The most memorable part of any trip is not among the things you have planned, but it is hidden in the unexpected discoveries that you find along the way. Northern Newfoundland is filled with such hidden gems where a person stays, looks closer, and enjoys the moments.
Here, a quiet coastal road can take you to a fishing community, ocean views that you might have never seen, and a boat ride that you will never forget. A Newfoundland tour offers you something amazing, from the coastal character of St. Anthony to the amazing history of L’Anse aux Tickle; your entire trip is filled with surprises.
Let us discuss the hidden gems of Northern Newfoundland that offer a closer look at the region’s wildlife, history, scenery and way of life.
Begin Your Tour in St. Anthony
St. Anthony is regarded as the natural starting point for exploring the northern side of Newfoundland. You can simply start your day on land, where you can find Fishing Point Park, and even watch the seabirds moving along the cliffs.
Also, the area’s strong history and local heritage give travelers a chance to understand the people and stories behind the landscape.
The town offers:
- Scenic viewpoints
- Walking trails
- Historic Sites
- Opportunities to experience the area’s marine environment
See the Coast From the Water
One of the must-try things in St Anthony is the boat tour. St Anthony boat tours offer a unique way to experience the region.
You will have the opportunity to see seasonal icebergs, humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, and dramatic scenery. The tour combines wildlife viewing, cultural heritage, and scenic views. It gives you the best opportunity to enjoy photography and capture the rarest moments.
Take the Road to St. Lunaire-Griquet and L’Anse aux Meadows
Once you have explored St. Anthony, you can continue your expedition to St. Lunaire-Griquet and L’Anse aux Meadows, which is just 25 minutes away from northern St. Anthony. The drive is worth trying, with a road leading to a deeper coastal landscape and amazing views throughout.
The area is closely connected with local heritage, wild berries, food, fishing, and the history of the northern coastal communities. Visitors can stop at The Dark Tickle Company before continuing toward the water.
There is something fitting about beginning the experience among local stories and then following those stories out onto the Atlantic.
Here is what you experience in the Dark Tickle boat tour:
- Natural environment and glimpses that tell the history of the area.
- The changes landscape throughout the journey.
- Wildlife views, including humpback, minke, fin and other whales, along with dolphins as well as numerous seabirds.
If you want to experience the region of Northern Newfoundland, then St. Lunaire-Griquet is a great place. The place can offer you fishing heritage, rugged coastline, and a peaceful seaside setting.
This is the place where you can notice the small details and learn about the things that can make the community special. Here is what the place offers:
- Coastal scenery full of rocky shores, ocean views, as well as quiet coves.
- See colorful homes, fishing boats, and signs of the area’s maritime heritage that throw a light on the area’s diverse local culture.
- Find numerous opportunities for coastal and wildlife photography.
- Walk around and discover the quieter side of Newfoundland.
Discover L’Anse aux Meadows and Viking History
One of the major stops that you should not miss in Northern Newfoundland is L’Anse aux Meadows. Here, you will find the historic site of a Viking settlement dating back to around 1000 AD, that depict the history of Vikings’ arrival in North America.
This part offers something much more than the coastal scenery and wildlife. Travellers can learn about the older stories, and Norse presence in North America. This visit is quite special as travelers will get the opportunity to explore:
- Viking history
- Archaeology and early exploration
- Newfoundland’s cultural heritage
- Coastal landscapes
- Stories connected to the early exploration of North America
Make Wildlife Part of the Journey
Many people come to Northern Newfoundland to experience the wildlife; however, wildlife exploration tests your patience. A boat tour is quite unexpected; sometimes you might struggle just to spot a seabird or whale, and sometimes a little sea stretch can give you beautiful whale views.
However, whenever you visit Newfoundland, you should not skip watching the wildlife. For people who want to experience a closure view and adventure, zodiac whale tours are a must to try to explore the wildlife:
- Whale watching: Look for humpback, minke, fin and other whales.
- Seabird spotting: Spot puffins and other seabirds.
- Iceberg viewing: Watch seasonal icebergs that move through the waters of Iceberg Alley.
Smaller boats can provide you with a closure view to experience the open water and hidden parts of Newfoundland.
How to Plan Your Northern Newfoundland Adventure
Northern Newfoundland is one of the amazing places to explore, and a little planning can make the tour even more memorable and organized. Below are the tips that help you do so the right way:
- Plan your boat tour early: Generally, weather impact the boat tours in Newfoundland. So schedule your boat tour in the early days of the trip. This will give you more flexibility in cases when the weather changes.
- Dress for the coast: Be careful about what you wear, especially during a boat tour, as weather changes quickly. You can even bring warm clothes to deal with unexpected cold waves.
- Do not forget your essentials: Keep essentials such as a camera and binoculars, all ready. So you don’t miss capturing the wildlife and the scenic views.
- Keep some space in your schedule: When visiting Northern Newfoundland, always keep some space for unexpected stops that may give you the best memory of your trip.
- Have some flexibility: Wildlife sightings are not predictable at all. Thus, do not attach the whole trip to seeing a specific animal; enjoy the overall experience.
Discover More Beyond the Usual Stops
Visit any part of the world, and you will realize the unusual stops give you the best memories of your trip. And when it comes to Northern Newfoundland, the placed filled with so many hidden gems that can make you enjoy the journey to the fullest.
Be it St. Anthony, Dark Tickle, or St. Lunaire-Griquet, every place can offer you something unique. And to explore these places in the best manner, you need a travel partner that knows everything.
Just one visit and you will get exposure to beautiful coastline, wildlife, and scenery. If you also want to experience that, Northland Discovery Tours offers exclusive boat experiences that are designed to uncover the hidden gems and give you the best memories.

