Newfoundland

Coastal charm meets rugged wilderness on island

Newfoundland is a large island off Canada’s eastern coast with rugged coastlines and rolling hills. The capital city, St. John’s, features colorful buildings and historic sites dating back centuries. The land includes rocky shores, dense forests and open spaces where wildflowers grow in summer. Local communities rely on fishing and small-scale farming for their livelihoods. Weather changes quickly here due to ocean influences, so layers are useful year-round. Visitors can explore lighthouses along the cliffs or taste seafood straight from the sea at family-run restaurants.

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Island in Canada

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.2

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	9

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3/5

In Newfoundland, English is widely spoken and understood by locals, especially in towns and tourist spots. Visitors will find clear signage, friendly conversations and easy navigation throughout the province.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Newfoundland Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

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Read how our scores work

Outstanding for rugged coastlines and wildlife. Hike dramatic sea cliffs, watch whales and seabirds, explore colorful fishing towns and drive scenic coastal routes.

Place score

9.3

Best at:

Sea

Natural sites

Islands

Spotless

Hiking

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

👩 8

Solo

🌈 8

LGBTQ+

Canada – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Canadian Dollar (CAD) £1 ≈ CA$1.87
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are popular. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Canada, with a typical tip of 10-20% in restaurants. Tipping is also expected in taxis and for hotel staff, usually 1-2 CAD for bellhops and housekeepers.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by province, but it's often allowed in designated areas such as festivals or certain parks.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces and in most outdoor spaces in urban areas. Some provinces have stricter laws than others.

Canada Day (July)	The country celebrates with fireworks and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and high demand for accommodations.
Thanksgiving (October)	A major family holiday with many businesses closed, especially in rural areas.
Christmas (December)	Festive markets and winter activities are popular, but expect higher accommodation prices and busy cities.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Other:	Canada is vast, so be prepared for long distances between cities and varying weather conditions depending on the region.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Newfoundland, Canada

🌨️

Jan

🌨️

Feb

🌨️

Mar

🌨️

Apr

☁️

May

☁️

Jun

🌥️

Jul

☁️

Aug

☁️

Sep

☁️

Oct

❄️

Nov

🌨️

Dec

High season:	June - Aug.
Shoulder season:	May, Sep.
Crowdedness:	3 (Few tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Many tours, B&Bs and attractions are closed from mid October to late May, main season June to September

Iceberg season late May to early July, best on the northeast coast and Iceberg Alley

Whale and puffin season June to August, capelin spawning brings humpbacks close to shore late June to July

Don't miss

🏞️ Explore Gros Morne National Park's dramatic fjords
🦀 Taste fresh cod at a waterfront seafood shack
🌈 Stroll through St. John's colorful Jellybean Row
🚡 Ride the cable car to Signal Hill lookout
🎻 Attend a traditional Cape Breton fiddle session

You've been here?

Why travel to Newfoundland?

Newfoundland offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and quiet charm that appeals to travelers seeking an authentic North‑American experience. The island’s rugged coastline is framed by dramatic cliffs, sea stacks and expansive sandy beaches such as those at Cape St. George and the Bay of Islands. These settings provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, whale watching and birdwatching, especially during the spring migration when puffins and other seabirds are abundant. The capital, St. John’s, is a historic town with colorful row houses, cobblestone streets and a lively waterfront. Visitors can explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the region’s fishing history and the Titanic’s connection to the island. Local cuisine – particularly fresh cod, lobster and the iconic “Jigg's dinner” – offers a taste of Newfoundland’s culinary traditions. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous hiking trails in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features fjords, granite peaks and unique geological formations. The park also hosts guided tours that explain the island’s complex geology and glacial history. For those interested in music and storytelling, the annual Newfoundland Folk Festival showcases traditional folk songs and contemporary performances. The island’s welcoming communities, combined with its unspoiled landscapes and rich maritime culture, make Newfoundland a rewarding destination for travelers who value authenticity over spectacle.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
2 Gros Morne National Park
3 Western Brook Pond
4 Cape Spear
5 Fogo Island

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Lance Cove
2 Western Brook Pond
3 Gros Morne Mountain Trail
4 Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve

🛍️Shopping

1 The Rooms

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Knowledge before you go

Pack waterproof gear; Newfoundland weather is unpredictable even in summer.
Reserve accommodations early, especially during the peak July‑August tourist season, to secure better rates and availability.
Learn basic French phrases; many locals appreciate bilingual greetings, particularly in coastal towns with historic French influence.
Explore the island’s lighthouses by bike or kayak for unique scenic routes that reveal hidden coves and local wildlife habitats.

