St. John's 
St. John’s is a top-tier destination for anyone wanting to see the urban side of Newfoundland. The city has numerous accommodations, places to eat, and things to see or do. But travel beyond the major city to explore so much more of what this province has to offer! Road trips and day trips around Newfoundland are easy to plan with a couple of destinations in mind.
Credit: Camille Turner/ Bonavista Biennale.
These smaller cities and towns around the province all have something of their own to offer visitors. No two towns in Newfoundland are the same!
Bonavista
Bonavista is a perfect summer or fall destination in the province. With several cool, unique, or adorable places to stay, it is easy to fill a week or weekend in town. Additionally, Bonavista is also a great day trip destination for anyone up here with the intent of visiting the Discovery Global Geopark. Beyond the natural scenery is the town’s interesting local history, annual events, and dining.
- Visit from spring to fall and embark on a whale watching or iceberg tour with Seas the Day, The Bonavista Adventure Tours, or Discovery Sea Adventures.
- All around Bonavista, the Geopark included, are several natural wonders to behold like massive icebergs on the water, cute puffins on the rocks, or the whales that might be swimming around the icebergs!
- Bonavista’s events take place over the summer and fall. The town’s newest event is the Fall Harbour Festival, while their traditional Church Street Festival and Bonavista Biennale are both in summer.
- Delve deep into Bonavista history with a visit to numerous local sites. These include Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site, and the Ryan Premises National Historic Site.
- Catch a performance at the historic Garrick Theatre from local performers. The Garrick features a Summer Series and a handful of different shows throughout the year.
Grand Falls-Windsor
Grand Falls-Windsor in central Newfoundland provides an eclectic mix of things to do for various different interests. The town is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty that is much easier to explore with the help of some guides, marked trails, and tour operators. Take time to explore the riverside town, the scenery, the food, and the people!
Credit: Rafting Newfoundland
- For summer adventure outside the town of Grand Falls-Windsor, take to The Exploits Extreme Ziplines, or to the waters with Rafting Newfoundland. For winter adventures, grab snowshoes or cross-country skis to enjoy the Exploits Valley Cross-Country Ski Club trails. The trails follow the banks of the Exploits River.
- Grand Falls-Windsor’s Arts & Culture Centre provides family-friendly entertainment through live plays and musical theatre performances.
- Queen Street Dinner Theatre offer an exceptional dining experience in Grand Falls-Windsor with different shows scheduled each summer. For more dining, try many tasty local options like The Third Place Café, Juniper Kitchen & Bistro, Tai Wan Restaurant, Badger Diner, and Gourmet on the Go.
- The Exploits Valley Salmon Festival takes place each July. The Salmonid Interpretive Centre RV park is the perfect place to stay for the event with campsites looking over the river, a café, and a shop.
- For more camping opportunities nearby, try bookings with Catamaran Park on Badger Lake, Beothuck Family Park, or Sanger Memorial RV Park.
Gander
Gander, easily one of the most welcoming places in Canada, has a storied aviation history. This is partially due to the town’s airport and aviation history. The town is in the northeast of Newfoundland, but still far enough west on the Trans Canada to be inland from the Atlantic. Regardless, Gander is still surrounded by the beautiful Gander Lake, plus many other smaller lakes.
- Gander is home to several great hiking and cycling trails, many of which are converted to cross-country ski or winter trails once the snow hits. Cobbs Pond Rotary Park has a long 4.5km boardwalk for accessible hiking and wildlife viewing. For a more sheltered or shaded hike, travel the trails of the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest. The Gander Heritage Trails are some of the neatest around town, with directions on how to best view the outdoor history on display near the airport.
- Planning a trip to Gander, whether for the day or longer, is made easier if planning around a specific event. Throughout the year, you can visit for Canada Day celebrations, Gander Day (August), Gander’s Festival of Flight (August), or for Christmas on the Boardwalk in Bishop’s Falls (December).
- The Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre presents a variety of live performances year-round, offering audiences an engaging night out.
- Gander and the surrounding smaller communities have a lot of history to explore and see during a stay in the area. Visit places like Botwood, Bishop’s Falls, or Lewisporte to find smaller museums or monuments located around town.
St. Anthony
It is no doubt that Newfoundland’s northern cape has an incredible amount to see, do, and experience. St. Anthony is the perfect place to stay while enjoying the area, with several other fun activities to enjoy in town. The areas around St. Anthony are also abundant in trails, whether you prefer hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
Credit: Denise Kitagawa/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed
- Spend winters in St. Anthony on the trails and out in the more natural areas. The Aurora Nordic Ski Club maintains groomed trails near town, which are lit at night, while snowshoeing is permitted at Pistolet Bay Provincial Park.
- Explore incredible local history and stories around St. Anthony. In town, visit the Grenfell House Museum. Or, take a 40-minute drive north to the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (June-October).
