boat tours twillingate

Step aboard… experience the WONDER. Witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, as we cruise along our beautiful coastlines. Steam through the passageway of 12,000 year-old icebergs as they arrive after breaking off from the Greenland ice shelf and slowly melt into our frigid waters.

We are also home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales!

Every spring and summer the world’s largest concentration of majestic humpbacks bless us with their presence as they swim and play alongside our rugged coastlines. You will have an up close and personal experience with these giants that are known for their melodic songs and mind blowing acrobatic breaching ability.

Welcome to the Seabird Capital of North America… Newfoundland and Labrador is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a major destination for birdwatching. 35 million seabirds spread across almost 30,000 kilometers of coastline. Gatherings of up to 25,000 Gannets or a colony of the ever loved Atlantic Puffin are just a couple of the attractions you may find here.

National Geographic has noted Newfoundland as one of the Top 50 Places of a Lifetime , and it’s no trouble to understand why. Our coastlines are as beautiful and rugged as our people. Join us as we explore the many coves and crevices that this land has to offer.

Copyright Iceberg Quest 2018

A World To Discover

With breathtaking beauty and an incredibly warm community, your journey to a newfound home awaits.

Where Tranquility Meets Adventure

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Newfoundland’s coastline, Twillingate is an experience waiting to be embraced. Our charming town boasts a timeless allure with unspoiled landscapes. Immerse yourself in the thrill of adventure as you set sail on iceberg cruises, hike along scenic trails, or witness majestic whales breaching in the Atlantic. Then find moments of tranquility as you stroll through historic fishing villages, savor freshly caught seafood, and connect with the warm-hearted locals who call Twillingate home. Here, every corner reveals a new wonder, and every encounter leaves a lasting impression. Come and discover why Twillingate is the epitome of authentic Newfoundland charm.

Upcoming Events

Discover an exciting lineup of events that promise to captivate and delight visitors to Twillingate. From the annual Herring Neck Dory Festival celebrating some of our province’s greatest traditions to lively music performances echoing through quaint seaside venues, there’s always something happening in our vibrant community. Immerse yourself in local culture, indulge in delectable cuisine, and join us as we celebrate the unique spirit of Twillingate together.

Rockcut ULTRA – 50k & Half Marathon

September 28, explore twillingate, places to stay, things to do, food & drink, plan your visit, twillingate by the numbers.

icebergs each year

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varieties of whales

Get to know twillingate.

From vibrant festivals and lively parties to incredible tours and beautiful wildlife, leave no stone unturned along your journey. Uncover everything Twillingate has to offer and become an honourary member of our wonderful community for life.

Guide to Whale Watching in Twillingate

Discover the ultimate guide to whale watching in Twillingate, Newfoundland. Learn when to visit, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.

What to Pack for a Visit to Twillingate

Discover what to pack for your trip to Twillingate, Newfoundland, with our comprehensive guide. Ensure you're ready for every adventure!

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Take the plunge into our seaside oasis and plan your trip of a lifetime. Discover every reason why Twillingate deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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Visit Twillingate Tourism P.O. Box 217 Twillingate, NL. A0G 4M0

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Newfoundland Adventure: Eastbound

8 days | uncover historic seaside villages and a glacier-carved fjord in newfoundland.

It's time to explore North America’s most north-easterly point, where the dramatic coastline, mighty fjords and wonderful wildlife will take your breath away. With a knowledgeable leader to guide the way, on this eight-day adventure you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years, meet with locals and stop into historic towns surrounded by the splendour of Newfoundland’s famous scenery. Watch huge icebergs bob past the town known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World” in the spring, go whale watching, and spot puffins at one of North America’s best viewing sites.

