Fall in Western Newfoundland is gorgeous. Unlike many other areas of Newfoundland, Corner Brook has lots of deciduous trees, so they have some of the best autumn colours in the province. Nearby Gros Morne also has great fall colours in the alpine blueberry bushes and grasses turn amber and crimson.

It was also much quieter in the fall, which meant lower prices, fewer crowds, and more time chatting with friendly locals.

I spent most of my trip hiking to maximize my time with the changing leaves, but I also managed to fit in quite a few other fall activities. Here’s my guide to visiting Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland in fall. It includes:

• Why visit Newfoundland in fall? I explain why I love it
• Map of Western Newfoundland that includes all the places I mention in this post.
• Best things to do in Gros Morne, Corner Brook, and Deer Lake in fall: hiking, ATVing, boat tours, viewpoints, and more.
• Where to eat: My picks for the best restaurants in Gros Morne and Corner Brook
• Where to stay: My picks for hotels in Gros Morne, Corner Brook, and Deer Lake
• Fall Travel Tips for Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland: When to go? How long to spend? What’s the weather like? And lots more.

Hey there: Thanks so much to go Go Western Newfoundland for hosting my experiences on my recent fall trip. All opinions in this post are my own Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Why Visit in Fall?

Most people go to Newfoundland in the summer. (The prime tourist season is July and August.) But after visiting in late September and early October, I have to say that fall in Newfoundland is gorgeous.

Here are three reasons why I recommend visiting Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland in fall:

1. Fall colours: This is the big one. You get the traditional yellow, orange, and red of deciduous forests changing colour (especially around Corner Brook), but you also get the beauty of the boreal forest and alpine plants changing from green to crimson and gold.
2. It’s low season: That means you’ll get viewpoints, trails and attractions almost to yourself and can take advantage of lower accommodation prices. It also means that you’ll have a better chance of connecting with friendly locals.
3. Perfect hiking weather: It’s a bit colder than summer, so the bugs are dead and you won’t get sweaty. The weather is just sunny as in the summer, and the winter rain (and snow) is still a month or two away.

Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland Fall Map

To help you plan your trip and find your way around, I created a custom Google Map of fall highlights in Gros Morne National Park and Western Newfoundland for you. It includes every place I mention in this post.

Best Things to Do in Fall in Gros Morne

Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

Taking a boat tour of Western Brook Pond is a classic Gros Morne activity. The 2-hour tour takes you down the length of the former fjord past waterfalls and beneath cliffs. It’s pretty incredible scenery!

I had done this tour before in August, but doing it in the fall felt like a different experience since so many of the trees on the slopes of the pond were lit up in yellow and gold. We also spotted a giant moose!

This tour is also one of the most accessible ways to see fall colours in Gros Morne. The 3 km walk to the boat dock is flat, easy, scenic, and takes about 45 minutes. And if you aren’t up for the walk, you can catch a ride in on a golf cart.

The best views are from the top deck, which is outside, so be sure to dress for the weather. I recommend packing warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing just in case. The wind really picks up in the afternoon. (I’ve got more packing tips at the bottom of this post.)

Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the boat for a closer view of the scenery.

Under the Stump ATV Tours

If you’re looking to explore Gros Morne’s backcountry, but you want an accessible way to do it, book an ATV Tour with Under the Stump. I did a 2-hour tour with Trina in her side-by-side ATV, and it was so much fun!

She drove us out into the Rocky Harbour Hills, a small pocket of wilderness that is surrounded by Gros Morne National Park, but not actually in the park. She told us about the history of the area, including her Mi’kmaq heritage and taught us about how to forage for several types of local plants.

The fall colours were also great: we drove through an area called the Barrens where treeless hilltop was covered in crimson blueberry bushes. The tour also had stand-out views of Gros Morne Mountain from its less-seen eastern side.

Fall Hikes in Gros Morne

While the hiking in Gros Morne is spectacular (many of the hikes in the park are on my list of the best hikes in Newfoundland), many of the park’s trails are in evergreen forests. However, there two hikes that particularly beautiful in the fall:

Lookout Trail

The Lookout Trail has the best fall colours in Gros Morne. The bottom part of the trail goes through deciduous forest with red and gold maple and alder trees. Once you get higher into the hills, the trees disappear, and you’ll walk through blueberry meadows with leaves that have turned crimson.

The moderate 5.8 km hike takes 2 to 3 hours and gains about 360 m. The climb through the forest is on a machine-built trail that works its way uphill, but is never too steep. Towards the top, you’ll be walking on boardwalks across an upland bog and on a natural trail through the meadows. The highlight is a wooden viewing platform with an incredible panoramic view of Bonne Bay and Gros Morne Mountain.

Gros Morne Mountain

My favourite fall hike in Gros Morne National Park was ascending Gros Morne Mountain, the second-highest peak in Newfoundland. The first part of the hike, called the Gros Morne Approach, goes through the forest with glimpses of fall colours. As we got closer to the viewing platform, we could see the yellows and reds of the low blueberry bushes and grasses on the slopes of the mountains changing colour.

The next part of the hike, called the Gros Morne Summit Trail, is a loop that goes up one side of the mountain and then down another. This section had more views of the red blueberry bushes and yellow grasses, but from above. And of course, the views from the summit were insane.

This is a long and difficult hike. The Gros Morne Approach Trail is 9 km return with 460 m of elevation gain and takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The Gros Morne Summit Trail is an 8 km loop with 535 m of elevation gain and takes 3.5 to 5.5 hours.

So if you want to summit the mountain, you’re looking at a 17 km hike with 995 m of elevation gain between 6 and 9 hours on the trail. For reference, it took me about 7.5 hours, which included several long snack and photo breaks.

More Things to Do in Gros Morne

While I’ve highlighted must-do activities in fall above, there are tons of other things to do in Gros Morne. My guide to Gros Morne National Park has a full run-down on where to go and what to see.

While they aren’t specifically fall activities, I recommend spending time in Woody Point, hiking the Tablelands and Green Gardens Trails, and exploring the coastline at Lobster Cove Head or Green Point, among tons of other things to do.

Best Things to Do in Fall in Corner Brook

Captain Cook Historic Site

Corner Brook sits in a broad valley, so it has tons of deciduous trees that turn crimson and amber each autumn. The best place to get an aerial view of the fall colours is from Captain Cook Historic Site, a viewing platform atop a hill on the west side of Corner Brook. You can look down to the mill site in the centre of town, across the Bay of Islands, and inland along the Corner Brook Stream.

Captain Cook spent five years mapping the coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, so there is a set of info plaques at the historic site explaining his life and voyages.

Marble Zip Tours

If you’re up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, go ziplining with Marble Zip Tours. Honestly, the fall colours here were some of the best I saw on my whole trip. The nine ziplines go back and forth across Steady Brook, passing through stands of trees with full autumn colours.

Even without the fall colours, these are the most scenic ziplines I’ve ever ridden. (Honestly, I think the views here are better than the ziplines in Whistler!) The ziplines go over top of and in front of Steady Brook Falls, which is spectacular.

I also found these ziplines on the scarier side (in a good way). Some of them are very high up – one of the lines is the second-highest one in Canada. While some of the platforms have ramps or stairs to ease you into the zip experience, a few require you to just take a leap of faith and jump off! The last few lines are also really long.

If ziplining isn’t for you, it’s still possible to see some of this scenery. You can hike to Steady Brook Falls, which has viewing platforms. It’s an easy 1 km hike with about 100 m of elevation gain.

Rugged Edge ATV Tour

I took a great ATV tour with Melissa and Craig from Rugged Edge on the trails around Corner Brook. They took me on a circular route that included some rougher sections of trail along with some smooth bits. I even got to drive the side-by-side on some of the easy sections. The tour included viewpoints, ponds, and some fall colours.

However, my favourite part of the tour went right through the city. Corner Brook is an ATV-friendly city: there are designated streets that allow licensed ATV-drivers. We drove past City Hall, the Corner Brook sign, and my hotel! We also stopped into a historic store in Curling, an old fishing village that is now part of the city. It was so nice to connect with locals there over a cup of tea!

Fall Hikes near Corner Brook

The Corner Brook and Humber Valley area has some of the best fall colours in Western Newfoundland. And the best way to see them is on a hike.

Corner Brook Stream Trail

The Corner Brook Stream Trail meanders along beside the Corner Brook Stream in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for an easy and flat walk with some fall colours, explore the trails near Glynmill Pond.

But for the best views, you need to walk the entire Stream Trail, starting at the top off Crockers Road. The path works its way down to a viewpoint into the gorge, then across a bridge. On the other side, it meanders through stands of autumn colours (and beside the city’s water supply pipe) before descending to Margaret Bowater Park.

Along the way, there are lots of viewpoints to look down at the town and across the valley to even more fall colours. The easy hike from Crockers Road to the Glynmill Pond is about 6 km with 150 m of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours. You can do it as an out-and-back, but it’s easier as a one-way hike that is mostly downhill if you take a taxi to the start on Crockers Road.

Man in the Mountain/Arne’s Lookout

Of all the fall hikes I did in Western Newfoundland, the Man in the Mountain Trail had the best colours. The steep-sided Humber Valley has tons of deciduous trees that change colour in late September and early October.

The trail to the top of the bluff has several viewpoints that let you look across the river to Marble Mountain and down the valley to Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands. The trail is part of the much longer Humber Valley Trail, which in turn is part of the International Appalachian Trail.

I did a short loop using the steep Bear Head Trail and part of the Humber Valley Trail to visit Arne’s Lookout. You can also continue to the top of Man in the Mountain (a face in the rocks you can see from the Highway below).

The moderate/challenging loop I did is about 4.5 km round trip with 340 m of elevation gain. Plan to spend 2 to 2.5 hours.

Cape Blow Me Down

If you’re looking for something a little different, head out to the Bay of Islands to climb Cape Blow Me Down. It’s the tallest point on the hills flanking the south side of the bay. The hike starts in a mixed deciduous forest with a bit of fall colour. Before long, you climb above the treeline into an alpine landscape with lots of blueberry meadows turning red and grasses turning yellow.

The views above the treeline and from the top are spectacular: you can see the entire Bay of Islands as well as lots of fishing villages dotted along the coast.

Be warned, the hike does live up to its name: It can be crazy windy on top. I had to brace myself against the wind to stay standing up! As a local told us later, it’s so windy it could blow the milk out of your tea!

The moderate/challenging hike is about 7.5 km return with 650 m of elevation gain. Plan to spend 3 to 4.5 hours on the trail.

More Things to Do in Corner Brook

Besides the fall-specific activities above, there are lots more things to do in Corner Brook. My guide to Corner Brook has more details on what to see and where to eat.

My top picks for things you can do in the non-snowy months include day trips to the Bay of Islands and the Stephenville/Port-au-Port area, among other things to see in Corner Brook.

Best Things to Do in Fall in Deer Lake

Humber River Trail

If you’re looking for a gorgeous fall walk, head to the Humber River Trail in Deer Lake. It’s a flat and easy 5 km loop that takes about 1.5 hours. You can access the trail from the road to the airport or from Highway 430.

