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Iceberg Viewing

Iceberg in a small costal harbour
Labrador Kayaker near an Iceberg
Viewing an Iceberg on a boat tour in Twillingate

When it comes to viewing icebergs, this is one of the best places in the world. On a sunny day, view these 10,000-year-old glacial giants from many points along the northern and eastern coasts – in every shape and size. With colours ranging from snow-white to the deepest aquamarine.

Go on a boat tour, paddle along in a sea kayak or hike along our 29,000 km of coastline and watch a sparkling spring berg parade down Iceberg Alley.

Despite their arrival from the Arctic every spring, our awe of them remains new, year after year. Their sheer size sends the mind racing, and that's not even counting the ninety-percent still unseen below the surface. It was these types and sizes of bergs that sank the infamous Titanic, a mere 400 miles from our coast.

Icebergs are so plentiful around these parts, we actually put them to good use. Like Iceberg Water and our very own spirits like Iceberg Vodka, Gin, and Rum and, of course, the popular Iceberg Beer – all so refreshing, no matter what time of year.

Iceberg Map from IcebergFinder.com

The map below shows icebergs that were recently detected around Newfoundland and Labrador. Some icebergs have been detected by satellite and some have been reported by tourism operators. We cannot guarantee real-time accuracy of the map (icebergs move and melt!), so if you would like to confirm the presence of an iceberg, or if you would like to get more detailed information about a particular area, we suggest you contact the nearest Visitor Information Centre. Of course, if you have any feedback for us, or you would like to report an error in the map, please contact us at contactus@NewfoundlandLabrador.com.

Location data provided by the operator. Please confirm location
before departure. Also see offshore area disclaimer.

The offshore lines appearing in the map above which purport to delimit the offshore area of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador have no legal effect. Apart from the boundaries established pursuant to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, which include the line established pursuant to the 2002 award of the arbitration tribunal concerning the delimitation of portions of the offshore areas between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, there are no agreed boundaries between the offshore areas of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Quebec or the Nunavut Territory, and no such boundaries have been established under statute, regulation or agreement. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made these facts known to Google.

How to Watch Icebergs

Time of Year

The best time to view icebergs is in the spring and early summer. As you move north, the season stretches a bit longer. April and May are the months when bergs are most plentiful, but they may be locked up in sea ice, so it's recommended that late May and early June is best for viewing.

Where to Watch

Iceberg Alley is an area stretching from the coast of Labrador to the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland. Some of the more popular places from shore, or from tour boats, are (from north to south): St. Lewis, Battle Harbour, Red Bay, Point Amour, St. Anthony, La Scie, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Change Islands, Bonavista, St. John's/Cape Spear, Bay Bulls/Witless Bay, Cape St. Mary's and St. Vincent's. All of these locations are accessible by road. The first four, which are on the coast of Southern Labrador, can be accessed by car ferry from the island of Newfoundland year round.

Ways to Watch

The best ways to watch icebergs are by boat tour, kayak, and from land. Luckily, thousands of whales and millions of seabirds migrate north late in the spring and early summer – this is the place where they meet. Not only do you see a magical display of bergs, you might get to see humpbacks and birds like gannets and puffins – all in one fell swoop.

Icebergs, Whales and Birds – the Triple Play!

Triple Play Map

For tourists also keen on viewing whales and seabirds, it should be noted that they migrate north in the late spring and early summer – and can often be plentiful through to early fall. The opposing southerly iceberg migration allows for brief intervals where all three may happily coexist. This spectacle is not entirely uncommon but should not necessarily be expected by sightseers even when travelling at the optimal time of year. Many factors affecting timing, location, and populations naturally vary from year to year, so it's hard to be accurate.

Iceberg Shapes

Helpful Links

IcebergFinder.com

Icebergs of Newfoundland and Labrador by Stephen E. Bruneau

Related Offers:

Starting at $160 Per Person
Northland Discovery Boat Tours will guide you to an area that boasts the highest number of icebergs and the greatest variety of whales in Newfoundland. After your boat tour, enjoy a selfguided tour of the Grenfell Properties and learn a little about our local history. Package includes: 2 passes for the boat tour, 2 passes for Grenfell Properties, $50 gift certificate for Lightkeeper's Restaurant and a night at the Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites with continental breakfast.

Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites

Starting at $1350 Per Person
Multi-region
Live the life of a light keeper in 'Iceberg Alley'. Hear the Humpback Whales' call echoing off massive icebergs in your private cove. From Gros Morne to Labrador, experience the province’s natural and cultural highlights. Tour through a fjord then off to Quirpon Lighthouse Inn on a remote island overlooking the Viking site. Wander cliffs to ancient sod huts but, as you walk, keep an eye for whales and icebergs at your feet. Enjoy boat trips - two through Iceberg Alley and one through a fjord.
Linkum Tours

Starting at $239 Per Couple
Join a local guide on a Zodiac tour to the best spots to watch Humpbacks, Minkes and White-Sided Dolphins in the Labrador Straits; maybe even spot an Orca or a Beluga! Watch for the colourful Puffin, the shrill call of the Kittiwake or the diving plunge of the Gannet as you cruise along the coastline. Collect some bergy bits that have broken off of a grounded iceberg. Dine this evening at the Basque dining room before retiring to your room at the Northern Light Inn.
Northern Light Inn

Starting at $1809 Per Person
Multi-region
The title says it all - with more than 29,000 kilometres of coastline, there are plenty of vantage points to see the true stars of this package, the whales, birds and bergs!

Package includes round-trip airfare to St. John’s, 7 nights’ accommodation, 7-day mid-size car rental with unlimited kilometres, two whale watching boat tours, St. John’s city tour, a Lighthouse Picnic, and admission to select museums and attractions.

Maxxim Vacations

 

* Offers are subject to availability. Taxes are extra. You may have to pre-book and/or mention
the promotion at the time of booking. Please check with the operator for more details.

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