Do I need a visa to visit Newfoundland and Labrador?

This depends on your nationality. As part of Canada, you need appropriate Canadian travel documents: an eTA for many visa-exempt countries, or a visitor visa for others. Check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What is the best way to see icebergs?

The most reliable way is by boat tour from Twillingate, Bonavista, or St. Anthony in late May to early July. Land-based viewing is possible from many coastal trails, like the Skerwink Trail or Cape Spear.

When can I see whales?

Whale watching peaks from late June through August. Humpbacks are common, along with minke and sometimes orcas. Boat tours depart from various coastal towns.

What currency is used?

Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases in remote villages.

What language is spoken?

English is the primary language. In some areas, you may hear French, especially near the Port au Port Peninsula, or local dialects and traditional Irish-Newfoundland English.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout the province.

Bring layers: a fleece, waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, a hat, gloves (even in summer for boat rides), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

In summer, especially in smaller towns and near national parks, book well ahead. Last-minute options can be very limited.

Is there cell phone coverage?

Coverage is good in towns and along the Trans-Canada Highway, but spotty or nonexistent in many rural and wilderness areas. Download offline maps before venturing out.

What is a 'screech-in'?

A fun, unofficial ceremony to make someone an honorary Newfoundlander, involving a shot of Screech rum, a short recitation, and kissing a cod. It’s common in bars and by local tour operators.

Are there any dangerous animals?

Moose are the biggest hazard on roads. Black bears are present but rarely agressive. Keep your distance from all wildlife. No venomous snakes or large predators pose a typical threat to humans.

Can I see the Northern Lights?

Yes, from late fall to early spring, when nights are clear and dark. Labrador is particularly good. Check aurora forecasts and get away from city lights.

Varies by nationality. Many visitors need an eTA or visa. Check with Immigration Canada.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English is the primary language. Some French in Labrador.

What is the time zone?

Newfoundland Standard Time (UTC-3:30), 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.

Yes, best from late May to early July along the northeast coast.

What is the driving like?

Scenic but winding roads; watch for moose. Winter driving requires snow tires.

Are there bears or wildlife?

Yes, black bears and moose. Keep distance and store food properly.

Is there good cell coverage?

Good in towns, but spotty in rural and remote areas. Download maps offline.

Can I visit Labrador easily?

Requires ferry or flight from Newfoundland. Plan ahead as services are limited.

What is the local cuisine?

Seafood (cod, lobster), toutons, fish and brewis, and partridgeberry desserts.

Newfoundland and Labrador - Travel destination image

Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada, North America

Newfoundland and Labrador is a STATE in Canada, North America.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a raw, breathtakingly beautiful province on Canada’s eastern edge. Here, ancient mountains plunge into the wild Atlantic, and massive icebergs drift by from ‘Iceberg Alley’. St. John’s, the capital, charms with its candy-coloured row houses, lively pubs on George Street, and the iconic Signal Hill. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, delivers fjords, tablelands, and epic coastal hikes. L’Anse aux Meadows lets you walk in the footsteps of Vikings. Watch humpback whales breach, puffins nest on rocky cliffs, and caribou roam the tundra. The locals, known for their warmth and legendary ‘screech-in’ ceremonies, welcome you with kitchen parties and fresh seafood. Whether you’re sea kayaking among bergs, exploring 500-year-old fishing villages, or chasing the Northern Lights, this is adventure, culture, and nature in its purest form—all wrapped in a landscape that feels like the edge of the world.