I spent a pleasant hour wandering beside the river and admiring the fall colours on the last morning of my trip. It was a great way to get a bit of exercise before a long day of travel. If possible, go in the morning when the air is still – you’ll get great reflections on the river.

Upper Humber Settlement Farm and Foraging Tour

One of the most unique experiences I had on my trip was a farm and foraging tour at Upper Humber Settlement. I spent the evening with the owner, Lauralee, who led me on a tour around her property. We collected greens, herbs, and mushrooms to make a salad while also learning about other wild plants.

Later, Lauralee cooked up a delicious moose meat dish in her outdoor gazebo while telling me stories about the war veteran history of Upper Humber Setttlment and reconnecting with her Indigenous heritage. Lauralee is a natural storyteller, and it was a pleasure to chat with her over some lovely food.

Kayaking with Humber River Off Grid

If you’d rather see fall colours from the water, book a kayaking tour with Humber River Off Grid. Ashley runs this unique off-grid business along the Upper Humber River north of Deer Lake, and has a popular YouTube Channel. Her remote property has off-grid cabins and tent rentals, and she also offers ATV tours and boil-ups where she cooks local food over a campfire.

But I headed into the wilderness to go kayaking on the Humber River with Ashley. While I was only 20 minutes from a paved road, it felt like we were miles from anywhere. We paddled a loop through the calm and meandering waters of the Upper Humber River while admiring the fall colours. We saw tons of evidence of beaver activity, but we didn’t spot any.

More Things to Do in Deer Lake

If you’re looking for more things to do in Deer Lake that aren’t purely fall-oriented, I’ve got a few suggestions.

If the weather is good, head to Deer Lake Beach. It’s a long sandy beach that makes a good place to walk, even if it isn’t warm enough to swim.

If you’d rather stay indoors, I spent a pleasant hour at the Newfoundland Insectarium. They have lots of unique live insects, including leaf-cutter ants, which kept me mesmerized for longer than I expected. But by far my favourite part is the butterfly house. I spent so much time wandering around watching them flit from flower to flower.

Where to Eat

Both Gros Morne and the Corner Brook area have lots of great restaurants. However, in the fall, some park restaurants are only open for a few days per week or may be closed for the season. Check opening hours and make advance reservations to avoid disappointment. Visit Gros Morne keeps an updated list of fall hours for local businesses.

Gros Morne

The Gros Morne area is split in half by Bonne Bay, so I’ve grouped my restaurant recommendations accordingly. In the South, you’ll find recommendations for restaurants in Woody Point, Shoal Brook, and Trout River. In the north, I’ve got picks for Rocky Harbour and Norris Point.

Southern Gros Morne

Merchant Warehouse: The front of this Woody Point restaurant is a full-on 50s soda shop, but they also have a big dining room and a patio overlooking the water. The fish and chips here were great, which isn’t a surprise since they have the same owners as the Seaside Restaurant in Trout River.

Galliott Studios and Cafe: This tiny coffee shop in Woody Point doubles as a pottery studio with drinks served in mugs thrown on site. Their sunny patio hangs over Bonne Bay and is lovely on a crisp fall day (but you’ll want to use one of their blankets). They also have a small selection of pottery and art for sale. I couldn’t resist the hand-drawn hiker stickers.

Taste: Located inside the Gros Morne Inn near Woody Point, this fine-dining restaurant focuses on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. A few years ago, I had a great lunch here with an incredible lobster bisque.

Seaside Restaurant: This iconic restaurant in Trout River is right on the beach. The same family has been cooking up seafood here since 1981. I had the best fried fish here a few years ago.

Northern Gros Morne

Chanterelle’s: I’ve eaten here twice, and it is easily the best restaurant in Gros Morne. It offers fine dining and exceptional food without too much pretension inside the Sugar Hill Inn in Norris Point. My advice here is to order anything local: the mussels, seafood cakes, and fish dishes are all excellent. For dessert or drinks, get something with partridge berries.

Cat Stop Pub: The Bonne Bay water shuttle docks right next to Cat Stop Pub in Norris Point, which has a huge waterfront patio. It’s a good place for a beer and casual pub food.

Old Store Cafe: This little cafe in Norris Point is a great spot for coffee, baked goods, and lunch. Try their “Gull Shit muffins” – they are chocolate muffins topped with cream cheese. Delicious!

Buoy & Arrow: This Indigenous-owned restaurant in Rocky Harbour has lots of locally-sourced game meat and seafood on the menu. I had an amazing moose burger. Their menu gives the names for dishes in both English and Mi’kmaq.

Java Jack’s: On my first visit to Gros Morne, we had a memorable dinner at Java Jack’s in Rocky Harbour. The restaurant is in a bright yellow house in the middle of the village. They serve upscale versions of traditional Newfoundland food. I had an elevated version of stroganoff with caribou instead of beef.

Corner Brook

Hew & Draw Restaurant/Boomstick Brewing: These two businesses share space on the ground floor of the Hew & Draw Hotel. It has a hip big-city vibe and a menu to match, plus lots of craft beer on tap – you can watch them make it too! I had an amazing dinner here (try the lobster roll), and a bunch of breakfasts since I was staying at the hotel. (Get the mushroom toast for breakfast!)

Park West: One of the most upscale restaurants in Corner Brook, but still unpretentious. Look for lots of locally-sourced ingredients. I had an incredible tuna tartare made with tuna that one of the restaurant owners caught!

Newfound Sushi: I didn’t expect to find high-end and innovative sushi in Corner Brook, but Newfound Sushi does it. Their menu calls out which items include locally caught fish. I had an incredible omakase sushi patter that featured smoked arctic char, local tuna, and Atlantic salmon. Their signature rolls are also great.

Harbour Grounds: This cute coffee shop has an incredible view of Corner Brook Harbour and serves up great panini sandwiches.

Sugar and Dice: On a previous trip, my husband spent an afternoon working remotely at Sugar and Dice and said it had a great vibe. They serve breakfast, lunch, coffee, and treats. And they have a huge selection of board games you can play while you eat.

Where to Stay

If you’re visiting Western Newfoundland in fall, it makes sense to split your stay with a few nights in Gros Morne and a few in Corner Brook. If you’ve got an early or late flight, it can make sense to spend your first or last night in Deer Lake to shorten your drive to the airport. Below I’ve got options for all three locations.

Gros Morne

Gros Morne Base Camp: I spent four nights at Gros Morne Base Camp’s Burnt Hill Cabins on my fall visit. These rustic but cute cabins felt like home with little kitchens and full living rooms. They are also an easy walk to the waterfront in Norris Point or the Old Store Cafe for a morning coffee. Check rates.

Bonne Bay Inn: I loved my stay at this boutique 10-room hotel in Woody Point a few years ago. It is perched on the hillside, so I had a great view of the bay from my room. Check rates.

Sugar Hill Inn: I had a great time at this quaint inn in Norris Point. It has huge rooms, and the wide front porch was great for enjoying the view. Plus, the best restaurant in the park, Chanterelle’s, is on site. Check rates.

Camping: Gros Morne National Park has five well-equipped campgrounds with flush toilets, showers, and even wifi. The Trout River, Berry Hill, and Shallow Bay campgrounds are open until late September. You can stay at Lomond and Green Point campgrounds until mid-October. On my first visit to the park, I stayed at Berry Hill Campground. It has a great central location near Rocky Harbour. Check rates.

Corner Brook

Hew and Draw Hotel: I’ve stayed here twice now, and it’s by far the coolest hotel I’ve stayed at anywhere in Newfoundland. It has a modern feel with high ceilings and lots of thoughtful touches like original art and wallpaper from local artists. Hikers will appreciate the free guest laundry station and the hot tubs. I also love that a big restaurant breakfast is included. Check rates.

Glynmill Inn: I walked past the Glynmill Inn on my stroll along the Corner Brook Stream Trails, and it looked really cute. The historic Tudor-style building is a designated provincial heritage structure. Check rates.

Deer Lake

Deer Lake Horizon Hotel: I stayed at the Deer Lake Horizon Hotel after arriving on a flight after midnight. It was comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. And they have a complimentary shuttle service and comfy beds, so I could pass right out as soon as I arrived. Check Rates.

Upper Humber River Settlement Farm Stay B&B: If you want to connect with locals, book a stay at this B&B on a working farm in Cormack, just outside Deer Lake. It has cozy rooms, a great breakfast, and a serene setting. The owner’s family is one of the original farming settlers in this area, and they are happy to chat about the area’s unique history. Check rates.

Travel Tips for Fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

Best Time to Go in Fall

The fall tourist season in Western Newfoundland runs from mid-September to early October. The peak fall colours are usually in the last week of September and the first week of October.

By early to mid-October October, some tour companies, restaurants, and accommodations will be closed or on reduced hours, but if you book ahead, they may stay open for you. Visit Gros Morne keeps an updated list of fall hours for local businesses.

How Long to Spend in Fall

I recommend spending 5 to 7 days in the Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland area in the fall. That’s enough time to see the National Park highlights and do a few hikes or tours.

I spent 10 days in the area in late September and early October. Honestly, I could have extended my trip by a few days to do even more hiking.

Fall Weather in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

Newfoundland in fall has variable weather. It rains a little bit more in September and early October than it does in summer, but not much. And it’s a few degrees colder than summer too, with average highs of 17°C/63°F and lows of 9°C/48°F.

That means that while it can be cold and rainy, you are sure to get quite a few days of sun as well. On my 10-day fall trip, most of the days were sunny, with a few cloudy days. I was lucky enough that the only times it rained were overnight or while I was in the car driving from one location to another.

It’s important to note that even if it isn’t that cold out, sunny weather can bring high winds, which makes it feel much colder!

What to Pack for Fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a pretty laid-back place, so you don’t need to bring anything fancy. Even if you go out for a fine dining dinner, nice jeans and a sweater are fine.

Make sure you bring clothing for the weather. A rain jacket and rain pants are key, especially if you plan to go hiking or take a boat tour. Even if it isn’t that cold, wind chill can be a major factor, so bring warm layers like a fleece or lightweight puffy jacket to wear under your rain gear. Don’t forget gloves and a toque or other warm hat.

Waterproof hiking boots are necessary if you’re planning to hit the trails. Pack a small backpack to carry snacks, layers, a water bottle, and other essentials. I’d also recommend bringing a rain cover for your backpack.

You should also be prepared for warm and sunny weather. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and at least one short-sleeved shirt. You never know what the weather is going to do!

How to Get to Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland

It’s easy to get to Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland since it’s close to Deer Lake Airport. It’s an easy 25-minute drive to the National Park or 40 minutes to Corner Brook. Deer Lake Airport has flights from major Canadian cities like Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, and St. John’s.

If you want to drive yourself, it’s about 7 hours from St. John’s. (But you’ll want to make stops along the way in Trinity, Bonavista, Twillingate, and Fogo Island.)

