Looking for a useful Newfoundland iceberg viewing vacation guide? We have done the research personally here and have spent years visiting vacation rentals, hotels and scouting iceberg viewing destinations in Newfoundland & Labrador. This article was updated for the 2024 Newfoundland iceberg viewing season.
Iceberg viewing in Newfoundland and Labrador is a popular activity that attracts visitors from around the world. The best time to see icebergs is in late May and early June along the coast of Newfoundland, and between March and July along the coast of Labrador. Icebergs are most plentiful in April and May, but they are often trapped in sea ice that prevents tour boats from operating.
The Best Places To Go Newfoundland Iceberg Viewing
Popular viewing spots include St. Anthony, Twillingate, Bonavista, and St. John’s/Cape Spear in Newfoundland, and Cartwright, Battle Harbour, and Point Amour in Labrador.
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These locations are accessible by road or car ferry, and offer excellent vantage points for spotting icebergs.
There are several tour operators that offer guided iceberg viewing tours. Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours, for example, offers boat tours from St. John’s and Twillingate. These tours provide an opportunity to see icebergs up close, along with other attractions like whales and seabirds.
Safety is an important consideration when viewing icebergs. It’s recommended to stay at a safe distance as icebergs can be unpredictable. Dressing appropriately for the weather, being mindful of wildlife, and staying informed about local weather conditions and iceberg updates are also important.
It’s also recommended to choose reputable tour operators who are knowledgeable about ice conditions and take necessary precautions.
In addition to the thrill of seeing these massive ice formations, iceberg viewing also holds ecological, cultural, and historical significance. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change, as the icebergs seen off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador are broken-off bits of Greenland’s glaciers which are melting at an increasing rate.
Iceberg Viewing Tours From St. John’s
Here are the iceberg tour operators in St. John’s, Newfoundland that will get the job done right.
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours offers award-winning boat tours that allow you to experience icebergs, puffins, and whales. They operate from St. John’s and Twillingate, Newfoundland.
- Contact Information:
- Corporate Head Office: The Sheraton Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, PO Box 13995, Station A, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4G8
- Phone: 709.722.1888
- Email: [email protected]
- Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch
- Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch offers a top-rated Newfoundland boat tour that includes viewing puffins, whales, and icebergs. They have close to 40 years of touring experience and are known for their commitment to providing incredible experiences and stellar customer service.
- Contact Information:
- Address: 90 Northside Road, Bay Bulls (only minutes from St. John’s)
- Toll-free (Canada / US): 1-800-419-4253
- Local: (709) 334-2887
Please note that while these operators offer iceberg viewing tours, the presence of icebergs can vary from year to year due to factors such as weather and ocean currents. It’s always a good idea to check with the tour operators for the latest information.
Iceberg Viewing Tours From Twillingate
Iceberg tours in Twillingate, Newfoundland, offer a truly awe-inspiring experience, allowing visitors to witness the grandeur of 10,000-year-old glacial giants in the world-renowned Iceberg Alley. Twillingate is often referred to as the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” and for good reason. The area is known for its abundant and diverse icebergs, which come in every shape and size, with colors ranging from snow-white to the deepest aquamarine.
Several tour operators in Twillingate provide exceptional experiences for iceberg viewing. Twillingate Adventure Tours, recognized as one of the best iceberg tour operators in the area, offers captivating boat tours that allow visitors to get up close to these natural wonders. The tours also provide opportunities to observe majestic humpback whales, Atlantic puffins, and other marine life, adding to the unforgettable experience.
Another prominent tour operator, Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours, offers award-winning boat tours that depart from the vibrant outport community of Twillingate. These tours provide an opportunity to marvel at 12,000-year-old icebergs, observe majestic humpback whales, and watch elegant seabirds frolic along the coastlines.
The vessels offer open decks for unobstructed viewing, heated cabin and washroom facilities, and full bar service, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The combination of the stunning natural scenery, the abundance of icebergs, and the diverse marine life makes Twillingate a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable iceberg tour experience.
Here are the iceberg tour operators in Twillingate, Newfoundland:
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours
- Description: Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours offers award-winning boat tours that allow you to experience 12,000-year-old icebergs, observe majestic humpback whales, and watch elegant seabirds along the coastlines. They operate from Twillingate and St. John’s, Newfoundland.
- Contact Information:
- Address: Pier 52, 52 Main Street, Twillingate, NL
- Phone: 709.884.1888
- Email: [email protected]
- Twillingate Adventure Tours
- Description: Twillingate Adventure Tours offers boat tours that introduce you to spectacular views of icebergs, whales, seabirds, and amazing landscapes. They are located in the heart of the Newfoundland Iceberg Alley.
