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Ancient giants: iceberg viewing

Iceberg Alley

Ancient giants: iceberg viewing

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 AlleyExternal Link Title, and is one the best places in the world to see ancient giantsExternal Link Title as they gently float south.

Iceberg near town
Icebergs float by the Newfoundland and Labrador coast - Credit: Iceberg Quest

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.

Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures
Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures

Take in the icebergs from land, from a boatExternal Link Title, or from up close in a kayakExternal Link Title. Each offers an incredible perspective of these natural wonders and will leave you with memories for 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 and Rum and, of course, Iceberg Beer brewed in St. John's at the famous Quidi Vidi BreweryExternal Link Title.

Iceberg Quest
Take an incredible journey with Iceberg Quest

As you cruise the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador in search of ice, you might also encounter playful dolphins, majestic humpback whales, and a variety of birds, like gannets and the fan-favorite puffins. Consider the wildlife viewing a bonus.

 

It's in the spring and early summer that the waters fill up with icebergs, with May and June being peak months to head out and see them.

 

Start planning your date with these monoliths, with the help of Newfoundland and Labrador TourismExternal Link Title.

Colorful houses along the waterfront
Landsby

Destination St. John's  External Link Title

From CAD 849 per person (double occupancy)

9 days / 8 nights

Travel out to the edge of North America on an independent self-drive itinerary to see a different side of Canada. Visit Canada's most easterly point from the colourful city of St Jonh’s. Enjoy small town charm, diverse culture, and stunning scenery including icebergs!

Change Island Coastline
Globus logo

Pack your shades for the quaint lighthouses, rainbow- colored houses, and other bright sights this tour of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer

Colorful houses on the coast
Freewheeling Adventures Logo

Newfoundland & Labrador’s West to East  External Link Title

From CAD 4,136 per person (double occupancy)

12 days / 11 nights

This comprehensive tour begins in Newfoundland & Labrador and features the best of "the Far East of the Western World". Travel from the northernmost tip of the island of Newfoundland to the most easterly point in North America through national parks - including Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn of ancient peoples - the Maritime Archaic, Vikings, and Basques - as you travel to coastal fishing communities to meet the friendly and hospitable people of today. Boat tours provide the opportunity to see whales, thousands of seabirds, and, depending on the time of the year, icebergs! Sample local food and drink to become an honorary "Newfoundlander"!