Skip to main content

Ancient giants: iceberg viewing

Iceberg Alley

Ancient giants: iceberg viewing

The expanse of waters that stretch from the coast of Labrador to the northeast corner of the island of Newfoundland is aptly known as Iceberg AlleyExternal Link Title, and is one the best places in the world to see ancient giantsExternal Link Title as they gently float south.

Iceberg near town
Icebergs float by the Newfoundland and Labrador coast - Credit: Iceberg Quest

These massive icebergs are towering slabs of 12,000-year-old ice that range in colour from snow white to deep aquamarine and have their own unique shape and size. They can be as small as a boat or as large as an office tower — each iceberg has its own story to tell.

Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures
Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures

Take in the icebergs from land, from a boatExternal Link Title, or from up close in a kayakExternal Link Title. Each offers an incredible perspective of these natural wonders and will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Imagine watching rivulets of icy water pour from crevasses, and catching the blue-green flashes of submerged corners of these icy giants just below the water line.

 

If you're lucky, the crew might net small chunks of the iceberg and throw them in your drink. In fact, Newfoundlanders make good use of the icebergs in Iceberg Water, iceberg spirits like Iceberg Vodka, Gin and Rum and, of course, Iceberg Beer brewed in St. John's at the famous Quidi Vidi BreweryExternal Link Title.

Iceberg Quest
Take an incredible journey with Iceberg Quest

As you cruise the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador in search of ice, you might also encounter playful dolphins, majestic humpback whales, and a variety of birds, like gannets and the fan-favorite puffins. Consider the wildlife viewing a bonus.

 

It's in the spring and early summer that the waters fill up with icebergs, with May and June being peak months to head out and see them.

 

Start planning your date with these monoliths, with the help of Newfoundland and Labrador TourismExternal Link Title.

Hikers in Quidi Vidi in Newfoundland
DeLuxe Hiking Tours logo

Newfoundland Hiking West  External Link Title

From CAD 3,275 per person (double occupancy)

8 days / 7 nights

Nowhere else can a visitor see the earth’s mantle, evident of pre-historic peoples, Viking settlements, aboriginal communities and traditional fishing villages.

Person overlooking the Newfoundland coast
Omega Tours

Circle Newfoundland & Labrador  External Link Title

From CAD 6,399 per person (double occupancy)

13 days / 12 nights

Gaze upon the highlights of the striking landscapes and historical attractions of Newfoundland and Labrador. The tour originates in Nova Scotia’s capital Halifax before departing for Newfoundland and its many significant historical and natural sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows Viking archaeological site.

Gros Morne National Park
Canada by Design logo

Newfoundland Discovery  External Link Title

From CAD 2,511

14 days / 13 nights

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, uncover fascinating Viking history and learn about the Atlantic way of life from the locals themselves. Encounter abundant wildlife and scenic national parks, plus enjoy a boat trip in search for whales and the Atlantic puffin.