You can also drive to Western Newfoundland by taking the Marine Atlantic ferry from Nova Scotia. It docks in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, which is 2.5 hours from Corner Brook and a little over 3 hours from Gros Morne National Park.

Getting Around Western Newfoundland

The easiest way to get around Western Newfoundland is to rent a car. The Deer Lake airport has lots of rental car options, and unlike in summer, they don’t get booked up. I like to use Discover Cars since it lets me compare rates across multiple rental companies.

Another option is to book a tour. Several small, local tour companies specialize in multi-day tours in the Gros Morne area.

On my fall trip, I spent seven days with Gros Morne Adventures on their Fall Colours hiking tour. It included hikes every day in Gros Morne and Corner Brook, sightseeing, restaurants, hotels, and transportation. I also did a guided day hike in Corner Brook with Everoutdoor Adventures.

On past trips, I’ve also done guided hikes with Wild Gros Morne, which offers hiking tours and Tour Gros Morne, which offers hiking and cultural tours.

National Park Passes

You must purchase a Parks Canada pass to stop anywhere in Gros Morne National Park. You can buy one at the entrance kiosk in Wiltondale or at either of the two park visitor centres. Some businesses in the towns near the park also sell park passes.

You will need to display your park pass on the dash of your car whenever you are parked in the park.

Cell Phone Service

In some parts of Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland, cell service is spotty or non-existent. There is LTE service in the towns. However, you will often lose service as soon as you leave a town.

If you are going hiking, use a GPS app like AllTrails+ or Gaia GPS and download an offline map before you go. You will usually have no cell service on the trail.

I recommend putting your phone in airplane mode while hiking. That will preserve the battery. If you leave it on, it just keeps looking for signal, which drains the battery.

Indigenous Context in Western Newfoundland

The Indigenous context of Western Newfoundland is complicated due to hundreds of years of colonialism. While the Beothuk formerly lived all across Newfoundland, their numbers dwindled thanks to loss of access to traditional hunting and fishing grounds, disease, and violence from Europeans. They were declared extinct in 1829.

However, there are still thousands of Indigenous people living in Western and Central Newfoundland. They are members of the Qalipu First Nation, a Mi’kmaq band. In the 18th century, Mi’kmaq in modern-day Nova Scotia and PEI were pushed out of their traditional territory by British settlers since the Mi’kmaq were allied with the French. At that time, Western Newfoundland was sparsely populated, so the Mi’kmaq were able to continue many of their traditional practices here.

As European settlement accelerated in Western Newfoundland, wildlife populations declined, as did Mi’kmaq populations. However, the Mi’kmaq survived, often intermarrying with European settlers. Many families hid their Mi’kmaq heritage.

In the past few decades, there has been a resurgence in Indigenous pride and identity in Western Newfoundland, with many people actively seeking to reconnect with their Indigenous culture that had been lost for several generations. There are many Indigenous-owned tourism businesses in Western Newfoundland working to tell the stories of the Mi’kmaq and connect with their traditional territory.

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret that I love Newfoundland (look at how many Newfoundland posts I’ve written), and with this autumn visit, I feel so lucky to have experienced a side of the province that most visitors don’t get. The fall colours were gorgeous on this trip to Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland.

But what really has me smiling as I remember the trip is all the time I spent chatting with locals who had more time to spend with curious tourists like me.

If you have questions about planning a trip to Gros Morne and the Corner Brook area in fall, ask in the comments. I’d love to help.

READ NEXT:

• Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park
• Things to Do in Corner Brook, Newfoundland
• 16 Best Hikes in Newfoundland
• 20 Incredible Things to Do in Newfoundland

The post Fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s youngest province, joining in 1949. It includes the island of Newfoundland and a section of the mainland called Labrador. Labrador is remote and sparsely populated (and I haven’t been there yet!), so this guide focuses on the island of Newfoundland, home to 94% of the province’s population.

Nicknamed “The Rock”, Newfoundland has gorgeously rugged scenery with a windswept and craggy coastline. It’s also a rural place with tons of whimsically named fishing villages full of brightly painted cottages clustered around small coves. History runs deep here – the province is home to North America’s oldest settlements.

Besides the beautiful scenery, one of the main reasons to visit Newfoundland is the unbelievably friendly people and the unique culture. Since it is is geographically remote, it has its own accent, dialect, food, and traditions.

Since it’s a big place (it takes 7 hours to drive across the island), it can be tough to know where to go. In this post, I’ve got 20 things to do in Newfoundland and lots of travel tips. It includes:

• A map of Newfoundland with every place I mention in this post marked
• Best things to do in Newfoundland: towns, national parks, wildlife, food and more
• Newfoundland travel tips: how to get there, getting around, when to go, what to pack, and more

Hey there: Thanks so much to Go Western Newfoundland for hosting me during the Gros Morne and Corner Brook parts of my second and third trips to Newfoundland. All other parts of my trips were at my own expense and my opinions are my own. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Newfoundland

To help you find your way around, I made this custom Google Map of Newfoundland for you. It includes every single place I mention in this post.

20 Incredible Things to Do in Newfoundland

Explore St. John’s

St. John’s is Newfoundland’s largest city and is also the provincial capital. With its colourful buildings, great food, and welcoming atmosphere, St. John’s is an easy place to love. On two of my trips to Newfoundland, I spent a few days in St. John’s because there was so much to do.

My guide to St. John’s has the full list of things you can’t miss, but here’s a quick run-down of the highlights:

• Jellybean Row: A cluster of downtown streets have rows of colourful houses that make a great photo op.
• The Rooms Museum: A huge museum and art gallery with great exhibits of Newfoundland’s history and culture. It has great views from the top floor.
• Signal Hill: A great viewpoint just outside of downtown that is also a Canadian National Historic Site. You can also hike here on the North Head Trail.
• Quidi Vidi: A quaint, old fishing village in a protected cove near downtown. Today it has a brewery and artist studios.

St. John’s is also a great base for day trips to Cape Spear, Dildo, and the Avalon Peninsula as well as iceberg, whale watching, and puffin tours. (More on all of those below.)

READ MY ST. JOHN’S GUIDE

Cape Spear

If you visit Cape Spear, you can say you’ve stood on the easternmost point in North America. But it is also worth visiting for the great views of the coast and the iconic lighthouse, which is the oldest one in Canada and is a National Historic Site.

The cape is just 20 minutes from St. John’s. The best way to get there is to drive yourself or to take a tour. The last time I was in St. John’s I visited Cape Spear as part of the City and Cape tour with McCarthy’s Party. It’s a great tour that hits the highlights in the city and then takes you out to Cape Spear.

Dildo

Yes, Newfoundland has a town named Dildo! If you want to visit, it’s a little over an hour outside of St. John’s. Honestly, it would be like any other small town in the province if it wasn’t for the name… but that name has brought the town lots of fame.

The town had been a popular tourist spot for years, thanks to various tongue-in-cheek articles. And in 2019, Jimmy Kimmel did several bits about Dildo on his late-night talk show. In the end, the town made him the honourary mayor and he paid to erect a huge Hollywood sign-style sign spelling out “Dildo” on a hill above town.

There isn’t much to see in Dildo, but it’s still fun to grab photos of the sign. You can also head to Dildo Brewing, which has craft beer and pub food. If you need cheeky souvenirs, both Dildo Brewing and Nan and Pop’s Dildo Souvenir Shop can help you out.

Avalon Peninsula

I have to admit that despite three trips to Newfoundland and over a month spent in the province… I haven’t really been anywhere on the Avalon Peninsula besides St. John’s, Cape Spear, Bay Bulls (for a puffin tour), and the Argentia ferry terminal.

And that’s entirely my fault. I’ve heard great things about the area, I just haven’t made time to visit. In fact, it’s one of the most popular tourist areas in the province since it’s an easy drive from St. John’s. Highlights include bird watching at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, fossils at Mistaken Point, puffins, whales, and icebergs in Bay Bulls, roadtripping along the Irish Loop, and hiking the East Coast Trail.

Trinity

Trinity is the prettiest town in Newfoundland. It’s a tiny place, tucked into a protected harbour at the end of a narrow peninsula about 3 hours from St. John’s. Historically, it was one of the most important merchant fishing towns in the province. Today, the remaining buildings are protected as heritage sites and most of the town is geared towards tourists.

That gives Trinity a bit of Newfoundland-meets-Disney feel. That could be cheesy, but I think they’ve done a good job of respecting the heritage and making things feel authentic.

My guide to Trinity has lots of things to do as well as all the info you need to visit.

The main draw in Trinity is the town itself. I recommend giving yourself an hour or two to just wander around and gawk at all the adorable old houses.

The other big attraction is the Rising Tide Theatre, which stages several Newfoundland-themed plays each summer. They also offer a popular walking tour/theatre performance.

If you’re into the outdoors, Trinity also has good kayaking and hiking (don’t miss the Skerwink Trail one of the best hikes in Newfoundland) as well as boat tours to see whales and icebergs.

READ MY TRINITY GUIDE

Bonavista

Just up the road from Trinity is Bonavista, my favourite town in Newfoundland. While Trinity is picture-perfect and lovingly restored, Bonavista is equally old, but a bit rougher around the edges. I love the juxtaposition of falling-down buildings with newly refurbished ones. Bonavista is also a real working town with 3000 residents (compared to just 78 in Trinity).

Read my guide to Bonavista for more must-sees in the area as well as lots of travel tips.

The biggest draw is the Bonavista Lighthouse just north of town. The striped facade is on countless postcards, teatowels and even mailboxes all across the island.

You also should visit some of the historic sites in town. On my first visit, we toured the Ryan Premises, which is a National Historic Site. Its exhibits, housed in a 19th-century building, explain the history of fishing in Newfoundland. Other historic sites include the Matthew Legacy, a reproduction of John Cabot’s ship, and the Mockbeggar Plantation, a collection of historic buildings.

If you venture a few minutes outside of Bonavista, you can visit the unique cliffs and caves of Dungeon Provincial Park. Or drive a few minutes further to Elliston, the best place to see puffins from land.

READ MY BONAVISTA GUIDE

St. Pierre and Miquelon

Did you know you can go to France from Newfoundland? The tiny islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon sit just south of central Newfoundland. Founded by French fishermen, the islands are still part of France: the 5,800 residents speak French and use the Euro.

I’ve always wanted to visit the islands, but I haven’t made it yet. To get there you can fly from St. John’s or take a 90-minute ferry from the town of Fortune, which is a 4-hour drive from St. John’s.

Besides the novelty of visiting France, the islands offer cute towns, small museums, boat tours, and stunning nature.

Terra Nova National Park

Unless you’ve been to Newfoundland, you probably haven’t heard of Terra Nova National Park. Compared to stand-outs like Banff, the subdued beauty of Terra Nova just doesn’t get the same press. But it’s still a gorgeous park. It is about 3 hours from St. John’s just past the Bonavista Peninsula.

The park protects vast swaths of coastline, mudflats, and rolling hills. Most visitors will concentrate their time around the Visitor Centre, which has great exhibits about wildlife including touch tanks where you can get up close to sea life.

