Things to do in Newfoundland in Summer

10+ Best Things To Do In Newfoundland In Summer 

Wondering about things to do in Newfoundland in summer?

Looking for a laid-back vacation? 

Thinking of exploring a really unique part of our planet? 

You’re in the right place! 

Things to Do in Newfoundland in Summer

📸

@carolynmurray229

I visited eastern Canada just this summer. In this post, I’ll give you my own recommendations for the best things to do in Newfoundland in the summer.

Sandy beaches, colourful houses, magnificent hiking trails and amazing ocean views abound.

Things to Do in Newfoundland in Summer St. John's Canada

A great Newfoundland vacation means knowing about:

  1. Gros Morne National Park
  2. Icebergs & Whale watching tours
  3. Fogo Island
  4. The city of St. John’s
  5. The 10 best beaches in Newfoundland
  6. The 10 best hiking trails
  7. More

Let’s dive into these great summer vacation activities one by one to give you more details.

1. Gros Morne National Park: A glimpse of paradise: 

Trout River Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland Canada

📸

© @leevokey

When thinking about things to do in Newfoundland in summer, Gros Morne National Park must come first on your list.

This 1,805 square Kilometre UNESCO World Heritage site is the most realistic example of what heaven must look like.

Spectacular fjords need to be explored. Hike on the earth’s mantle, climb beckoning summits, and capture the wonders of pristine waterfalls and sheer cliffs! 

The options here are endless, especially when you add festivals, art and music events that are scheduled frequently throughout the summer.

Western Brook Pond: Iconic Fjords Just Like Norway

Western Brook Pond: Iconic Fjords hike photo in Newfoundland Canada just like Norway

This is my favorite part of Gros Morne National Park!

Unless you’re a hardcore hiker, the 2 hour boat tour is more than enough to enjoy the stunning fjords and waterfalls.

You still need to do a 2.7 KM easy hike from the parking lot to the boat dock, so arrive one hour before the scheduled time.

Want to skip the line and guarantee your spot? Book the boat tour online and go directly to your boat. 

If you want to reach this iconic spot the adventurous way, hire a guide and have your hiking gear ready. Be prepared for a challenging full day!

Western Brook Pond fjords boat tour Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland Canada

The Tablelands: Hiking on Earth’s Mantle

The Tablelands Waterfall Hiking on Earth’s Mantle Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland Canada

The Tablelands, NL, Canada is one of the few spots on the planet where you can walk beneath the surface of our earth.

This unique wonder was a result of the plate tectonic collision that happened millions of years ago, and pushed the mantle from underneath the ocean to the surface after the continents split.

Whether you choose a short hike on your own or the guided full-day tour to the top of the tablelands, I guarantee you’ll have a completely awe-inspiring and amazing experience.

Hiking the Tablelands and walking on earth's mantle in Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland Canada

Where to Stay in Gros Morne National Park:

  • Bonne Bay Inn
  • The Rooms At Woody Point
  • Gros Morne Inn

Where to eat in Gros Morne National Park:

  • Seaside Restaurant
  • The Old Loft Restaurant
  • Merchant Retro Cafe

2. Twillingate: The Iceberg Capital of the World

Iceberg Alley boat tour in Twillingate, NL, Canada The Iceberg Capital of the World

Did you know that thousands of people fly to Newfoundland every year from all over the world just to watch the Icebergs?

Twillingate, also known as “The Iceberg capital of the world,” is the best place to spot them in Newfoundland.

Iceberg boat tours will take you up close to experience this wonder with open decks and heated cabins. You will most likely see some whales during your tour

Iceberg boat tours last about 2-4 hours, and depart every day during the season from Twillingate and St.Johns. You can book easily online on the IcebergQuest website.

Travel Tip:

Motion sickness bracelets, patches or pills are recommended for those who are prone to sea sickness.

Where to eat in Twillingate:

Annies’s Harbour Restaurant (good menu with lots of interesting choices, call ahead for reservations).

Where to stay in Twillingate?

  • Anchor Inn Hotel
  • North 99 Motel

📸

© @elizabethpotterphoto

3. Fogo Island: One of the 4 Corners of the Earth

Brimstone head trail hiking one of the four corners of the world Fogo Island Newfoundland Canada

Islands are literally everywhere in Newfoundland! 

There are around 7000 in the province, most of them uninhabited. Can you believe that number?

Fogo Island attracts thousands of tourists and artists from around the world. They love to visit the artist studios, enjoy the local wildlife, and hike the many amazing trails to be explored on Fogo Island! 

