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Looking for the best things to do in Twillingate? Let me help you! I grew up in Newfoundland, and Twillingate is one of my favorite towns in the province. It’s pure magic, and I’m sharing all the best Twillingate activities that will make your trip memorable in this guide.
Twillingate is a charming town in Newfoundland that has been booming in popularity in recent years. I’ve only heard great things about it and was dying to get there myself, so I was pumped when I found it was part of my press trip to Central Newfoundland.
From iceberg hunting to sea kayaking, boat tours, and boil-ups on the beach, there are so many fun things to do in Twillingate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Explore Iceberg Alley and marvel at 12,000-year-old icebergs
✅ Observe majestic humpback whales and watch elegant seabirds
✅ Licensed Bar on board
Top Things to do in Twillingate
1. Captain Daves Prime Berth Fishing Museum
As soon as you enter Twillingate, you’ll see Captain Daves’s Prime Berth Fishing Museum on the left-hand side. It’s impossible to miss, as he has two very impressive whale skeletons you can see from the road.
Captain Dave has created a museum of sorts, where you can see antique fishing gear, a gallery of iceberg photography, a live underwater camera stream, and many other Newfoundland trinkets he’s collected over the year.
Visiting the museum is free, but you can book one of his boat or fishing tours to support Captain Dave.
2. Icebergs tours Twillingate
Twillingate is part of Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley, which refers to the passage of ocean that 10,000-year-old icebergs make their way down every Spring from Greenland.
Icebergs often come by Twillingate, sometimes even getting stuck in the bay, making it a perfect place to see one.
While it’s more than possible to see icebergs from shore, there are also some cool iceberg tours you can do if you want to get closer.
You can join a boat tour or even go sea kayaking with icebergs which is so high on my bucket list!
Need help planning your trip to Newfoundland? Get your itinerary reviewed or have one tailor made by me – a Newfoundland local!
3. Twillingate Boat Tours
One of the best things to do in Twillingate in summer is to join a boat tour to explore the stunning area.
If you’re visiting during the Spring, there’s a good chance you’ll see icebergs on a boat tour, and if you visit during the summer, there’s a good chance you’ll see whales. It’s one of the best places for whale watching in Newfoundland!
Even without icebergs and whales (which was sadly the case for me), taking a boat tour is still a great way to spend a couple of hours in Twillingate. Because they can always guarantee the coastline, and the shoreline in Twillingate does not disappoint.
The landscapes around Twillingate are stunning. There are so many neat rock formations you can see around here and several species of birds. We saw osprey and bald eagles!
The boat passed by several small islands, including Burnt Island, which they used to quarantine people on for smallpox. Finger rock was another interesting rock formation, which indeed does look like a finger.
4. Twillingate hiking
Like most of Newfoundland, Twillingate offers spectacular hiking opportunities to see rocky cliffs, lighthouses, icebergs, whales, and picture-perfect photo ops. It was named by Reader’s Digest as one of the best places for hiking in Canada!
Some popular hikes in Twillingate are Long Point Lighthouse to Sleepy Cove, Lower Little Harbour Trail (5 km), Lighthouse to Lower Head Trail, and Spiller’s Cove to Codjack’s Cove Trail.
The latter is a 6.5 linear trail that starts in the community of Durrell. You can see caves, sea stacks, caves, and rugged cliffs along the trail.
5. Go for a swim
If you’re looking for a place to cool off after a hike, Twillingate has a few places to go. I saw people swimming in the ocean during our boat tour!
If you’re not brave enough for the ocean, a good option is hospital pond.
6. Beach boil up with Experience Twillingate
If you want a fantastic meal with an equally good view, check out Experience Twillingate with local Crystal Anstey.
She cooked us an incredible four-course meal right on the beach in Twillingate, and it was one of the best seafood meals I’ve ever had. My mouth is drooling just thinking about it.
The four-course meal started with a serving of scallops, cooked to perfection and served in a very adorable mini-sized cast iron pan.
Following the scallops, Crystal prepared a cod dish with kale which melted in your mouth. Then came the night’s main event, the lobster, which was boiled up using ocean water.
Last but not least, we had mini strawberry pies made with fresh strawberry jam using local berries.
What I loved about this experience is that every single item Crystal uses is local and sustainable, downright to the wood boards she serves the food on.
It’s also a beautiful setting, on a small beach in Twillingate during sunset. Crystal is a fantastic person to be around, and by the end of the evening, you will leave feeling like you spent the night with friends.
7. Auk Island Winery
Wineries are not commonly associated with Newfoundland, but a couple are on the island. One is Auk Island Winery in Twillingate.
