Ancient giants: iceberg viewing in Newfoundland & Labrador

The expanse of waters that stretch from the coast of Labrador to the northeast corner of the island of Newfoundland is aptly known as Iceberg Alley, and is one the best places in the world to see ancient giants as they gently float south.

These massive icebergs are towering slabs of 12,000 year-old ice that range in colour from snow white to deep aquamarine and have their own unique shape and size. They can be as small as a boat or as large as an office tower – each iceberg has its own story to tell.

Take in the icebergs from land, from a boat, or from up close in a kayak. Each experience offers an incredible perspective of these natural wonders and will leave you with memories (and photographs!) that last a lifetime. Imagine watching rivulets of icy water pour from crevasses, and catching the blue-green flashes of submerged corners of these icy giants just below the water line.

If you're lucky, the crew might net small chunks of the iceberg and throw them in your drink. In fact, Newfoundlanders make good use of the icebergs in Iceberg Water, iceberg spirits like Iceberg vodka, gin, rum and, of course, Iceberg Beer brewed in St. John's at the famous Quidi Vidi Brewery.

As you cruise the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador in search of ice, you may also encounter playful dolphins, majestic humpback whales, and an enormous variety of birds, including gannets and the fan-favourite puffins.

May and June are the ideal months to embark on an iceberg expedition.