Those majestic giants are on the bucket list of many. Meanwhile icebergs are a normal sight in Newfoundland it is one of the few and best place on earth where they can be seen. This is because they are commonly found near Greenland in the Arctic and South in Antarctic. Newfoundland located on the East Coast of Canada is home to Iceberg Alley.
Icebergs are big chunks of ice, longer than 5 meters which form on land before breaking off glaciers and landing into the ocean floating to warmer climates. The ones that we get here come from Greenland and travel with the currents south to St. Anthony and following the coastline East towards St. John’s. Some get grounded close to shore while others drift away breaking and melting slowly.
Icebergs come in all size, shape and colours, visit this website for more details. Meanwhile most are snow white other have deep blue streaks on ice. Bluish colours come from the lack of air pockets which get trapped in icebergs as snow gets compacted over thousands of years. Their sheer size draws many tourists every year to Newfoundland.
Timing and location
- Spring and early summer are the best months. Although they tend to be further off the coast in April and early May due to the pack ice.
- Visit St. Anthony on the Northern Peninsula, Twillingate area in Central Newfoundland or Bonavista and the Avalon Peninsula on the Eastern side.
- Very few icebergs travel down the west coast of Newfoundland. Nevertheless on rare occasions there has been sightings as far South as Gros Morne National Park. But it is very seldom.
- Unfamiliar with how to reach the island? Read Getting to Newfoundland.
How to find icebergs
- There is a great website that tracksthe icebergs via both satellite detection and with the general public reporting them. Check out Iceberg Finder by clicking here.
- Check out Facebook groups like this one.
- Follow the icebergs tweets.
- Join a boat tour for close encounters all the while keeping a safe distance.
Fun facts
- Did you know that icebergs can be older than 10 000 years?
- Only 10 % of the iceberg is above water which leaves a massive 90% below.
- The Titanic sank in 1912 after a collision with an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland.
- Some seals hop on them to travel while following the current or to sun bathe, or at least it seems like it.
- When breaking they can create tsunami-like waves.
- Icebergs are often referred to as “bergs”.
- They are so plentiful that you can purchase iceberg vodka, gin, beer or water crafted in Newfoundland.
- Icebergs smaller than 5 meters high are called bergy bits and growlers if only a meter high.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
Alex