For great views, make the short drive from the highway to the Ochre Hill Fire Tower. There are several wooden platforms, but if you’re brave, scale the steps to the top of the tower. It was windy on my visit, which added to the thrill/terror.

If you like hiking, the park has over 80 km of trails. I enjoyed the Coastal Trail, which made my list of the best hikes in Newfoundland.

Twillingate

Twillingate is a tiny town in the centre of the province. It sits on a pair of rocky islands and since it’s on the windswept northern coast, it has a rugged and austere beauty that sets it apart from other charming towns like Trinity and Bonavista.

Part of its charm is its isolation. Twillingate stis on the north coast amongst a a cluster of other fishing villages. It’s 5 hours from St. John’s or 4.5 hours from Corner Brook, but I think it’s worth the journey.

Most of the area around Twillingate had no roads until the 1950s and 60s, which means that everything is oriented towards the sea and strung out along the waterline.

My guide to Twillingate has tips for visiting along with lots of things to do.

Twillingate bills itself as the iceberg capital of the world since it’s right in the path of the currents that bring them south from Greenland. It’s often possible to see icebergs from land, but there are several iceberg boat tours as well.

Like other cute towns in Newfoundland, one of the main things to do here is to wander around and admire the old buildings. The nearby Long Point Lighthouse is also worth a visit. And if you like, there are several small museums in the area.

But my favourite reason to spend time in Twillingate is the hiking. The trails range from short and simple to longer and more challenging, so there is something for everyone. The Rockcut Trails are gorgeous, especially the hike to French Head, which made my list of the best hikes in Newfoundland.

READ MY TWILLINGATE GUIDE

Fogo Island

I didn’t get to Fogo Island on my first trip, but after we visited it on our second trip to Newfoundland I was kicking myself for not going sooner. Fogo is so unique! The only way to get to this small island near Twillingate is by ferry.

Check out my Fogo Island guide to learn more about visiting and more must-sees on the island.

For decades after the collapse of the cod fishery, the island stagnated. But in the last decade or two, a revitalization project and social enterprise have transformed Fogo. Today it has a network of excellent hiking trails, nine picturesque towns to explore, and a thriving arts scene with artisans, galleries, and studios you can visit.

The backbone of the social enterprise project is the Fogo Island Inn, an ultra-luxury hotel catering to wealthy guests with high-end food and lots of included day tours. However, you don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy it – you can take a free tour to get a close-up look at the interesting architecture.

The hiking on Fogo is some of the best in the province. The barren landscape is gorgeous and allows for lots of views. The trail to the top of Brimstone Head made my list of the best hikes in Newfoundland.

READ MY FOGO ISLAND GUIDE

Corner Brook

I know Corner Brook doesn’t make some people’s lists of the best things to see in Newfoundland… but it should. Corner Brook is the second largest city in the province and by far the biggest city in the western part of the province.

While it is a regional hub for government and business, it also has a scrappy small outdoor town feel with incredible access to nature and an up-and-coming food scene with craft beer and good coffee.

My guide to Corner Brook has a full list of things to do and tips for visiting.

Corner Brook is a great place to base yourself for a day trip to the nearby Bay of Islands region which has incredible hiking and kayaking along with some really cute old fishing villages like Little Port. The entire region is part of the aspiring Cabox UNESCO Global Geopark to recognize its exceptional geology. The South Head Lighthouse Trail is on my list of the best hikes in Newfoundland.

READ MY CORNER BROOK GUIDE

Gros Morne National Park

Located in Western Newfoundland near Corner Brook, Gros Morne National Park is gorgeous – if you’re interested in hiking and the outdoors, it’s worth coming to Newfoundland just to visit this park. The park is fairly large, spreading across the coastline and over mountain ranges. It also includes a few charming small towns.

If you’re thinking of visiting, read my guide to Gros Morne National Park, which has lots of trip planning advice and more things to do.

There are a few key highlights in Gros Morne:

• Tablelands: Hike over rocks from Earth’s mantle exposed at the surface.
• Green Gardens: A hike to the coast through a forest so lush that it reminded me of Hawaii.
• Bonne Bay: A deep inlet cutting through the middle of the park, best appreciated from a boat tour.
• Western Brook Pond: A former fjord that is now a lake. Take a boat tour to appreciate the steep terrain rising up from the lake.

READ MY GROS MORNE GUIDE

L’Anse aux Meadows

Most people learn that the first European to visit the American was Christopher Columbus. However, in the 1960s, archaeologists discovered evidence of a 1000-year-old Norse settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows near the northern tip of the island. That means the Vikings beat Columbus to North America by nearly 500 years!

Today, L’Anse aux Meadows is a Canadian National Historic site and UNESCO World Heritage site. I made the long drive up there (5.5 hours from Corner Brook) on my first visit to Newfoundland. The site protects the remains of the Norse buildings and also has reconstructed buildings and interpretive displays.

I spent a fun day wandering around and chatting with the costumed actors who reenact Viking life. It’s a fascinating place, and while it’s tough to get to, I thought it was worth it.

Road Tripping

On two of my visits to Newfoundland we drove across the island on an epic road trip. With lots of paved roads, tiny towns, and viewpoints, Newfoundland is an ideal road trip destination.

One of the most popular itineraries includes is an east-to-west (or vice versa) trip across the province between St. John’s and Gros Morne National Park.

If you want to take a shorter trip, you could drive around the East Coast hitting up St. John’s, the Avalon Peninsula, and the Bonavista Peninsula. Or stick to the West Coast by visiting Corner Brook, Gros Morne National Park, and L’Anse aux Meadows.

Whichever itinerary you choose, leave lots of time for unexpected stops. We found ourselves pulling over to take photos, explore villages, and stop at small cafes.

You can also visit out-of-the-way attractions, like the International Lounge at the Gander Airport, where it is still 1959 and the age of transatlantic air travel is brand new. (They also have exhibits about the flights that landed here on 9/11 and inspired the musical, Come From Away.)

Whale Watching

While I haven’t been whale watching in Newfoundland, I’ve heard great things. (I skipped whale watching on my trips since I live in BC and have been kayaking with whales.) Since Newfoundland is way out in the Atlantic, it’s right on lots of whale migration routes including the annual summer migration of humpback whales. You can also see other species of whales and dolphins.

Many boat tours combine whale watching with spotting icebergs and seabirds like puffins as well as touring the picturesque coastline. (More of puffins and icebergs below)

The most popular place to take a whale watching tour is Bay Bulls and Witless Bay about 30 minutes south of St. John’s. You can also book whale watching tours in Trinity and Twillingate.

Icebergs

One of the coolest things to do in Newfoundland is iceberg viewing. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun!) In spring and early summer, icebergs drift south from Greenland towards Newfoundland along a rough path called Iceberg Alley.

The best time to go iceberg spotting is May and June. We didn’t see any icebergs on my first trip to Newfoundland since we were there in August. But we planned our second visit for June in the hopes of seeing one.

Often you can see the icebergs from land (binoculars help), but nothing beats seeing them up close on a boat tour. The north coast of the province is the best place to see them but it’s also possible to see icebergs near St. John’s.

The icebergs aren’t predictable and move every day. In some years icebergs are plentiful, while in others (like the year I visited) there aren’t that many around. You can book iceberg tours in Bay Bulls near St. John’s or in Trinity, but for the best chance of seeing them, I recommend going to Twillingate or other small North Coast towns.

You can use Icebergfinder.ca to get the latest locations for icebergs you can see from land or via a tour. I found the Newfoundland and Labrador Iceberg Reports Facebook group super helpful on my trip. It was updated more often than Icebergfinder and it had up-to-date reviews on boat tours.

We went to Twillingate looking for icebergs but there weren’t any. So, we used the info from the Facebook group to find out that there was an iceberg in a bay near a tiny town called Brighton 3.5 hours away. We also got a recommendation for a local tour guide (Clarey of Badger Bay Boat Tours). We booked a B&B, then made the drive.

It was incredible to see the iceberg up close and we got to experience a part of Newfoundland that not many tourists see since it was so off the beaten path.

Puffins

Puffins are adorable so they get the most press, but you can also see tons of other bird species in Newfoundland. The best time to see puffins is the summer nesting season between mid-May and late September – they head down south and out to sea the rest of the year.

The first time I went to Newfoundland I wasn’t that into birding. We took a boat tour and saw the puffin colonies from the water. I got hooked on these clown-like birds with their wobbly walk that contrasts with their grace once they dive under the water. Since then I’ve seen puffins in Iceland and Haida Gwaii, BC. So of course, on my next trip to Newfoundland, we looked for puffins everywhere we could.

The most popular way to see puffins is to take a boat tour in Witless Bay and Bay Bulls which combines puffin spotting with whale watching. (They might also take you to see icebergs in the spring/early summer iceberg season.)

But you can also see puffins from land in a few places near Bonavista. As a bonus, it’s totally free and there’s a zero percent chance you’ll get seasick.

I think the best place to see puffins from land is at the Elliston Puffin Viewing site near Bonavista. We had puffins walking right up to us! You can also see puffins from land at the Bonavista Lighthouse and on the Klondike Trail (one of my picks for the best hikes in Newfoundland.

Hiking

The main reason I have been to Newfoundland three times is to go hiking – the province has incredible trails. While there are long and challenging trails, most routes are easy to moderate and take half a day or less. That makes them perfect for tourists since you can go for a beautiful hike but still have lots of time for sightseeing.

My list of the best hikes in Newfoundland includes my top 16 hikes across the province.

There are gorgeous trails all over the island – you can even hike up Signal Hill in the heart of St. John’s on the North Head Trail. But if you want to spend a lot of time hiking, I recommend you concentrate your stay around the hikes in Gros Morne and Twillingate, my two favourite hiking areas.

READ MY PICKS FOR THE BEST HIKES IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Get “Screeched In”

The Newfoundland tradition of getting “screeched in” is a quirky ceremony that welcomes visitors (known as Come From Aways). The ritual involves taking a shot of Newfoundland rum, called screech, kissing a codfish (which is usually frozen) and eating a cube of bologna (nicknamed Newfoundland Steak).

It’s a silly tradition that’s mostly for tourists, but it’s also lots of fun. The best place to get screeched in is at one of the bars on George Street in St. John’s. However, you can get screeched in at bars and tourist businesses across the province. If you take a multi-day bus tour in the province, it will almost always include getting screeched in.

Unique Newfoundland Food and Drink

Since Newfoundland is so isolated and has only been part of Canada since 1949, it has a distinct food culture. Like most coastal places dominated by the fishing industry, it has world-class seafood. But it also has some quirky Newfoundland food and drink that you have to try.

You can find Newfoundland-style cuisine on restaurant menus everywhere from small towns to the city. A trip to the grocery store is also an experience to see what Newfoundlanders actually eat.

