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Ancient Glacier Giants of the Atlantic
Photo Credits : Kurtis Walsh
Made available by Go Western NL
Ah, icebergs. Another wonder of the world, a rare experience seen in just a handful of places. You can take a cruise to Alaska, Greenland or Antarctica to see them, travel to Iceland to visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon or you can come to Newfoundland and Labrador. In this post, we will share some basic information about icebergs and then focus in on when, where and how to see them here in Newfoundland.
Each spring, icebergs grace the coastline of Canada’s most eastern province. Icebergs that broke off the Greenland ice sheet 2-3 years ago, drift south and follow the Labrador current along the east shore of Labrador and the north shore of Newfoundland. If icebergs are large enough, they can even drift out to the Atlantic where trans-Atlantic ships must keep a watchful eye for these hazards.
We can’t talk about icebergs without mentioning the Titanic. It was one of these large icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland, that tore through the hull and sunk the impressive ship. Icebergs are beautiful but they are also very dangerous. They cause damage to ships, fishing gear, shoreline infrastructure and can roll over without notice. It’s important to keep a good distance from icebergs to avoid their underwater bulk and in case they change their balance and flip over.
Now we need to dive into the good stuff. Below we share our local knowledge about where, when and how to view icebergs as well as our ideal iceberg-viewing itinerary.
Photo Credits : Tom Cochrane
Made available by Go Western NL
When is Iceberg Season?
The best time to see icebergs is between early-May and early-July. Icebergs begin appearing around the north shore of NL starting in April and can still be around in late July but it’s not as likely. May and June are the best months to visit and see icebergs.
In April, Newfoundland is often still in ‘winter’ mode - snow is still on the ground, nights are still freezing, and days are 5-10C. Icebergs can be viewed with binoculars as they are further offshore due to pack ice. Many amenities are not open, which means you have be self-sufficient but you’ll have the whole place to yourself!
In May, things begin to warm and pack ice melts, clearing the way for icebergs to get closer to shore. Days are warming up (10-15C) and services like campgrounds, boat tours and tourism services open around the long weekend.
In June, icebergs are all around the coasts - from Labrador to St. Anthony to Twillingate and Bonavista. Some icebergs, the big ones, even make it to St. John's and the Avalon Peninsula. This is the peak iceberg viewing time, all services are open and the crowds have not yet arrived. It’s still cool, 10-15C along the shore and at night but days can be upwards of 20-25C.
In July, you might see icebergs but the warming summer days see icebergs melting quickly and not making it as far south. In early July, watching iceberg finder is key and don’t delay getting places to see them - they don't last long!
Where to See Icebergs
Iceberg alley as it is commonly referred to is the route the icebergs take from Labrador, down the northern Peninsula, along the north coast and out towards St. Johns. This route exists because of the Labrador current. Iceberg alley stretches We recommend the iceberg finder to help you find the best place to see icebergs once you arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Photo of Iceberg Finder Map taken in March 2023. Source : https://icebergfinder.com/map
Best places to see icebergs are;
Coast of Labrador - Blanc au Blanc to Red Bay and Battle Harbour
The Great Northern Peninsula - Flowers Cove to St. Anthony to Conche & Englee
Central Newfoundland - from Jacksons Arm to Twillingate and Fogo Island to Terra Nova National park
Bonavista Peninsula - Bonavista & Trinity
Avalon Peninsula - Chance Cove to Hearts delight to Pouch Cove and St. Johns to Ferryland
Photo Credits : Tom Cochrane
Made available by Go Western NL
How to Watch Icebergs
Be near the shoreline - use local hiking trails to follow the coast, access via beaches, drive the coastal roads
Take a boat tour - this will get you closest to icebergs and often allow you a 360 look. There are tour operators in all major towns (St. Anthony, Twillingate, St. John’s etc.) that can take you out for a closer look)
Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the shapes and colours
Use the icebergfinder.com or the NL iceberg Report FB page to get an idea of where icebergs are, remember icebergs move with winds and tides, so don’t expect a marked iceberg to stay more than a a day or so.
Ask the locals at gas stations, restaurants and your hotels if they have heard about any icebergs being in the area.
Be flexible with your time and itinerary - fog is common in the spring and this reduces your ability to see icebergs. If you know there is an iceberg in the area, try to stay another day if the weather looks better tomorrow.
Photo Credits : Jake Dicks Photo Credits : Tom Cochrane
Made available by Go Western NL Made available by Go Western NL
Newfoundland Iceberg Viewing Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive into Deer Lake
Pick up your rental car
Stay with us at the Upper Humber Settlement and enjoy our Farm to Table Dinner on the evening of your arrival. Our Farm to Table Breakfast the following morning will help kick start your first day on the Viking Trail.
Day 2
Drive to St. Anthony. Cormack to St. Anthony is about 5 hours. On the way up to St. Anthony, these are the best things to do and places to stop;
Get coffee or lunch at Java Jacks in Rocky Harbour.
Stop to pee and get gas in Rocky Harbour and Hawks Bay. Flowers Cove has a nice walking trail that is a good kids/dog break spot as a third place to take a break.
Visit the Port aux Choix lighthouse, hike the limestone coastline to look for fossils and visit the archaeological site.
You’ll arrive mid-afternoon or early evening, so grab dinner at the Lighkeepers Restaurant and then stroll Fishing Point, watching for icebergs.
Stay in the St. Anthony area
Day 3
Start the day with a morning boat tour with Northland Discovery. This 2 hour tour takes you out to see the Fishing Point cliffs, icebergs or over to nearby spots where humpback whales are commonly sighted.
Spend the afternoon up in L’ance aux Meadows. Visit the Viking Site and walk the short coastal trail to watch for icebergs and whales. Eat at the Norseman Restaurant, grab a window seat if you can as you might just get to watch icebergs or whales while you dine.
Stay in St. Anthony area again.
L'ance Aux Meadows, Parks Canada
Photo Credits : Tom Cochrane
Made available by Go Western NL
Day 4
Today, drive to Conche and visit the museum and tapestry. The French Shore Tapestry is an incredible work of art created by the local community that tells the story of of the area.
There are often icebergs around Conche and you can access beaches, coves and lookouts via the community trails for excellent iceberg viewing.
Stay at Tuckamore Lodge, this is the best place in the area and there is a sauna and hot tub. Tuckamore Lodge serves homecooked dinners, breakfast and can offer packed lunches. They might be able to arrange private iceberg boat tours based on guide and iceberg availability.
Day 5
Drive South back to Gros Morne or Deer Lake. Feel free to pop back into Upper Humber Settlement if you need a place to stay before your flight home. Book your room today and take in our Farm & Forage Experience before you depart the following day.
Local Notes
5 days is the minimum for this trip to ensure you have time to enjoy being in the area and increases your chances of seeing icebergs. Day 1 and Day 5 are driving days, leaving 3 days to explore the tip of the Peninsula.
Add 2 days and stay out at the Quirpon Lighthouse Inn. This is an incredible experience. It’s remote yet cozy and you can hike, do zodiac rides or relax depending on the weather. If icebergs are around, this is an epic location to view them from!
Add 1-2 days in St. Anthony to explore all the little coves and villages in the area - we like Wild Bight, St.Lunair-Griquet, Ship Cove, Burnt Cape, and Great Brehat
Add 2 days at Tuckamore Lodge to enjoy fishing, hiking, outdoor sauna, canoeing and hiking in Conche & Englee (both also great iceberg viewing locations).
There are some great festivals up the Peninsula in the Spring too.
Trails Tails and Tunes in Norris Point happens each May and is a click off the to the summer season.
The Iceberg Festival in St. Anthony happens each June to celebrate the return of icebergs to local waters.
A copy of Hikes of Newfoundland can be a helpful resource to help you find coastal trails in every region of the province.
The Great Northern Peninsula is our favourite area to explore in the spring and watch the icebergs and whales return to the coast. We hope this post helps you plan an incredible iceberg-viewing adventure here in Western Newfoundland.
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve been here, would like to come here or where else you might have seen icebergs.