How to travel to Newfoundland

Travel to Newfoundland, an island province of Canada, primarily involves air or sea access. The main entry point is through St. John’s International Airport (YYT), located in the capital city of St. John’s. Direct flights operate seasonally from major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. For international visitors, connecting flights via these hubs are common. Alternatively, ferry services connect Newfoundland to mainland Canada; the Marine Atlantic terminal at North Sydney, Nova Scotia, offers vehicle and passenger transport to Placentia Bay on the island’s east coast. Once on the island, local transportation includes rental cars, buses and taxis for regional travel. Weather conditions may affect access during winter months due to snow or storms.

Access summary

From St. John's International (YYT): Direct flights from Toronto (4h) and New York (3h).
From Halifax (YHZ): 1‑hour flight to St. John’s; ferry from Harbour Grace (2h).
Ferry from Argentia to St. John's: 30 minutes; popular for scenic coastal tours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Newfoundland

Newfoundland offers a spectrum of lodging from cozy bed‑and‑breakfasts tucked into historic homes to modern boutique inns overlooking the Atlantic. In St. John’s, you’ll find a mix of heritage cottages and contemporary apartments that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking upscale comfort. The island’s rural towns feature charming farm stays and eco‑lodges built with reclaimed timber, reflecting local craftsmanship. Along the coast, many accommodations boast sea‑view suites and private balconies, capitalizing on dramatic cliffs and iceberg sightings. Seasonal cabins in Gros Morne National Park provide rustic appeal for hikers, while luxury lodges near L’Anse aux Meadows offer gourmet dining and spa services. Overall, Newfoundland balances affordability with authentic, high‑quality experiences that celebrate its maritime culture.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Ramada by Wyndham St. John's

8.5

Razoolies Inn

9.3

Best Western Plus St. John's Airport Hotel and Suites

9.2

Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. John's Airport By IHG

9.1

Murray Premises Hotel

8.8

DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview

8.6

Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland

8.9

Greenwood Inn and Suites

7.9

Days Inn by Wyndham Stephenville

8.3

Holiday Inn St. John's Conference Center by IHG

7.7

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Newfoundland

To explore Newfoundland, the most efficient way to travel is by car, as it offers flexibility across rugged coastlines and remote communities. Renting a vehicle allows access to scenic routes like the Trans-Canada Highway and the iconic Cabot Trail. For those preferring public transport, regional buses operated by companies such as ACI connect major towns like St. John’s, Placentia and Corner Brook, though schedules may be limited in rural areas. Ferries are essential for reaching the island’s outlying regions, including the Bonavista Peninsula and Gros Morne National Park. Cycling is also popular along coastal paths, while domestic flights link Newfoundland to mainland Canada. Always check seasonal road conditions, especially in winter, as snow and ice can impact travel plans.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-31 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 31% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-10 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to CAD) is 10% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£65	£122	£304
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£32	£66	£146
🍝 Food per day	£26	£47	£127
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£8	£30

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£17
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£11
🍟 Fast food combo	£8
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£10
☕ Cappuccino	£1.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.70

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.80
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£18
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.95

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£8
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£90
🤧 Cold medication	£8
💇 Basic haircut	£14

Safety information overview

General safety

Newfoundland remains one of Canada’s safest destinations, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Travelers rarely encounter petty theft or violent incidents. Still, exercise standard precautions: secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night and stay informed about local weather advisories.

Health & Medical

Newfoundland offers high‑standard medical care, with well‑equipped hospitals and a robust public health system. Clean air and low pollution reduce respiratory risks, though the remote island’s limited specialist services may require travel for advanced procedures. Overall, healthcare is reliable and accessible.

Accessibility

Newfoundland offers mixed accessibility: many historic sites and downtown St. John’s have ramps, but older buildings and rugged coastal trails can be uneven. Public transport is limited; taxis are available. Plan ahead for mobility aids and check local guides for accessible accommodations.

Tap water

Newfoundland’s tap water is among North America’s best – clean, soft and treated to high safety standards. Public fountains are plentiful in towns and cities and most hotels provide filtered taps. Hydration is hassle‑free, with reliable, great‑tasting water everywhere.