Top 10 Attractions in Newfoundland & Labrador

Opening image that frames the list as a Newfoundland and Labrador “highlights” itinerary: a coastal scene that signals rugged Atlantic landscapes and sets expectations for outdoor, ocean-adjacent experiences throughout the article.

History, icebergs, Vikings, and outdoor adventures at the edge of Canada. A quick visual cue that this list is built around Newfoundland and Labrador's Atlantic setting - expect cliffs, lighthouses, and ocean views to be part of the "top attractions" experience. Photo credit: Tourism Newfoundland and Labrador/Barrett and MacKay

Quick Summary

Newfoundland and Labrador is where centuries of history and quaint fishing villages live alongside modern design and outdoor adventure. From Signal Hill where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal to Viking settlements at L'Anse aux Meadows, from the iceberg capital at Twillingate to the Jurassic landscapes of Gros Morne—these 10 attractions showcase why this easternmost province captivates visitors with its raw beauty, rich heritage, and unforgettable experiences.

Introduces the St. John’s stop as both a viewpoint and a story-driven landmark (military history + Marconi’s wireless signal).

Signal Hill isn’t just a view; it’s where Newfoundland’s strategic history and early global communications intersect—use it to decide if your trip prioritizes heritage, scenery, or both. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

1. Signal Hill National Historic Site

Location: St. John's | Highlights: Military history, Marconi wireless signal, harbour views

What if much of your daily life was influenced by what unfolded on a hill in St. John's? Signal Hill was the site of the final battle of the Seven Years' War between British and French soldiers. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first-ever transatlantic wireless signal here—the innovation that ultimately led to the mobile phone you might be reading this on. Watch the Signal Hill Tattoo as the Royal Newfoundland Regiment re-enacts military drills with cannon and musket fire. Hike 5 km of surrounding trails for spectacular views of St. John's, the ocean—and possibly whales or icebergs.

Anchors the ‘easternmost point’ claim with a lighthouse landmark that helps travelers understand geography (edge-of-the-country feeling) and whale/iceberg watching potential.

Cape Spear helps travelers choose timing and expectations: the landmark is about “Canada’s edge,” plus seasonal wildlife and iceberg viewing from the cliffs.

2. Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Location: Most easterly point of Canada | Built: 1836 | Features: WWII bunker ruins

Have you ever felt an entire country at your back? Cape Spear is Canada's most easterly point—a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic with the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland (1836). Tour the restored lighthouse and see how the Cantwell family lived while operating it for 150 years. Explore WWII bunker remains built to watch for German U-boats—today you'll watch for breaching whales instead. Enjoy the edge of the world.

Represents the hiking option in the list by showing the coastal terrain travelers will actually navigate, clarifying that the attraction is a network of routes, not a single lookout.

This image matters because the East Coast Trail is a choose-your-own-adventure: it helps readers gauge difficulty and pick a section that fits their fitness level and time.

3. East Coast Trail

Length: 545 km (developed & undeveloped) | Features: 50m suspension bridge, geysers, archaeology

No matter your fitness level, skill level, or preferred terrain, the East Coast Trail has a path for you. Easy waterside walks? You've got it. Trek between lighthouses? You can. Rocky terrain workout? Loads of that. From a 50-metre suspension bridge to geysers and archaeological digs, 545 km of trail provide opportunities to find exactly the hike you're after.

Supports the article’s “geology you can see” message—an image that helps readers connect the park to cliffs, valleys, and exposed earth rather than generic forest scenery.

Gros Morne is on many lists for its landscapes, not just hikes—this image helps travelers understand why it’s a World Heritage–level stop and what kind of terrain to plan for.

4. Gros Morne National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site | Age: 485 million years of geological history | Activities: Hiking, camping

If Jurassic Park ever came to be, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more appropriate setting. It took 485 million years for nature to shape this awe-inspiring wonder—beautiful green river valleys sitting between vast cliff sides. The exposed earth crust allowed geologists to prove their theory on tectonic plates. A hiker's dream with marked and unmarked trails, forests, lowlands, and bogs housing rare plants and animals. Bring camping gear—you'll want to stay awhile.

Signals that Fogo Island is positioned as an art/architecture + coastal experience; the image should visually separate it from the “pure outdoors” entries on the list.

Fogo Island’s draw is the blend of design and remoteness—this image helps readers decide if they want a luxury coastal base or a more traditional fishing-town vibe. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

5. Fogo Island

Largest offshore island | Highlight: Fogo Island Inn—luxury hotel, rooftop hot tubs, local traditions

Newfoundland's largest offshore island has become a stand-out destination for lovers of art and architecture. The Fogo Island Inn is a truly beautiful luxury hotel set next to the sea along rocky coastline—featuring rooftop hot tubs, a library, and décor based on local traditions in an award-winning designed building. Take island tours with friendly Islanders, explore artist studios, feast on Newfoundland specialties and foraged treats, and enjoy traditional music and storytelling.