Some restaurants I recommend across the province include:

• Chafe’s Landing in Petty Harbour near St. John’s for lobster rolls
• Mifflin’s Tea Room in Bonavista for fish n’ brewis or toutons
• Annie’s Harbour Restaurant in Twillingate for cod tongues
• Bangbelly Bistro on Fogo Island for modern takes on traditional Newfoundland food
• Boomstick Brewing in Corner Brook for craft beer
• The Salt Box in Bay of Islands for seafood, moose tacos, and more
• Seaside Restaurant in Trout River for fried fish
• Chanterelle’s in Norris Point for partridge berry cheesecake

Here’s a quick list of some uniquely-Newfoundland foods you have to try:

Appetizers and Sides:

• Cod tongues: Deep-fried cod tongues have a texture a bit like calamari with a cod flavour.
• Fries with dressing and gravy: Like Quebecois poutine but instead of cheese curds they put turkey stuffing (dressing) on top of the fries, then pour gravy over top.

Mains

• Fish and brewis: a mash of soaked salted cod and hard tack bread with fried pork fat on top
• Moose: Newfoundlands love to eat this invasive species and put the lean meat into burgers, pasta sauce, tacos, and more
• Jigg’s Dinner: a traditional Sunday meal of salt beef boiled with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots
• Flipper pie: A pot pie made with seal flipper meat. It has a VERY strong fishy taste that not everyone will like.
• Fish n’ Chips: This is not unique to Newfoundland but what is unique is how prevalent it is. I dare you to find a menu in the province that does NOT include fish n’ chips!
• Mary Brown’s Chicken: This fried chicken chain started in Newfoundland and now has hundreds of locations across Canada. It’s so pervasive in the province that you can find locations in some of the provinces’ small, remote towns.

Desserts

• Bakeapples: also known as cloudberries, they taste a bit like blackberries and are often made into jam or pies
• Partridge berries: A bit like cranberries, these are also often found in jams, pies, and baked goods
• Toutons: fried yeasted dough eaten with molasses, syrup or jam, usually for breakfast
• Purity candy: This 100-year-old Newfoundland company makes several types of old-school hard candy including Peppermint Nobs and their infamous Climax Mix
• Jam Jams: Packaged sponge cookies with a jam filling.
• Crush Pineapple: A sickly sweet soda, like Crush Orange but with pineapple flavour instead of orange.

Newfoundland Travel Tips

History of Newfoundland

Indigenous Beothuk and Mi’kmaq people have lived on the island of Newfoundland since time immemorial. In 1497 when John Cabot landed at Bonavista, he “claimed” it for England. In the next few centuries, Basque, Portuguese, and French fishermen frequented the waters and set up small fishing settlements.

Newfoundland became an English colony in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht and English settlement begun in earnest. By the 1930s, Newfoundland’s economy was in trouble. In 1949, Newfoundlanders voted to join Canada as the 10th province.

Historically, cod fishing was the backbone of the province’s economy. However, the cod fishery collapsed in 1992, leading to widespread poverty. Today fishing for other species dominates the economy along with oil and gas, mining, and of course, tourism.

Since Newfoundland is geographically isolated, it has a unique culture that blends aspects of England, Ireland, and Canada. Newfoundlanders also have a distinct accent that sounds a bit Irish, and a distinct vocabulary, sometimes called Newfoundland English or Newfinese.

How to Get to Newfoundland

Since it is an island, the only way to get to Newfoundland is to fly or take a ferry.

The main airports are in St. John’s and Deer Lake near Corner Brook. You can get direct flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton.

It’s also possible to get to Newfoundland by ferry. This option makes the most sense if you driving your own car or RV. There are two ferry terminals: Argentia in the east is 1.5 hours from St. John’s. Port aux Basques in the west is 2.5 hours from Corner Brook. Both ferries leave from North Sydney in Nova Scotia.

Travel times by ferry are long: it’s six to eight hours to Port aux Basques and 15 hours to Argentia.

Getting Around Newfoundland

Newfoundland is big so you can expect long travel times between locations. For example, if you drive across the province from St. John’s to Corner Brook, it takes about 7 hours without stops.

Unless you are sticking around St. John’s or taking a multi-day tour, the only real way to see the province is to rent a car since the only long-distance bus service misses most tourist spots. You can rent a car at the airport in St. John’s or Corner Brook. Heads up: rental cars in Newfoundland are expensive and they book up in summer!

Driving in Newfoundland is fairly straightforward since there aren’t that many roads. The Trans Canada Highway that runs across the island is wide and well-maintained, which makes for easy travel. However, I can’t say the same about many of the smaller highways. Expect twists and turns and lots of potholes. You will often need to travel well under the speed limit.

The weather is very changeable so be prepared to drive in heavy rain or thick fog. You will also want to avoid driving at night since there are more moose than people on the island and collisions with moose are one of the main causes of serious car crashes.

How Long to Spend in Newfoundland

Each time I’ve gone to Newfoundland I’ve spent about 10 to 14 days there. It’s enough time to road trip across the island as well as spend a few days in St. John’s and Gros Morne. However, it’s not enough time to see everything. If you really want to see all of Newfoundland’s attractions, it would take at least 3 to 4 weeks.

I think most visitors will be happy with a trip that lasts 10 to 14 days and takes in some of the major sites around Newfoundland. However, you could also do 5 to 7 days in either the St. John’s/Avalon Peninsula area or the Corner Brook/Gros Morne National Park area.

Since it’s not easy to get to Newfoundland, I don’t think it’s worth visiting if your trip is less than 4 or 5 days.

Best Time to Go to Newfoundland

Newfoundland’s tourist industry is heavily geared towards summer travel. That means between mid-June and mid-September. If you visit outside of those times you’ll be faced with wet weather and closed attractions.

If you’re looking for a different experience than most tourists get, consider visiting in fall. It has perfect hiking weather and less crowds. My guide to fall in Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland has all the info you need to plan a trip.

Weather in Newfoundland

Newfoundland is in the middle of the cold North Atlantic Ocean so even in summer, it’s not that warm. The average summer temperature is 16°C (61°F) but on warm days you can expect temperatures up to 25°C (77°F). Keep in mind that June is spring and September is fall so it will be a bit colder in those months.

The weather is also quite unpredictable. Rain, wind, and fog are common, but you can still get lots of sunny days. Plan your itinerary with some flexibility so that you can do indoor things like museums or galleries on the worst weather days.

Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof hiking shoes. You’ll also want a warm mid-layer like a fleece or a lightweight puffy jacket. A warm hat and gloves are also nice.

Newfoundland Time Zone

One of the quirks of Newfoundland is that it has its own time zone: Newfoundland Time (NT). And even quirkier, that time zone is 30 minutes off from the next time zone over. So if it’s noon in New York (Eastern Time), it’s 1 pm in Halifax (Atlantic Time) and 1:30 pm in St. John’s (Newfoundland Time).

Cell Phone Service in Newfoundland

While you’ll find reliable 5G cell phone service in the cities and major towns, parts of Newfoundland don’t have great cell phone service. You will get at LTE in most towns, but smaller villages will have patchy service or no service at all. As well, some highways have no service or poor service.

Make sure you download offline maps when you have service and look things up in advance. The upside is that there are road signs most places so you won’t get lost. And the locals are super friendly so can always just pull over and ask someone for directions. The only danger is that they’ll talk your ear off for 15 minutes before you can get back on the road!

Where to Stay in Newfoundland

Outside of St. John’s you won’t find chain hotels. Instead you’ll find small, locally-owned inns and guesthouses. You can book some of them on major platforms like Booking.com or VRBO, but for others you’ll have to book through their website directly.

A few places that I recommend are:

• Russelltown Inn in Bonavista: rooms in gorgeously restored heritage homes.
• Hew and Draw Hotel in Corner Brook: a gorgeous modern hotel with so many local touches
• Bonne Bay Inn in Gros Morne: A motel-style inn with incredible views of Bonne Bay and Gros Morne Mountain
• Sugar Hill Inn in Gros Mornet: A quaint inn with a huge front porch and an incredible in-house restaurant (Chanterelle’s.)

Restaurants and Grocery Stores in Newfoundland

While larger towns have lots of restaurants and groceries, if you’re heading to some of the smaller villages, options become a lot more limited. Some small villages may not have a restaurant or grocery store, or if they do, it will have limited hours or a limited menu.

If you follow any special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) you may want to buy your groceries in a larger town and book places with a kitchen. And even if you aren’t on a special diet, it’s worth keeping enough snacks to put together a makeshift meal in case you get caught in a place where food isn’t available.

It’s also worth mentioning that the food in small villages is often very processed and/or fried and grocery stores very rarely have fresh vegetables. Expect lots of fried food and potatoes on all menus. But simple things like pasta, sandwich fixings, etc. are readily available.

Cash and Credit Cards in Newfoundland

You’ll need both cash and credit cards in Newfoundland. Most places accept both, but there are a few that only take one or the other.

Historically, businesses in small or remote places didn’t take credit cards and wanted you to pay with cash. However, now that cell service is more widespread, now some places don’t take cash since it takes so long to get to the bank to deposit it. In particular, many businesses on Fogo Island don’t take cash.

So bring both cash and credit cards. And of course, this is Canada, so you’ll need Canadian money. Some places will accept American cash, but they take it at par, which is usually a terrible deal on the exchange rate for Americans.

Final Thoughts

In some ways, Newfoundland reminds me a bit of Iceland: incredible scenery, friendly people, and a great place for a road trip. Honestly, I’m surprised that it isn’t as popular as Iceland since they have similar vibes. However, Newfoundland has a fraction of the crowds.

If you want to visit a part of Canada that looks and feels nothing like the rest of the country, go to Newfoundland. The geography and culture as so different. From the adorable towns to the wildlife sightings to the hiking, there’s just something about this place that draws me in.

And after three trips to Newfoundland, I still haven’t seen everything. Next time I go, the Avalon Peninsula and St. Pierre and Miquelon are definitely on my list of things to do. I’d also like to hike more of the East Coast Trail and explore the Bay St. George area on the southwestern part of the island.

If you want help planning your trip to Newfoundland, I’m happy to answer your questions. Ask them in the comments or book a trip planning call with me.

READ NEXT:

• 18 Best Things to Do in St. John’s
• 12 Things To Do in Trinity
• 10 Things To Do in Bonavista
• 10 Things To Do in Twillingate
• Things to do on Fogo Island
• Things to Do in Corner Brook
• Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park
• 16 Best Hikes in Newfoundland

The post 20 Incredible Things to Do in Newfoundland appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In this post, you’ll find personal recommendations for 22 small towns across Canada along with outdoor adventures that will inspire you to pack your hiking boots and go.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Curious about where all these Canadian adventure towns are located? I made this handy google map that shows you where to find them.

Best Small Towns in the Atlantic Provinces for Outdoor Adventures

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Cavendish is a small town in Prince Edward Island. Public transport is limited, so the only way to get to Cavendish is to self-drive. From PEI’s capital city of Charlottetown, it’s a 35-minute drive via Highway 224 and Highway 13. There is typically a shuttle from Charlottetown to Cavendish if self-driving is not an option – check in advance if this is operating.

