Newfoundland's sea life: whales, puffins and icebergs
Icebergs and whales: giants of the sea
In springtime, Newfoundlanders have a front-row seat for iceberg watching when two- and three-story icebergs glide along the east coast down the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland. By July, everyone watches for a gentler sort of giant: whales.
Newfoundland is home to more than 20 species of whales and the mighty humpback is a summer favourite. Humpback whales migrate from the Caribbean and spend their summer vacations between April and October off the shores of Newfoundland. Late July into early August is the best time to see these baleen whales jumping out of the water, scooping up mouthfuls of small fish.
Smaller sea creatures
Thirty-five million sea birds also call Newfoundland home. Some of the province's 350 species stay all year through while others are migratory birds, but they all gather near the water's edge.Newfoundland takes great strides to protect every species and many of the colonies are part of ecological reserves but they're still accessible. Most boat tours will pass by a large colony so visitors can see thousands of guillemots, murres, gulls and, of course, Newfoundland's provincial bird, the Atlantic Puffin. About 95 per cent of North America's Atlantic Puffins are found in Newfoundland.
Puffins use their distinctive orange, yellow and grey bills to catch small fish like capelin, but if you're in the mood for an intense battle, Newfoundland has great challenges for all types of fishers. With a fishing license, you can tackle everything from wild Atlantic salmon to large Arctic char.
Exploring Newfoundland on firm ground
Don't have sea legs? You can see almost all of the same vistas, wildlife and scenery from the land, too.
Newfoundland has endless walking and hiking trails and there are even a few areas where whales feed close enough to shore that you can see them leaping out of the water right off the beach. Many lighthouses are open to the public and you can climb up the narrow stairs right into the light and imagine yourself as a lighthouse keeper.
No matter how you do it -- whether you hop in a kayak, on board a boat or trek out to any of The Rock's points to spend some quality time with the chilly Atlantic Ocean -- any Newfoundlander will be happy to point you in the right direction and regale you with local lore!
For more information, visit Newfoundland and Labrador tourism.
Click here to see photos of Newfoundland.
If you're looking for a home-grown vacation that's a little more relaxing, release your tension during a spa vacation in Alberta.
Page 2 of 2
In springtime, Newfoundlanders have a front-row seat for iceberg watching when two- and three-story icebergs glide along the east coast down the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland. By July, everyone watches for a gentler sort of giant: whales.
Newfoundland is home to more than 20 species of whales and the mighty humpback is a summer favourite. Humpback whales migrate from the Caribbean and spend their summer vacations between April and October off the shores of Newfoundland. Late July into early August is the best time to see these baleen whales jumping out of the water, scooping up mouthfuls of small fish.
Smaller sea creatures
Thirty-five million sea birds also call Newfoundland home. Some of the province's 350 species stay all year through while others are migratory birds, but they all gather near the water's edge.Newfoundland takes great strides to protect every species and many of the colonies are part of ecological reserves but they're still accessible. Most boat tours will pass by a large colony so visitors can see thousands of guillemots, murres, gulls and, of course, Newfoundland's provincial bird, the Atlantic Puffin. About 95 per cent of North America's Atlantic Puffins are found in Newfoundland.
Puffins use their distinctive orange, yellow and grey bills to catch small fish like capelin, but if you're in the mood for an intense battle, Newfoundland has great challenges for all types of fishers. With a fishing license, you can tackle everything from wild Atlantic salmon to large Arctic char.
Exploring Newfoundland on firm ground
Don't have sea legs? You can see almost all of the same vistas, wildlife and scenery from the land, too.
Newfoundland has endless walking and hiking trails and there are even a few areas where whales feed close enough to shore that you can see them leaping out of the water right off the beach. Many lighthouses are open to the public and you can climb up the narrow stairs right into the light and imagine yourself as a lighthouse keeper.
No matter how you do it -- whether you hop in a kayak, on board a boat or trek out to any of The Rock's points to spend some quality time with the chilly Atlantic Ocean -- any Newfoundlander will be happy to point you in the right direction and regale you with local lore!
For more information, visit Newfoundland and Labrador tourism.
Click here to see photos of Newfoundland.
If you're looking for a home-grown vacation that's a little more relaxing, release your tension during a spa vacation in Alberta.
Page 2 of 2
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