Learn more about Newfoundland and Labrador

What should you expect?

Newfoundland and Labrador, internationally known for its people and hospitality, is a leading tourism destination, offering authentic and exotic experiences, through its people, culture, and natural environment. Gifted with some of the most picturesque landscapes in Canada, the region’s coastal and mountain scenery is equal to any in the world.

The Western region of Newfoundland has established a reputation for being one of the strongest and most attractive tourism regions in the province; a region that stretches 700 kilometers from Channel-Port aux Basques in the south, through the Humber Valley and Gros Morne National Park, to the Viking site of L'Anse aux Meadows near the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula at St. Anthony. In terms of accessible natural landscapes, the Western region offers some of the most beautiful countryside to explore in the entire province. The captivating image of Western Brook Pond is but one example of the diverse and spectacular locations that are scattered from the northern to southern tips of the region.

As one of the primary tourism regions in the province, the Western region achieves high levels of annual visitation. However, without a personal vehicle or rental car travelling up and down the coast can be a challenge as ground transportation is very limited. In addition, long stretches of travel exist along the scenic routes with limited accommodations or eateries. This journey can be made more enjoyable with mobile home, allowing visitors to engage in experiences at their own pace throughout their journey, increasing the number of visitor touch points along the way.

While its landscapes are spectacular, it is the people that offer charm and personal memories to any visitor’s journey. Welcoming, friendly, and engaging locals puts smiles on the faces and warmth in the hearts of all those who visit. The authenticity is real, hospitality is second nature, and an entertaining sense of humour can be found with most everyone you’ll meet, be it at the corner store, a festival or event, hiking on a coastal trail or meeting someone back in the countryside. The people of the Western region, their connection to the land, their culture and their music are what sets this tourism destination apart from any other.

There are over 60 annual events for visitors to explore, the majority of which last more than three days, and occur throughout the year. These annual festivals and events are a great opportunity for visitors to experience Newfoundland’s culture and meet local people.

The Western region is an angler’s paradise. Newfoundland and Labrador boasts 60% of all North American Atlantic Salmon rivers. The Humber River is the largest Atlantic salmon producing river in Western Newfoundland and the second largest in the province. It has an annual run of 30,000 to 50,000 Atlantic salmon, one of the highest densities in the world and an untold amount of brook trout. In addition to the Humber River, there are a number of angling opportunities throughout the region that are highly desirable and relatively accessible to the resident and non-resident enthusiast. Angling, specifically salmon fishing represents a significant ‘Buck list’ opportunity as the rivers and streams in the region have achieved notoriety for the size; trophy catches are recorded regularly, large numbers of fish are caught on any given day, and there is nothing like a fresh Atlantic salmon for your BBQ.

The destination is rich with outdoor activity based adventures from hiking, biking, angling, hunting, ATV, snowmobiling and many other pursuits. The ATV trail network in the region is extensive, from wet land, back country, coastal, mountain and riverside trails, to trails on geological sites (Cabox, Blanche Brook, Tablelands, Humber Valley, Burnt Cape) and trails to natural wonders (Western Brook Pond, Codroy Valley, Thrombolites, Limestone Barrens, and the Underground Salmon Pool). Visitors can access the majority of these adventures with little or no skill level. Many of these activity based assets are self-directed and on public lands for little or no cost. For example, bird watching, kayaking, hiking, biking, angling, berry picking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing are all activities visitors can participate in for free or for a small fee.

The majority of the Western region’s visitors come June to September. However, the region does generate significant levels of visitation in the winter months. The region is blessed with vast, crown-owned landscapes that are accessible year-round in many locations. There are hundreds of kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails as well as endless opportunities for back-country snowmobiling as well. Stephenville, Lewis Hills and the surrounding areas, provide some of the most exciting and intense backcountry snowmobiling opportunities in the province, perhaps in the country. In addition, many of the trail networks accessed by hikers in summer can also be easily accessed in the winter on snow shoes or cross country skis.

Our shoulder seasons, are May, June, September and October. This is best time to visit. There is usually no fly’s at this time of year, as temperatures are usually below 13°C. Making adventures like hiking, walking, bird watching, scenic touring/sightseeing, and many other pursuits much more enjoyable... If you don't mind colder temperatures.

Local Fish and Farm Markets:
The local fish and farm market is still very traditional here. If visitors want seafood, just do as the locals do; go to the wharf and get it. In some cases, visitors can find locally harvested goods being sold along the roadside; products produced by local people, who park along side the road (with a cardboard sign or food stand) selling anything from lobster and crab, to halibut and cod, to bakeapples and partridge berries.

Lobster/Crab Season:
Lobster and Crab season typically starts in April-May and closes in June-July but varies across Newfoundland and from year to year. Lobster can be bought at the wharf anywhere along the coast. Be here at this time if you want fresh lobster.

Wildly Delicious Berries:
If berry-eating is something you enjoy, many berry festivals exist around the province.
Brigus Blueberry Festival in Brigus on the Avalon Peninsusa, August 7-10
Deer Lake Strawberry Festival, in Deer Lake, Western Newfoundland from July 19-21
Fogo Island Partridgeberry Harvest Festival in Central Fogo, Fogo Island, Central Newfoundland from October 11-12
Garnish Bakeapple Festival in Garnish on the Burin Peninsula, August 4-10
St. George's Blueberry Festival, in St. George's, Western Newfoundland, August 2-3.