland Blogs!
Are you planning a trip yet??
Newfoundland is a destination that truly stole our hearts. Its natural beauty, unique culture, friendly people, and abundant wildlife make it a place unlike any other. If you're looking for a travel experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories, we highly recommend adding Newfoundland to your bucket list. We guarantee you won't regret it! We are already trying to figure out when we can return!
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About the Author: Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.