Newfoundland is among the best spots on the planet for watching icebergs. The glacial behemoths can be seen from numerous sites along the northern and eastern shores from April to August, particularly on bright and warm days. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and a variety of colors ranging from snow-white to the darkest aquamarine. Despite the fact that they arrive from the Arctic region every springtime and leave only a few months later, their wonder is renewed every year.

Icebergs are the broken-off ends of ice caps that have sunk into the sea. Visitors will be awestruck by their sheer enormity, even before they witness the ninety percent of them that remain beneath the water surface.

Around 40,000 intermediate- to huge ice caps split off from Greenland mountains each year, known as calving. Only roughly 400-800 people make it to St. John's, but this number varies a lot from season to season. The number of glaciers, prevailing wind, ocean currents and weather, and the volume of ice covers all influence the likelihood of witnessing icebergs in a particular region. The sea ice shields icebergs from the force of the tides, allowing them to exist longer.

Best Time To See

  • Near Newfoundland coast - Late May to Early June
  • Near Labrador coast - March to July

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Where To Watch

Twillingate

  • The best time to see icebergs is from mid-May until mid-July each year.
  • Twillingate gives glacier and whale viewing sailboat cruises that bring visitors closer to these magnificent structures.
  • Bergy pieces come ashore on jagged shores, and visitors can collect them.
  • At Auk Island Wine shop, tourists can sample native fruit wines created with pristine iceberg waters.
  • Visitors can also sample draft beer produced with iceberg water at the Captain's Tavern.

Point Amour Lighthouse

  • The lighthouse at Point Amour stands tall among the rocky cliffs on Labrador's southern coast.
  • The watchtower is more than just beautiful scenery; it's a glimpse of lifestyle on the Peninsula, situated in a breathtaking landscape.
  • With an altitude of roughly 110 feet, it's a great destination to see icebergs.

St. Anthony

  • St. Anthony, situated at the northernmost point of the Northern Peninsula, is the best place to intercept glaciers arriving from Labrador.
  • The largest bergs will move southeast, but many of the lesser ones will gradually melt before they reach their destination, so tourists will be able to view them all over here.

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Types Of Icebergs To Watch

Due to melting and splitting, icebergs take on a variety of forms. However, no two glaciers are completely similar. Hence, visitors can see several common shapes of icebergs.

Tabular Iceberg

  • Tabular icebergs have a flat top and a width five times their length. The majority of them have some longitudinal streaking.

Blocky Iceberg

  • An iceberg with a flat top and steep slopes.

Wedged Iceberg

  • A wedge-shaped iceberg has steep edges on one end and gently sloping edges on another.

Dome Iceberg

  • A dome-shaped iceberg has a spherical head and a smooth surface.

Pinnacle Iceberg

  • An iceberg with at minimum one major swirl or tower on it is called a pinnacle.

Dry Dock Iceberg

  • A dry dock is an iceberg with a U-shaped groove and at least two apex or pillars at or around sea level.

Things To Keep In Mind

Safety

  • Icebergs are capricious, making it hard to travel securely near them.
  • When observing icebergs from the ocean, keep a safe gap equivalent to the iceberg's width or double its altitude, whatever is bigger.
  • There is a possibility of falling ice, strong ripples, and underwater dangers within this region.

What To Look For

  • Watch for color patterns, caverns and tunnels, shoreline cuts, and even massive boulders embedded in the glacier, in addition to the iceberg's structure and size.
  • Birds sitting on icebergs are common, and if they abruptly fly away, it could mean the berg is ready to tumble or split up, creating a stunning spectacle for the sense of sight.

Various Ways To Enjoy An Iceberg

  • Occasionally, berg fragments fall off and drift up on the beach. These bergy chunks can be found on the shores, resting in plain sight, ready to be scooped up.
  • They are a great method to keep beverages chilled and provide a frigid but brief souvenir of the trip.
  • Visitors can sample a brew produced with 10,000-year-old glacier ice or purchase a jug of Iceberg liquor created nearby.
  • Iceberg artwork should also be kept in mind by visitors. They won't be able to carry a glacier back with them, but why not a bit of berg craft?
  • Iceberg artwork is more convenient to put on the walls, and it's unlikely to melt in the summertime.

Best Way To Watch

Via Boat

The region's boat trip organizers allow guests to come face to face with one or more of the icebergs at sea as they know exactly where to find them.

Via Land

  • All of the harbors along the shore are home to icebergs.
  • Visitors can view icebergs while trekking or strolling through coastal treks, rocky outcrops, and pristine beaches if they haven't developed their sea legs.
  • Alternatively, have a meal by the sea and enjoy a clear picture of icebergs floating close.
  • Telescopes are not required.

Iceberg gazing in Newfoundland is a thrilling and enjoyable experience. It is one of those must-to-have experiences when exploring Newfoundland, host to around 40,000 icebergs each year. Take a camera or a sketch pad and prepare for some once-in-a-lifetime memories!

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