Our Sweet summer in Canada series explores vacation destinations across the country that report the highest levels of life satisfaction. Last month, we featured Quebec, the province that reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in Canada. As the second part of our series, we’re exploring some popular vacation destinations in the province that reported the second-highest levels of life satisfaction: Newfoundland and Labrador. In the first quarter of 2024, 53% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s population reported a high level of life satisfaction (8, 9 or 10 on a scale of 1 to 10).
Considering taking a trip to the east coast this summer? We’re exploring Canada’s easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where you’ll discover spectacular landscapes, icebergs, whale watching and friendly locals.
Gros Morne National Park: For nature lovers and outdoor adventurers
Gros Morne National Park, located in the Great Northern Peninsula on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, is the place to go to explore unique landscapes and witness breathtaking panoramic views.
A Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, this park is a must-visit destination for lovers of the outdoors. In 2021, 73% of households in Newfoundland and Labrador participated in outdoor activities close to home.
One of Gros Morne’s most popular attractions are the Tablelands. Filled with history of the Earth’s past, the internationally known Tablelands are a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago and located within Gros Morne National Park.
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, there are about 20 different marked hiking trails throughout the park. Hiking the trails is a great way to catch a glimpse of wildlife, such as moose, woodland caribou and a variety of birds. In 2021, 38% of households in Newfoundland and Labrador reported hiking and 11% reported bird watching/photography.
Although many of the activities to enjoy at Gros Morne can be a great day trip experience, camping and overnight accommodations are also available in and around the park.
If you’re visiting from far away, you may consider flying in. The closest airport to Gros Morne National Park is about a 20-minute drive away from the entrance of the park, in the town of Deer Lake. In 2021, the population of Deer Lake (Town) was 4,864.
The landscapes at Gros Morne National Park are some of the most beautiful and diverse in Canada. This is a place you don’t want to miss when visiting Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more information about all the activities and experiences Gros Morne National Park has to offer, visit the Parks Canada website and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism website.
St. Anthony: Icebergs and whale watching
The town of St. Anthony is located near the northern tip of the Great Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a port city home to 2,180 people in 2021.
As iceberg and whale seasons run a lot longer in St. Anthony than they do in other parts of the province, this is the best place to go to witness these marvels during the summer months. A variety of whale watching tours are available that bring you out to seas where you may catch a glimpse of fin, minke, and orca whales, as well as a wide variety of seabird colonies.
Icebergs of various shapes and sizes are frequently seen off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. There are various vantage points along hiking trails in the area that provide great ocean views, where you can spot icebergs and whales without having to venture out to sea. Some of the most popular leisurely hiking trails include Iceberg Alley Trail, Cartier’s View and Whale Watchers trails, while the Santana Trail is a more challenging hike.
Check out more of what the town has to offer here: St. Anthony—Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Stay tuned: Newfoundland and Labrador is the second province that we’re exploring as part of our summer vacation destinations series. Over the summer months, we will be featuring summer vacation spots across more Canadian regions.
StatsCAN app
Did you know you can read StatsCAN Plus articles and more on the StatsCAN app? If you’re already using the app, let us know what you think by leaving a review in the App Store and Google Play.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).