- Discover the northern Atlantic waters around Newfoundland with seasoned experts. Both Northland Discovery Iceberg & Whale Tours and Iceberg Alley Boat Tours offer seasonal tours.
- Fishing Point Municipal Park has about 3km of walking trails around the surrounding trees with staircase access to get you closer to the water. Across the harbour on East Street begins another seaside trail with slightly more challenging elevation gains. Both trails will get you to great iceberg viewing areas over the Atlantic.
- St. Anthony might be a stop along the way to Pistolet Bay Provincial Park, about 25km north of town. From spring to fall, visitors can camp, canoe, swim, picnic, hike, birdwatch, and stargaze.
- Visit in June or July to help St. Anthony celebrate the Iceberg Festival, or Canada Day.
- Lightkeepers Cafe and RagnaRock Northern Brewing Co. are both highly rated and seasonal eateries in town.
- Find year-round eats and shopping at the Rebel Coffee House in St. Anthony.
Stephenville
Stephenville is a short drive southwest of Corner Brook and on St. George’s Bay. From town, enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and some of Newfoundland’s rugged coastal scenery. No matter the time of year, the town offers plenty to do in terms of shopping, festivals, and sightseeing. Plus, many areas around Stephenville or nearby provide exceptional scenery for outdoor adventures or a camping trip.
- The festivals pop up all summer in Stephenville with the Stephenville Theatre Festival (July-August), The Annual Quilt Show (August), and Port au Port Agricultural & Craft Fair (late-September).
- The Stephenville Arts and Culture Centre runs shows all year-round.
- Plan a historical tour of the area with stops at the Stephenville Regional Museum (June-August), which also hosts fundraising events throughout the year, Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church and Museum
- Stephenville’s closest Provincial Park, Barachois Ponds, is certainly a summer destination with two beaches, a Canada Day party, boating, picnic areas, camping, hiking, and cycling. Plus, the park is open to snowshoers in the winter.
- For more winter recreation, visitors can make use of the Whaleback Nordic Ski Club trails (also open for summer disc golf).
- There are several great hiking and walking trails in or around Stephenville. In town are the trails around Noel’s Pond, or those in Blanche Brook Park. A little way outside of Stephenville are the Scott Pollard Memorial Trail to the east, or the Port au Port trails to the west.
Twillingate
Many of the experiences available in Twillingate or nearby provide visitors with quintessential northern Newfoundland fun. This could include whale watching from the shore or tour boats, glimpses of icebergs in spring and summer, or the sights of seabirds. Twillingate is easily a place to relax and escape, with a quiet seaside atmosphere, excellent food, and a wide range of accommodations.
Credit: Daniel Pouliot/ Flickr /CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed
- Get out on the water to capture views and photos of what Twillingate is best known for: whales and icebergs! These local operators can help you safely enjoy the views and adventures: Capt Dave’s Boat Iceberg Whale & Fishing Tours, Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours, or Twillingate Island Boat Tours
- Get a taste of local history and culture from the Twillingate Performing Arts Centre, Twillingate Museum & Craft Shop, Twillingate Lighthouse Heritage Museum, and the Prime Berth Fishing Museum.
- The amazing coastline scenery around Twillingate is best appreciated via nearby trails. Spiller’s Cover & French Beach Trails, or a hike down to Sea Breeze Park, will all provide beautiful shots of the water, the cliffs, birds, or whales and icebergs.
- Find some of Newfoundland’s top waterfront accommodations in Twillingate like Rum Runner’s Roost B & B, Waterside Cottages, Captain’s Legacy Historic Bed and Breakfast, Toulinguet Inn and Suites, or the Sunshine Inn (connected to a local market, too!)
- Herring Neck Dory Festival (July), or the Digital Arts Festival (September) help to keep summers busy and eventful in Twillingate.
- Feature shows will play over the summer from places and groups like Twillingate/NWI Dinner Theatre, Olde House Shows, or the Grand Old Shed Party.
Deer Lake
Visitors may be stopping at Deer Lake on the way to Gros Morne National Park to the northwest of town. But there are several fun and exciting reasons to take time in the Humber Valley to explore Deer Lake, the surrounding waters, local attractions, trails, and more. Views of Deer Lake are visible throughout the town with the lake also providing plenty of outdoor fun in certain months.
Photo Credit: Newfoundland Insectarium
- Deer Lake is open to canoers and kayakers, swimmers, and the long beach beside town is perfect for a lazy day in the sun or a picnic.
- Be sure to visit one of Deer Lake’s and one of Newfoundland’s most unique attractions. Deer Lake is home to the Newfoundland Insectarium– a museum for bugs (May-September)!
- Bring bikes, skis, or hiking boots to Deer Lake. There are several great trails for all three activities near town.
- Cross-country skiers can make use of the groomed trails from the Pasadena Ski & Nature Park, while downhill skiers can make use of the hills at Marble Mountain Resort.
