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- Wildlife
Yes, it’s possible to see whales in Newfoundland in September, though sightings are less frequent than during peak season in June and July. Whales gradually move back offshore as the season winds down, so September sightings are never guaranteed.
That said, many visitors are still rewarded with excellent encounters, and the quieter waters and fall colours make September a beautiful time to visit Twillingate regardless. If whale watching is a priority, aim for late June through August for the best odds.
Whale watching season in Newfoundland runs from June through September. Whales follow capelin and other food sources inshore during these months, making sightings most frequent and reliable. June and July tend to offer the best combination of active wildlife and calm weather, while August and September bring a quieter but still productive season. Guided boat tours operating out of Twillingate offer some of the best chances for close-up sightings.
The most commonly spotted whales are humpback whales, known for their dramatic breaches and acrobatic behaviour. Minke whales are also frequently seen in the area, and on some occasions, visitors have spotted orca (killer whales) off the coast.
There are three main ways to get from St. John’s to Twillingate:
By car: The drive takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway west to Gander, then north on Route 330 and Route 340 to Twillingate Island.
By flight + car: Fly from St. John’s Airport (YYT) to Gander International Airport (YQX) — the flight takes under an hour — then rent a car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Twillingate.
By bus + car: DRL Coachlines operates a bus service from St. John’s to Gander and Lewisporte. From either town, you’ll need to arrange onward transportation to Twillingate, as there is no direct public transit to the island.
The closest airport to Twillingate is Gander International Airport (YQX), located approximately 1.5 hours away by car.
Gander is approximately 1.5 hours from Twillingate by car, making it the most common starting point for visitors flying into central Newfoundland. The drive follows the Trans-Canada Highway east before turning north on Route 340, a scenic coastal road that takes you through New World Island and onto Twillingate Island.
The Unscripted Arts Festival takes place September 18–20 in Twillingate, NL. The festival celebrates local and regional performing arts, including theatre, music, and storytelling. It’s a great reason to extend your summer trip into early fall, when the island is quieter, the scenery is stunning, and accommodations are easier to book.
Bergy Days is Twillingate’s annual iceberg festival, held each May to celebrate the arrival of icebergs along Newfoundland’s coast. The festival features iceberg viewing, guided tours, live music, local food, and community events.
Twillingate is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World, and Bergy Days is the best time to experience that title firsthand. The harbour is often filled with towering icebergs drifting through Iceberg Alley. The festival is free to attend and family-friendly, making it one of the most popular events on the island.
Dates are not yet confirmed for 2027.
Evenings in Twillingate typically include:
- Social dining at local pubs/restaurants
- Live music and community events
- Quiet seaside walks and stargazing
Stay up to date with our Events calendar.
Yes! Twillingate has local shops and artisan boutiques. Check them out here.
Yes! Join local guides on iceberg and whale-watching excursions, take part in the Auk Island Winery tour, or discover Twillingate’s historical landmarks through the TwillQuest history walking tour. Learn more here.
Yes! Twillingate has local shops and artisan boutiques. Check them out here.
Indoor options include:
- Museums
- Local cafés and pubs
- Shopping for souvenirs and local arts and crafts
- Iceberg & whale watching (shore viewing or boat tours)
- The Rockcut Trail system in Twillingate, plus trails and lookouts on New World Island
- Local museums and historic sites
- Long Point Lighthouse and its breathtaking ocean views
Yes! During peak season, you can get assistance at the Visitor Information Centre or on the Visit Twillingate Facebook page, where last-minute availability is often shared.
The only option is in the harbour authority building, where you’ll find a few washing machines that are free to use (all customers are invited to leave a donation).
At the Visitor Information Centre, 25 Toulinquet Street, Twillingate, during operating hours.
Several tourism operators in the area offer accessibility features. Whether you are looking for accommodations, restaurants, or local attractions, we recommend contacting them directly in advance to confirm they can meet your specific accessibility needs.
The Rockcut Trail system map and a detailed street map of Twillingate are available from most tourism operators. You can also fi nd them at the Visitor Information Centre, located in the Town Office building at 25 Toulinquet Street on Route 340.
During peak season, two local businesses offer live lobster pools and fresh ocean produce: Waterside Fish Market and Sansome’s Seafood Restaurant. Most local restaurants also feature fresh fi sh on their menus daily.
Many local restaurants and eateries do not take reservations, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a table. For the few that do accept reservations, booking in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months.
Twillingate has a growing number of delectable choices for dining during the peak season. Most of the eateries are seasonal, so check hours with each establishment.
ATV/quad trails in the area are limited. The main riding options are coastal woods access roads, such as those near Codjacks Cove. Always check local signage and regulations, as some areas are protected and require extra caution when operating ATVs.