There are lots of great things to do in the town of Cavendish – it is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure in PEI. One of the most popular things to do is go to Cavendish Beach, which is a white sand beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. Spend some time swimming in the ocean or kiteboarding! 

At Cavendish Beach, you can also go hiking trail on the Dunelands Trail. It is a short, 2.3 km out and back trail that is relatively flat and leads to Cavendish Beach East. The Dunelands trail itself takes about 35 minutes round trip to complete, but Cavendish Beach East is a unique, red sand beach and a beautiful place to explore.

Recommended by Kat from endlesswonder.ca

Wolfville, Nova Scotia

If you’re looking for a small town with big outdoor adventures, look no further than Wolfville, Nova Scotia. This beautiful town is located on the Bay of Fundy and is home to stunning hiking trails, kayaking spots, and more.

Wolfville is easily reached from Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, making it the perfect weekend getaway spot. In just 1 hour by car, you can be enjoying all that this charming town has to offer. With an airport located in Halifax, you’ll be able to get to Wolfville and be strapping on your hiking shoes within 2 hours of touching down!

One of the best things to do in Wolfville is to hike up to Blomidon Provincial Park. This park offers incredible views of the Bay of Fundy and is a great place to see some of Nova Scotia’s wildlife. Several easy hiking trails wind through the park, making it the perfect place to explore on a sunny day.

Don’t forget to visit in the fall for apple picking and leaf spotting on hiking trails in nearby Annapolis Valley. In the spring, you can also check out local wineries after a morning of kayaking on the Minas Basin.

Recommended by Nina from Nina Out and About

READ NEXT: 16 Things to do Before a Hike

St. Andrews, New Brunswick

St. Andrews by-the-Sea is one of the most popular places in New Brunswick. Nestled beside the Bay of Fundy, the town of St. Andrews is about one hour west of Saint John on Route 1. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a longer vacation, this historic location is the perfect destination.

One of the best hikes nearby is Sam Orr Pond in the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve. This 3.5-km loop takes about an hour and is perfect for families or solo adventurers. If you’d prefer a longer hike, continue to Berry Point for views of the Passamaquoddy Bay. You can visit this nature preserve in winter, too.

In addition, St. Andrews is only 40 minutes from New River Beach Provincial Park and just over two hours to Fundy National Park—lots of options for hiking and camping.

There’s nothing like spending time on the Bay of Fundy. And whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in St. Andrews. However, if you want an eco-adventure, take the ferry to Deer Island to go kayaking. You can spend a couple of hours or head out for a whole day of guided paddling. 

Finally, don’t leave St. Andrews without strolling through the quaint downtown. You’ll find plenty of artisan shops and restaurants to try. Once you’re finished shopping, comb the beach at low tide or drive across the ocean floor to Minister’s Island. Or visit the Pendlebury Lighthouse just outside of town. And if you’re wondering where to stay, The Algonquin Resort is an iconic and charming hotel. 

Recommend by Thomas Coldwell from outandacross.com

Best Small Towns in Quebec for Outdoor Adventures

Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec

Baie Saint-Paul is a beautiful small town in Charlevoix, Quebec. It takes just above one hour to get to Baie-Saint-Paul from Quebec City, depending on the season. 

Baie-Saint-Paul is a year-round destination. In the winter, you can go skiing at one of the nicest ski resorts on the east coast. Le Massif de la Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is only 30 minutes away from Baie-Saint-Paul. It offers lots of snow and ski trails. Plus, the view is simply breathtaking. On some slope, you’ll feel like you’re skiing down into the Saint Lawrence River.

In the summer, don’t miss Le Festif festival which features live music and lots of outdoor activities.

But autumn is by far the most beautiful season to visit Baie-Saint-Paul where you’ll experience the foliage season. From green to yellow to bright red, the changing colors in the trees is in itself a reason to visit the region. But be sure to do some hiking.

Try Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Trail in Grands-Jardins National Park. It’s a 9.2 km out-and-back trail with 439 m elevation gain. If you have more time, the Acropole des Draveurs in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park (which is an hour away from Baie-Saint-Paul) is worth the trip. It’s a 10.6 km out-and-back trail with 885 m elevation gain.  Both hikes offer beautiful summit views.

Other than hiking and skiing, the town of Baie-Saint-Paul is really charming. It has many little local stores and art galleries. Le Germain Hotel & Spa is a great option for accommodation. They also have a public spa to relax after a long day outside.

Recommended by Emilie from Love Life Abroad

Val-David, Quebec

Val-David is a small town about 1.5 hours north of Montreal that is big on adventure. Located in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Val-David is an all-season destination for people who love the outdoors.

In the summer, Val-David has world-class rock climbing and bouldering. It is said that Val-David’s granite cliffs were the birthplace of climbing in Quebec. All levels of rock climbers will find routes suitable for their experience. Additionally, the woods around Val-David are strewn with sizeable glacial erratic boulders. There are endless boulder problems to attempt on these massive stones.

You can kayak or canoe on the Rivière du Nord that flows right through the village. Or if cycling is more your thing, bike on the P’tit Train du Nord, a 235 km rail trail that travels from Mont Tremblant to the outskirts of Montreal. There are also 60 km of hiking trails surrounding Val-David.

Equipment rental for many outdoor sports is available in town.

Val-David is also known as a winter mecca. The P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park near Val-David is transformed into a groomed cross-country ski trail. There’s nothing like skiing through a charming village with the snow lightly falling. Also don’t miss snowshoeing on the regional trails, especially up to Mont Condor to see the ice caves. 

Other nearby winter sports include downhill skiing at the local hill, Valle Bleu. There are many other ski hills in the Laurentians to visit, including Mont-Tremblant for big mountain skiing and snowboarding. There is also a lighted skating rink in the center of town.

Recommended by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

READ NEXT: How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

When it comes to outdoor adventure in Quebec, the town of Mont-Tremblant is THE place to be. This famous Québecois haven is a short 1.5-hour drive from the big city of Montréal via Highway 15.

The outdoor activities are endless in Mont-Tremblant; skiing, biking, dog sledding, tubing, and riding panoramic gondolas, sleigh rides, zip lining and whitewater rafting just to name a few! In the summertime, it’s easy to fall head over heels for this photogenic Laurentian town with breath-taking views of the Mont-Tremblant mountains and an enchanting European-inspired pedestrian village.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Mont-Tremblant. A great trail for the more advanced hikers is the Vertigo, which goes from the base of the Mont-Tremblant to its summit at 3.3km away and takes 1.5 hours to complete.

Another thrilling activity to add to your bucket list is a downhill ride on the Skyline Luge. Start your journey in the pedestrian village, then ride the chairlift up through the Laurentian. At the top, get on board the luge cart to experience an adrenaline-pumping ride down the 1.4km track!

And if you’re stopping by the good ole city of Montreal on your way back, be sure to pay a visit to one of the city’s finest Mediterranean restaurants for some true local gastronomy!

Recommended by Palo of Moons and Roses

Best Small Towns in Ontario for Outdoor Adventures

Gananoque, Ontario

Considered the “Canadian Gateway to the Thousand Islands,” Gananoque, Ontario has a ton of hiking trails and waterways waiting to be explored.

The closest airport is in Ottawa, and from there it’s an hour and a half drive to Gananoque. If coming from Toronto (3 hours away) or anywhere in Southern Ontario, hop onto Highway 401 E and head straight into the area.

Gananoque has its own trail system that includes walking paths and waterfront trails located right in town. However, if you are looking for some awesome hikes with epic views, head over to Thousand Islands National Park located just 20 minutes outside of town.

Landon Bay in Thousand Islands National Park offers several trails that are easy to manage, yet reward you with spectacular views. The Donevan Trail circles around the park. At 4.3 km, this incredibly scenic route will take you about 1.5 hours to complete.

But the Lookout Trail which detours off the Donevan Trail has the best views. At only 500 m from the parking lot, the top of the Lookout Trail presents you with breathtaking views of Landon Bay and the Canadian Thousand Islands.

The Jones Creek Trails at the Thousand Islands National Park are another fabulous place for some incredible hiking. These flat but scenic trails are filled with old-growth forests, wetland habitats, and gorgeous views of the surrounding waters.

Recommended by Marianne from The Journeying Giordanos

Huntsville, Ontario

Huntsville, Ontario is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. And while there are plenty of things to do, hiking is one of the most popular.

One of the most famous hikes in Huntsville is the Lions Lookout Trail. It’s a short, but steep 1.3km trail, ending at a lookout that offers spectacular views of Fairy Lake.

Another popular trail is Hunter’s Bay Trail. This 4.6km trail is an easy hike but very scenic and takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. Starting at the Center Street bridge, the trail follows the lake towards the highway and has sections of floating boardwalk.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is another great spot to hike in Huntsville. There are several trails from 1km to 7km in length but the most popular is the Stubb’s Falls trail. The circular trail is 2km long and takes about 45 minutes to hike, passing Stubb’s Falls before heading back through a forested path. It’s an easy hike, but a bit more technical than the ones mentioned above.

For those looking for longer hikes, Limberlost Forest is just a short drive from Huntsville and offers trails ranging from 4km to 13km, all with varying difficulty. This is a perfect way to get out and experience the beautiful scenery that Huntsville has to offer.

Recommended by Erin from Wanderlustwithkids.com

READ NEXT: The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

Sheguiandah, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Sheguiandah is a small town on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world, so it’s easy to see how this is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures!

Located approximately six hours from Toronto, the most common method of transportation is driving. There are two main routes to the island – either by road around Georgian Bay or by ferry from the Bruce Peninsula. Both are very scenic.

Sheguiandah is known for being home to the Cup and Saucer hike, atop the Niagara escarpment with 70-meter cliffs that began to form 450 million years ago. It also attracts history and geology enthusiasts with its beautiful rock formations that tell stories of Indigenous history. Check out the optional Adventure Trail section which includes ladders and caves. 

Bridal Veil Falls is a fun place to cool down after a hot day of hiking – you can swim under the waterfall and walk behind it.

Bebamikawe Memorial Trail is another popular hiking trail that gives spectacular views and is slightly easier and more suitable for children.

Plus, the fish are plentiful especially in Lake Kagawong, Lake Manitou, and along the shores of the Georgian Bay. You can rent a motorboat or paddle a canoe.

Use this three-day Manitoulin Island itinerary to get the most out of your visit.

Recommended by Candace from ajourneyinspired.com

Best Small Towns in the Prairie Provinces for Outdoor Adventures

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Located in the middle of the prairies, Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan is a surprising destination for most. You’ll find Moosejaw located about 45-minutes west of the city of Regina. Although small in size, there are plenty of fun outdoorsy things to do in Moose Jaw – you just have to know where to look!

Surrounding the town is the Moose Jaw River – perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Jump in a canoe or kayak on the river, or take a guided paddling tour.

One of the best places to visit for hiking is Pound Provincial Park, a 20-minute drive away. Here, you can find over 30 kilometers of trails that are perfect for both hiking and biking. In the winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. The main attraction of the park is the opportunity to see bison that you can see here. You can also camp in the park.