Fogo Island is one of the most peaceful and beautiful islands in Newfoundland that you don’t want to miss!

If you have to choose one destination, especially in summer, it would definitely be the Brimstone Head hiking trail.

The Flat Earth society considers Brimstone Head on Fogo Island one of the four corners of the world because of the unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fogo Island ocean view cottage cabin by the canal

Where to stay in Fogo Island:-

  • Fogo Island Inn Hotel
  • Cabin by the canal  (The best ocean view cottage I have been to)
  • Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Fogo Inn hotel Fogo Island Newfoundland Canada

📸

@John lai

Fogo Island Inn Hotel: A Piece of Art

A unique, five-star luxury hotel has stands guard at the edge of the world with its contemporary architecture.

The hotel has an outstanding restaurant, movie theatre, library and a unique art gallery.

What makes Fogo Island Inn so special is everything here is done to support the local culture and community or made by Newfoundland artisans.

The furniture, the wallpaper, the cushions, and even the food is all sourced from the island. 

Staying at the Fogo Island Inn isn’t cheap at all. A visit costs at least C$2000/night and may require a minimum stay of 2-3 nights.

How to get to Fogo Island:

This remote island, “also described as far away from far away,” is only accessible by ferry from Farwell or by helicopter.

There’s no way to guarantee your spot on the ferry other than lining- up at Farwell harbor at least 90 minutes before the scheduled time.

The ferry takes around an hour to reach Fogo Island after a short stop at Change Islands.

The ferry ride costs C$6.05 for walk-in or C$18.15 for the vehicle and a driver. Pay once in Farwell Harbor. No payment is needed on your way back.

Travel tips:

  • Make sure to have some water and snacks as you might experience more than the usual waiting times.
  • Always try to get the earlier ferry, especially if you have a flight afterwards.
  • Check the ferry updates on the ferry’s community Facebook page.

4. St. John’s: The Colorful City

St. John's Newfoundland Canada the colourful city

📸

© @bparsons98

From energetic culture to rich history, it’s no surprise that St. John’s is full of galleries, museums, historic sites, and unique attractions.

Doing nothing but touring around downtown St. John’s and enjoying the iconic colored houses is such a wonderful experience.

Can’t miss sites in the city of St. John’s in Newfoundland:

  • Cape Spear Lighthouse.
  • Visit the scenic fishing villages (Petty Harbour & Quidi Vidi).
  • Walking around the downtown and enjoying the iconic colored houses.
  • Signal Hill (National Historic Site).
  • Jonson Heo Centre museum.

5. Best 10 Beaches to enjoy in Newfoundland

Musgrave Harbour sandy beach Newfoundland

📸

@carolynmurray229
  • Sandbanks Provincial Park, Burgeo Beach
  • Eastport Beaches 
  • Sandy Cove Beach
  • Lumsden Beach
  • Musgrave Harbour Beach
  • Bottle Cove, Lark Harbour Beach
  • Point Lance Sands
  • St. Vincent’s Beach
  • Grand Bay West Beaches
  • Salmon Cove Sands Beach

6. The 10 best Hiking Trails in Newfoundland

Hiking Torbay Point Newfoundland Canada

📸

©  @elizabethpotterphoto

In Newfoundland, nature’s beauty is endless, especially in summer. You just gotta know where to look. Or in this case, where to hike!

  • Western Brook Pond 
  • The Tablelands 
  • Brimstone Head
  • Cobbler’s path
  • Chance Cove
  • The Spurwink Island Path
  • Spiller’s Cove
  • Lower Little Harbour
  • King’s Cove Lighthouse
  • Tickle Cove Arch

7. Other Things to do in Newfoundland in Summer

Whitewater rafting Newfoundland

📸

@raftingnl

Although Newfoundland is filled with stunning landscapes, beaches, icebergs, whales and puffins, what really sets it apart from other places is the fantastic “Newfie’ people. 

Newfies are the next level in vacation hospitality!

Here are more things to do in Newfoundland in summer:

  • Puffin & Whale Watching tours
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Zipline 
  • Stargazing
  • ATV Tours
  • Watch the first sunrise in North America
  • Sunset Cruise, Cod Fishing and Cultural boat tours
Sunrise Cape Spear Newfoundland Canada

📸

@visitnewfoundlandlabrador

Travel tips:

  • Renting a car in Newfoundland is highly recommended 
  • Telus and Bell provide the best cellphone coverage in Newfoundland (Avoid Rogers).

I hope you benefit from my experience regarding things to do in Newfoundland in summer.
If you need any help planning your Itinerary, feel free to book a FREE 15 min consultation with me here.