Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland and Labrador 2025
This scenic Canada coastline is called Iceberg Alley owing to hundreds of icebergs passing by in late spring and early summer
Best time: April–July (best in late May–early June)
As temperatures rise, Greenland is ready to share a bit of its ice with the ocean. Massive slabs of ice break off the glacier and begin their long journey across the North Atlantic. The so-called Iceberg Alley stretches from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of Newfoundland.
When to view icebergs
The iceberg viewing season runs from April to July, with late May and early June being the prime time. The further north, the longer the iceberg season lasts. The overall number of ancient ice giants wandering along the waterway throughout summertime counts up to a few hundred.
Where to view icebergs
The iceberg route lies along the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Some of the popular places to view the icebergs from shore or a tour boat are (north to south): St. Lewis, Battle Harbour, St. Anthony and nearby St. Anthony Bight, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Bonavista, Bay De Verde, St. John's with nearby Cape Spear (the easternmost point of North America), Bay Bulls, and Ferryland. The good news is that most of these locations are accessible by road; other spots can be accessed by car ferry.
Ferryland
The southernmost of the above-mentioned spots is a small scenic coastal town of Ferryland. This cozy town with nice bright huts set on the cliffs above the sea is home to some 400 individuals. The locals are lucky to enjoy beautiful marine sceneries year-round, but particularly breathtaking views take over the horizon during the season of icebergs floating by. Normally, they simply pass by, but occasionally an iceberg gets trapped in the shallow coastal waters and stays there a little longer.
Hundreds of tourists head to Ferryland to witness this natural phenomenon and take pictures of giant ice slabs. The tourist flow is increasing with every succeeding year. It might be somewhat stressful for the locals who have to forget about solitude and get used to traffic jams and crowds on the shores during these spectacular icy summer months.
How to see icebergs
The best ways to view icebergs are from land or hopping on a boat or kayak tour. Numerous tour operators across the province offer boat tours that take you closer to icebergs. Another perk of joining a tour is spotting wildlife such as whales and various seabirds. Adventure-seekers can paddle out to have a closer look at the icy giants. Take into account that these icebergs are in a constant state of melting and can break up or have large pieces fall off quite spectacularly, often with big splashes or waves. These conditions could be hazardous to anyone close by in a small boat, so viewing from land is an excellent alternative too.