Exploring Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula: A Traveler's Summary
- Kim Martinez
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Traveler's Summary
Our journey through Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula has been nothing short of spectacular—rugged coastlines, charming towns, and unforgettable hikes. Here's a recap of our adventures, tips for fellow travelers, and some local quirks we discovered along the way.
Getting Around: Roads & Fuel
🚗 Road Conditions:
The main roads are well-maintained, but some side roads can be rough—watch for pothole and "bump" warnings and take them seriously. That said, we found these roads smoother than many U.S. highways!
⛽ Fuel Tips:
- Diesel can be a bit trickier—Manny had to adjust to slower auto-pump fills instead of truck pumps.
- Regular gas is widely available with no issues.
The Food: A Mix of Delicious & Unique
🐟 Seafood (Heavy on the Fryer!)
Newfoundland loves its fish—especially cod and halibut—but be prepared: most dishes are deep-fried and breaded. Grilled fish is rare, and "pan-fried" can be misleading—once, I asked for "blackened" fish, and they literally cooked it until it was black!
🍟 Must-Try (or Maybe Skip?)
- Poutine – Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Manny loved it; I gave it a hard pass.
- Cod Tongues – Not actual tongues, but tender meat from the throat. A Newfoundland specialty!
- Molasses Buns – Dense, sweet, and addictive. I stocked up for the freezer!
- Newfoundland White Bread – Fluffy, slightly sweet, and baked in a unique three-bun loaf.
Traditions: Become an Honorary Newfoundlander
🥃 Screech-In Ceremony
Want to be an honorary Newfoundlander? Get "Screeched In"—this involves:
1. Reciting a verse
2. Eating a piece of bologna ("Newfoundland steak")
3. Kissing a cod
4. Taking a shot of Newfoundland Screech rum (40% alcohol!)
Hard pass for me, but Manny was tempted!
Grocery Stores & Supplies
🛒 You'll find small grocery and convenience stores throughout the peninsula. We had no trouble stocking up on essentials or grabbing local seafood from markets.
Weather: Cool & Windy (A Welcome Break from Florida Heat!)
🌦️ Typical Temps:
- Highs: 54–64°F
- Lows: 42–45°F
- Wind: Usually 8–10 mph, but gusts can hit 30+ mph during storms.
☔ Rainfall:
Expect 10–15 rainy days per month (50–60 inches annually). Most rain showers were short, with sun returning quickly.
What to Wear & Gear Tips
🧥 Layering is Key!
- We often started hikes with too many layers, then shed them after 30 minutes.
- A windproof headband (stolen from my ski gear) was a lifesaver for chilly coastal winds.
- Walking sticks helped with steep trails and rocky shorelines.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Even in cool weather, the wind can dehydrate you fast—drink more water than you think you need!
Breathtaking Scenery
🌊 Coastal Cliffs & Ocean Views
- Deep blue-green waters crashing against rugged cliffs.
- Lighthouses dotting the coastline.
- Seagulls soaring below us as we stood on high cliffs.
❄️ Iceberg Spotting
We saw a few from L'Anse aux Meadows, but they were far out at sea.
🗺️ Fun Fact:
In Newfoundland, any body of water is called a "pond"—don't underestimate their size!
Campgrounds We Stayed At
Best Hikes We Did
🥾 Gros Morne Area:
🥾 Northernmost Area:
- L'Anse aux Meadows (Viking Trail)
- St. Anthony Lighthouse (Daredevil Trail)
- Point Riche Lighthouse (Garden & Ocean Coves)
Towns We Visited
- St. Anthony
What's Next?
We are headed to the Baie Verte Peninsula and exploring Bays and Icebergs. But,
we'll be back to the Great Northern Peninsula in late July to catch the ferry and explore the Corner Brook area, including the famous Humber Valley Golf Course—can't wait!
Final Thoughts
Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula is wild, beautiful, and full of character. From its dramatic landscapes to its deep-fried delicacies, it's a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Would we return? Absolutely. Have you been to Newfoundland? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments! 📌 Pin this for later & follow along for more adventures! #Newfoundland #TravelCanada #RVLife
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