7 Must-See Summer Attractions in NL

They say summer in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) has a magic all its own. Maybe it’s the way the sun rises first over the cliffs of Cape Spear, painting the sky in colors you didn’t know existed. Or how Twillingate’s icebergs float silently by, ancient and massive, like something out of a dream.

Travel far enough down winding coastal roads and you’ll find stories tucked into every corner—Viking legends at L’Anse aux Meadows, seabirds circling high above Cape St. Mary’s, and fossils older than time itself at Mistaken Point. In one quiet village, there’s even a gleaming collection of classic cars that’ll take you right back to the golden age of chrome and tailfins.

This isn’t just a list of destinations—it’s a path through some of the most unforgettable moments summer in NL has to offer.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and let’s hit the road—these 7 must-see spots are waiting.

1. Sunrise at Cape Spear – The Edge of a Continent

There’s something unforgettable about standing at the very edge of North America, where the land gives way to endless sea. At Cape Spear, the easternmost point on the continent, the sunrise isn’t just a daily event—it feels like a quiet miracle. The sky slowly ignites in soft oranges and deep blues, and for a moment, you’re among the first people in all of North America to see the sun rise.

Wander a little farther and you’ll find echoes of the past—WWII bunkers nestled into the cliffs, and the historic Cape Spear Lighthouse, still standing proud against the Atlantic winds. If you time it right, whales breach just offshore, as if they too are drawn to the light.

Come early, bring something warm, and just listen. The waves, the gulls, the wind—it’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after you’ve left.

2. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – Step Into Viking History

At the northern tip of Newfoundland, where the wind carries the weight of centuries, you’ll find L’Anse aux Meadows—the only known Norse settlement in all of North America. It’s more than just ruins or relics. It’s a place where history breathes.

Wander through the reconstructed sod-covered longhouses, where costumed interpreters bring Viking life to vivid reality. The smell of the hearth, the sound of old tales being told—it’s like stepping straight into a thousand-year-old saga.

And just down the road, Norstead Viking Village extends the story with hands-on experiences that make the past feel strikingly present.
If you’ve ever wanted to walk where explorers once did, this is your chance.

3. Twillingate – Icebergs, Whales, and Coastal Charm

Somewhere along the winding northern coast, where the ocean meets rugged cliffs and time slows to a gentler rhythm, you’ll find Twillingate. This little town has a big reputation—for good reason. Known as the Iceberg Capital of the World, it offers front-row seats to some of nature’s most awe-inspiring shows.

In early summer, towering icebergs drift past like ancient giants, and whales breach the surface as if putting on a performance just for you. Stroll the cliffside trails, climb to the Long Point Lighthouse, or catch the sound of fiddles at a seaside festival as the sun dips low.

Whether you’re cruising out on a boat or watching from a quiet lookout, Twillingate wraps you in the kind of coastal wonder you’ll never forget.
Plan your visit for June or July—the icebergs and whales don’t keep to the calendar, but that’s when the magic usually happens.

4. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve – A Seabird Spectacle

At the edge of the Avalon Peninsula, where the cliffs plunge into the Atlantic and the wind never truly rests, lies a place that feels untouched by time. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is raw, wild, and alive with the thunder of wings.

Here, thousands of northern gannets, murres, and kittiwakes gather on towering sea stacks just meters from the cliff’s edge. The air hums with their calls, the sky dances with their flight—it’s nature’s chaos, beautifully choreographed.

A short, windswept walk brings you to Bird Rock, where the sheer number of seabirds nesting just an arm’s length away is both humbling and surreal. The visitor centre nearby offers insight into the delicate ecosystem that makes this place so extraordinary.

Come early, bring binoculars, and prepare to be quietly amazed. This isn’t just a stop—it’s a front-row seat to one of the greatest shows on Earth.

5. Mistaken Point – Walk on Ancient Fossils

At the windswept edge of southeastern Newfoundland, where fog rolls in off the ocean and the cliffs seem to whisper old secrets, lies one of the most remarkable places on Earth—Mistaken Point.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to fossils that predate the dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years. Embedded in the stone like nature’s own carvings, these delicate imprints tell a story of life before bones, before eyes, before anything we’d recognize.

You’ll need to join a guided tour to see the fossil beds—this landscape is carefully protected, and rightly so. The trail winds through barrens and coastline, and every step feels like a quiet journey back in time.

Lace up your hiking boots, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a humbling reminder: the Earth has been here a very long time. And at Mistaken Point, you can quite literally walk on its memory.

6. Petty Harbour – A Charming Fishing Village Near St. John’s

Nestled in a quiet inlet just minutes from St. John’s, Petty Harbour feels like stepping into a storybook—where the hills rise steeply from the sea, and the harbor mirrors the sky in the calmest of blues. It’s the kind of place where life moves gently, and every view feels like it belongs on a canvas.

Here, fishing boats still leave with the tide, and the smell of fresh seafood floats through the air. Stroll along the wharf, peek into the Mini Aquarium, or send your heart racing on a zipline adventure that soars above the village and sea.

But the real magic? It’s in the simple things—a basket of golden fish and chips, a quiet bench by the water, and the sound of the boats returning home.
If you’re looking for warmth, charm, and a taste of old Newfoundland, Petty Harbour welcomes you with open arms.

7. Vernon’s Antique Car Museum – A Hidden Gem for Car Lovers

Tucked away in the quiet seaside town of Swift Current, down a winding stretch of Route 210, you’ll stumble upon a treasure that feels almost too good to be true—Vernon’s Antique Car Museum. It’s not just a collection—it’s a time machine.

Step inside, and you’re instantly transported through the golden eras of automotive history. From gleaming 1908 classics to the bold curves of 1970s muscle cars, each vehicle is lovingly restored, polished to perfection, and displayed in a Route 66-inspired setting, complete with vintage signs, gas pumps, and jukebox nostalgia.

Source: Anna & Karl Travel

It’s the kind of place that makes even non-car folks stop and stare.
Whether you’re a lifelong gearhead or just passing through, this unexpected museum is the kind of roadside magic that makes summer road trips unforgettable.

From the windswept cliffs of Cape Spear to the ancient echoes of L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador offers a summer experience like no other. You’ve wandered with seabirds at Cape St. Mary’s, traced the fossilized beginnings of life at Mistaken Point, and followed the drift of icebergs through Twillingate’s storybook coast. You’ve felt the heartbeat of small-town charm in Petty Harbour, and maybe even stood in awe beneath the chrome shine of a century-old Cadillac in Swift Current.

Each stop tells its own tale—and together, they reveal the heart of a place shaped by sea, time, and resilience.

So, what’s calling you first?
Which of these attractions are on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your adventure plans.