- For hikers and cyclists, choose from a great number of trails that range from simple to challenging or difficult. The Humber River trail begins near where the river and lake meet in Deer Lake. It continues along the side of the river for about 10km. Several more trails are found on the south side of the lake near Pasadena.
- Find unique farm shopping and experiences near Deer Lake, like u-pick berries and pumpkins from Wright’s Family Farm, or handmade gifts and honey from Cormack Bee Company.
- Deer Lake is easily considered a gateway to the abundance of natural areas and outdoor fun to the north. After exploring Deer Lake, head northwest to Gros Morne National Park, or northeast to Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park.
Bay Roberts
One might want to call Bay Roberts in east-central Newfoundland the province’s festival town. There are many exciting celebrations and parties taking place in Bay Roberts all year-round, with even more in neighbouring communities like Cupids and Brigus. Bay Roberts is one of the towns on Newfoundland’s Conception Bay coastal area with several coves carved out up and down the shores. A drive along the Conception Bay Highway, north or south of Bay Roberts, help to make the trip even more worthwhile.
- The Bay Roberts town and surrounding areas are busy and bustling all year with events and festivities: Songs, Stages and Seafood Festival (May), Light the Lamp (June; Newfoundland’s largest outdoor street hockey tournament), Newfoundland Tulip Festival (June), Annual Harbour Grace Regatta (July), Pirates to Pilots Festival (July), Bay Roberts Klondyke Days (July, August), Fall in Love with Bay Roberts (September-November), or the Festival of Lights (November).
- Some of the best Bay Roberts trails are part of the Heritage Trail system. Follow Water Street as it leads toward the coast and choose between routes that give you views of Spaniard’s Bay Harbour, Bay Roberts Harbour, and the Atlantic. There are several historic sites to see along the way, too.
- Along with the Heritage Trail, Bay Roberts also has a handful of other great historical sites and monuments like Cable Avenue Municipal Heritage District, Christopher Pratt Gallery, Road to Yesterday Museum, and the Cable Building National Historic Site.
- Find several cozy dining spots around Bay Roberts like Mad Rock Café & Gifts, Bigger Bite Pizza, Sun Wui Restaurant, Fraser’s Restaurant, or Jungle Jim’s Eatery (to name a few).
Trinity
There is a wonderful amount of natural scenery and wonder to take in around the Trinity coastline. Trinity is on the east-central coast of Newfoundland, with Port Rexton also close by. The town itself is a fun place to explore on foot or by bike while finding food and shops. And the many parks and trails near Trinity get you close to some epic Newfoundland scenery.
- Enjoy the local arts and culture of the Trinity area with summer concerts from local artists at the English Harbour Arts Centre, or a shopping trip to the Dock Marina.
- Further explore the culture through local historical sites around town. The Trinity Historical Society help to keep up over a dozen historical sites around town. Take a self-guided walk to see them all!
- Hike Discovery maintain a few excellent trails near Trinity, like the Fox Island Trail south of Port Rexton, the Gun Hill Trail, Kerley’s Harbour, Skerwink, and the Southside Trail.
- Travel inland for a little over 10km to visit another wonderful natural area near Trinity. The Lockton Path Provincial Park offers summer camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. The area is also open to snowshoeing in the winter.
- There are a handful of local restaurants in the town of Trinity, plus many others in neighbouring towns like Port Rexton.
- Bring your sense of adventure to Trinity. These guides and outfitters offer a variety of types of adventures. Enjoy whale-watching with Sea of Whales Adventures or Trinity Eco Tours (which also offer ATV tours).
Fogo Island & Change Islands
Fogo and Change Islands are accessible by ferry from Port Albert. The large ferries have room for passengers and vehicles, with daily departures all year round. You’ll arrive at Stag Harbour on Fogo Island, and in the heart of iceberg alley.
- Stay a few days and make the scenic ferry rides a little more worth it. There are cottages, cabins, B&Bs, Inns, and more, all across Fogo Island.
- Visit in late summer or late fall for the Islands’ major events: Etheridge’s Point Seaside Festival takes place each August on the north side of the island, and the Fogo Island Partridgeberry Harvest Festival takes place every October in the village of Fogo.
- Fogo Island is filled with numerous viewing areas, scenic trails, and lookout points. Many of the trails are on the north or northwest side of the island: Brimstone Head Hiking Trail, Lion’s Den Traill, Deep Bay Foot Path Trail, or the Joe Batt’s Point Walking Trail.
Must be an AI generated article to include Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville.
And I grew up in Gander
Hr. Grace has more than a Regatta. It also has a considerable aviation history second to none ,plus the Court House, and it’s fishing industry history, stone churches, Fall Fair history, Miss Nfld & Labrador history,museum, Peter Easton history et alia. Worth a visit I think.
Botwood should be added,has imilitary history from WW2,including old air base and two museums,it was a airport including for sea planes.It also is know for the many professional painted Muriels throughout the town(very interesting)-it is in Central Newfoundland.