What’s special about this winery is that it harvests pieces of icebergs found on the shores in Twillingate, using the town’s pure water as its base for the wines.
8. Museums and Exhibits
There are several museums and exhibits to check out in Twillingate.
At Long Point Lighthouse, there is a Titanic Exhibit where you can learn about the history of the Titanic.
There’s also a Beothuk Interpretation Centre, the Durrell Museum, Twillingate Museum, the Twillingate Historic Fishing Vessels Museum, the Isles Wooden Boat Museum, and the Ted Stuckless Fine Arts Gallery.
9. Enjoy Live Music and Local Festivals
Experience the lively spirit of Twillingate by attending a local music event or festival. The town comes alive with traditional Newfoundland tunes and warm camaraderie.
Despite its small size, Twillingate becomes a pretty booming place during the summertime. There is live entertainment every day of the week!
While visiting, we went to the Captain’s Pub at the Anchor Inn to check out who was playing. I was pleasantly surprised to walk in and find my old friend Adam Baxter performing!
Another place you can go out in Twillingate is Split Rock Brewery. We briefly stopped in here to pick up some beer for the boil-up, and it had a great atmosphere. I can also confirm their beers are delicious!
Twillingate also hosts the Unscripted Digital Arts Festival every September.
Need help planning your trip to Newfoundland? Get your itinerary reviewed or have one tailor made by me – a Newfoundland local!
Restaurants in Twillingate
Annie’s Restaurant – we stopped here for lunch before the boat tour with Twillingate Adventures; it’s right next door to the harbor. The food was delicious; I highly recommend the fish cakes!
If you want to get your lobster fix, check out Doyle Sansome & Sons Lobster Pool. It’s located just outside of Twillingate on a small fishing pier. The lobsters get brought in fresh from the ocean and dropped in the pool, so you can pick which one you want.
For sweet treats, check out the Crow’s Nest Cafe or Lickety Split for ice cream.
How to get to Twillingate
Twillingate is in Central Newfoundland, so it’s easily accessible whether you are coming East or West. Coming from St. John’s, it’s about a 5-hour drive.
If you’re coming from Gros Morne National Park, it’s just over four hours.
Twillingate is just an hour away from where you can take the ferry to Fogo Island, so the two make an excellent combination trip.
Twillingate Newfoundland accommodations
Twillingate has some great accommodation options to stay.
We stayed at the Hodge premises, which is gorgeous. The rooms are so cozy and have lovely views of the harbor.
The Old Salt Box Co is another great option; they have a few properties around Newfoundland and consistently get good reviews.
If you’re on a budget or want to be outdoors, you could also camp in Twillingate. There is Dildo-run provincial park, as well as Peyton’s Woods RV Park and Campground. The night sky in Twillingate is incredible; I want to come back and camp here!
FAQ: Things to do in Twillingate
Is it worth visiting Twillingate?
Absolutely! Twillingate is a must-visit destination in Newfoundland, offering stunning natural landscapes, incredible seafood, and a rich maritime culture that promises a memorable experience.
How many days do you need in Twillingate?
To fully enjoy Twillingate’s attractions and immerse in its charm, plan to spend at least 2-3 days on the island.
Are there puffins in Twillingate?
Yes, Twillingate is home to puffins, especially during their nesting season from late Spring to early summer. Boat tours offer excellent opportunities to see these adorable seabirds.
What to see between St. John’s and Twillingate?
Between St. Johns and Twillingate, you can explore historic towns like Brigus and scenic spots like Terra Nova National Park.
What time of year to see icebergs in Twillingate?
The best time to see icebergs in Twillingate is from late Spring to early summer, typically from April to late June.
What is special about Twillingate?
Twillingate is special for being the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” offering incredible opportunities to witness massive icebergs drifting along its coastline during the Spring and early summer months.
How far is Fogo from Twillingate?
Fogo Island is approximately 36 kilometers (22 miles) away from Twillingate. You can reach Fogo Island by ferry from Farewell.
What are the top attractions to visit in Twillingate?
Top Twillingate attractions include iceberg and whale-watching tours, the Prime Berth Fishing Museum, and the stunning coastal landscapes.
Final thoughts: What to do in Twillingate
Twillingate, Newfoundland, is an enchanting destination that captures the magic of Newfoundland. From witnessing majestic icebergs and playful puffins to immersing yourself in the town’s rich maritime heritage, Twillingate promises a journey filled with wonder and adventure.
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with Twillingate, just as many others have! There’s some magic to this place, and I’m already itching to return.
The warm hospitality of its locals, the breathtaking coastal landscapes, and the unique wildlife encounters make this destination genuinely incredible.
Big thanks to Adventure Central Newfoundland and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism for making my trip to Twillingate possible.
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