- Contact Information:
- Address: P.O. Box 783, Twillingate, NL, Canada
- Phone: (709) 884-1306 or toll free 1 (888) 447-8687
- Website: https://twillingateadventuretours.com
- Twillingate Island Boat Tours
- Description: Twillingate Island Boat Tours, operated by Cecil Stockley who is known throughout Newfoundland as the Iceberg Man, offers tours to view icebergs, whales, and other marine life. They have been operating for over 30 years.
- Contact Information:
- Address: 50 Main St, Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0G 4M0, Canada
- Phone: (709) 884-2242
Iceberg Viewing Tours From Fogo Island
there are limited specific listings for iceberg tour operators directly on Fogo Island, Newfoundland. However, there are mentions of iceberg viewing as part of the experiences offered by local accommodations and travel moments. Here are the relevant details:
- Fogo Island Inn
- Description: While not strictly a tour operator, Fogo Island Inn offers a luxurious stay with a range of outdoor adventures that include iceberg viewing and whale watching. The Inn is deeply connected to the local community and culture, providing a comprehensive Fogo Island experience.
- Contact Information:
- International Reservations: +1-709-658-3444
- US & Canada Reservations: +1-855-268-9277
- Email: [email protected]
- Fogo Island Tours & Charters Inc.
- Description: Offering boat tours and charters from Joe Batt’s Arm on Fogo Island, this operator takes passengers to Little Fogo Islands with the MV Island Explorer, providing a unique historical and scenic experience.
- Contact Information:
- Location: Government Wharf, Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island
- Dates of Operation: May 1 – Oct 1
- Pricing and booking: Call for rates and to book your trip.
- Private Fogo Island Iceberg & Marine Life Boat Tour – Kated
- Description: This private tour allows visitors to explore the marine neighborhood of Fogo Island, including iceberg viewing and whale watching. The tour emphasizes a personal and immersive experience in the Atlantic
Iceberg Viewing Tours In Bonavista
Iceberg tours in Bonavista, Newfoundland, offer an awe-inspiring experience that is hard to match. The rugged coastline of Bonavista Bay and Trinity Bay serves as a stunning backdrop to the majestic icebergs that float past during the spring and summer months.
The prime time to see these icy behemoths is between late May and late June.
Several tour operators in Bonavista offer unforgettable adventures. Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours, for instance, sails along the scenic coastline, providing breathtaking views of icebergs, puffins, and whales.
Seas the Day Boat Tours offers a 2-hour tour of Bonavista’s beautiful rugged coast, where you can view whales, puffins, icebergs, and the Bonavista Lighthouse.
The Bonavista Peninsula is a perfect location to appreciate the magnificent creatures of the sea. Twenty-two species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises swim the waters along the coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador during the months of spring and summer. Some species spotted in Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay include Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Pothead Whales, and Killer Whales.
The tours also provide a great experience at seeing the icebergs up close. You never realize how beautiful and majestic they are until you see them from a boat. The unique geological features of the Peninsula offer an added bonus on every trip.
- Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours
- Description: Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours offers breathtaking adventures as they sail along the scenic coastline of Bonavista Bay and Trinity Bay. During the spring and summer months, they provide opportunities to view icebergs, puffins, and whales.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-709-468-8438
- Address: 15 Roper Street, Bonavista, NL. Located in the parking lot of the Matthew Legacy site.
- Discovery Sea Adventure Tours
- Description: While not specifically located in Bonavista, Discovery Sea Adventure Tours offers whale watching tours in the ocean waters off Newfoundland, which is one of the best places in the world for such tours. They also mention the possibility of sighting icebergs during their trips.
- Website: Discovery Sea Adventure Tours
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: (709) 470-0322
- Address: 15 Roper Street, Bonavista, Newfoundland.
- Bonavista Adventure Tours
- Description: Bonavista Adventure Tours offers a scenic, nature, and history-filled tour that includes a panoramic view of Bonavista, a historic walking tour through Bonavista, and a trip to Cape Bonavista to see the iconic lighthouse. During the tour, there are opportunities to watch for whales, icebergs, magnificent sea stacks, puffins, and root cellars.
- Website: https://bonavistaadventuretours.com
- Contact Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: 1-709-470-8687
- Mailing Address: P.O Box 233, Bonavista, Newfoundland
- Seas The Day Boat Tours
- Description: Bonavista Adventure Tours offers a scenic, nature, and history-filled tour that includes a panoramic view of Bonavista, a historic walking tour through Bonavista, and a trip to Cape Bonavista to see the iconic lighthouse. During the tour, there are opportunities to watch for whales, icebergs, magnificent sea stacks, puffins, and root cellars.
- Website: https://bonavistaadventuretours.com
- Contact Email: [email protected]
- Phone Number: 1-709-470-8687
- Mailing Address: P.O Box 233, Bonavista, Newfoundland