Bike rentals are available from:
Campfires are usually permitted on beaches but are not allowed in forested areas. Please always follow outdoor fire regulations, as fire bans may be in effect at times, especially during dry summer months.
The Rockcut Trails is a system of breathtaking, exceptionally well-maintained hiking trails located along the coastline of Twillingate Island. These trails are a legacy carved out by our community’s ancestors.
Trail maps are offered on paper at the Visitor Information Centre or online at rockcuttrails.ca.
Rockcut Twillingate Trails off ers 15 marked trails with over 55 km of coastal and inland routes. Trail maps are available in print at the Visitor Information Centre and online at rockcuttrails.ca. The maps show each trail’s distance, diffi culty, and features. One of the most accessible options is the 1.2 km Hospital Pond loop, which is wheelchair accessible.
Most trails, including the Rockcut Trails, are dog-friendly if kept on a leash. Please follow current trail regulations and always clean up after your pet.
The Farewell ferry terminal, which serves both Fogo Island and Change Islands, is about a one-hour drive from Twillingate. Ferry capacity is limited, so it is recommended to plan ahead and arrive at least one hour before departure. Up-to-date ferry schedules are available at the Visitor Information Centre and online.
There are only private EV charging plugs on the Twillingate Islands, which may sometimes be available by arrangement with the owners. More reliable charging stations can be found in Gander and Lewisporte. You can visit takechargenl.ca for up-to-date details.
Twillingate is close to two RV parks.
- Peyton’s Woods RV Park & Campground
- Dildo Run Provincial Park
Parking is readily available throughout the town centre, at main attractions (museums and the lighthouse), accommodations, restaurants, and trail entry points.
Yes, you can ride your bike (or rent one) to explore Twillingate. Please keep in mind that the roads are not always wide, and there are no dedicated cycling routes, so be mindful of vehicle traffi c at all times. It’s also important to note that cycling around the Twillingate Islands includes many uphill and downhill sections.
The easiest way to access Twillingate, is by rental car. If you are planning a summer trip, don’t delay in booking your vehicle. They are scarce in summer. Motorhome vacations are popular and Twillingate is close to two RV parks.
Twillingate is accessible by car from major Newfoundland airports:
- ~1.5 hrs from Gander International Airport
- ~4 hrs from Deer Lake Regional Airport
- ~5.5 hrs from St. John’s
Most visitors drive via Routes 330, 331 and 340.
More information on how to get to Twillingate here.
Winters in Twillingate are cold, wet and snowy with significant seasonal variation, typical of Newfoundland’s northeast coast.
You definitely don’t want to miss:
- Iceberg & whale watching experiences (from shore or boat)
- Scenic hikes like Rockcut Trails (55 + km of trails)
- Local festivals and community events
- Fresh seafood & coastal dining
Seasonal businesses usually open in late spring and run through early fall. Exact dates vary by operator; we advise you to check individual business listings on the site before booking.
At the Visitor Information Centre, 25 Toulinquet Street, Twillingate (password is posted at the centre) and at the public library, 97 Main St, Twillingate.
Wifi access is also available at the Summerford public library, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. The library is located in the Summerford Community Building on Main Street.
Cell coverage in Twillingate and surrounding communities is generally available through major Canadian carriers, though signal strength may vary. It’s wise to download maps and visitor information ahead of time and check coverage with your carrier.
Icebergs: Usually best from early May to early July along the coast near Twillingate. Whales: Whale watching season typically runs late June through early September when marine life is abundant in nearby feeding waters.
The most popular time to visit is late spring through early fall (May–September) when the weather is mild, outdoor activities are in full swing, and most attractions and tours operate.
Long Point Lighthouse was built in 1876 and stands 101m (331ft) above sea level. The tower itself is 15m (49ft) tall. The light from the lighthouse can be seen from 30km (16 nautical miles or 18 miles) away.
Approximately 2,200 people.
Rockcut Twillingate Trails offer 15 marked trails with over 55+ km of coastal and inland trails. Trail maps are offered on paper or online at rockcuttrails.ca. The map shows the trails’ total distance, difficulty and features.
French fishermen named the Twillingate islands as early as the 1500s. The name originated from the French name “Toulinguet”. It is believed that the fishermen chose this name because, from the sea, the islands resembled the coast of Pointe du Toulinguet in France. The street that the Visitor Information Centre is located on, and the street that visitors enter the town on is named Toulinguet Street.
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In 1913, the Great Northern Copper Company based out of North Dakota opened a copper mine. Although the town had high hopes for the mine, it amounted to little. In 1917, after only a few loads of ore were pulled out, the price of copper plummeted and the mine was shut down. The entrance to the mine has since been sealed shut with concrete, however, some remnants of the mine remain at Sea Breeze Park for visitors to view.
Born on April 3rd, 1867, Georgina Sterling was the daughter of Dr. Sterling and maternal granddaughter of John Peyton Jr. At a very young age, Georgina was known to be a very good soprano opera singer. With no local training available, Georgina used her father’s resources and moved to Paris where she studied under the direction of Madame Marchesi. She performed under the stage name Mme. Marie Toulinguet (Toulinguet being the French name of her hometown, Twillingate). Georgina’s opera singing brought her to both Italy and France where she performed for many people, including the Italian Royal Family. Georgina became ill and had to end her singing career. She died in 1935 and was laid to rest at St. Peter’s cemetery on North Twillingate Island. In 1964 a memorial was erected at her grave site which remains there today. More information can be found at the Twillingate Museum.
Twillingate’s waters are visited by many different types of wildlife each year. While birds such as Bald Eagles, Gannets, Great Cormorants and Guillemots fly above the water, whales, dolphins and many different types of fish swim below. While we often see minke whales, orcas and belugas, the most common is the humpback. Ranging in length from 48 ft to 62.5 ft (relatively the length of a standard school bus) and weighing approximately 40 tons, these gigantic mammals are a whale-watcher’s dream. Humpbacks migrate to Twillingate’s shores in the summer months as they chase caplin (small fish which humpbacks feed on). Humpbacks are known for putting on a display for onlookers as the whale who shows its tail. When humpbacks are preparing to make a deeper dive into the ocean, they arch their backs and raise their tails completely out of the water – a sight many photographers like to capture. They are also known for playfully splashing their fins in the water and leaping from the ocean in what is known as a “full breach”. It is a spectacular show to watch these 40-ton mammals come completely out of the water and crash into the ocean’s surface, creating a massive splash and waves. The reason why they do this is not fully understood, but scientists believe it is either an attempt to remove pests from the whales’ skin or simply to have fun.
Icebergs are first formed when pieces of ice break free from the glaciers in western Greenland. The moment these gigantic pieces of ice hit the water, they begin their journey to Twillingate’s waters. The icebergs pick up the Labrador Current in the Davis Strait which carries them south/southeast towards the iceberg capital of the world, Twillingate.
Although they do visit Twillingate, puffins are not as common here as in other places like Elliston. Puffins are most often seen in Twillingate in the fall season. A similar bird that is seen daily in Twillingate that is in the puffin family are guillemots; small black birds that fly like puffins but do not have such a colourful beak.
The cross was constructed by the Salvation Army to honour all the lives of those lost at sea. You can hike up to the top of the hill and there is a memorial listing the names of those whose lives have been lost in the waters surrounding Twillingate.
Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Gannets, Guillemots, seagulls (black-backed seagulls, herring gulls, kittiwakes, etc.), murres (locally called turrs), and Arctic Turin. We also have crows, bluejays, grey jays, robins, chickadees, woodpeckers, geese, etc.
Twillingate is composed of two islands, North Twillingate Island and South Twillingate Island. The two islands are connected by Tickle Bridge. North Twillingate Island is home to the Town of Crow Head and the Town of Twillingate, while South Twillingate Island is entirely the Town of Twillingate. Although still considered to be The Town of Twillingate, each island has named communities known to most locals. These include Wild Cove, Paradise, Durrell, and Back Harbour.
There are 232 root cellars on Twillingate Islands. You can find more information and locations through the Facebook page: Twillingate Root Cellars.
There are several restaurants and pubs around town that have regular guest performers such as The Wharf, Captain’s Pub, and Stage Head Pub. Also, there is the Twillingate/New World Island Dinner Theatre or Grand Old Shed Party, which provides a mix of comedy, music, and storytelling during their shows.
It really depends on the day and the time of year, but there are several boat tours in town that will take you out to see any icebergs that are around and oftentimes to see the whales or dolphins that are in the area! There are also tools online that track icebergs around Newfoundland and many Facebook pages in the area that post updates on the current locations of icebergs.
In season, just about every restaurant in town has lobster and other seafood options, including D & T Seafood Restaurant, Stage Head Pub, Georgie’s Restaurant, Auk Island Restaurant and Sansome Lobster Pool.
Yes! Our public library is in the same building as our high school just down the road from the Visitor Information Centre. The address is 97 Main St, Twillingate.
The only option is in the harbour authority building, where you’ll find a few washing machines that are free to use (all customers are invited to leave a donation).
We have a map of the Rockcut Trail system but no detailed map of the area. The Visitor Information Centre is located in the Town office building at 25 Toulinquet Street on Route 340.
At the Visitor Information Centre, 25 Toulinquet Street, Twillingate (password is posted at the centre) and at the public library, 97 Main St, Twillingate.
Wifi access is also available at the Summerford public library, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. The library is located in the Summerford Community Building on Main Street.
At the Visitor Information Centre, 25 Toulinquet Street, Twillingate, during operating hours.