Let’s get one thing straight: summer in Newfoundland is great. But autumn? Autumn is magic.
While other parts of the world are just starting to cool down, here in Newfoundland, the island exhales, the crowds thin, the colours ignite, and the air turns crisp in the best possible way. Here’s why we believe autumn is the real star of the show:
1. The Colours Hit Different
Come mid-September, the hills and coastal cliffs around Newfoundland explode in rich reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. The boreal forest puts on a show so breathtaking it feels almost unfair to the rest of the country. Bonus: you don’t need to fight through traffic jams or packed parks to see it.
2. No Bugs, No Sweat, Just Cozy Layers
Mosquitoes? Gone. Humidity? A distant memory. Autumn is the perfect time to hike the East Coast Trail, sip your coffee outside, or soak in a hot tub without melting into a puddle.
3. It’s Still Warm Enough to Play Outside
Contrary to what some folks think, Newfoundland’s fall is not an immediate plunge into winter. September and even early October often have warm days and sunshine, just without the sticky heat. You can still kayak, hike, or whale watch — but with a thermos of tea in hand and the smell of wood smoke in the air.
4. Better Stargazing
With earlier sunsets and clear skies, fall is prime stargazing season. The Milky Way feels closer. Shooting stars seem more personal. It’s the kind of night sky that makes you stop mid-sentence and go quiet for a moment.
5. Harvest Flavours Hit the Plate
Local food in fall? Unmatched. Root veggies, wild berries, moose stew, squash soup — everything tastes a little richer when it’s cooler outside. Fall is the time of year you crave something slow-cooked and soul-warming. And in Newfoundland, we know how to deliver on that.
6. Quiet Towns, Real Connections
When the tourists thin out, something special happens. Conversations get longer. Locals have more time to chat. Whether you’re in a cozy café, along a trail, or staying at a guest house by the sea, you feel like you belong — not like you're just visiting.
7. And Let’s Be Honest: Summer is Overrated
Sure, summer has its perks. But between the unpredictable weather, the surge of visitors, and the constant pressure to “make the most of it,” summer can feel rushed and crowded. Autumn moves at a gentler pace — like Newfoundland herself.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
If you’ve only ever visited Newfoundland in the summer, you’re missing out on something quieter, cozier, and arguably even more beautiful. Come for the fall colours, stay for the hot tub under the stars.