There are a few basic tools required to see icebergs in Newfoundland. In addition to a bit of good luck and timing, a reliable car than can handle unpaved roads, a map or sense of direction (and adventure), binoculars and if you are high tech, a visit to my facebook page or twitter feed @NLIcebergReport.

I started my own  Newfoundland Iceberg Reports Facebook page in 2015.  Also find some of the info from the fb page at NewfoundlandIcebergReports.com and @NLIcebergReport on Twitter but the Facebook source is immediately accessible by users to post their sightings and photos so the ultimate iceberg information site. 

We took a break in the week’s rainy forecast as a sign to head out in case the bergs go soon. Using sources from Facebook and iceberg finder web site we headed once again to Twillingate. The day was overcast and cool but that stops them from melting, right?

The first sighting was from the causeway in front of the Prime Berth Heritage and Cultural museum. From the highway, large icebergs were easily seen.

We saw icebergs near Purcell’s Harbour but when we left the main road to get a better look, no luck for icebergs but a lovely new spot on our list of been there, done that, need to make a T-shirt.

From Purcell’s Cove we did our familiar drive through Little Harbour and were rewarded by beautiful ice in front of Atlantic View Cottage, owned by Otto Young.  Search Otto on my site to hear him play the accordion and see his art work and the amazing boats he builds. I was sure the little growler in front was going to eventually turn but it just bobbed and teased.

Video of Little Harbour, NL May 25, 2014

As we approached Twillingate, fog was starting to roll in. We stopped at Nanny’s Hole on the way to the Long Point Lighthouse and again saw a huge berg, but again, I need a camera. Enlarge my photos to try to get an idea of why I get so excited but really, just come and see them for yourself because words and pictures can’t match the experience.

Minutes later, at the height of the lighthouse look out, it was zero visibility. We could barely see the water at the base of the cliff or the lighthouse beside us.

On the way back through town I could see ice to the right so we went down Back Harbour Road after doing Sunset Crescent and circling back by accident to Wild Cove with only amazing houses to admire.

Not sure I mentioned it was approximately 3 degrees Celsius. We retreated back to the Anchor Inn for a warm up and after being told that Fergus O’Byrne is playing in the pub in August we also checked out the rooms for future consideration and we were very impressed.

 

The Inn has ocean view rooms on one side and a lovely dining room and Captain’s Pub. Musical guests are planned at various times in the summer as well as a theatre performance to be done weekly or maybe twice a week. Call they’ll give you details.

Leaving Twillingate, we drove around the harbour to Durrell. Not exactly sure where the boundary is, but these communities are on each side of the harbour. Here too we found great ice.

 

The trick is to drive down many roads and allow yourself a lot of time.

A couple of chocolate bars in the purse and on this trip and supper at home in the slow cooker made it an easy day.

Leo will always tease me by speeding past the first good spot so we got this bergy bit on the way back at one of the causeways.

Drive slow, let others pass so you don’t become a nuisance and pull off safely when you are taking pictures.

Best tip of the day. Do a boat tour. We’ll do that before the summer is out, maybe to see icebergs or whales.

Our buddy at the Captain’s Pub told us he had tourist from Quebec come back from a tour with a chunk of iceberg ice. He helped them enjoy it all evening in refreshing beverages. That’s a pretty good tip too!

 

Here’s a great web page including a calendar listing concerts, theatre and events in Twilllingate.

Twillingate Events