Without a doubt, my favorite day from my trip to Newfoundland was the one we spent on the water, up close to massive icebergs. Seeing these floating giants had been on my bucket list for years, and there’s truly no better place to tick it off than Newfoundland.
That said, you’ve got to do some planning to ensure you’ll be able get a glimpse of these giant blocks of ice. Icebergs are only present a few months of the year, and there are a few places to see them best on Newfoundland.
So if you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland to see icebergs, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What Is the Best Time to See Icebergs in Newfoundland?
Icebergs drift passed coastal Newfoundland from May through July. The prime period is typically late May to late June, though icebergs have remained off the coast as late into the summer as August in a few recent years.
You might be able to spot icebergs in Newfoundland as early as April. However, they may be surrounded by smaller blocks of ice remaining on the water from the cold winter. If you want to see giant icebergs surrounded by totally open ocean and decent-enough weather conditions, you’ll want to target late May to early July for iceberg viewing.
Where Is ‘Iceberg Alley’ in Newfoundland?
“Iceberg Alley” refers to the stretch of ocean along Newfoundland and Labrador’s eastern and northern coasts where icebergs drift south from Greenland each spring and early summer. These icebergs break off glaciers in Greenland, float into the Labrador Current, and slowly make their way down the Atlantic Coast.
In Newfoundland, Iceberg Alley generally runs from the northern tip of the island down past Bonavista and toward the Avalon Peninsula. Not every community sees the same number of bergs each year, but the entire coastline is generally prime iceberg territory.
If you’re planning your trip around iceberg season, anywhere along this corridor gives you a shot.
Where to See Icebergs in Newfoundland
While Iceberg Alley is the general vicinity of where icebergs float down from Greenland, you still need to find specific spots along the coast to make your homebase.
Here are the best places to see icebergs in Newfoundland.
Twillingate
Few places in Newfoundland are better to see icebergs than Twillingate. If you’re searching for iceberg tours, look no further than Twillingate Adventure Tours. This company offers multiple iceberg viewing tours every day from May through July. They will start their season as early or late as the icebergs remain off the coast. The guides were very personable and friendly. I can’t recommend them enough.
I had a memorable two days in Twillingate. This coastal town has an impressive number of activities for visitors in addition to icebergs, from a spectacular dinner theatre performance to some of Newfoundland’s best hikes.
Bonavista
Bonavista is the main alternative to Twillingate for iceberg viewing. At just three hours from St. John’s, it’s the most accessible place to see icebergs on the island.
What”s nice about Bonavista is how easy it is to pair iceberg viewing with other classic Newfoundland experiences. You can walk the cliffs at Cape Bonavista Lighthouse in the morning and be on a boat tour in the afternoon. Even if you do not head out on the water, you have a decent chance of spotting bergs right from shore when conditions are right.
If you are short on time and based in St. John’s, Bonavista is your best bet.
Fogo Island
If you’re looking for even more of an adventure, head to storybook Fogo Island to spot icebergs in Newfoundland.
Getting to Fogo requires a ferry ride from the mainland, which already makes the experience feel a bit special. Once there, you’re rewarded with a rugged coastline, colorful saltbox houses, and dramatic ocean views. Icebergs often drift close to shore here, and the scenery makes them look even more surreal.
If you want to splurge, Fogo Island Inn is easily one of the most beautiful places to stay in the province. It is a bucket list stay in its own right.
Saint Anthony
Further north lies St. Anthony, the largest town on the island’s northern tip and one of the most reliable places for iceberg sightings.
For most, it is a trek to get to Saint Anthony. The drive from St. John’s takes more than 10 hours. But if you’re doing a full loop of the island or exploring the Great Northern Peninsula, it is absolutely worth visiting. Because of its northern location, St. Anthony often sees icebergs earlier in the season than communities farther south.
You can also combine iceberg viewing with a visit to L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking site in North America. That alone makes the journey pretty epic.
What Are the Best Iceberg Tours in Newfoundland?
Consider the following iceberg tour companies when planning:
Twillingate Adventure Tours
My personal pick in Twillingate. Small groups, friendly guides, and a focus on getting you safely and respectfully close to the icebergs. They run multiple tours daily during peak season.
Check out Twillingate Adventure Tours’ hours, tour prices, and more on their website here.
Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours
A convenient option if you are staying in St. John’s. You’ll get an experienced crew (and the chance to pair iceberg viewing with whale watching when conditions line up). However, note that the group will be a bit larger than iceberg tours found in smaller towns.
Check out Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours’ hours, tour prices, and more on their website here.
Discovery Sea Adventures
Undoubtedly the best iceberg tour provider in Bonavista. Their tours often mix icebergs with puffins and whales when in season, and their entire crop of Google Reviews are 5-stars.
Check out Discovery Sea Adventures’ hours, tour prices, and more on their website here.
Northland Discovery Iceberg & Whale Tours
Northland Discovery is the top-rated iceberg and whale tour operators in Saint Anthony. You’ll have knowledgeable local captains and the best odds of early season sightings thanks to the northern location.
Check out Discovery Sea Adventures’ hours, tour prices, and more on their website here.
Final Tips for Seeing Icebergs in Newfoundland
A few things I learned that will help you make the most of your trip:
- Check local iceberg reports before you go. Sightings can change quickly depending on wind and currents and help you map-out your plans.
- Build flexibility into your itinerary so you can shift your boat day if needed.
- Dress warmly even in June. It is noticeably colder on the water.
- Bring binoculars if you plan to watch from shore.
- Book accommodations early if you are visiting during peak iceberg season. Small towns fill up fast.
- Be patient. Nature runs the show out here.
Iceberg viewing in Newfoundland is never guaranteed, but that’s part of the magic. You are chasing something wild and completely dependent on nature.
Plan for late May through June if you can. Choose a base somewhere along Iceberg Alley. Give yourself a few days in one spot. And if you get that perfect blue-sky day with a towering iceberg floating past rocky cliffs, soak it in. It really is as incredible as it sounds.
