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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Notre Dame Bay · Newfoundland & Labrador
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
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
Year-round
Twillingate through the seasons.
Spring
Iceberg season peaks late May into early July — check icebergfinder.com.
Summer
Fish, Fun and Folk Festival in late July; whales feed close to shore.
Autumn
Last whales depart; cod jigging continues from the stages.
Winter
Snowed-in and beautiful; most lodgings close.
Insider tips
From people who live there.
- 01
Iceberg Quest Tours run from Long Point — go in early morning for calm seas.
- 02
Eat at the Anchor Inn for excellent cod, or RJ's for a proper Newfoundland breakfast.
- 03
Drive the loop of Twillingate Islands; every turn opens a new postcard.
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