If you’re looking for the best Newfoundland tours, you’ve come to the right place.
As one of our favourite places in Canada, Newfoundland is a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking landscapes and captivating culture, all of which the locals are eager to welcome you with. With its rugged coastline, dramatic fjords, and picturesque fishing villages, Newfoundland offers a visual feast that’s a treat for both eyes and cameras. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the chance to spot whales, puffins, and icebergs on the horizon while history buffs can learn about some of the oldest places in North America. But it’s not just about the scenery – for what truly sets Newfoundland apart is the warm and welcoming locals that bring the place to life with their unique blend of Irish and English heritage, filling the air with tales of old and the sweet strains of traditional music.
From walking tours of historic St. John’s to kayaking next to icebergs, these are the 12 best Newfoundland tours to enjoy on your next vacation.
Newfoundland Tours Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, we get a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use and help keep these travel guides free.
Our Top 3 Picks: Newfoundland Tours
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Newfoundland Puffin & Whale Watch Cruise
✔️ See whales & puffins
✔️ Visit the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
✔️ Washroom on the boat
#2 PICK
Three-Hour Newfoundland Food Tour
✔️ Sample Newfoundland’s famous food in St. John’s
✔️ Learn from a local guide
#3 PICK
St. John’s Downtown Walking Tour
✔️ Learn from a local guide
✔️ Small-group tour
1. Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (550 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
When it comes to Newfoundland tours, you really shouldn’t leave the province until you’ve been out on the water to see some whales or puffins, which is why this tour is so popular. Taking you to the incredible Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, you’ll witness an area that is home to over 2.5 million seabirds and one of the largest populations of whales in the North Atlantic. Jump aboard a spacious catamaran with ample viewing areas, you can admire icebergs and watch for puffins, whales, razor-billed auks, black-legged kittiwakes, and more (wildlife attractions vary with the time of year).
The trip was excellent from start to finish. Well-organized, friendly crew. I have been on similar excursions and none compared. We were extremely close to the whales and had a great experience seeing puffins nesting. Highly recommend
-Hollie (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland boat tour includes:
- All tours are hosted by an experienced, local guide
- All safety equipment is provided as per requirements set forth by Transport Canada Marine Safety
- Passengers are provided with a pre-departure safety briefing
- Free parking available on site
- The vessel is washroom equipped
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
2. Whale-Watching, Shark and Cod Fishing From St. John’s Harbour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (50 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
As one of the most unique Newfoundland tours, you’ll get to catch and keep your own cod fish! Life is short and this is your chance to spend some time on the North Atlantic, chasing the famous cod which has defined Newfoundland for over 500 years. For the more adventurous, they also offer Shark Fishing for Blue Shark, Porbeagle, Mako and Great White, as well as custom tour packages for those looking to enjoy the taste of freshly cooked cod right off the boat. This tour can also pan-fry your catch so you can enjoy the fish fresh with a cold beverage.
Our family of six (us, two grandparents and two grandkids (three generations altogether) had an absolutely unforgettable experience today on the high seas with Mike. Captain Mike is warm, fun, a true pleasure to spend time with — great stories and great laughs! We sailed out in the middle of some amazing fog, and caught some gigantic cod on our trip. Honestly, Captain Mike knows where to find them! Cod after cod after cod came out — he screeched us all in and made us really feel welcome in his beautiful province. We could have stayed out all day with him, we were all enjoying ourselves so much. Captain Mike was fabulous with our kids (12 and 10). Our kids want to return to NFLD specifically to sail with Captain Mike again! You’ve got to do this! You won’t regret it!
-Happy Customer (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland fishing tour includes:
- Local guide
- Fishing rods
- Life jackets
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
3. Three-Hour St John’s Tour with Come From Away Star (Lunch Included)
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (14 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you haven’t heard the story of Come From Away, we highly recommend doing so. Whether you read about it or watch the Broadway show, it’s an incredible tale of Newfoundland hospitality. It’s this story that inspired this 5-star rated tour, which is guided by George, who has a wonderful perspective of this land and her people and the connections made as a member of the Come From Away family make for a one-of-a-kind experience for my guests. This tour can be catered to your liking.
Most memorable moments was meeting Dee. She took us to see the highlights of St. John’s and we were all impressed with the sights and interesting information that she shared with us. She tailored our tour to what we wanted to see.
