6 Best Sights in Newfoundland and Labrador for an Atlantic Canada Trip

The best sights in Newfoundland and Labrador include Signal Hill in St. John's, Cape Spear, the East Coast Trail, L'Anse aux Meadows, Bonavista and Twillingate. Most of them fit into a loop from St. John's, though Labrador adds real driving distance. Check each site's season and hours before you go, because the calendar changes what is open.

1. Signal Hill, St. John's

Quick facts: National historic site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901

The hilltop site overlooks the harbour and has about five kilometres of surrounding trails. Visitors can also catch the Signal Hill Tattoo, a military re-enactment with cannon and musket demonstrations. Destination Canada's top 10 list is a good starting point for the rest of your plans.

2. Cape Spear Lighthouse

Quick facts: Canada's most easterly point · Built in 1836

Cape Spear is a cliff-top lighthouse and the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. A self-guided tour covers the keepers' residence and a Second World War bunker. Plan it as a short stop on the way to or from St. John's, as Destination Canada also highlights.

3. East Coast Trail

Quick facts: About 545 km of developed and undeveloped trail · Includes a 50-metre suspension bridge

The trail network suits many fitness levels and includes lighthouse routes and rocky climbs. Choose one section for a half-day walk rather than trying to cover it all. If you plan to drive the island's west coast as well, Fodor's guide to western Newfoundland sights lists more stops.

4. L'Anse aux Meadows

Quick facts: A Norse settlement dating to the 11th century · Plan at least three hours

The site is the first evidence of a European presence in North America, with reconstructed buildings and costumed guides. The Parks Canada visit page advises allowing at least three hours. Its contact number changes between May to October and October to May, so confirm the hours before you travel.

5. Bonavista

Quick facts: The coastal town where Cabot landed in 1497 · Icebergs and whale watching nearby

Bonavista has colourful homes, heritage sites and a full-size replica of Cabot's ship. Icebergs estimated at around 20,000 years old pass by the town, and whale watching is a popular add-on. The Destination Canada list covers the town among the province's top attractions.

6. Twillingate

Quick facts: Known as the iceberg capital of the world · Fish, Fun and Folk Festival in the last week of July

Twillingate is a fishing town on islands of the same name, known for seafood, iceberg viewing, hiking and kayaking. Its festival runs in the last week of July, so book accommodation early if you plan to attend. For more context, see the Destination Canada overview. Our earlier piece on the best things to do in Newfoundland and Labrador this fall covers other seasonal options.

People also ask

How many days do you need to see Newfoundland's top sights?

Plan at least a week if you want to see St. John's, the Avalon Peninsula and a northern stop such as L'Anse aux Meadows. Shorter trips work if you focus on St. John's and one coastal town. Saga's guide to things to do in Newfoundland gives a useful menu of options for building your days. Expedia's top 10 attractions list is another option for ranking stops.

Is Labrador worth adding to a Newfoundland trip?

Yes, if you have the time. Destination Canada describes Battle Harbour as a preserved fishing and trading hub where visitors can stay in historic homes. Travel time is longer than on the island, so budget extra days. popular things-to-do ranking is a good way to compare Labrador with island options. Hotels.com also ranks the top 10 attractions.

Do I need a car in Newfoundland?

Most of these sights sit in different towns, so a car gives you the most flexibility. Check the distances between stops before you plan a day, and allow extra time for rural roads.

Are these sights open in winter?

Not all of them. The Parks Canada page lists seasonal phone numbers but does not say whether L'Anse aux Meadows closes in winter, so check the hours page before you travel. Many attractions here are seasonal, so confirm each one directly.

Planning a Newfoundland stop on a wider Atlantic Canada trip? Write to travel@unitedtravels.ca and we will help you sequence the flights and stays.

Facts checked against current sources as of October 26, 2026; confirm before booking, traveling or deciding.