Newfoundland & Labrador – Made of Superlatives

Endless, otherworldly views across the Long Range Mountains
Endless, otherworldly views across the Long Range Mountains

Newfoundland and Labrador form the most easterly parts of Canada and we can't help but notice that there is no shortage of superlatives in the region.

It’s here, in Canada's youngest province, that you’ll find many things that are the continent's oldest. The capital city, St. John’s, holds the title of the oldest city in North America and, when taking a stroll through its colourful centuries-old streets, you’ll discover a city full of character. To discover history from a much earlier era, travel farther north to L’Anse aux Meadows, the oldest viking settlement on the continent. On the Labrador Peninsula you’ll find the rugged Torngat Mountains which are, you guessed it, among the oldest in the world. Sensing a pattern here?

St. John's Cityscape © Copyright Barrett & MacKay Photo

In addition to boasting a solid ‘oldest things’ list, Newfoundland and Labrador have also claimed a few, perhaps lesser known, titles. Ever wondered where you can find the foggiest place in the whole wide world? Yep, the honour goes to the Grand Banks; an area on the eastern coast of Newfoundland where the Labrador current and Gulf Stream meet. Speaking of coast, it's here that you’ll find the most coastline in Canada; nearly 29,000 km. Canada, of course, has the longest coastline in the world and this province contributes its fair share.

Cape Race Lighthouse, Newfoundland Labrador

If you like wildlife, you should definitely head to this easternmost province, as it’s in Newfoundland and Labrador that you’ll find the highest density of moose on the continent. It also has the largest caribou herds and  claims to have the biggest black bears... Now this is starting to sound like an urban legend but, rest assured, it’s all true.

Bull Moose, Newfoundland Labrador

Also scattered among the wildlife are some of the most helpful people in the world. Newfoundlanders were the first to respond to the distress call of the RMS Titanic and, when flights were grounded on 9/11, the small town of Gander opened its homes to thousands of stranded travellers. You can experience the friendliness of the locals yourself when you hit the trails in this stunningly beautiful part of Canada. That said, don’t expect crowds, there is plenty of room to roam in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Interested in self guided hiking in Newfoundland?
You might like our 10 day East CoastTrail

East Coast Trail Signage

Looking for otherworldly landscapes and the rugged beauty of the Long Range Mountains?
Check out our guided Gros Morne Traverse

Gros Morne National Park

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