-Wanda (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland tour includes:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
4. Two-Hour Guided Boat Tour from St. John’s
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (132 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Just off the coast of St. John’s, Newfoundland, you’ll find the world’s largest population of humpback whales, icebergs that are over 10,000 years old, and beautiful seabirds like the Atlantic puffin. This very popular boat tour departs from the heart of downtown St. John’s, making it easier than ever to experience the marine wonders of this stunning Atlantic province. In addition to the wildlife (depending on the season), you’ll also get to see North America’s most easterly land point from the water.
This delightful two-hour trip was extremely well organized, fairly priced and totally entertaining. The Captain & the mates gave historical background, anecdotal information and made sure everyone was lucky enough to see the whales in the water. Highly recommend!
-Christine (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland boat tour includes:
- Restroom on board
- Licensed Bar on board
- Heated Cabin
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
5. Two-Hour Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (93 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
With four decades of experience and thousands of happy customers, this is one of the most popular Newfoundland tours for those wanting to see whales and experience the North Atlantic. This tour features guides that are highly knowledgeable and passionate about the local history and wildlife, and they are committed to sharing their expertise with our guests. The boats are also well-maintained and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for all. Witness breathtaking views of the coastline and keep your eyes peeled for marine life in their natural habitat.
We saw two juvenile humpback whales within the first 30 minutes of boarding the boat – it was such a magical experience! Captain was knowledgeable & funny, and made sure to give the whales space
-Happy Customer (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland tour includes:
- Life jackets
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
6. St. John’s Downtown Walking Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (76 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
As one of the coolest cities in Canada, we highly recommend exploring the city by foot, which is why we recommend this small group walking tour from Water Street to Duckworth Street to Bannerman Park and the Colonial Building. Hear stories of how the city came to be, what makes it different from other Commonwealth countries, and why the government sits on the left. Get a wonderfully insightful and comprehensive overview of St. John’s on a morning or afternoon tour.
Our guide, Dave, was an exceptional source of St Johns and Newfoundland history and culture. Undoubtedly one of the most informative and entertaining tours we’ve experienced. Highly recommended!
-John (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland walking tour includes:
- All fees and taxes
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
7. St. John’s Three-Hour Newfoundland Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (15 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
There’s no better way to learn about the history and culture of a community than through its food and Newfoundland is one of the most unique provinces to do so. That’s why we recommend this popular Newfoundland Food Tour, which is inspired by a place long known for seafood, wild game, and delicious traditional meals. From a CFA finding success selling beloved Newfoundland pastry to a haunted pub that inspired a TV set to a former fruit stand literally built on the ashes of the Great Fire, you’ll get to explore the people, stories, and food that make the city unique.
Melissa was a rock star guide on our food tour. So many great eats and we learned a ton of things about the Newfoundland culture. Don’t hesitate, book the tour and go hungry because there is a lot of food to be sampled and the portions are not small. So happy we did this!
-Michelle (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland food tour includes:
- Lunch
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
8. Two-Hour Boat Tour in Twillingate
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (35 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
One of the most famous places in all of Newfoundland to see icebergs is the little village of Twillingate. Explore Iceberg Alley on this award-winning boat tour to marvel at 12,000-year-old icebergs, witness majestic humpback whales or admire elegant seabirds frolicking along the coastlines. No trip to Newfoundland is complete without being on the water to jump on this tour and relax as their friendly crew proudly introduces you to Outport Newfoundland’s way of life, charisma, and hospitality.
A great excursion with engaging conversation throughout the tour. Two hours was a perfect amount of time to see far more icebergs than I expected for this time of year. Highly recommend.
-Craig (see more reviews)
This boat tour in Twillingate includes:
- Restroom on board
- Licensed Bar on board
- Heated Cabin
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
9. Trinity Tow ‘N’ Go Kayak Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (6 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If you think witnessing icebergs or whales from a boat is amazing, imagine seeing it from a kayak! This tour offers you the chance to kayak past icebergs, nesting puffins, and maybe even dolphins or whales. In order to get the best out of your time, this tour will tow your kayak out off the coast where you can then kayak along the shore with your guide. The route will be varied for each trip, based on wildlife sightings, the state of the ocean, and each paddler’s comfort and ability. You can also upgrade by adding a beach boil or extra time in the kayak. This tour also offers morning or afternoon departures and runs from June to September
It was a wonderful personalized experience for my sister and I. We enjoyed our kayak tour very much.
