Sport & Activities
Outdoor pursuits
Newfoundland’s coastline offers a wide range of boating excursions and other water-based activities, as well as a rich concentration of marine life. More than 360 species of bird have been spotted here, but the province is most famous for its 60 major seabird colonies that are the summer nesting sites of millions of puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, murres and petrels. Many birds and whales can be seen in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, which visitors can travel through by boat or kayak. Caribou and black bears can be found in the Avalon Wilderness Reserve, while Cape St Mary’s Ecological Reserve is best known for its golden-headed gannets. Illustrated talks, guided walks and nature hikes with experienced naturalists can be booked at the visitor centre.
Whale watching is very popular around the waters of Bay Bulls and Witless Bay, which are home to a large population of humpback whales as well as smaller pods of fin and minke whales. Eastern Newfoundland, a region of sheltered coves and sandy beaches, is a popular destination for sailing and swimming. In the interior, salmon fishing is particularly good in the Exploits and Gander rivers. The salmon fishing season runs from 24 May to 15 September. A qualified guide is required for visitors intending to fish in licensed rivers in Newfoundland and in all waters in Labrador. The Gros Morne National Park offers hiking, trekking and climbing and over 100km (65 miles) of hiking trails. The T’Railway Park comprises over 900km (565 miles) of hiking trails between Port aux Basques and St John’s, through widely varied landscapes. Skiing is popular at the Island of Newfoundland’s Marble Mountain, 8km (5 miles) east of Corner Brook, the province’s second city. Labrador ski resorts include Smokey Mountain (near Labrador City), and White Hills in eastern Newfoundland. The best cross-country skiing trails can be found in Labrador.
Folk music
Newfoundland, and particularly St John’s, is famous for its folk music, and there are plenty of bars in the provincial capital where visitors can see live performances by local bands. The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival takes place annually during the first weekend in August.
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