Newfoundland and Labrador / Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

ProvinceCanada, North America

Newfoundland and Labrador / Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador is a STATE in Canada, North America.

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada's easternmost province, a ruggedly beautiful land where ancient landscapes meet vibrant culture. This is where North America begins, with the Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows offering a glimpse into the continent's first European contact. Travelers are drawn to the dramatic coastal scenery of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where fjords cut through towering cliffs, and to the charming capital of St. John's, famous for its colorful Jellybean Row houses and lively George Street. The province offers unparalleled wildlife viewing: witness thousands of puffins and whales along the coast, or spot caribou herds on the vast Labrador tundra. The unique culture is shaped by the sea, with a distinct dialect, traditional music, and warm hospitality known locally as 'the Newfoundland charm.' From iceberg alley in spring to the stunning Northern Lights in winter, this is a destination for adventurers seeking raw natural beauty and authentic experiences.

Best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador / Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

June to September offers the warmest weather (10-20°C/50-68°F), ideal for hiking, whale watching, and festivals like the St. John's Regatta. May-June is prime iceberg viewing season along the coast. September-October provides stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (December-March) is for Northern Lights viewing, snowmobiling, and experiencing unique cultural events, though conditions can be harsh with significant snowfall.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 5-15°C, rain

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Moderate

Moose rutting; foliage peak

Know before you go

Getting there

YYT

St. John's International Airport

International

10 km away

YQX

Gander International Airport

Domestic

5 km away

YDF

Deer Lake Regional Airport

Domestic

5 km away

YYR

Goose Bay Airport

Domestic

7 km away

YAY

St. Anthony Airport

Domestic

5 km away

Getting around

"Renting a car is highly recommended, especially for exploring outside St. John's. Public transit is limited to larger centers (Metrobus in St. John's). Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft are not widely available) operate in urban areas. Ferries connect Newfoundland to Labrador (Port aux Basques to Blanc-Sablon) and serve coastal communities. Regional airlines (Air Canada, PAL Airlines) connect major centers and remote towns. For navigation, apps like Google Maps work in populated areas, but offline maps are essential for remote regions. The Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) runs across Newfoundland."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities and towns; limited in remote areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airports and stores from $10

Calling code

+1

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare; be cautious with rental car deposits and ATMs in tourist spots.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare; be cautious with rental car deposits and ATMs in tourist spots.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Newfoundland and Labrador is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas. The primary risks are environmental: rapidly changing weather, especially fog and high winds; treacherous coastal cliffs and trails; and cold ocean waters. Always check weather forecasts before hiking or boating. When driving, watch for moose and caribou on highways, especially at dusk. In winter, roads can be icy and snow-covered—winter tires are recommended. There are no specific tourist-targeted scams, but be cautious of unlicensed tour operators. Remote travel in Labrador requires careful planning, satellite communication, and knowledge of wilderness survival."

Entry and health

Health information

"Healthcare is publicly funded for Canadian residents; travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. Major hospitals are located in St. John's (Health Sciences Centre, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital) and Corner Brook (Western Memorial Regional Hospital). In remote areas, medical services can be limited. Common concerns include tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease in some areas) and cold-water hypothermia. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Bring any prescription medications with you, as access in rural communities may be restricted. Air ambulance services are available for emergencies in isolated regions."

Culture

Local customs

"Newfoundlanders are known for their friendliness and storytelling—engage in conversation. Tipping is customary (15-20% in restaurants, similar to rest of Canada). Dress is generally casual, but pack for all weather conditions. Respect the natural environment—practice 'Leave No Trace' principles. In small communities, it's polite to greet people you pass. The local dialect and slang can be distinctive; don't hesitate to ask for clarification. 'Screech-ins' (a lighthearted tourist ceremony involving kissing a cod) are offered in some pubs."
EnglishFrench

Costs and practicals

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range restaurant meal costs $15-25

Hotels

$100-200 | mid-range hotel $100-200/night

Local transport

$2.50 | local bus fare ~$2.50

Cost notes

Gas and groceries are more expensive in remote areas.

Timezone

America/St_Johns -03:30 (GMT) for Newfoundland; America/Goose_Bay -04:00 (GMT) for most of Labrador

More facts

Population

533,000

Area

405,212 km²

Government

Provincial parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

ISO code

CA-NL

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Centennial Park, Little Canada, 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

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric CityHikingWildlifeCoastalAdventureCulturalFamily-FriendlyScenic Drives