Best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador

Late May to early October is the prime window. June and July offer the best iceberg viewing as ancient ice drifts south. July and August bring the warmest weather (15–25°C), ideal for hiking, whale watching, and festivals. September sees fewer crowds, fall colours, and continuing whale activity. Winter (December–March) is cold and snowy but perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and viewing the Northern Lights. Spring (April–May) is chilly and muddy, with ice still clogging some bays.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Rain
Temperature: 4°
Feels like: -3°
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 39 km/h
Precipitation: 0.4 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 5 to 12°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Medium

Killer whale sightings possible; pack waterproof gear.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

YYT

St. John's International Airport

International

0 km away

YDF

Deer Lake Regional Airport

Domestic

650 km away

YQX

Gander International Airport

Domestic

330 km away

YYR

Goose Bay Airport

Domestic

1500 km away

YJT

Stephenville International Airport

Regional

750 km away

Getting around

"A car is essential for exploring beyond St. John’s. Rental cars are available at the airport and in major towns; book ahead in summer. Roads are generally good, but some rural routes may be unpaved. Watch for moose and potholes. Public transit (Metrobus) exists only in St. John’s. Ferries connect many coastal communities, notably to the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Taxis and ride-sharing are available in St. John’s. For remote areas, consider domestic flights with PAL Airlines or Air Canada."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Fair

WiFi

Widely available in accommodations and cafés in towns; limited in remote areas

Local SIM

Prepaid SIM from Bell, Telus, Rogers available at airports and shops from $10 CAD

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Very safe overall. Driving risk is mainly due to moose collisions, especially at night. Downtown St. John's can be lively but safe; normal precautions suffice.

Night safety

7/10

Very safe overall. Driving risk is mainly due to moose collisions, especially at night. Downtown St. John's can be lively but safe; normal precautions suffice.

Transport

7/10

Scam risk

9/10

"Newfoundland and Labrador is one of Canada’s safest regions, with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare; petty theft can occur in tourist areas—keep valuables secure. The greatest risk is road safety: moose are a serious hazard, especially at dusk and dawn, so drive cautiously and avoid night driving on rural highways. Coastal cliffs and ocean currents demand respect—stay on marked trails and heed warning signs. Weather can change rapidly, even in summer; carry warm, waterproof clothing. In winter, icy roads and snowstorms require preparation. Emergency services are reliable, but response times increase in remote areas."

Police, Fire, Ambulance

911

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"No mandatory vaccines required. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, MMR) are recommended. Tap water is safe to drink. Medical facilities are excellent in St. John’s and larger towns, but remote areas have limited access; carry a first-aid kit. Travel insurance is strongly advised, including medical evacuation coverage. Blackflies and mosquitoes can be bothersome in summer—use insect repellent. Sunscreen is a must during outdoor activities. Tick-borne Lyme disease risk is low but rising; check for ticks after hiking. In winter, dress in layers to prevent hypothermia and frostbite."

Culture

Local customs

"Newfoundlanders are famously friendly and hospitable—expect strangers to strike up a conversation. The ‘screech-in’ ceremony, involving a shot of Screech rum and kissing a cod, is a playful tradition for visitors. Dress is casual and practical; layers are your best friend due to ever-changing weather. When photographing locals or fishing stages, ask permission. Tipping 15–20% is standard in restaurants. Respect wildlife and leave no trace. Pubs often have live traditional music, and it’s polite to applaud even if you don’t know the tunes. The concept of ‘island time’ is real—be patient and enjoy the slow pace."

English (official)French (official)ChinesePunjabiSpanishItalianGermanTagalogArabicIndigenous languagesEnglishFrench

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a casual meal at a diner or pub costs around $15-25 CAD

Hotels

$100-200 | budget motels and B&Bs range $100-$200/night in summer; city hotels higher

Local transport

$2.50 | local bus fare in St. John's is $2.50 CAD; car rental from $50/day

Cost notes

Prices are in Canadian dollars; remote areas and peak summer (Jul-Aug) can be pricier. Fuel costs are higher than on the mainland.