-Dominique (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland kayak tour includes:
- Local guide
- Refreshments provided on the tour
- This tour can be customized to accommodate a beach boil up
- It may also be extended into a full-day trip for an additional fee
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
10. Harbour Kayak Tour in Beautiful Trinity
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (6 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
Located just two hours from St. John’s, Trinity is one of the most famous destinations in Newfoundland. Once home to a very important harbour, Trinity is a great place to paddle, which is why this half-day, guided kayak tour from Trinity looks so amazing. Paddle your way through sea caves and over seascapes to see seasonal wonders like icebergs, rock formations, and wildlife, including migrating humpback whales and other species. See marine life up close from your kayak while your guide educated you about the ecosystem you’re exploring.
What an incredible, incredible experience. Did I mention incredible? One of my favourite life experiences by far. The crew at Trinity Eco-Tours is absolutely fantastic, there is never a dull second. I want to write a special shoutout to my guide – Daryl. Daryl was incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable. We learned such a great deal throughout our tour because of Daryl. And best of all, because of his quick whale spotting skills we got to experience two whales come right by our kayak. Thank you Daryl and Eco-Tours!
-Jasleen (see more reviews)
This Trinity kayaking tour includes:
- Local guide
- Refreshments provided on the tour
- This tour can be customized to accommodate a beach boil up
- It may also be extended into a full-day trip for an additional fee
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
11. Pedego eBike Rental in St. John’s
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (6 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
If your looking to experience all that St. John’s has to offer from the vantage point of a bicycle, then Pedego e-Bikes has the perfect outing for you and your group. They offer three-hour and seven-hour bike rentals, plus a weekly option when available. They can also host groups of up to 15 with advanced notice. Cars can be a hassle, not to mention difficult to find in the busy months, but these e-Bikes can travel from downtown St. John’s to Cape Spear (22 km) in about 90 min for anyone in average physical condition. The pedal-assist electric e-Bikes do all the work for you!
We had a great experience with Pedego. We were thrilled to be able to find such a fun tour to be able to experience the wonderful culture of Newfoundland on an e-bike! From the get go Mike was quick to respond to our booking, ensuring all of our questions were answered. We arrived and were warmly welcomed and introduced to the e-bikes. They were in excellent condition and easy to use. Riding around St. John’s was such a thrill, and a must on an e-bike when signing up for a tour!!! You won’t be disappointed!!!!
-Lily (see more reviews)
This bike rental includes:
- Bicycle helmets, locks, and iPhone carry cases are included in the rental
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
12. All-Terrain Vehicle Tour of the Newfoundland Wilderness
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (2 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 – 8 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW
This small-group ATV tour, which is led by a guide with an intimate knowledge of the area, allows you to access wild places that are often missed by tourists. Located in Trinity, this is one of many Newfoundland tours you can take from this very famous historic town. Learn little-known facts and stories about Newfoundland’s history and wildlife and break up the day with a traditional fireside lunch before heading back to the hostel (one night of accommodation included with this tour).
To be honest I was very nervous to do this ATV tour since I never drove one in the past, was only a passenger. But Cliff, our guide, was so patient with me and helped me feel comfortable first before starting the actual tour, that I am really happy I did it! My husband and I had a great time driving in the wilderness and learning about the land from Cliff. The ATVs were not difficult to operate. Also, we were able to start the tour earlier (we booked the 4:45pm one) so we could finish before the restaurants closed which we appreciated very much. Thank you for a super fun way to end our trip to Newfoundland!
-Happy Customer (see more reviews)
This Newfoundland ATV tour includes:
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Local guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Lunch
- Snacks
Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.
Looking for More Things to Do in Newfoundland?
While these Newfoundland tours offer wonderful experiences on Canada’s Atlantic coast, there’s so much more to this rugged and beautiful island. For more information on things to do in Newfoundland and beyond, check out these travel guides below:
M Morrissey says
East coast tours! Central, Western, Northern and Labrador are breathtaking and have many tours to offer visitors to our province.
Shame.
Matthew G. Bailey says
I’m sure there are many more but we have to go by the ones available online at Viator or Get Your Guide…