Trip overview

• Meet locals on a historic walking tour of Trinity and hear about how Gander welcomed thousands of stranded travelers during 9/11.
• Marvel at Western Brook Pond, the spectacular glacier-carved landlocked fjord in Gros Morne National Park during a scenic boat tour that gets you closer to nature.
• Take a boat tour through pristine waters surrounding Twillingate, keeping an eye out for whales, seabirds and more.
• Watch puffins at Elliston’s renowned viewing site which offers one of the closest land views of these birds in North America.
• Admire spectacular coastal scenery and head out to historic lighthouses that mark the easternmost point of Canada.
• Some of the best scenery in Newfoundland is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
• This itinerary also runs in reverse, from St. John's to Deer Lake: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/canada/newfoundland-adventure-144885

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to Newfoundland! Today is free for you to get settled into your surroundings before your adventure gets underway tomorrow. Depending on the weather you might like to go for a canoe or kayak on Deer Lake itself, fans of the creepy crawlies might like to visit the Newfoundland Insectarium or there are plenty of hiking trails around the town if you’d like to stretch your legs. For dinner, why not check out one of the town’s craft breweries?

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

Your welcome meeting will take place at 8 am on the morning of Day 2 in the hotel lobby.

Officially kick off your adventure in Deer Lake with a welcome meeting at 8 am where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, you’ll take a scenic drive to Gros Morne National Park to walk around the historic Lobster Cove Lighthouse and enjoy the view of the rolling waves and rocky beaches far below. While at the national park you’ll also get to do something pretty extraordinary – walk on the Earth’s mantle at the Tablelands. The orange landscape sits in stark contrast to the surrounding greens and blues, and there are plenty of unique plants in the area to make note of too. Arrive in Rocky Harbour in the afternoon, and then you might like to join your group for dinner.

• Cabin (1 night)
• Rocky Harbour - Lobster Cove Lighthouse visit
• Gros Morne National Park-Tableland trail

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

After breakfast, start the day with stops at Norris Point and Green Point, then stroll along the Western Brook Pond Trail and take in the view as you enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour. Don’t forget your camera as you’ll want to capture the dramatic waterfalls, towering cliffs and abundant wildlife that can be found in this glacier-carved land-locked fjord. This afternoon there is time to freshen up before the group comes together again for an optional dinner.

• Gros Morne NP - Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

Your walking distance today will be approximately 5.4 kms (3.3 miles) with 35 metres (364 feet) of elevation. The boat tour can only be accessed via the hiking path.

An early start today will see you enjoying the scenic drive from Rocky Harbour to Twillingate, with a stop at Deer Lake along the way for those who want to buy lunch. After lunch, we’ll arrive and check into our hotel before a late afternoon boat tour where we will spot whales and seabirds. In the spring, you might get to see icebergs floating down the stretch of water known as Iceberg Alley. Afterward, head back to your hotel and take it easy or explore Twillingate which is known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World".

• Inn (1 night)
• Twillingate - Seabird & Whale watching boat tour

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Due to the small number of rooms in Bed & Breakfast style accommodations, the group may be split and accommodated in two nearby Bed & Breakfasts.

Start the day with a visit to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, which tells the history of the Beothuk people who used to live on Newfoundland. Then, head to the town of Gander. Here, you’ll meet with a local to learn about the role the unassuming town played in one of North America’s most significant events. Due to the closure of North American airspace on 9/11, around 6600 people were diverted to Gander – increasing the town’s population by 70% in a matter of hours. You’ll hear about what went into hosting those numbers, as well as the lasting impact it's had on the town. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Trinity where you’ll join a local guide for a walking tour. You then might like to hike up Gun Hill for a bird’s eye view of the town, or perhaps join your travel buddies for a dinner at a local restaurant.

• Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
• Trinity - Walking tour with a local guide
• Gander - Chat with a local
• Boyd's Cove - Beothuk Interpretation Centre

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

This morning it’s time to spot puffins at Elliston’s renowned viewing site which offers one of the closest land views of puffins in North America. See if you can also spot the Puffin King, a rock formation which looks like a puffin sitting on a throne. Savor a picnic lunch before driving 20 minutes north to visit the historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse which is one of the most photographed places in Newfoundland. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower and see the seal oil-fuelled light that was used in the 1800s.

