Planning a working holiday in Canada and not sure where to spend your time? You’ve probably thought about the mountains of B.C., the big cities in Ontario, the ranches in Alberta, the French villages in Quebec… but perhaps Newfoundland and Labrador hasn’t crossed your mind.
We’re here to show you what you’re missing. Read on for 10 reasons why this incredible and unforgettable province should be top of your working holiday bucket list. Just don’t blame us if you never want to leave once you get there!
1. Epic scenery
The main draw of travelling all the way to Canada’s most easterly province is the breathtaking scenery. Most notably, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can adventure into glacier-carved fjords and walk the Earth’s mantle. There is also 29,000 km of coastline to explore; if you stretched Newfoundland’s coastline out, it would be enough to cover Canada four times over!
2. Kindness of the locals
Although it’s well-known that Canadians in general are kind and polite people, Newfoundlanders take it to the next level. Whether you’re staying for a week, a year, or a lifetime, the locals will give you a warm welcome. They crack jokes, play spoons, tell wild stories and, of course, initiate you with a notorious screech-in ceremony to become an honorary Newfoundlander.
Look no further than the events of 9/11 for evidence of the kindness of the locals. Gander and other surrounding communities took in thousands of displaced passengers and crew when planes were grounded and US airspace was closed following the terrorist attacks. Many of those people still live in Gander today and give regular talks about what happened, reminding us of the ongoing importance of looking after each other. The story is now beautifully told in the musical Come From Away; make sure you catch a performance while you can.
3. Wildlife encounters
Like everywhere in Canada, Newfoundland is home to some impressive wildlife. Due to its proximity to the ocean, Newfoundland is a world-renowned destination for whale watching. The province is home to more moose than people (around two moose to one person), so chances of encountering a moose is high.
Newfoundland has one of the largest puffin colonies in the world (second only to Iceland), so puffin spotting is also popular, with the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site being the closest you can get to a puffin on land in North America.
4. Unique culture
Did you know Newfoundland only became a Canadian province in 1949? Because of this, its culture feels completely different to anything else you’ll experience throughout Canada. Notably, the island has strong ties to Irish culture, with Newfoundland considered one of the most Irish places outside of Ireland. Around half the population used to be of Irish ancestry, though recent figures show this has declined to about 20%. As well as Irish roots, you can see influences from English and French settlers, as well as the Indigenous people who were the first to call the island home.
5. Thousands of years of history
There is an abundance of history that you can still see today. For thousands of years, Newfoundland was inhabited by Indigenous people. Tourists can learn more about and take part in Indigenous culture, including fishing excursions, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and watching a powwow.
The first settlers to arrive were the Vikings: head to the Norse settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows to see where they first landed over 1,000 years ago. The French and English later set up their own colonies, including what went on to become the city of St John’s. Though claims that St John’s is the oldest city in North America have been disputed, it is certainly one of the oldest European settlements in this part of the world!
6. One of the best places in the world to view icebergs
It’s not often you get the chance to see icebergs. Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley is one of the best places in the world to view these icebergs, which drift south from Greenland and the Arctic. The Titanic was famously sunk by such an iceberg only 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland! You can see the icebergs from a distance on the shore, or get closer in a kayak or tour boat. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience; the icebergs only appear between April and June.
7. Peace and quiet
If you’re craving some peace and quiet, Newfoundland is your perfect destination. It’s a huge province, spanning 405,720 km², but with only a population of around 530,000. You can go a long time without encountering a crowd! Despite having some of the best national parks in the country, Gros Morne is one of the least visited, meaning no stress about booking park shuttles or queuing to get in. Enjoy the benefits of island time: sleepy villages, slowing down, and appreciating life.
8. