Iceberg Season in Newfoundland: A St. John's Visitor's Guide
Every spring, giant chunks of Arctic and Greenlandic ice drift south along "Iceberg Alley," passing right by the coast of Newfoundland before slowly melting in the North Atlantic. St. John's is one of the best-positioned cities in the world to see this natural spectacle up close, and if you time your visit right, you can pair iceberg watching with a whale-watching tour on the very same boat. Here's what to know before you go.
When Is Iceberg Season in Newfoundland?
Iceberg season generally runs from late April through June, with many visitors considering May the sweet spot for the highest concentration of bergs visible near shore. The exact timing shifts year to year depending on wind, currents, and how much ice calved off Greenland's glaciers the previous year, so it's worth checking local sighting reports as your travel dates approach.
- April: Early bergs may begin appearing along the coast
- May–early June: Peak viewing season for much of the Avalon Peninsula
- Late June: Season tends to wind down as remaining ice melts further south
Best Spots to See Icebergs Near St. John's
You don't always need a boat to spot an iceberg—several coastal viewpoints around the city and along the Avalon offer excellent shore-based views on a clear day.
- Signal Hill: Sweeping views over the Narrows and open Atlantic, right in St. John's
- Cape Spear: North America's most easterly point, a short drive from downtown and a favourite for both icebergs and sunrise photography
- Middle Cove Beach: A quieter shoreline stop popular with locals scanning the horizon
- Quidi Vidi: The historic fishing village doubles as a scenic lookout point
For a fuller list of stops worth building into your itinerary, our St. John's visitor guide covers the wider area beyond iceberg watching too.
Whale Watching Alongside the Icebergs
Late spring into summer also brings humpback and minke whales to the waters off the Avalon Peninsula, drawn by capelin schools close to shore. This overlap means a single boat tour in May or June can realistically deliver both icebergs and whales in the same outing—one of the reasons the region draws wildlife watchers from around the world.
Booking an Iceberg or Whale Watching Boat Tour
Several operators run boat tours departing from St. John's harbour and nearby communities like Bay Bulls, taking visitors out for a closer look at both icebergs and marine life. Tours vary by operator, so it's worth booking ahead during peak season and confirming what's currently visible on the water, since conditions change quickly.
- Book early for May and June departures, the busiest weeks of the season
- Dress warmly—the water is colder than the harbour air suggests
- Bring a zoom lens or binoculars for the best photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to see icebergs in Newfoundland?
Many visitors find May offers the best balance of iceberg numbers and milder weather, though the season can start earlier or run later depending on conditions each year.
Can you see icebergs without taking a boat tour?
Yes—shore-based lookouts like Cape Spear, Signal Hill, and Middle Cove Beach often offer clear views of passing icebergs on a good day, no boat required.
Do the same tours show both icebergs and whales?
Often, yes. Because whale season overlaps with the tail end of iceberg season, many boat tours departing St. John's and nearby Bay Bulls combine both in a single trip during May and June.
If you're planning a spring trip to chase icebergs and whales, The Westport Manor is minutes away from the city's lookout points and harbour tour departures, with comfortable suites detailed on our bed and breakfast page. Get in touch to check availability for your iceberg season visit.