Central Newfoundland Tourist Map

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, Trans-Canada highway, secondary roads, national parks, provincial parks, campgrounds, provincial/national historic sites, airports, local ferries, summer ferries, ski areas, golf courses, and provincial visitor information centres in Central Newfoundland.

Previous version of the map (2016)

Central Newfoundland Attractions

Overview

Central Newfoundland attracts visitors with iceberg viewing, coastal landscapes, historic communities, and cultural experiences. The region encompasses Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, the Kittiwake Coast, Bonavista Peninsula, and offshore islands including Fogo Island. Tourism infrastructure includes accommodations, dining facilities, tour operators, and interpretive sites concentrated in major communities and tourist destinations.

Natural Attractions

Iceberg Viewing

Central Newfoundland's northern coast ranks among the world's premier locations for observing icebergs. Ice from Greenland glaciers drifts southward via the Labrador Current, bringing icebergs along the coast of Newfoundland from April through June, with peak viewing in May and June. Twillingate has established a reputation as the "Iceberg Capital of the World" due to the frequency and proximity of icebergs visible from shore.

Viewing locations include Long Point Lighthouse near Twillingate, Cape Bonavista, and various coastal vantage points throughout Notre Dame Bay and Bonavista Bay. The size, shape, and number of icebergs vary annually depending on ice production in Greenland and ocean conditions. Tour operators offer boat excursions that approach icebergs, providing close observation while maintaining safe distances.

Whale Watching

Humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales frequent the waters off central Newfoundland during summer months, particularly from June through September. These whales feed on capelin and other fish species that gather near shore during spawning seasons. Whale watching tours operate from Twillingate, Trinity, and Bonavista, often combining whale watching with iceberg viewing during late spring and early summer.

Seabird Colonies

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve islands and coastal cliffs throughout the region support seabird populations. The Bonavista Peninsula and areas around Twillingate provide viewing opportunities for Atlantic puffins, common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, and northern gannets. The breeding season from May through August offers optimal viewing, when birds are present at nesting sites and engaged in breeding activities.

Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park, established in 1957, protects 400 square kilometers of boreal forest and coastal environment. The park is located on the eastern edge of central Newfoundland, approximately 80 kilometers from Gander via Route 1. Park facilities include campgrounds, hiking trails, interpretive programs, and a visitor center.

The park contains over 80 kilometers of hiking trails ranging from short interpretive walks to challenging backcountry routes. The Outport Trail provides a 6-kilometer loop through forest and coastal areas. The Coastal Trail extends 13 kilometers along the shoreline of Newman Sound. Backcountry camping is available at designated sites. The park also offers guided kayak tours, interpretive programs, and children's activities during summer months.

Historic Sites and Cultural Heritage

Trinity

Trinity, one of the oldest European settlements in Newfoundland, was established as a fishing station in the early 16th century. The community flourished as a fishing and merchant center during the 18th and 19th centuries. Trinity maintains approximately 30 heritage structures from the 1700s and 1800s, many of which have been restored and are open to visitors.

The Hiscock House Provincial Historic Site, operated by the Trinity Historical Society, interprets merchant life in the early 20th century. The Green Family Forge presents blacksmithing demonstrations. The Trinity Museum displays artifacts and presents the community's history. Heritage walking tours guide visitors through the historic district, explaining the architecture and history of significant buildings.

Bonavista

Bonavista features several historical sites relating to the community's long history as a fishing center. The Ryan Premises National Historic Site preserves a 19th-century merchant complex that operated in the fish trade. The site includes restored buildings with exhibits on the fishing industry, merchant operations, and community life. The Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, built in 1843, functions as a provincial historic site with restored keeper's quarters decorated in period style.

The Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site replicates a small fishing premises from the early 20th century, demonstrating fishing methods and processing techniques. The site includes a fishing stage, flakes for drying fish, and a dwelling.

Fogo Island

Fogo Island has maintained traditional outport communities and distinct cultural identity. The island's communities feature traditional saltbox houses, fishing stages, and cultural heritage. The Fogo Island Inn, completed in 2013, operates as a luxury hotel while supporting community economic development. The attached Fogo Island Arts program brings artists to the island for residencies and maintains studios available for public viewing.

