When to Go

Seasons vary dramatically in Newfoundland and Labrador. Most tourists visit between June and September, when the bogs and meadows turn into a colorful riot of wildflowers and greenery and the province is alive with festivals, fairs, and concerts. Daytime temperatures may hover between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F) in July and August, but June can be quite cool and foggy. In spring, icebergs float down from the north, and in late spring, whales arrive to hunt for food along the coast, staying until August. Fall is also popular: the weather is usually fine, hills and meadows are loaded with berries, and the woods are alive with moose, caribou, partridge, and rabbits. In winter, ski hills attract downhillers and snowboarders, forest trails hum with snowmobiles, and cross-country ski trails in various communities and provincial and national parks are oases of quiet.

This rocky island perched on the edge of the cold North Atlantic Ocean might be the only place in the world where you can have four seasons blow through in one day and where the saying "If you don't like the weather out your front door, go look out the back door" rings true. St. John's is a weather champion in Canada. It holds the distinctions of being the foggiest, snowiest, wettest, windiest, and cloudiest of all major Canadian cities.

When packing for the trip, remember it's all about layers in Newfoundland. You'll need shorts and short-sleeve shirts for when it's warm and sunny. Pack a fleece jacket or a hoodie in case the temperature drops. A windbreaker might be the most important piece of clothing; you'll need it to keep the chill out when the winds are up. To top off your ensemble, you'll need rain gear, like a slicker. Throw in a pair of gloves, hat and scarf, too. May the sun shine on your holidays, but if it doesn't, you'll be dressed for it.