Spotting a huge mass of ice from the shore is a treat, whether it's from a lookout point, boat deck, or hiking trail. Travelers journey from around the world to go iceberg watching in Newfoundland and Labrador. Prime iceberg viewing usually runs from late May through early June in Newfoundland, and from March through July on the southern coast of Labrador.
Only 10 per cent of an iceberg floats above the surface, with 90 per cent below the water. Icebergs that you’ll see in Newfoundland have floated south from glaciers in the Arctic and Greenland. The ice sheets are 10,000 years old and consist of fresh water.
Icebergs can be viewed while hiking coastal trails, driving shoreline roads, or sea kayaking in sheltered bays. If the icebergs are drifting far from shore, you can take a boat tour to the area. But don’t get too close: icebergs are unpredictable and they make break up or roll at any time.
Where to Spot Icebergs in Newfoundland
It’s possible to see icebergs along the northern-exposed coast of Newfoundland and the southeastern coast of Labrador, a region often called Iceberg Alley. As icebergs drift with the ocean currents, no one can predict exactly where and when icebergs will be spotted from land. That said, some regions are historically better for iceberg watching than others. Some of the most reliable regions are the:
- Labrador Coast and the Strait of Belle Isle: This southeastern stretch of the Labrador Coast is accessible by car. Take the ferry across the Strait of Belle Isle to Blanc-Sablon, Quebec. From there, you can drive towards the Point Amour Lighthouse and Red Bay. The coastal barrens provide a stark surrounding.
- St. Anthony: Near the tip of the Northern Peninsula, St. Anthony is a top destination for iceberg watchers because it hosts the early June Iceberg Festival. The town is close to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site and there are a number of winding coastal roads that reach remote bays.
- Twillingate: With its fishing heritage and rocky coastline, Twillingate is the most renowned iceberg watching spot in Newfoundland. Long Point Lighthouse offers an elevated vantage point for looking out over the water.
- St. John’s: Visit the Newfoundland capital and climb Signal Hill to spot icebergs that are near the coast. You can also drive south to Witless Bay (also a top spot for seabird watching) and take a boat tour. Another good viewing spot is the easternmost point in Canada, Cape Spear.
Planning an Iceberg Watching Trip
Tracking icebergs in advance is essential to ensuring you see them. Iceberg Finder provides maps showing current icebergs. If you don’t manage to catch an iceberg during your Newfoundland visit, you can always indulge in a bottle of Iceberg Vodka. The company uses water harvested from icebergs to make the spirit.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
