Wild
Standing on a sleeping berg
In late June, 100,000-tonne icebergs ground in Twillingate harbour. Standing on the cliffs above the harbour, watching one calve into thunder, is one of Canada's most unforgettable nature moments.
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Twillingate
Iceberg capital of the world, on a string of islands in the North Atlantic.
- Best time
- Late May – early July for icebergs; July – August for whales.
- Getting there
- 5 hr drive northwest of St. John's via the Trans-Canada and Route 340.
- Suggested stay
- 2 – 3 nights
- Known for
- Iceberg Alley · Long Point Lighthouse · Auk Island Winery
Newfoundland & Labrador
Province
Notre Dame Bay
Region
2 – 3 nights
Suggested stay
Late May – early July for icebergs
Peak season
A portrait of Twillingate
An essential stop.
Strung across a series of islands in Notre Dame Bay, Twillingate calls itself the Iceberg Capital — and in June, when 10,000-year-old bergs drift down Iceberg Alley, it absolutely is. The rest of the year, it's a working harbour town of stages, music, and seaside hiking.
Field notes
Three ways to feel the place.
On the map
The six places
to anchor your trip.
A tour through the icons and the under-the-radar corners — laid out the way a local would walk you through.
- 1
Long Point Lighthouse
Active 1876 light high above the cliffs — iceberg watching from the parking lot.
- 2
Auk Island Winery
Newfoundland fruit and iceberg-water wines just outside town.
- 3
Prime Berth Fishing Museum
Working stage on a tickle, with cod splitting demonstrations.
- 4
Twillingate Islands Coast
Trails along the rocky perimeter with reliable iceberg and whale viewing in season.
Long Point Lighthouse
Auk Island Winery
Prime Berth Fishing Museum
Twillingate Islands Coast
N
3-day itinerary
A first-timer's Twillingate.
Three carefully sequenced days. Add or subtract — but start here.
Day 1
Morning
Orientation walk around Twillingate centre
Afternoon
Visit Long Point Lighthouse — Active 1876 light high above the cliffs — iceberg watching from the parking lot.
Evening
Dinner downtown; sunset stroll along Twillingate's waterfront or main street.
Day 2
Morning
Auk Island Winery — Newfoundland fruit and iceberg-water wines just outside town.
Afternoon
Prime Berth Fishing Museum — Working stage on a tickle, with cod splitting demonstrations.
Evening
Iceberg Quest Tours run from Long Point — go in early morning for calm seas.
Day 3
Morning
Twillingate Islands Coast — Trails along the rocky perimeter with reliable iceberg and whale viewing in season.
Afternoon
Continue exploring or shop local makers.
Evening
Slower last night — return to a favourite spot or try something new.
Neighbourhoods
Where to base, where to wander.
Downtown / Centre
Main commercial core, hotels, restaurants
Best for · First-time visitors
Heritage / Old Town
Anchored around Iceberg Alley
Best for · Day wandering
Waterfront / Outdoor area
Iceberg capital of the world, on a string of islands in the North Atlantic.
Best for · Sunset walks
When to go
Twillingate through the year.
Jan
Cold and quiet; book ahead for any winter activity.
Feb
Deep winter; ski + festivals.
Mar
Last winter month or first signs of spring.
Apr
Shoulder; weather flips quickly.
May
Spring proper; everything begins to reopen.
Jun
Long days, festivals, full season.
Jul
Peak summer — book everything ahead.
Aug
Warm, popular, busy.
Sep
Sweet shoulder with fall colour beginning.
Oct
Quiet, often the best month for weather + value.
Nov
Cold returns; some places close.
Dec
Holiday markets; cold returns properly.
PeakGoodShoulderOff / closed
Budget
What it costs.
Smart
$170–270 / day pp
Budget hotel or hostel, public transit or self-drive, casual local restaurants.
- Budget lodging
- Transit / self-cater
- Free walking tour
- Picnic lunches
Most popular
Mid
$300–550 / day pp
Boutique 3★ hotel, rental car, signature experience (Long Point Lighthouse), good restaurants.
- 3★ boutique hotel
- Rental car
- Long Point Lighthouse day
- Mid-range dining
Premium
$600+ / day pp
Top hotel, private guide for Long Point Lighthouse, tasting-menu dinners.
- Top hotel in city
- Private guide
- Tasting menus
- Premium experiences
Eat
Where to eat in Twillingate.
Market
Twillingate Farmers Market
Local makers, baked goods, and notre dame bay produce.
Bistros
Downtown bistro circuit
Walk the main street for Twillingate's mid-range bistros.
Cultural
Indigenous-led tables
Look for Indigenous chefs and cafés telling Notre Dame Bay food stories.
Sleep
Where to stay.
Hotel
Downtown anchor hotel
Twillingate's main 3–4★ downtown hotel — best location, walking access.
Inn
Heritage inn or B&B
Smaller-scale heritage stays often run by long-time locals.
Rental
Vacation rental / apartment
Best for stays of 3+ nights, especially for families.
Getting around
How to move through Twillingate.
Public transit
Twillingate's transit system serves the urban core.
Walking
Most of downtown is walkable end-to-end.
Rental car
Useful for day trips outside the city.
Ride share
Uber and Lyft operate.
Prep & tips
Before you go.
What to pack
- Layers for changing weather
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain shell year-round
- Sun protection in summer
Permits & passes
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass if visiting national parks
- Check provincial park day-use rules
Insider tips from people who live there
- 01Iceberg Quest Tours run from Long Point — go in early morning for calm seas.
- 02Eat at the Anchor Inn for excellent cod, or RJ's for a proper Newfoundland breakfast.
- 03Drive the loop of Twillingate Islands; every turn opens a new postcard.
Frequently asked
Planning Twillingate.
When is the best time to visit Twillingate?
Late May – early July for icebergs; July – August for whales.
How many days should I spend in Twillingate?
2 – 3 nights
How do I get to Twillingate?
5 hr drive northwest of St. John's via the Trans-Canada and Route 340.
What is Twillingate known for?
Iceberg Alley, Long Point Lighthouse, Auk Island Winery, Whales.
How many days should I spend in Twillingate?
2 – 3 nights
Is Twillingate expensive?
Costs vary — see the budget section above for Smart / Mid / Premium tiers.
Best time to visit Twillingate?
Late May – early July for icebergs; July – August for whales.
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