What to Do in Twillingate: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
On Newfoundland’s central coast, Iceberg Alley has attracted travellers to the seaside community of Twillingate for years.
The sight of massive, gleaming white icebergs that are tantalizingly within reach of town is unforgettable. At least, I imagine it is. My visit to the self-proclaimed iceberg capital of the world isn’t coinciding with giant, gleaming crystalline ice formations in the town’s charmingly scenic bay.
Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate when it comes to icebergs and where they travel, particularly as climate change impacts sea ice and iceberg formation, making their movements less predictable.
Icebergs are created when chunks of glaciers break free from the Greenland ice sheet and calve into the ocean. These colossal ice masses can measure anywhere from a few metres to several kilometres in length.
Wind, ocean currents and sea ice can also play a part in how quickly icebergs move and where they end up. In a 2023 interview with National Geographic Magazine, Frédéric Cyr, a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) oceanographer and research scientist, noted that “icebergs [can] get trapped in sea ice and stay in the north for a little while.” It is not yet fully understood why icebergs move the way they do or why some years bring many to Newfoundland’s coast and others few.
Longtime resident and entrepreneur Deborah Bourden, owner of the Anchor Inn Hotel, acknowledges the importance of icebergs to the town and its economy. “I call icebergs white magic. But when they’re not here, you can focus on all the other things that Twillingate has to offer.”
Fortunately for the curious adventure traveller, that’s quite a bit. From scenic coastal hiking trails to whale watching, lighthouse tours and beachside boils, a visit to Twillingate rewards the intrepid visitor. Even when the only ice you see is in the bottom of a glass of seaweed-infused Newfoundland gin and tonic.
Tour Long Point Lighthouse
One of only 23 remaining manned lighthouses in Newfoundland and Labrador, Long Point Lighthouse sits 300 feet (91 metres) above sea level on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can tour the quaint and informative lighthouse museum, then climb the narrow wooden steps to the light platform for panoramic views of the coastline. There are trails all around this area, including one down to a former copper mine and Sea Breeze Park. Spend some time soaking in the coastal beauty.
Hike the Rockcut Twillingate Trails System
The five-year old Rockcut Twillingate Trails network has been a dedicated work in progress, according to former Mayor Grant White. Now comprising 15 different trails along 55-kilometres, the goal is to “circumnavigate the island of Twillingate,” says White. An easy introduction to the network is the Spiller’s Cove to Codjacks Cove Trail, an 8-kilometre loop just outside town. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, this trail is great for birding, hiking, snowshoeing (it’s open year-round) and, of course, viewing icebergs. Rockcut Twillingate Trails will play host to the third annual Rockcut Ultra trail running race this September.
Dine Al Fresco With Wild Island Kitchen
Picture yourself in a cozy cove, in a wildly romantic location on a rocky beach just outside town. Chef Crystal Anstey and her Wild Island Kitchen team present a delicious, traditional beachside boil for guests, including foraged wild edibles and three to five courses of expertly prepared and locally sourced sustainable seafood like mussels, scallops and lobster. Inhale the sea air and wood smoke and relax on hand-crocheted blankets on this unique culinary adventure. Only in the summer.
Tour and Tasting at the Great Auk Winery
Taste your way through the flavours of Newfoundland berries on a wine tour at Great Auk Winery. Auk Island makes more than 20 varieties of fruit wine from local, handpicked blueberry, partridge berry, bakeapple, rhubarb, dandelions and filtered iceberg water. Belly up to the winery bar for tastings of vintages with saucy names like Three Sheets to the Wind and Kiss Me Arse.
Take an Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour
Even without icebergs on the horizon, a sailing expedition on an Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour makes the rugged Twillingate coastline come alive. Keep a sharp eye out for bald eagles, northern gannets, humpback whales and other sea life. The friendly crew engages passengers in classic shanty songs alongside the thumping jingle of a traditional Newfoundland ‘ugly stick.’
Experience Local Cuisine at Georgie’s Restaurant
Sample coastal cuisine at its finest at Georgie’s Restaurant at the Anchor Inn Hotel. Choose from traditional favourites like toutons (pronounced tow-tons), fishcakes and fresh local lobster at this Twillingate institution overlooking the town’s lovely bay.
Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Captain’s Pub
The fun doesn’t stop after sunset. Clap along with talented local entertainment like Mike Sixonate or Jordan Harnum while enjoying local brews, including Iceberg Beer. The Captain’s Pub performs an unforgettable official screeching in ceremony, including consumption of Jam-Jams and a capelin or two if the traditional cod isn’t available.
Disclaimer: The author was hosted as media by Adventure Central Newfoundland. This experience was not affiliated with Explore Magazine.