Represents ‘classic coastal town’ as a category: colorful homes, rocky shorelines, and iceberg/whale-watching context that makes the destination feel tangible.

Bonavista is a decision point for travelers who want small-town atmosphere plus wildlife and iceberg viewing—this image shows what the “coastal fishing town” promise looks like.

6. Bonavista

Historic site of Cabot's landing (1497) | Features: Colourful homes, lighthouses, 20,000-year-old icebergs

When you picture small coastal fishing towns, Bonavista probably matches that image. This is the historic site where Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto first discovered North America in 1497. Today it's a quaint town of colourful homes along rocky shores and pebbled beaches, with heritage buildings, museums, and coastal lighthouses. The oldest things you'll see? The 20,000-year-old icebergs floating by. Keep an eye out for whales and visit the full-size replica of Cabot's ship.

Connects the Viking-settlement claim to place: a windswept coastal/bog setting that helps readers understand why this UNESCO-style history feels remote and immersive.

L’Anse aux Meadows Naitonal Historic Site. This image makes the ‘Vikings in North America’ story feel real: it shows the open landscape and isolation that shape the visitor experience, not just the archaeology. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

7. L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

UNESCO World Heritage Site | Date: 11th century | First European presence in North America

Here you'll find the very first evidence of European presence in North America—long before Cabot. Vikings visited Newfoundland and their 11th-century settlement remains with excavated wood-framed and peat-turf buildings similar to those in Greenland and Iceland. Immerse yourself with costumed guides, see 1,000-year-old artefacts, and live like a Viking for a day surrounded by cliffs, coastline, and bogs.

Represents the ‘iceberg capital’ angle with a harbor/coast scene that cues boat-based experiences (icebergs, whales, kayaking) and seasonal trip planning.

Twillingate is a timing-sensitive stop—this image helps readers connect the town to iceberg season and whale-watching logistics so they can plan dates and activities. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Barrett and MacKay

8. Twillingate — Iceberg Capital of the World

Activities: Whale-watching, kayaking, hiking, beaches | Festival: Fish, Fun and Folk (late July)

Seafood and scenery define Twillingate—a small, colourful fishing town where fish comes fresh from water to plate. It's the iceberg capital of the world and a great outdoor adventure destination with whale-watching, beaches, and kayaking. Hiking draws many visitors along rocky coastline trails, picking wild berries en route to scenic lighthouses. Time your trip for the Fish, Fun and Folk Festival (late July) for music, bonfires, fireworks, and more.

Supports the whaling-history narrative by showing the coastal setting where the Basque industry operated, helping readers understand this is maritime heritage with on-water options.

Red Bay is about maritime history you can still explore: this image helps travelers judge whether they want museums and archaeology, or kayaking and coastal hikes. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Barrett and Mackay

9. Red Bay National Historic Site

UNESCO World Heritage Site | History: 16th-century Basque whaling station | Features: 26-foot chalupa boat

In the 1500s, thousands of Basque whalers hunted for blubber in Red Bay waters. The whaling town remains where they first set it up—explore remnants of ovens and equipment. Visit the education centre to see a 26-foot 'chalupa' (whale-hunting boat) and compare it to large whale skeletons on site. Then hike the beach or kayak the waters, watching for shadows moving beneath.

Illustrates the ‘restored history you can stay in’ concept—an outport island setting that signals overnight potential and the atmosphere the article describes.

Battle Harbour is less “day trip” and more “step back in time”—this image helps readers decide if the remote-island logistics are worth it for the preserved outport experience. Photo credit: Benjamin Heath

10. Battle Harbour

Title: 'Salt fish capital of Labrador' | Accommodations: Historic merchant/policeman homes | Wildlife: Orcas, icebergs

'The salt fish capital of Labrador' was once the region's social and economic hub. Two centuries of history have been preserved or restored—fishery buildings, churches, and homes, many available to stay in. Sleep in a former merchant or policeman's home, explore workplaces and historic structures, then enjoy fresh meals and entertainment unchanged for 100 years. Come for orcas, icebergs, and hiking—stay for the atmosphere.

Visit the Newfoundland and Labrador website

Follow-Up Questions

Where can I see icebergs in Newfoundland?
What's the best time to visit Gros Morne National Park?
Can I stay at the Fogo Island Inn?
How do I get to L'Anse aux Meadows?

Associated Entities

Signal Hill, Cape Spear, East Coast Trail, Gros Morne National Park, Fogo Island Inn, Bonavista, L'Anse aux Meadows, Twillingate, Red Bay, Battle Harbour, St. John's, Marconi, Vikings, UNESCO, Parks Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Sources

Destination Canada — Top 10 Attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador

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