• Bonavista - Lighthouse visit
• Elliston - Puffin viewing

This morning, enjoy the scenic drive from Trinity to St John’s. Stop to take in the views at Cape Spear Lighthouse and perhaps make it to Canada's easternmost point, then continue to St John’s. There'll be time for lunch before you join back up with your group for a leader-led walking tour of the town, including the iconic colourful houses on ‘Jellybean Row’. After a free afternoon, there’ll be a farewell dinner to mark the end of your adventure. Sample Jigg’s dinner pie, a classic Newfoundland dish, then head to a local pub for a traditional “screech-in” ceremony that involves a shot of screech (rum) and kissing a cod. It’s more fun than you might think!

• St. John’s – Leader led walking tour
• St John’s – Cape Spear Lighthouse
• St John’s – Local dinner

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, your Newfoundland adventure comes to an end. You might choose to do a little more exploring around St John’s before making your way to the airport.

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Private Vehicle, boat

Hotel (2 nights), Bed & Breakfast (2 nights), Inn (1 night), Cabin (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am on Day 2. Please make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. After the welcome meeting, the group will depart from Deer Lake for Gros Morne National Park.

2. Please be careful when booking flights from St. John's, Newfoundland; make sure you fly from St. John's Airport [YYT]. Please do not book flights from Saint John, New Brunswick [YSJ] as this is in another province.

3. Your adventure ends on Day 8 after breakfast. There are no activities included on that day.

4. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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• Craft Shop & Gallery
• Cameron Hall
• Testimonials

The Iceberg Man

• MV Iceberg Alley
• The Iceberg Cup

Cecil Stockley

Captain Cecil Stockley established Twillingate Island Boat Tours Ltd. and the Iceberg Shop in 1985, being the first boat touring company in Newfoundland to specialize in Icebergs. Every day during the spring and summer for over 25 years, Captain Stockley has departed from his dock at the Iceberg Shop aboard his specially-designed touring vessel M.V. Iceberg Alley to view the great mountains of ice, along with whales, dolphins, seabirds, and the spectacular coastline of Notre Dame Bay.

Cecil was born and raised in a family of 10 children just up the hill from the Iceberg Shop. He has always loved the ocean, and like many boys of his time, he had his own lobster pots set. He enjoyed fishing and turring, but was always mesmerized by the majesty of the icebergs that passed by Twillingate each spring and summer. In 1974 Cecil graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree. He became the Phys-Ed teacher at Twillingate Island Elementary School. In 1981 Cecil married Miss Cameron, the music teacher at the Elementary School. They bought a house and property on the Southside of Twillingate Harbour, just down the road from where he grew up. As a teacher, Cecil had summers off. With so much free time, he began to take note of how many people came to view the scenery, whales and especially the icebergs from the land of Twillingate. He realized how happy people would be if instead of squinting from land to see the bergs, they could be seen up close in a boat! The idea of the Iceberg Man was born. Much of Cecil’s own labour went into the wharf-work and the creation of the Iceberg Shop, which is now considered one of the finest craft shops in the province.

As a very community-minded fellow, Cecil sat on the Twillingate town council and held a term as mayor. He played Intermediate B hockey resulting in three consecutive All-Newfoundland championships. He shared his passion for hockey with the youth of the town as he coached High School hockey for nine years and Girls Minor Hockey for 11 years. (Three of his four daughters played on the team!) His respect for young people and his love of hockey was so great that he decided to sponsor an annual girls’ hockey tournament in Twillingate, the Iceberg Cup. Cecil has a zest for the finer things in life, like good clean air, family fun, a good yarn, a weekend at the cabin, or a day on the water. But it is his knowledge and experience with icebergs that has given him the most notoriety.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012 Atlantic Finalist

In the past few years Cecil has been recognized nationally. In 2011, his boat touring company was chosen by the Canadian Tourism Association as one of forty-eight inaugural members of the Signature Experience Collection from across Canada. In 2012, Cecil won the title of Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Tourism for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.