Best Things To Do In Newfoundland In Summer 2024

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!​

I visited eastern Canada just this summer. In this post, I’ll give you my own recommendations for the top activities to do in Newfoundland in your summer vacation.
Sandy beaches, colourful houses, magnificent hiking trails and amazing ocean views abound.

The best things to do in Newfoundland in summer are:

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

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:

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! 
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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:

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. 
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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!

The Tablelands: Hiking on Earth’s Mantle:

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

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:

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.
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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)
• Sansome & Sons 
  
• NWI Dinner Theatre
  

Where to stay in Twillingate:

• Anchor Inn Hotel
• North 99 Motel

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

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.
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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.

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 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.

                                      @John Lai

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.
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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.
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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, located on the eastern tip of Newfoundland, is a vibrant and colorful city known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals. This coastal gem offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it the perfect destination for your summer adventures in Newfoundland.

Things to do in St. John’s:

• 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).
• Johnson Geo geological centre.

5. Best 10 Beaches in Newfoundland:

1. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Burgeo Beach
2. Eastport Beaches 
3. Sandy Cove Beach
4. Lumsden Beach
5. Musgrave Harbour Beach
6. Bottle Cove, Lark Harbour Beach
7. Point Lance Sands
8. St. Vincent’s Beach
9. Grand Bay West Beaches
10. Salmon Cove Sands Beach

6. Top 10 Hiking Trails in Newfoundland:

1. Western Brook Pond 
2. The Tablelands 
3. Brimstone Head
4. Cobbler’s path
5. Chance Cove
6. The Spurwink Island Path
7. Spiller’s Cove
8. Lower Little Harbour
9. King’s Cove Lighthouse
10. Tickle Cove Arch

@elizabethpotterphot

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

7. 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

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!

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.
Check out your packing list essentials for your trip to Newfoundland here.