The Brimstone Head Folk Festival celebrates traditional music annually in August. Community museums in Tilting and other settlements interpret local history and heritage. Tilting, settled by Irish immigrants in the 18th century, maintains traditional Irish architecture and was designated as a National Historic Site in 2005. The Irish Loop Tilting Foundation operates walking tours and interpretive programs.

Aviation Heritage

Gander

Gander developed as an aviation center due to its strategic location for transatlantic flights during the propeller aircraft era. Gander International Airport, constructed in the 1930s, served as a major refueling stop for transatlantic flights. The North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander presents exhibits on aviation history, including displays on transatlantic flight, military aviation, and the airport's role during World War II and the Cold War.

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 38 aircraft diverted to Gander Airport due to the closure of North American airspace, bringing approximately 7,000 passengers to the community. The events inspired the musical "Come From Away," which premiered on Broadway in 2017. The airport terminal contains memorials and displays relating to the September 11th diversions.

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking

Central Newfoundland offers numerous coastal and inland hiking trails. The Skerwink Trail near Trinity is a 5.5-kilometer loop that follows coastal headlands with views of Trinity Bay, sea stacks, and coastal scenery. The trail is considered one of the most scenic in the province. The Spillars Cove Head Trail on Fogo Island provides coastal views and access to an archaeological site.

Terra Nova National Park maintains an extensive trail system. Additional hiking opportunities exist at provincial parks and community trail systems throughout the region. Many trails are not formally maintained, and hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain and variable weather conditions.

Water Activities

Sea kayaking opportunities exist in protected bays and coastal areas. Outfitters in Trinity and Terra Nova National Park offer guided kayak tours. Fishing for Atlantic salmon and trout is available in rivers throughout the region, with the Gander River and Exploits River supporting salmon populations. Recreational fishing requires appropriate licenses and adherence to seasonal regulations.

Accommodations and Services

Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor provide the largest selection of hotels, restaurants, and services in the region. Coastal communities including Twillingate, Trinity, and Bonavista offer hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, and vacation rentals. Fogo Island Inn provides luxury accommodations, while other lodging options on Fogo Island include smaller inns and heritage properties.

Campgrounds are located at Terra Nova National Park, provincial parks, and private campgrounds throughout the region. Dining options range from restaurants in larger communities to smaller establishments in coastal towns. Many restaurants feature local seafood including cod, salmon, crab, and lobster.

Events and Festivals

The Fish, Fun and Folk Festival in Twillingate celebrates music, culture, and heritage annually in July. The Trinity Pageant presents outdoor historical theatre performances during summer months. Bonavista hosts cultural events and heritage programming throughout the tourist season. Fogo Island's Brimstone Head Folk Festival in August features traditional music. Various communities host smaller festivals, regattas, and community events during summer.

Access and Transportation

Gander International Airport provides air access to the region, with scheduled flights connecting to Halifax, St. John's, Deer Lake, Toronto, and seasonal destinations. The Trans-Canada Highway traverses the region, connecting to the Avalon Peninsula and western Newfoundland. Visitors typically require personal or rental vehicles to access coastal communities and attractions, as public transportation is limited. Ferry services to Fogo Island and Change Islands operate year-round with published schedules.

Seasonal Considerations

The tourism season in central Newfoundland extends from May through September, with peak visitation during July and August. Iceberg viewing season runs from April through June, with May typically offering the greatest number of icebergs. Whale watching is optimal from June through August. Seabird colonies are most active during breeding season from May through August. Some tourist attractions, tours, and accommodations operate limited hours or close outside the summer season. Weather conditions can include fog, particularly along the coast, and travelers should prepare appropriate clothing for variable temperatures and conditions.

Newfoundland and Labrador Highways Maps: | Large detailed map of Newfoundland and Labrador with cities and towns | Newfoundland and Labrador road map | Newfoundland and Labrador Highways Map | Newfoundland and Labrador Airports Map

Maps of Labrador: Map of Labrador | Labrador Scenic Driving Routes Map | Labrador Tourist Map | Map of Labrador with towns

Maps of Newfoundland: Map of Newfoundland | Newfoundland Road Map | Western Newfoundland Tourist Map | Western Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Eastern Newfoundland Tourist Map | Eastern Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Central Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map

Maps of Avalon Peninsula: Map of Avalon Peninsula | Avalon Tourist Map | Avalon Scenic Driving Routes Map