For wildlife lovers, you simply must visit the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Center. Here you can see the cute, very small, burrowing owl that is famous in the prairies. While the center offers educational exhibits and captive owls, it’s also easy to spot the wild owls in the grasslands outside.

Another unique activity is the open-air trolley that will take you around town. This historic trolley is picture-perfect and a good way to get around while learning about the history of the area. Dress for the weather as this is an open-air experience. 

Recommended by Bailey from Destinationless Travel

READ NEXT: How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Prince Albert is one of the best places to visit in Saskatchewan. It is located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and is home to Prince Albert National Park. This small town is easily accessible from Saskatoon, which is a 1.5-hour drive way.

Prince Albert several of historic buildings, including the Prince Albert Historical Museum, and Diefenbaker House. But many flock to Prince Albert for its National Park. 

The park is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is home to bears, wolves, elk, deer, moose, and many other animals. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. 

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the area, you will particularly like the shores of Waskesiu Lake for a stroll or a summer picnic. 

Prince Albert National Park is also great for camping. Pick Beaver Glen Campground for an overnight stay.

This park is a great place in the summers, but it is open year-round. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing in the park’s many trails and waterways. In the winter, the park is a popular destination for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. 

Recommended by Mayuri from Canada Crossroads

Canmore, Alberta

The small town of Canmore, Alberta is located in the Canadian Rockies a 1.5-hour drive west of Calgary. You can drive yourself or take an airport shuttle. Canmore is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise and there are many types of activities for different tastes and skill levels.

Since Canmore was the host city for nordic events during the 1988 Calgary Olympics, the cross country skiing facilities are truly world-class. The Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park offers over 60 km of groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing. Part of the trail system is illuminated so you can keep on skiing until 9 pm. Other amazing winter activities include backcountry skiing and sled dog rides.

In the warmer months, Canmore offers some of the most amazing hiking adventures for every skill and difficulty level. All the hikes in Canmore reward you with spectacular mountain views and clean forest air. The trails might take you through bridges, by a creek, or to the shores of the Bow River. But no matter what you must come to the shores of the little Quarry Lake for the most beautiful and peaceful scenery.

If you’re looking for a challenge, go on a guided hike to the summit of Ha Ling Peak.

Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags

READ NEXT: 15 Best Things to Do in Canmore in Winter

Banff, Alberta

Nestled amongst one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada is the small mountain town of Banff. About a 90-minute drive from Calgary it is easily accessible – rent a car or take one of the regular shuttle buses between Calgary and Banff.

Banff is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. There is a lot to do just around the town. Or you can use it as a base to explore Banff National Park by car.

A short but rewarding hike within the town is the 4.3km Tunnel Mountain hike. A steep trail leads to some of the best views over the town. Guided hikes are also available. Or take a scenic bike ride through the town to Vermillion Lakes where a 4 km road gives wonderful vistas of Banff’s mountains as well as some potential wildlife spotting opportunities.

If you have more time in the area, and access to a car, Banff National Park is home to some of the most stunning lakes in Canada. Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka are both only a 15-minute drive from Banff; Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are about 45 minutes to an hour away. All are well worth the drive.

Recommended by Emma from Forever Lost In Travel

READ NEXT: 9 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Banff in the Fall and Best Things to Do in Banff in the Spring

Jasper, Alberta

The small town of Jasper is the gateway to the beautiful Jasper National Park. It offers charming boutiques, hip restaurants, and cozy hotels to enjoy between your outdoor adventures. The closest big city is Edmonton. But you can also get to Jasper from Calgary. Along the drive, you’ll pass right by Banff and Yoho National Parks on the Icefields Parkway, making this a popular Canadian Rockie road trip.

Many of Jaspers Jasper’s most incredible sites are along the Icefields Parkway. Plan a hike along the 1.4 km out-and-back Athabasca Glacier Trail, where you can walk right up to the glacier’s leading edge and marvel at the massiveness (up to 300 metres thick!) of part of North America’s largest icefield. You can walk ON the glacier as part of a guided tour.

For a more intense hike, consider the 8 km out-and-back Wilcox Pass trail, which provides breathtaking vistas of the glacier’s tongue- and an excellent spot for seeing bighorn sheep!

If you’d rather get your adrenaline pumping, you can book a white water rafting tour in the summertime, like the Class III+ rapids along the Sunwapta River (which literally translates to “turbulent waters”).

Visiting in the wintertime? Ski or snowboard on any of the 91 runs at the Marmot Basin ski resort, all with the dramatic Canadian Rockies as your backdrop. 

Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

Best Small Towns in British Columbia for Outdoor Adventures

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke is my favourite Canadian mountain town. Located in eastern British Columbia, it’s a 6-hour drive from Vancouver or 4.5 hours from Calgary. The nearest airport is in Kelowna, 2.5 hours away.

In the winter, Revelstoke is most famous for snowmobiling and skiing – Revelstoke Mountain Resort has the highest vertical drop of any ski resort in North America!

But there are lots of things to do in Revelstoke in the summer. It’s a great destination for mountain bikers, with lift-accessed trails at the ski resort and lots of other trails around town. Extreme sports junkies can also go white water rafting or paragliding. Halcyon and Halfway River hot springs are also nearby.

Mount Revelstoke National Park is right on the edge of town. Be sure to drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway for amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. In mid-summer, the wildflower display is unreal.

Make time to go hiking in Revelstoke. If you’re looking for a short walk, check out the easy 0.5 km trail to Sutherland Falls in Blanket Creek Provincial Park. For something more challenging, head to Eva Lake in Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s a 12 km round trip that takes about 6 hours.

Recommended by Taryn from Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: 15 Things to do in Revelstoke in the Summer

Squamish, British Columbia

My hometown of Squamish bills itself as the adventure capital of Canada. It’s located on the famous Sea to Sky Highway in between Vancouver and Whistler. The easiest way to get there is by car (1.5 hours from Vancouver), but you can also take a shuttle bus.

Squamish is world-famous for rock climbing, especially on the Stawamus Chief, a 700-meter-tall granite monolith. But you don’t need a rope and harness to climb to the top. A steep and challenging 11-kilometer-long trail for hikers scrambles up the backside to three different peaks where you can peer straight down the sheer face. It’s one of the best hikes in Squamish.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is just outside Squamish is one of BC’s best hiking destinations. Get details on the hike to picturesque Garibaldi Lake or the beautiful views of Elfin Lakes in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

You can also check out off-the-beaten-path local favourites like the hike to Mount Crumpit (named after the Grinch’s home) and Brohm Lake. Or walk the easy trails at the topic of the Sea to Sky Gondola. In the winter, Squamish has great snowshoeing trails.

Squamish also has hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike trails. Beginner-friendly trails crisscross the valley floor and expert routes descend rock slabs on nearby hills and mountains. Beginners can sign up for a guided mountain bike tour that includes instruction.

Recommended by Taryn of Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: Sea to Sky Highway Road Trip Guide: Driving from Vancouver to Whistler

Gibsons, British Columbia

While it’s a bit under-the-radar, I think Gibsons on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is one of the best small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures. It is is a short 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. I lived there for five months and enjoyed exploring all the things to do on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a cute waterfront town with lots of boutiques, restaurants, and craft beer.

The quaint harbour is a great place to launch kayaks and paddle to nearby Keats Island. The town is also home to several beaches. Bonniebrook Beach on the north end of town is the best since it’s over two kilometres long and has lots of sand. Mountain bikers will love the huge trail network on the forested slopes above the town.

Some of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast are in Gibsons. Don’t miss the trail to the top of Soames Hill for great views. It’s only 2 kilometres long, but it’s a steep climb with stairs. I also love the easy trails in nearby Cliff Gilker Park since they wind through the forest to several waterfalls.

Recommended by Taryn of Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: The Best Things to do on the Sunshine Coast, BC

Tofino, British Columbia

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino is a popular weekend getaway from Vancouver. It’s a three-hour drive from the ferry terminal in Nanaimo. You can also get there by floatplane.

The town is famous for its sandy beaches, lush rainforest, and quaint shops. It also has some of the best surfing in Canada. It’s beginner-friendly, with lots of shops offering surf lessons and rentals, which include warm wetsuits for the cold water.

Tofino is also one of the easiest places to access Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Beginners should try the easy Rainforest Loop trail. There are two loops, each one km long. The trail goes through incredible scenery with lots of moss, ferns, and towering trees.

There are also several beach hikes, including the 6.8 km long Nuu-chah-nulth Trail between the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and Florencia Bay. It features interpretive signs about the local Nuu-chah-nulth Indigenous people.

Catch a water taxi in Tofino to access even more adventures. Kayak in Clayoquot Sound. Go backpacking on Flores Island’s Wild Side Trail. Hike amongst giant trees on the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island. Or go for a soak in the remote springs at Hot Springs Cove.

Recommended by Taryn of Dawn Outdoors

READ NEXT: 22 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver

Best Small Towns in Northern Canada for Outdoor Adventures

Dawson City, Yukon Territory

Dawson City is a historic Gold Rush town in the Yukon. The town is best accessed by road on a Yukon road trip. You can get there by the Top of the World Highway (from Alaska) or via the Klondike Highway.

This outdoor destination is famous for being a popular site that contributed to the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s. It is also the second-largest town in the Yukon with a population of just under 1400 people. 

There are some fantastic hiking and biking opportunities here in the summer. Near the town is the beautiful 8.4 km trek that will take you from Dawson City to Midnight Dome.

Many of the most stunning hikes are in Tombstone Territorial Park. One of the most rewarding hikes is the Goldensides Mountain, which is just 3.4 km but provides excellent views. You should expect to complete this hike in under 1.5 hours.

If you decide to tackle the trails on a mountain bike, we suggest the Dome Climb which has some paved sections.

Recommended by Natasha from The World Pursuit

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Located on the north bank of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife is the capital city of Northwest Territories and has a population of less than 20,000. The best way to get there is to take a flight from major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary. 

Yellowknife is famous for its viewing of magnificent northern lights. It is one of the best places in the world to experience this amazing and magical natural phenomenon on earth. Many factors determine your chance to see the Northern Lights, but statistically, the area offers a 90 percent chance of sighings between mid-November and March. 

The long, cold winter and minimal light pollution in Yellowknife mean there is an extended period of darkness on winter nights. Don’t be surprised to see the Northern lights as early as 7 pm outside your hotel! For a complete viewing experience, stay in the city for three to four days, sign up for a guided tour, visit an aurora village, and then drive to an open area yourself once you have a better idea of where and how to see the lights. 

To explore nature during the daytime, head to the Ingraham Trail that extends to Tibbitt Lake and check out Cameron Falls. It is an easy hike that’s suitable for any type of traveler and the views of the lakes and forest are breathtaking. Guided hikes are also available.

