Several small islands dot Newfoundland’s eastern coast, from Saint Anthony in the north to Saint John’s in the south. Among those that are easily accessible with a road and bridge are the Twillingate Islands, which are central to the eastern coastline.
Credit: Gary Paakkonen/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The North and South Twillingate Islands are connected to one another by road and to the province’s mainland by road. A drive out to the islands and the town of Twillingate still brings the coastal drive out about as far as Newfoundland reaches into the Atlantic waters.
The scenery and convenience of travel are two minor reasons to make the trip to Twillingate. No matter how you get there, this Island community has tons to offer, see, and do on a spring or summer vacation. This includes an array of tours and attractions, the local Twillingate arts, culture, and food scenes, annual events, and the local history to uncover.
Whether by land or sea, Twillingate, located about 450 km (5 hours’ drive) from St. John’s, offers unforgettable Atlantic adventures perfect for a spring or summer escape. Here are all the fun adventures to add to your Twillingate trip.
Twillingate Boat Tours
Spring and summer are indeed the best seasons for sightseeing in Twillingate. Part of this is, of course, due to the weather, but the other part comes from what there is to see during these seasons. And while spring and summer are the best times for sightseeing, boat tours are the best method. These tours offer chances to sight the massive icebergs or whales that float and swim off the coast. Twillingate is part of what is considered “iceberg alley” and will have dozens of icebergs float by in the spring and summer.
- Capt Dave’s Boat Iceberg Whale & Fishing Tours are reservable by contact and include a local expert as the tour guide. These are smaller, more intimate boat tours that typically run from April to September.
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours has bookings starting in May for their 84-passenger tour vessels, which also boast a cash bar on board.
- The Twillingate Adventure Tours start up operations by early May with options for every day of the week.
The Best Hiking Trails on the Twillingate Islands
No matter what type of difficulty level you want to set for your hike around North and South Twillingate Islands, this part of Newfoundland has it all. Embark on quick strolls to some amazing cliffside views, or more moderate hikes, or full-day excursions.
- Embark on a more challenging journey along the Twillingate Rockcut Trails. This hiking trail system winds around Purcell’s and Little Harbours, Codjack’s and Spiller’s Coves, and the French Beach area to create 30km of trail. There are also many ways to section off the Rockcut Trails into smaller loops at about 5-8km.
- And while those cover the east side of South Twillingate, there is more to uncover on the North Island: create a day hike out of the 15km loop around the tip of the Island and the town of Crow Head, or a quick hike out of the Spencer’s Park trail at 1km.
- Last but not least are the trails on the west side of South Twillingate. Most notable among them is the Top of Twillingate trail, which leads to 360-degree views overlooking the Island. The remainder of this area’s hiking trails reveal amazing coastline scenery along simple or short trails.
Beaches & the Twillingate Coast
Hiking around North and South Twillingate is one way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of eastern Newfoundland. Some other ways to make the most of the trip include visiting local parks, setting up picnics, or planning a summer day at the beach.
- Long Point Lighthouse (and the trail) on North Twillingate is considered one of the best places on land for viewing icebergs or whales, with the viewing areas facing directly north.
- The pebbled beaches around Twillingate offer a unique experience for a day at the beach. Spots around the Islands like Sleepy Cove, Back Harbour, French Beach, and the Arches all provide space to set up for a picnic, have plenty to photograph, and permit beach bonfires.
Around Town: Arts, History, & Culture
The arts scene in Twillingate is busy all year-round, but with plenty more to enjoy, see, and do during the spring and summer seasons. Plus, Twillingate is rich in local history and stories!
- Prime Berth Fishing Museum could easily be your first stop on the drive into Twillingate and offers a glimpse into the main Island industry through art and artifacts.
- More ways to explore local history include a visit to the Twillingate Museum & Craft Shop or to the Long Point Lighthouse. And while touring any parts of Twillingate on foot, bike, or by car, be sure to keep eyes open for the 200+ root cellars that still exist around town and the islands. The root cellars were once a common way to store and preserve food during the harsh winters.
- Entertainment and concerts in Twillingate ramp up from May to September, from the Twillingate Performing Arts Centre NWI Dinner Theatre, Grand Old Shed Party Show, and Olde House Shows.
Spring & Summer Events in Twillingate
These upcoming spring and summer events across the Twillingate area celebrate all the different parts of living and visiting here, local culture, and history.
- The Herring Neck Dory Festival (July) near Twillingate is a festival aimed at honouring timeless Newfoundland traditions, culture, and recreation, and arts.
- Twillingate / NWI Fish, Fun & Folk Festival (July) will take place the following weekend in Twillingate to celebrate all the best of local music with activities and fun for all ages.
- Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival (September) has several ways to showcase and celebrate digital arts: take part in interactive workshops, attend performances, and take in all the digital art forms.
- The region’s Rockcut Ultra (September) is an athletic event held each year on the famous Rockcut Trails. The event offers different running and hiking events to register for.
- Enjoy all the local shopping and foods from the Twillingate Island Farmers’ Market all spring, summer, and fall, with the kick-off weekend in early June.
Where to Dine in Twillingate
Find places to fill your bellies after all the touring, sightseeing, hiking, or exploring around North and South Twillingate.
- While the heading may say where to dine, there are some great places in Twillingate for a drink: grab a tour and a taste from the Great Auk Winery & Restaurant (May-September), Stage Head Pub, The Wharf, or George’s Pub at the Anchor Inn.
- The Anchor Inn offers two more excellent local dining options: The Blue Barrel Café and Georgie’s Restaurant. All Anchor Inn eateries are open May-September.
- Find several family-friendly dining options near the water at spots like R&J’s Restaurant, Pier 39, Tasty Thai & Pizza, Annie’s Harbour Restaurant, or the Newfoundland classic: Mary Brown’s.
Where to Stay in Twillingate
For anyone looking to make their trip to Twillingate an overnight stay, as is recommended to see and do as much as possible, there are many types of accommodation options available.
- Get a meal included with your shorter stay at bed and breakfasts like Rum Runner’s Roost B & B, Broadview House, Whitsha Inn, Admiral’s Inn, Iceberg Alley Bed & Breakfast, or the Mermaid Inn
- Grab a cozy cottage or cabin with Waterside Cottages, Whispering Wind Cove Cottages & RV Park, or Echoes of the Ocean.
- Stay in one of the historic buildings in Twillingate with opportunities from the Hodge Premises Inn, the Anchor Inn Hotel & Suites, or the Captain’s Legacy Bed & Breakfast.