Timezone

America/St_Johns
Local time 12:05

More facts

Population

525,000

ISO code

CA-05

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Agios Ioannis Neas Gis, Baile Naoimh Eoin, Baile Naoimh Eòin, Baile Sheain, Baile Sheáin, Saint John, Saint John's, Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean de Terre-Neuve, San Juan de Terranova, Sanctus Ioannes Terrae Novae, Sejnt Dzhons, Sent DZons, Sent Dzonsas, Sent Džonsas, Sent-Cons, Sent-Dzhons, Sent-Jons, St Johns, St. John's, St. John’s, YYT, ceyint jans, sant jwnz, seinteujonseu, seniti jonisi, senta jansa, senta jaunaza, senta jonsa, sentojonzu, sheng yue han si, snt g'wns, snt janz, Άγιος Ιωάννης Νέας Γης, Сейнт Джонс, Сент Џонс, Сент-Джонс, סנט ג'ונס, سانت جونز, سنت جانز, سینٹ جان, سینٹ جانز، نیوفنلینڈ اور لیبراڈار, सेंट जॉन्स, সেন্ট জন্স, ਸੇਂਟ ਜੌਨਜ਼, செயின்ட் ஜான்ஸ், სენტ-ჯონზი, ሴንት ጆንስ, セントジョンズ, 聖約翰斯, 세인트존스, Newfoundland en Labrador, نيوفاوندلاند واللابرادور, Nyufaundlend və Labrador, Правінцыя Ньюфаўндленд і Лабрадор, Нюфаундленд и Лабрадор, Douar-Nevez ha Labrador, Newfoundland i Labrador, Terranova i Labrador, Newfoundland a Labrador, Newfoundland og Labrador, Neufundland und Labrador, Νέα Γη και Λαμπραντόρ, Novlando kaj Labradoro, Terranova y Labrador, Newfoundland ja Labrador, Ternua eta Labrador, نیوفاندلند و لابرادور, Nýfundland og Labrador, Terre-Neuve et Labrador, Nijfûnlân en Labrador, Talamh an Éisc agus Labradar, Talamh an Éisg is Labrador, Terra Nova e Labrador, Thalloo yn Eeast as Labrador, ניופאונדלנד ולברדור, Új-Fundland és Labrador, Նյուֆաունդլենդ և Լաբրադոր, Newfoundland dan Labrador, Nov-Fundland e Labrador, Newfoundland e Labrador, Nýfundnaland og Labrador, Terranova e Labrador, ニューファンドランド・ラブラドール州, ნიუფაუნდლენდი და ლაბრადორი, Newfoundland aamma Labrador, 뉴펀들랜드 래브라도 주, Nîwfawindland û labrador, Tir Nowydh ha Labrador, Terra Nova et Terra Laboratoria, Neifundland a Labrador, Niufaundlandas ir Labradoras, Ņūfaundlenda un Labradora, Њуфаундленд и Лабрадор, Ньюфаундленд ба Лабрадор, न्यूफाउंडलंड आणि लाब्राडोर, Tèrranòva e Labrador, Ньюфаундленд æмæ Лабрадор, ਨਿਊਫ਼ੰਡਲੈਂਡ ਅਤੇ ਲਾਬਰਾਡੋਰ, Nowa Fundlandia i Labrador, Newfoundland wan Labrador pruwinsya, Newfoundland și Labrador, Ньюфаундленд и Лабрадор, Nova Fundlandija in Labrador, Toka e Re dhe Labradori, Newfoundland och Labrador, நியூஃபவுன்லாந்து மற்றும் லாப்ரடோர், รัฐนิวฟันด์แลนด์และแลบราดอร์, Newfoundland at Labrador, Newfoundland ve Labrador, Néwfundland Ölkisi, Ньюфаундленд і Лабрадор, نیو فاؤنڈ لینڈ اور لیبراڈور, Nyufaundlend va Labrador, Newfoundland và Labrador, נייפונדלאנד און לאבראדאר, Newfoundland àti Labrador, 纽芬兰与拉布拉多省, نیوفاوندلاند و لابرادۆر, CA-NL, N.L., An Talamh Ùr agus Labrador, 紐芬蘭與拉布拉多省, T.-N.-L., نيو فوندلاند و لابرادور, Ньюфаўндленд і Лабрадор, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, Talamh an Éisg agus Labrador, Újfundland és Labrador, 뉴펀들랜드 래브라도, Terra Nova et Labrador, Terranova şi Labrador, ܢܝܘܦܐܘܢܕܠܢܕ ܘܠܐܒܪܐܕܘܪ

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