Unforgettable Outdoor Activities in Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, with its rugged coastlines, vast wilderness, and surprisingly friendly locals, is just perfect for those looking to sort of experience the great outdoors. From breathtaking hikes and awesome kayak trips to seeing massive whales breach the ocean’s surface, there is honestly an adventure awaiting literally at every turn, you know? But with a bunch of options available, it can honestly be difficult to figure out exactly where to begin; so you definitely need this list.

Hiking in Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers honestly some of the most iconic hiking trails that Newfoundland and Labrador might actually have, I think. The park has this wildly unique geology that offers pretty spectacular views and terrain that you would rarely come across elsewhere; you know, so be ready for almost anything Mother Nature throws your way! And while it’s a place where both experienced hikers and even those just starting their hiking days can definitely find something they enjoy, some trails are, I think, better than others, you know?

For the adventurous types out there, the Gros Morne Mountain Trail is honestly a must, arguably. This roughly 16-kilometer hike takes hikers all the way to the peak of Gros Morne Mountain and has incredible panoramic views that are honestly very tough to match, you know. Just remember that this one is labeled as kind of strenuous, with steep ascents and rough terrain, so come completely prepared. Arguably a very rewarding yet very taxing experience to go through!

If you, on the other hand, are really into a slightly less strenuous hike but honestly still want gorgeous views, then I believe the Tablelands Trail would arguably work! This one is actually way shorter, just about four kilometers round trip, you know? It runs through this otherworldly landscape of reddish-brown peridotite rock; this geological marvel almost feels like walking on another planet. Arguably, you can learn about the Earth’s mantle being exposed in this specific area, thanks to the area’s unique geological activity! Don’t forget your trail snacks for energy!

And, of course, don’t forget the beautiful Western Brook Pond Trail, an easy three-kilometer walk to the boat tour which basically takes you through a landlocked fjord carved by glaciers; very beautiful. The towering cliffs and refreshing waterfalls make this trail worth experiencing.

Sea Kayaking Adventures

Kayaking is yet another seriously great way to see and experience Newfoundland and Labrador’s stunning coastlines! There are basically endless bays, coves, and inlets just perfect for explorers that really are passionate about getting up close with the sea, you know? As a matter of fact, you don’t have to be some highly experienced pro at kayaking to enjoy most kayaking tours!

In Trinity, which is, like, this wonderfully historic town, there are lots of outfitters which supply guided kayaking tours of the Bonavista Peninsula. As I was saying, here, kayakers basically paddle alongside dramatic cliffs, see pretty awesome sea caves, and probably see wildlife too; depending on luck, arguably. The chance to potentially see whales, puffins, and eagles almost certainly makes this one trip super memorable, by the way!

For a slightly less crowded yet truly enriching kayaking experience, there are, like, tours located in the Baccalieu Ecological Reserve near Bay de Verde; still incredible. The reserve is basically one of the most significant seabird colonies throughout the entire North Atlantic. Can you just picture that for one second?

Before you even consider venturing off alone, especially if you aren’t yet too experienced, you might want to join a guided tour with the pros, you know. They’ll almost certainly offer insights on local marine life plus will generally point you in a safely amazing direction, for what you hope is truly a worthwhile and incredibly safe kayaking outing! Remember, too, that kayaking requires some safety precautions.

Whale Watching Tours

Newfoundland and Labrador’s coast serves actually as the summer playground for just a wide range of whale species, and whale watching excursions offer honestly pretty unmatched experiences for you to see them right in their natural habitat! From the months that are generally from May through September, whales generally travel all the way to these waters in order to feast on capelin and other plentiful food sources.

As a matter of fact, tours commonly operate out of several coastal communities, namely Trinity, Bay Bulls, and St. John’s, by the way. During these excursions, you will absolutely be able to see several species, such as humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales, maybe. It’s, like, one thing to potentially read about these gorgeous creatures, but seeing them in the wild in person arguably goes so beyond words, seriously. Whales are seriously huge!

Quite a few tour operators even use hydrophones to hear whale sounds underwater; that way you know they are nearby. Seeing them breach, feed, or simply just lounge at the surface will for sure create memories that are just impossible to forget; you should, you know, consider going.

Just make certain to dress in layers because being out on the water can literally be a bit chilly. Furthermore, many tours come along with marine biologists and trained pros who honestly provide educational insights all regarding the whales and the ecological importance related to that region. Don’t forget, a tour guide knows where the whales might be!

Exploring L’Anse aux Meadows

Travel into the past when you go see L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known basically as the one spot in North America which basically contains confirmed evidence of a Viking settlement! Way before Christopher Columbus “found” the continent, these brave explorers had, like, already arrived here! So awesome.

The site is filled with grass-covered remnants that once used to be Viking longhouses; walking throughout this ancient village kind of connects you physically and mentally with, honestly, a pretty unique place in world history, maybe. Interpretation centers often showcase a number of artifacts discovered from the location, providing more understanding as far as what life honestly must’ve been for those Viking settlers, I guess!

In the summer season, costumed interpreters really help sort of bring this site “back to life” via displays of their craftsmanship plus demonstrating various skills such as blacksmithing and weaving. While there is no real hiking to generally speak of, I guess, exploring L’Anse aux Meadows adds really a powerful cultural and even historical aspect directly into your Newfoundland and Labrador travel experiences.

When you check out this one place, then it should remind you of a story when you visit other great historical places!

Salmon Fishing on the Humber River

Anglers, both new to the pastime and seriously experienced, can test what they’ve got with a bunch of Atlantic salmon at Humber River, found rather near Corner Brook. Well known to be one of Newfoundland’s prime spots to get really awesome salmon fishing done, the river has actually several accessible spots that almost everyone can sort of enjoy themselves at, seriously!

So as to fish here, you definitely need a valid fishing license together with adhering completely to all regulations and seasons; keep that completely in your mind. Getting some kind of a local guide not just raises the possibility of having quite a successful trip, however that guide can literally bring very special insight concerning conservation attempts alongside ethical fishing habits.

Besides the act of fishing in general, the tranquil settings along the river provides quite a therapeutic experience surrounded completely by absolutely spectacular natural beauty. Quite a relaxing time for sure!

Responsible fishing methods really are incredibly crucial here to basically help with preserving salmon numbers throughout the Humber River just so that many generations ahead will actually get the chance to take total pleasure in it way down the line! Oh, and don’t forget all your crucial fishing gear for the trip!