Winter on the Avalon transforms the area just outside St. John’s into a magical landscape of snow-draped trees, romantic trails, frozen waterfalls, secret hot tub escapes, big seas, and hot cozy nights. It’s a time when the surrounding waters become a dramatic scene unfolding in front of those willing to pay attention. It’s like a giant call to adventure. You’ll find surfers in the water, skiers in the mountains, and adventure around every corner. Here’s your guide to winter adventures near St. John’s:
Planning Your Winter Escape
When to Go: Winter officially spans from December to February, but the cold and snowy conditions can extend into April sometimes. Here just outside of St. John’s on the Southern Shore, the winter can be milder than in other parts of Newfoundland, but when it snows it really snows. Fall is usually mild, extended, and nice out.
What to Pack:
- Clothing: Insulated, waterproof layers are essential. Think thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Weather conditions can change quickly in Newfoundland.
- Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction for icy conditions.
- Gear:
- Snowshoes or cross-country skis if you plan on exploring deep snow off-trail, but it’s also easy to explore many areas without any specialized equipment
- Winter gloves, hat, neck warmer, jacket, and an extra layer.
- Headlamp for shorter days or if you just want to play after dark.
- A fully charged phone with offline maps in case you lose services.
*Pro Tip: Going into the woods? Before you go, tell someone where you’re going and what you want them to do if you don’t return by a certain time (remember to check in with them when you return). We just want you to be happy and safe.
Must-Do Winter Activities
Ocean Viewing:
- Where: Coastal areas the like Cape Spear, Signal Hill, and the shores around the Witless Bay Marine Ecological Reserve.
- Why It’s Cool:
- Dramatic Change: The winter ocean in Newfoundland is a spectacle and a totally different vibe than in the summer. The waters, often dotted with ice floes, take on a mysterious, almost otherworldly appearance. Polar bears sometimes even float in on the ice for a brief visit.
- Colors and Light: The low winter sun can create mesmerizing light effects on the water. If you like taking cool photos, sunset near the ocean is the spot to go.
- Atmospheric Phenomena: Witness natural phenomena like shooting stars and northern lights. Sometimes you can even see star link and the international space station fly by in the clear night sky. You can use a star finder app like Star Tracker on your phone to help you see what’s in the sky now and what will appear later.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing:
- Trails: You can actually experience amazing snowshoeing and cross country skiing adventures less than 30 min from St. John’s, like the famous Snowshoe to the spout trail hack that takes you to the spout directly from middle pond. But you don’t need to make it extreme because the easiest and most accessible snowshoe trails near St. John’s like the Tinkers Point Path next to Whale House are top spots for first time snowshoe adventures.
- Experience: Snowshoeing is a low barrier sport that’s easy for anyone to get into. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Equipment is cheap and many places like whale house offer free snowshoe rentals right next to the trail.
*Snowshoe Pro Tip: You need poles to go with your snowshoes. It makes the sport easier and way more fun
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
- Where: Close to St. John’s, the East Coast Trail in and around Mobile and Tors cove offers easy and fun winter hiking and snowshoeing with sheltered trails and big coastal views. You can access free snowshoe rentals at Whale House next to Tinker’s Point Path in Mobile.
Snowmobiling:
- Regions: Looking for Snowmobiling close to St. John’s that you can get to in under an hour? The access road to the Avalon Wilderness Reserve is just south of Whale House Guest House in mobile and an ideal launch spot for backcountry adventures to the Avalon Wilderness Reserve.
*Want to know more about the Avalon Wilderness Reserve and discover the big wilderness reserve right next to St. John’s that most people haven’t even heard about? Check out our blog for more southern shore secrets.
Winter Wildlife Watching
- Bird Watching: Spot seabirds like murres
*spot seals if you go to mobile beach in winter, chances are a seal will pop their head up and say ‘Hi’ - Snowshoe Hare these white masters of camouflage are everywhere
- Ptarmigan:
- Where to See: These white winter birds are visible when they move and seem to disappear as soon as they stop. Find them roaming around the tundra and along the east coast trail pathways. Ptarmigan are common in barren rocky areas like the type found along Witless Bay Line
- Moose: all winter long these giants are roaming the forests and are common sightings along the east coast trail.
Cultural Experiences
- Music and Festivals:
- Arbour Restaurant & Lounge: Live music events featuring local musicians, pop up restaurants featuring foodie classics like Happy Afghan, and great cocktails. Arbour Restaurant & Lounge
- Stone Ducky the new big restaurant in Bay Bulls is also a great locations to take in some live music on the right day.
- Unique Cultural Icons:
- Happy Afghan: Enjoy Afghan cuisine next to the ocean at Happy Afghan Takeout one of the most loved takeouts near St. John’s and a top spot to warm up with hot authentic Afghan food starting at just $14.
- Ice Fishing: Local excursions can be found during ice fishing season. If you’re not an expert, take one with you or hire a local fishing guide. Be sure to check the ice conditions and know what you’re doing.
Accommodation
- Winter Cabins: Many are available for rent if you’re looking for a back woods rustic winter retreat. Wood stoves and blankets can be romantic.
- Hotels and Inns: Look for warmth and comfort with the stargazing hot tubs at Whale House and make your adventure end on the right note. Matching a Newfoundland winter adventure with a stay at Whale House and the private hot tubs overlooking the ocean is a classic winter experience that can’t be beat and a top date night idea close to St. John’s.
- Whale House Guest House: Nestled in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Whale House
Winter near St. John’s is exciting and fun. If you’re in St. John’s and looking for a winter adventure, it’s waiting for you right here. We hope this St. John’s Newfoundland winter adventure guide helps you plan your next fun winter adventure close to town, and helps you enjoy this magical season right here in Newfoundland. We just want you to be happy.