Recommended by Kenny from Knycx journeying 

READ NEXT: The Best Canadian Adventure Books

Fort Smith, Northwest Territories

Fort Smith is located just north of the border between the Northwest Territories and Alberta. You can get there by plane, but many visit as part of an epic road trip thanks to Highway 5. It’s about a 9-hour drive from Yellowknife but it’s certainly worth the trek!

The town is the gateway to Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada’s largest national park and the world’s largest dark sky preserve. Camping at Pine Lake is a popular activity that allows you to see a large part of the park, though many head to the Switchback Trail where you’ll find the only salt plains in Canada.

As the area is a dark sky preserve, check out the Fort Smith Star Park and Observatory. Run by the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society (TAWBAS), they will happily allow access to their telescopes so that you can catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. There is also a chance of catching the Northern Lights, though your best time to visit is between August and April!

If you’re an avid paddler, you’ll want to mark Fort Smith on your bucket list and see how you fare against the area’s white water rapids! Every year, Fort Smith hosts the Slave River Paddlefest where locals and visitors alike tackle the rapids and make memories you’ll never forget. If you’re unable to visit for the festival, the Fort Smith Paddling Club is always happy to show visitors the ropes since white water is not to be taken lightly!

Recommended by Lindsay from I’ve Been Bit

Iqaluit, Nunavut

To residents of Nunavut, Iqaluit is distinctly a city – it’s the epicentre of life at the top of the country. But by most Canadians’ standards, Iqaluit’s 8500 permanent residents put it firmly in the ‘town category’. Despite its size, you’ll be surprised how much activity can be found in the ‘New York of the North’.

Iqaluit lies on the southeast side of Baffin Island and is the capital of Nunavut. Any community north of 60 might seem inaccessible, but Iqaluit is actually only a 3-hour flight from Ottawa.

Once in Iqaluit, there are a ton of things to do depending on the season. In the spring, while the sea ice is still frozen, you can go snowmobiling over the arctic ocean, dog sledding on the tundra, try your hand at ice fishing, or chase the northern lights.

In the summer and fall, you can go hiking. The Apex Trail provides constant ocean views and is 5 km long. It ends at a tall hill which you can climb for even better views. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park has another fantastic hike, offering views of the bright blue glacial river, which is roughly 6 km long. In addition to hiking, you can also explore the tundra by ATV or go kayaking on Frobisher Bay.

Due to the remoteness (and the occasional polar bear sighting), most activities require the support of a local guide or outfitter. Inukpack Outfitting and Arctic Kingdom are the two primary outfitters.

Recommended by Mikaela of Voyageur Tripper

How many of these Canadian towns have you visited? And which of these small towns in Canada for outdoor adventures are on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• How to Take an Epic Canadian National Parks Road Trip
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• Where to Experience Indigenous Tourism in Canada
• 22 Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• 25 Cozy Cabins Near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The post Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I have visited a lot of Canada’s National Parks. Recently I wanted to figure out how many parks I had left to visit, and the best way to see them. I’ve also driven across Canada twice, and I know it’s a beautiful trip.

I had a look at a map and figured out that while some Canadian National Parks are fly or boat-in only, most of them are easy to reach on a road trip. And actually, you could design a really epic road trip from coast to coast that includes most of the National Parks plus lots of Canada’s major cities.

So I sat down with google maps and worked one out for you! Here is my guide to the ultimate Canadian National Parks road trip. Enjoy!

Psst! Do you love national parks? Check out my list of the best Canadian national parks gifts

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Planning

As of 2019, Canada has 48 National Parks. Thirty-one of them have road-access. (You have to fly or boat into the others.) I’ve used Google maps to design a cross-Canada road trip that visits all 31 of those parks with the least amount of backtracking possible. In most places, the route stays close to the trans-Canada highway, so it’s easy to take short detours off the cross-Canada route to visit National Parks.

This road trip visits every single Canadian province and two territories. (Nunavut isn’t connected to the road network. That means it’s not even possible to road trip there!) It includes 31 National Park and also visits lots of major Canadian cities and provincial capitals, since you’ll have to to eat some great food and soak up some culture now and then.

The entire Canadian National Parks road trip involves over 19,000km (11,800 miles) of driving. And lots of the parks are REALLY big. For example, Wood Buffalo National Park is larger than the entire country of Denmark! (For more fun trivia, check out this list of 155 crazy facts about Canada).

At a minimum, it would take about a month or two to complete the entire trip, but it would be REALLY rushed. Ideally, I would set aside at least 4 months for this epic road trip, but ideally closer to 5 or 6 months to really spend time in each place.

Of course, that’s a lot of time off for most people, so if you don’t have that much time, take a few weeks to just do a section. Some of the areas I’ve enjoyed the most are the Rocky Mountain parks in BC and Alberta, and the Atlantic Canadian provinces, especially Newfoundland.

Weather in Canada is no joke. By far the best time of year to do this road trip would be the summer months of June to September. May and October are also nice unless you are in the north. Theoretically, you could do this trip at any time of year with good snow tires and some winter driving experience, but many of the parks have reduced services in the winter or close completely. 

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Map

Here’s the custom google map of Canada’s National Parks I’ve made for you. Click to explore the map. The National Parks you can visit by car are in green. Parks you have to fly or boat into are in red. The blue line is the epic Canadian National Park road trip route.

Canadian National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s a list of every single National Park in Canada visited on the road trip, in order from west to east. It also includes important cities and provincial capital cities. I’ve listed every National Park and city I have visited in bold. That means I’ve been to 17 of the 31 parks on this road trip already! Just 14 to go!

• Victoria, British Columbia
• Pacific Rim National Park (Read about the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim)
• Gulf Islands National Park
• Vancouver, British Columbia (Read Vancouver area posts)
• Mount Revelstoke National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Kootenay National Park (Read about the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park)
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Calgary, Alberta
• Banff National Park (Read about how to visit Banff in the fall and what to do in Banff in the spring)
• Yoho National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
• Kluane National Park
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Edmonton, Alberta
• Elk Island National Park
• Prince Albert National Park
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Grasslands National Park
• Regina, Saskatchewan
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Pukaskwa National Park
• Georgian Bay Islands National Park
• Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Point Pelee National Park
• Toronto, Ontario
• Rouge National Urban Park
• Thousand Islands National Park
• Ottawa, Ontario
• Montreal, Quebec
• La Mauricie National Park
• Quebec City, Quebec
• Mingan Archipelago National Park
• Forillon National Park (Read my friend Josanne’s guide to hiking and camping in Forillon National Park)
• Kouchibouguac National Park
• Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Fundy National Park
• Prince Edward Island National Park
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Keijimkujik National Park
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Gros Morne National Park (Read about the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne)
• Terra Nova National Park
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (Read my list of the best things to do in St. John’s)

Canadian National Parks Without Car Access

While they are difficult to get to, and in many cases pretty expensive, I’d love to visit some of Canada’s more remote National Parks. Here are the other 17 National Parks that require charter flights or boats to reach. I’ve included info on their location and how to get there if you’re curious.

Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve: Located in southeastern Labrador, the only way to reach this park is to fly in from the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Aulavik National Park: This park is on the north end of Banks Island, an arctic island in the North-West Territories. To get there, you’ll fly in from Inuvik, NWT.

Auyuittuq National Park: To get to this park on the southern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut, you charter a flight from Iqaluit, NU.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve: This national park is located in the southern end of Haida Gwaii (also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the west coast of British Columbia. To get to Haida Gwaii, drive your car onto the passenger ferry in Prince Rupert, BC. Once you’re on the island, you can take a boat or a float plane from Queen Charlotte City into the park. Read my guide to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

Ivvavik National Park: This park is located along the Arctic Ocean in the northern part of the Yukon Territory. The only way to get there is to charter a flight from Inuvik, NWT. 

Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve: This Canadian national park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Yukon Territory. To get there, you’ll need to fly to the remote communities of Norman Wells, Tulita, or Fort Simpson, NWT, and then charter a floatplane into the park. 

Nahanni National Park Reserve: Located in the southwestern part of the North West Territories, you can only reach Nahanni National Park by floatplane. Charter one in Fort Simpson or Yellowknife (NWT), Watson Lake (YT), or Muncho Lake (BC).

Qausuittuq National Park: This park is located on Bathhurst Island in Nunavut’s high arctic. To get there, you can fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Quttinirpaaq National Park: Canada’s northernmost National Park, this park is located on Ellesmere Island. To get there, you’ll have to fly in from Iqaluit, Nunavut to Resolute Bay, then into the park.

Sable Island National Park Reserve: Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, Sable Island is a giant sand bar with a population of wild horses. The only way to reach it is by charter flight from Halifax, NS.

Sirmilik National Park: This arctic National Park is on the northern end of Baffin Island in Nunavut. To get there, fly from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, then snowmobile or boat into the park.

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve: This brand new National Park was just created in 2019. It’s located on the eastern end of Great Slave Lake in the North West Territories. The only way to get there is by boat or floatplane from Yellowknife. 

Torngat Mountains National Park: Located in northern Labrador, the easiest way to get there is to take a charter flight from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador to Saglek airstrip at the southern end of the park. From there you can take a boat or helicopter into the park.

Tuktut Nogait National Park: This northern park is located in the North West Territories near the border with Nunavut. To get there, book a charter flight from Inuvik, NWT.

Ukkusiksalik National Park: Located in Nunavut near Hudson’s Bay, the only way to reach this park is by charter flight from Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, or Naujaat, Nunavut then boat or fly into the park.

Vuntut National Park: This National Park is located near the Alaska border in Yukon Territory. To get there, fly to Old Crow, Yukon, then fly or paddle into the park.

Wapusk National Park: Located in the heart of polar bear country on Hudson’s Bay in Manitoba, this park can be reached by boat, snowmobile, plane or dog team from the town of Churchill, Manitoba.

Canadian National Parks Resources

• Parks Canada’s website is your best source for up to date info on the parks. You can also buy National Parks passes online. For an extended trip, the best deal is the Discover Pass, which gets you in to all parks for a year. 
• To help plan your trip (and get excited about what you’ll be seeing) the National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of Canada is a great choice. National Geographic also has a great bundle of maps of Canada. They’re waterproof and tear-resistant so they’re great on the road or for at-home planning.
• For general Canada travel advice, Lonely Planet’s Canada Travel Guide is great. We used an older version of this guide on our drives across Canada.

So there’s my itinerary for the most epic Canadian National Parks road trip. If you are planning a road trip across Canada, these 31 National Parks should be on your list. 

Don’t have enough time for a full cross-Canada road trip? Here are some ideas for shorter Canadian road trips:

• Drive the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler
• Explore the Pacific Marine Circle Route on Vancouver Island
• Take a hot springs road trip in BC and Alberta

Read Next:

• 20 Fabulous Canadian National Park Gift Ideas
• Best Small Towns in Canada for Outdoor Adventures
• The Best Canadian Adventure Books
• Your Guide to the Best Hot Springs in Canada
• Things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Canada
• Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park
• Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park
• Hiking the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park
• Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park: Everything You Need to Know
• Cozy Cabins near Vancouver Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

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