Outdoor Activities in Newfoundland & Labrador
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Newfoundland, Atlantic Canada.
The Newfoundland and Labrador landscape is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a special and unique adventure. Forests, wetlands, national parks, endless trails and rough backcountry, as well as countless lakes and rivers—populated and remote—make every season rich with opportunities to suit every interest. Whether it is whale watching in central Newfoundland or a wintry snowmobile or ATV tour in Labrador, this one-of-a-kind province never fails to satisfy even the most adventurous appetite.
WHALE, BIRD & ICEBERG WATCHING
Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a large population of humpback whales during the summer months, making June to August the prime time for whale watching. Minke, fin and sperm whales are also plentiful during this time, as they hunt for food along the coast. Humpback whales are the most likely to get close to touring groups, showing off by lifting their 50-ft bodies above the surface of the ocean and diving back in again.
Whale-watching tours are an activity that can be found in every region of Newfoundland and Labrador. The central and Avalon regions offer more of these tours than any other regions, with Bay Bulls and Twillingate each providing multiple tour companies. Many companies provide daily outings during the season and some will even guarantee their visitors at least one sighting. Cameras are essential for these tours.
Several of these companies also offer bird-watching opportunities, focusing mainly on the province's provincial bird, the puffin. Areas surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador are where 95 per cent of North America's puffin population breed. Several whale-watching tours also feature the opportunity to view these black and white, bright-billed birds.
Icebergs, drifting from Greenland, can often be spotted along Newfoundland's coast from March to July. The winds and current of the ocean determine the amount of icebergs spotted on the coast. Many boat tour companies include iceberg viewing on their list of sightseeing opportunities.
KAYAKING & CANOEING
The Atlantic Ocean and Newfoundland's numerous lakes, rivers and ponds are ideal for sea kayaking and canoeing, some of the more prevalent warm-weather activities in the area. Several companies offer tours, ranging from lessons and simple trips for beginners to more demanding outings for the seasoned adventurer. Single-day trips are offered, as well as overnight excursions. Larger national parks, the Labrador coast, the Wonderstrand and smaller, less-known lakes and rivers provide an exceptional opportunity to discover the famous landscape and all it has to offer, including icebergs, whales and wildlife.
SNOWMOBILING & ATV ADVENTURES
Whether choosing the endless miles of groomed trails all over the province or exploring the unknown territory of the backcountry, snowmobile and ATV tours are plentiful and appealing for those on a quest for excitement. ATV tours are often available year round, while snowmobiling is dependant on the weather and amount of snow on the ground.
Various trips lasting from a few hours to multiple days are available, but it is up to the participant to decide what sights they want to explore most. The Long Range Mountains, the Viking Trail and the abandoned Newfoundland Railway Bed are only some of the options featured on these trips. A moonlight trip to the Labrador wilderness to view the stunning Northern Lights is a unique experience for out-of-province guests. A tour across the province is another option for those wishing to see as many sights as possible in a short period of time, including historic sites and many of the smaller towns famous for their hospitality.
All-inclusive packages are offered, however, amenities included usually differ between companies. Accommodations and some meals are usually provided, but some companies may require the vehicles to be rented from a separate business, and the cost of gas may not be included.
HUNTING
The hunting environment all over Newfoundland and Labrador is vast and opportunities are endless. Caribou are native to the province. Labrador boasts the George River herd—Canada's largest—with over 500,000 animals that migrate between Quebec and Labrador.
Moose can often be found in low-lying wooded areas such as valleys and along the province's western mountain ranges in close proximity to fresh water, such as lakes, rivers and ponds. The moose population in Newfoundland is the densest in all of North America, with an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 residing in the province. The abundance of moose makes it a commonly hunted animal, with approximately 22,000 being harvested in the province each year. The province's first official moose hunting season was in 1930. Both moose and caribou antlers are sought after hunting trophies.
Numerous outfitting companies offer hunting trips and tours throughout the year, mostly in the fall and early winter, though some hunting seasons open as early as mid-August. These companies often feature all-inclusive hunting packages that include accommodations, meals and hunting licences, required by the province for non-residents. Accommodations are usually fully equipped lodges or cabins in remote areas of the province. Several companies also offer transportation to and from the nearest airport, and oftentimes air transportation if the hunting is to take place in a remote location at fly-in only camps. Many companies also offer black bear hunts during the spring months, or as add-on options to other hunting packages. It in interesting to note that it is illegal to hunt big game in the province on Sunday.
FISHING
Several outfitting companies focus exclusively on fishing expeditions, however many of the businesses offering hunting trips also offer fishing excursions with professional guides. One of the most commonly sought-after fish is the Atlantic salmon. Sixty per cent of North America's salmon rivers are located in the province, making it an ideal place for this popular activity. These fish can be found in small pools or larger bodies of water such as rivers and lakes, and lodges known for hunting and fishing activities are also the perfect spot for anglers looking for remote locations where often several pools and streams connect to larger lakes. The Humber River is one of the most popular locations for fishing in the province.
Several companies focus on other types of plentiful fish, such as speckled and Eastern trout, as well as northern pike. Secluded lakes and remote streams are usually the most ideal place to find these types of fish. As with hunting, many companies offer all-inclusive specials that include transportation by plane to remote lodges and camps. Fishing is typically a summer activity, usually offered from the months of June to September. Ice fishing during the winter is also offered by some businesses.
PARKS
Newfoundland is home to two national parks, Gros Morne National Park and Terra Nova National Park. Wildlife is abundant in these areas, including moose, caribou and bald eagles. The scenery is stunning with mountains, forests and endless trails. Small communities situated in the picturesque surroundings offer friendly accommodations and visitor amenities.
Gros Morne National Park
This designated UNESCO World Heritage site features several small communities, and is a playground for outdoor adventure lovers. A rich landscape features mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and beaches.
Cliffs, sea stacks and mountains surround the ponds, bays and inlets in the area, creating a spectacular kayaking experience. Over 100 km (62 mi) of trails are available in the park providing for countless hike options, ranging from easy half-hour treks to strenuous day-long excursions. Hikes can be self-guided, however, tours are available for some of the park's more popular areas. The Long Range Mountains provide an unforgettable wilderness hiking experience, full of gorges carved centuries ago by glaciers, and is home to several families of wildlife. During winter months, large snowfalls create perfect trails for avid cross-country skiers. Designated ski trails can be found throughout the park and professional guides are available on these trails. There are also extensive backcountry ski trails, which can take a few hours to master, or a few days. Safety precautions should always be taken when using these trails, including registering plans with the park's visitor centre for any overnight trips.
Terra Nova National Park
Located in eastern Newfoundland, the hiking, biking and cross-country skiing opportunities are rich in this national park, whose forests, cliffs and hills provide breathtaking views. The 4-km (2.5-mi) Louil Hill Trail is ideal for those looking for a short, leisurely hike and the payoff is an impressive view of Alexander Bay from the top. The Blue Hill West Trail—a former fire access road—is approximately 9 km (6 mi) and is moderately easy to complete. The Outport Trail is for those looking for a more extreme trek. At 55 km (34 mi) and 18 hours return, this is a multiple-day outing requiring overnight camping. Hikers will come across abandoned settlements, and eventually, a magnificent view from the top of Mount Stamford.
Southwest Arm, Beachy Pond and Sandy Pond are distinctive spots for canoeing, with routes ranging in length from 4 km (2.5 mi) to 20 km (12 mi) and offering options of freshwater or saltwater and sheltered or unsheltered. Canoes can be obtained through rental companies in the area. Groomed trails are established within the park for cross-country skiing, however, visitors may wish to explore the park's undiscovered areas. Several campgrounds in the area provide enclosed cooking facilities.
WHALE, BIRD & ICEBERG WATCHING
Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a large population of humpback whales during the summer months, making June to August the prime time for whale watching. Minke, fin and sperm whales are also plentiful during this time, as they hunt for food along the coast. Humpback whales are the most likely to get close to touring groups, showing off by lifting their 50-ft bodies above the surface of the ocean and diving back in again.
Whale-watching tours are an activity that can be found in every region of Newfoundland and Labrador. The central and Avalon regions offer more of these tours than any other regions, with Bay Bulls and Twillingate each providing multiple tour companies. Many companies provide daily outings during the season and some will even guarantee their visitors at least one sighting. Cameras are essential for these tours.
Several of these companies also offer bird-watching opportunities, focusing mainly on the province's provincial bird, the puffin. Areas surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador are where 95 per cent of North America's puffin population breed. Several whale-watching tours also feature the opportunity to view these black and white, bright-billed birds.
Icebergs, drifting from Greenland, can often be spotted along Newfoundland's coast from March to July. The winds and current of the ocean determine the amount of icebergs spotted on the coast. Many boat tour companies include iceberg viewing on their list of sightseeing opportunities.
KAYAKING & CANOEING
The Atlantic Ocean and Newfoundland's numerous lakes, rivers and ponds are ideal for sea kayaking and canoeing, some of the more prevalent warm-weather activities in the area. Several companies offer tours, ranging from lessons and simple trips for beginners to more demanding outings for the seasoned adventurer. Single-day trips are offered, as well as overnight excursions. Larger national parks, the Labrador coast, the Wonderstrand and smaller, less-known lakes and rivers provide an exceptional opportunity to discover the famous landscape and all it has to offer, including icebergs, whales and wildlife.
SNOWMOBILING & ATV ADVENTURES
Whether choosing the endless miles of groomed trails all over the province or exploring the unknown territory of the backcountry, snowmobile and ATV tours are plentiful and appealing for those on a quest for excitement. ATV tours are often available year round, while snowmobiling is dependant on the weather and amount of snow on the ground.
