Newfoundland & Labrador: the best place for edge of the world views

Backpacker enjoying the classic Western Brook views
Backpacker enjoying the classic Western Brook views

Newfoundland and Labrador may be Canada's youngest province but it's here that you will find boundless natural wonders that are the continent's oldest.

This most easterly part of Canada has no shortage of superlatives in the region. The capital city, St. John’s, holds the title of the oldest city in North America and, when taking a stroll through its colourful centuries-old streets, you’ll discover a city full of character. 

Coastal view of The Battery in St. John's

To discover history from a much earlier era, travel farther north to L’Anse aux Meadows, the oldest Viking settlement on the continent. 

Meeting of Two Worlds Sculpture, L'Anse aux Meadows |  <i>Dru Kennedy Photography</i>

On the Labrador Peninsula, you’ll find the rugged Torngat Mountains which are, you guessed it, among the oldest in the world. Sensing a pattern here?

Hiking the East Coast Trail near Cape Spear, Avalon Peninsula |  <i>Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism</i>

In addition to boasting a solid ‘oldest things’ list, Newfoundland and Labrador have also claimed a few, perhaps lesser-known, titles. Ever wondered where you can find the foggiest place in the whole wide world? Yep, the honour goes to the Grand Banks; an area on the eastern coast of Newfoundland where the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream meet. 

Speaking of the coast, it's here that you’ll find the most coastline in Canada; nearly 29,000 km. Canada, of course, has the longest coastline in the world and this province contributes its fair share.

If you like wildlife, you should definitely head to this easternmost province, as it’s in Newfoundland and Labrador that you’ll find the highest density of moose on the continent. It also has the largest caribou herds and claims to have the biggest black bears... Now, this is starting to sound like an urban legend but, rest assured, it’s all true.

Woodland Caribou, Newfoundland and Labrador

Also scattered among the wildlife are some of the most helpful people in the world. Newfoundlanders were the first to respond to the distress call of the RMS Titanic and, when flights were grounded on 9/11, the small town of Gander opened its homes to thousands of stranded travellers. You can experience the friendliness of the locals yourself when you hit the trails in this stunningly beautiful part of Canada. That said, don’t expect crowds, there is plenty of room to roam in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stairway to Bawden Highlands, East Coast Trail |  <i>Caroline Mongrain</i>

Interested in self-guided hiking in Newfoundland, why not hike the East Coast Trail? Or if otherworldly landscapes is your kind of adventure, trekking in the rugged beauty of the Long Range Mountains on our guided Gros Morne Traverse is for you.

The rugged Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park

 

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips