It’s your buddy Donny Love here, back with another tale from my travels. For those of you who might be new, let me fill you in: I’m from the vibrant city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and I’m the host of Adventures Unknown, an adventure TV show now in its sixth season. That’s right—six seasons of exploring, eating, and occasionally getting into hilarious scrapes while uncovering the best of the best in destinations worldwide. This time, I’m bringing you back to my roots to showcase Canada’s easternmost gem. Known affectionately as “The Rock,” Newfoundland and Labrador is a place that’s rugged, charming, and brimming with stories waiting to be told. So, buckle up; we’re diving into everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip!
Picture this: towering cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, villages painted in every color of the rainbow, and a culture so rich it sticks to your soul like salt in a sea breeze. Newfoundland and Labrador is a land of contrasts, where the rugged wilderness meets warm, welcoming communities. Every path leads to a view that demands a pause, a deep breath, and a moment of gratitude.
Whether you’re exploring St. John’s iconic Jellybean Row, hiking the otherworldly Tablelands in Gros Morne, or standing in awe of drifting icebergs, The Rock offers a little slice of magic for everyone.
The best part? The people. Newfoundlanders will invite you in for tea, share their wildest stories, and send you off with a laugh. This is more than a destination—it’s a home away from home.
Getting to The Rock is part of the adventure! Here are your options:
By Air: Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT) or Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF). Major airlines like Air Canada and WestJet offer direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.
By Ferry: Marine Atlantic ferries connect North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques year-round or Argentia in summer. Bring your car and make it a road trip!
By Cruise Ship: Explore Newfoundland and Labrador from the sea. Cruise ships often stop at St. John’s, Corner Brook, and St. Anthony.
Pro Tip: Book early, especially in peak summer months. Trust me, your first glimpse of Newfoundland’s dramatic coastline is worth every mile.
Indigenous Cultures.
For thousands of years, the Inuit, Innu, Beothuk and other indigenous peoples have called this land home. Visit the Labrador Interpretation Centre to learn about their rich history, culture, traditions and art.
The First Europeans.
Around 1000 AD, Norse Vikings landed at L’Anse aux Meadows, establishing the first European settlement in North America. Explore reconstructed sod houses and hear tales of daring seafarers.
Red Bay National Historic Site.
Labrador is home to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which tells the story of Basque whalers in the 16th century. It’s a fascinating dive into the history of early industry and exploration in the region.
From Cod to Oil.
Newfoundland thrived for centuries on cod fishing, pivoting to mining and oil when the industry declined. Don’t miss the Johnson Geo Centre in St. John’s to uncover the geological and cultural stories behind The Rock.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a year-round destination, but your experience changes with the seasons:
Summer (June – September): Perfect for hiking, whale watching, and outdoor festivals.
Fall (October – December): Crisp air, colorful foliage, and maybe even the Northern Lights.
Winter (December – March): Ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile your way through a winter wonderland.
Spring (April – June): Iceberg Alley comes to life with massive drifting icebergs.
Pro Tip: No matter when you visit, bring layers. Newfoundland’s weather is as unpredictable as it is enchanting.
Nature steals the show in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here’s what you can’t miss:
Gros Morne National Park.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of towering fjords and alien landscapes. The Tablelands, in particular, are unlike anything you’ve seen.
L’Anse aux Meadows.
Walk in the footsteps of Vikings at this UNESCO site. The recreated village and costumed guides bring history to life.
Red Bay and the Geoparks.
Labrador boasts Red Bay, a UNESCO site, and stunning Geoparks like the landscapes of Torngat Mountains and Hawke’s Bay. These areas showcase the region’s incredible geology and cultural history.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a bird lover’s paradise, home to puffins, murres, and gannets. It’s the ultimate avian spectacle.
What makes Newfoundland and Labrador truly spectacular? Let’s recap:
Bird Highways: Seabirds galore! Puffins, kittiwakes, and gannets thrive here.
Geology: Ancient rocks, dramatic cliffs, and unique Tablelands formations. Labrador’s Geoparks are a geological treasure trove.
Winter Sports: Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing make winter magical.
Cultural Richness: Sea shanties, storytelling, and handmade crafts are integral to the charm.
Marine Wonders: Icebergs and whale migrations—nature’s grand performance.
Newfoundlanders know how to live. Experience their spirit:
Music and Festivals: Tap your toes at the George Street Festival or enjoy live music in cozy pubs.
Storytelling: Pull up a chair, grab a pint, and let the locals spin you a yarn.
Crafts: From knitwear to pottery, artisans celebrate The Rock’s raw beauty.
St. John’s.
This colorful capital is bursting with charm. Climb Signal Hill, stroll down Water Street, and toast your visit at Quidi Vidi Brewery.
Corner Brook.
A gateway to Gros Morne, this town also boasts great hiking and winter sports at Marble Mountain.
Labrador City.
Catch the Northern Lights, explore the Torngat Mountains, and experience the rugged beauty of Labrador’s untouched wilderness.
Jiggs Dinner: A comfort-food feast.
Cod Tongues: Fried to perfection.
Toutons: Delicious fried bread.
Fish and Brewis: A traditional salt fish dish.
Moose Stew: Hearty and flavorful.
Newfoundland and Labrador are an experience unlike any other. Its wild beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality make it a destination to remember. Pack your sense of adventure, and let The Rock show you a side of Canada you’ll never forget.
What’s the first thing you’d do in Newfoundland and Labrador? Drop your plans in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