Various trips lasting from a few hours to multiple days are available, but it is up to the participant to decide what sights they want to explore most. The Long Range Mountains, the Viking Trail and the abandoned Newfoundland Railway Bed are only some of the options featured on these trips. A moonlight trip to the Labrador wilderness to view the stunning Northern Lights is a unique experience for out-of-province guests. A tour across the province is another option for those wishing to see as many sights as possible in a short period of time, including historic sites and many of the smaller towns famous for their hospitality.
All-inclusive packages are offered, however, amenities included usually differ between companies. Accommodations and some meals are usually provided, but some companies may require the vehicles to be rented from a separate business, and the cost of gas may not be included.
HUNTING
The hunting environment all over Newfoundland and Labrador is vast and opportunities are endless. Caribou are native to the province. Labrador boasts the George River herd—Canada's largest—with over 500,000 animals that migrate between Quebec and Labrador.
Moose can often be found in low-lying wooded areas such as valleys and along the province's western mountain ranges in close proximity to fresh water, such as lakes, rivers and ponds. The moose population in Newfoundland is the densest in all of North America, with an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 residing in the province. The abundance of moose makes it a commonly hunted animal, with approximately 22,000 being harvested in the province each year. The province's first official moose hunting season was in 1930. Both moose and caribou antlers are sought after hunting trophies.
Numerous outfitting companies offer hunting trips and tours throughout the year, mostly in the fall and early winter, though some hunting seasons open as early as mid-August. These companies often feature all-inclusive hunting packages that include accommodations, meals and hunting licences, required by the province for non-residents. Accommodations are usually fully equipped lodges or cabins in remote areas of the province. Several companies also offer transportation to and from the nearest airport, and oftentimes air transportation if the hunting is to take place in a remote location at fly-in only camps. Many companies also offer black bear hunts during the spring months, or as add-on options to other hunting packages. It in interesting to note that it is illegal to hunt big game in the province on Sunday.
FISHING
Several outfitting companies focus exclusively on fishing expeditions, however many of the businesses offering hunting trips also offer fishing excursions with professional guides. One of the most commonly sought-after fish is the Atlantic salmon. Sixty per cent of North America's salmon rivers are located in the province, making it an ideal place for this popular activity. These fish can be found in small pools or larger bodies of water such as rivers and lakes, and lodges known for hunting and fishing activities are also the perfect spot for anglers looking for remote locations where often several pools and streams connect to larger lakes. The Humber River is one of the most popular locations for fishing in the province.
Several companies focus on other types of plentiful fish, such as speckled and Eastern trout, as well as northern pike. Secluded lakes and remote streams are usually the most ideal place to find these types of fish. As with hunting, many companies offer all-inclusive specials that include transportation by plane to remote lodges and camps. Fishing is typically a summer activity, usually offered from the months of June to September. Ice fishing during the winter is also offered by some businesses.
PARKS
Newfoundland is home to two national parks, Gros Morne National Park and Terra Nova National Park. Wildlife is abundant in these areas, including moose, caribou and bald eagles. The scenery is stunning with mountains, forests and endless trails. Small communities situated in the picturesque surroundings offer friendly accommodations and visitor amenities.
Gros Morne National Park
This designated UNESCO World Heritage site features several small communities, and is a playground for outdoor adventure lovers. A rich landscape features mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and beaches.
Cliffs, sea stacks and mountains surround the ponds, bays and inlets in the area, creating a spectacular kayaking experience. Over 100 km (62 mi) of trails are available in the park providing for countless hike options, ranging from easy half-hour treks to strenuous day-long excursions. Hikes can be self-guided, however, tours are available for some of the park's more popular areas. The Long Range Mountains provide an unforgettable wilderness hiking experience, full of gorges carved centuries ago by glaciers, and is home to several families of wildlife. During winter months, large snowfalls create perfect trails for avid cross-country skiers. Designated ski trails can be found throughout the park and professional guides are available on these trails. There are also extensive backcountry ski trails, which can take a few hours to master, or a few days. Safety precautions should always be taken when using these trails, including registering plans with the park's visitor centre for any overnight trips.
Terra Nova National Park
Located in eastern Newfoundland, the hiking, biking and cross-country skiing opportunities are rich in this national park, whose forests, cliffs and hills provide breathtaking views. The 4-km (2.5-mi) Louil Hill Trail is ideal for those looking for a short, leisurely hike and the payoff is an impressive view of Alexander Bay from the top. The Blue Hill West Trail—a former fire access road—is approximately 9 km (6 mi) and is moderately easy to complete. The Outport Trail is for those looking for a more extreme trek. At 55 km (34 mi) and 18 hours return, this is a multiple-day outing requiring overnight camping. Hikers will come across abandoned settlements, and eventually, a magnificent view from the top of Mount Stamford.
Southwest Arm, Beachy Pond and Sandy Pond are distinctive spots for canoeing, with routes ranging in length from 4 km (2.5 mi) to 20 km (12 mi) and offering options of freshwater or saltwater and sheltered or unsheltered. Canoes can be obtained through rental companies in the area. Groomed trails are established within the park for cross-country skiing, however, visitors may wish to explore the park's undiscovered areas. Several campgrounds in the area provide enclosed cooking facilities.
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