Some trips are all about checking places off a list. Newfoundland is a little different. It is a place that invites you to slow down, spend time by the ocean, and try experiences that are part of local life.
And if you’re looking to add something unique to your trip, a cod fishing tour should be on your itinerary. For those familiar with this and those who are new to it, a cod fishing tour is a guided tour where people go out on the ocean to catch Atlantic or Pacific cod.
The following are 6 of the many reasons you should include this on your itinerary for a Newfoundland trip!
1. Experience Newfoundland’s Fishing Heritage
As mentioned earlier, adding a cod fishing tour to your Newfoundland tour gives you more than beautiful ocean views. You get a chance to learn about the province’s long fishing history. For generations, cod fishing tours in Newfoundland have been a part of the everyday life of coastal community helping them grow and thrive.
The guides here share stories about their life and traditions on the water that have been passed down through the years. Unlike many fishing tours, cod fishing connects you with Newfoundland’s history.
2. Enjoy the Beauty of the North Atlantic
One of the best things about cod fishing tours in Newfoundland is that you get the chance to enjoy the ocean up close. From the boat, you get to see the coastline from a very new perspective (that you cannot always experience from the land).
And, while you’re on the water, you may expect to come across:
- Whales swimming nearby during the right season
- Puffins and other seabirds along the coast
- Icebergs drifting along the coast when the season is right
- Beautiful coastal views, hidden coves, and rugged shorelines
The views, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings make your experience much more than just catching fish.
3. A Great Activity for Every Traveler
You do not need years of experience to enjoy Newfoundland cod fishing.
That is the beauty of these trips. Everyone can join in, from visitors who have never fished before to those who have spent years enjoying time on the ocean.
Local guides are there to:
- Show you the basics
- Answer questions
- Help you feel comfortable throughout the trip.
All the equipment is provided to you so you can simply enjoy the experience. Families, couples, friends, and solo travelers can all take part.
4. Learn From Local Guides
More than just a day on the water, a cod fishing boat tour guide also gives you the chance to learn Newfoundland’s fishing tradition from local guides. They can help you:
- Learn simple fishing techniques.
- Understand more about Newfoundland’s fishing history.
- Hear stories about life on the ocean.
- Learn how cod fishing continues to be part of local culture.
These small conversations make the experience feel more personal. You get to see Newfoundland through the eyes of people who actually know and love the coast.
5. Create Memories You Will Talk About
At the end of a trip, it’s usually the little moments that stand out the most. A cod fishing tour has a way of giving you plenty of those.
Rather than regular sightseeing, you get to enjoy a hands-on experience on the water.
- You can feel the excitement of catching your own cod.
- Enjoy the peaceful ocean surroundings.
- Capture beautiful photos along the way.
These simple experiences often become the stories travelers remember and share for years.
6. Easy to Add to Your Newfoundland Itinerary
The cod fishing experience does not require a full day. These tours are designed in a way so you can have enough time to enjoy other activities around Newfoundland on the same day.
After your time on the water, you can easily:
- Walk around nearby villages
- Visit local shops and attractions
- Take in more coastal views
- Continue your road trip around Newfoundland
But remember that those few hours you spent fishing will really add a unique local experience to your Newfoundland visit without changing your entire travel plan.
Takeaway
If you’re planning a Newfoundland trip, then cod fishing should be on your itinerary. It will give you a little bit of everything Newfoundland is known for. You get the ocean views, the fishing stories, the wildlife, and a chance to spend time with people who truly know the coast.
And let’s be honest, coming home with a story about your time on a fishing boat tour is a lot more interesting than just saying, “We saw some nice views.” (Although Newfoundland has plenty of those too!)
So, if you are looking for a fun way to experience the island beyond the usual stops, hop on the water with Discover Northland. You might catch a cod, you might catch some great photos, and you will definitely catch a few memories along the way.
