Newfoundland’s name fits. Its position jutting into the Atlantic Ocean from North America made it the first land John Cabot discovered in his 1497 journey from England. Today the island is part of a Canadian province with mainland Labrador. Visit Newfoundland’s four regions to discover its fascinating history and experience its natural beauty.
The eastern Avalon Peninsula features the provincial capital of St. John’s, one of North America’s oldest cities. Appreciate the contrasting neighborhoods of this city with peaceful views of the age-old fishing port of Quidi Vidi during the day and restaurants and bars of George Street in the evening. Watch for icebergs and whales from the coastline near the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site and learn about Marconi’s 1901 transatlantic wireless transmission to Signal Hill.
Move west to the Eastern Region and Cabot’s actual landing spot at Bonavista. Follow the 5.3-mile (8.5-kilometer) loop of the Skerwink Trail to view sea stacks, wind-bent tuckamore fir trees and historic settlements along Trinity Bay. Ferry to the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon for views of breathtaking scenery as you hike between quaint villages.
The Central Region features Iceberg Alley, a great spot to view six types of ice floating south from Greenland and dozens of species of whales. Sea kayak or explore the boreal forest of Terra Nova National Park. Hike along the region’s 55 marked trails. Visit Gander, inspiration for the Broadway musical Come from Away, depicting how local residents welcomed passengers from 38 international flights diverted after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
See where Vikings landed over 1,000 years ago at L'Anse aux Meadows in the Western Region. Look for moose and freshwater fjords in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO site encompassing the Long Range Mountains.
Visit Newfoundland for beautiful scenery and friendly people. Fly to St. John’s from major U.S. and Canada cities. As the closest North American city to Europe, St. John’s is only a 6-hour flight from London.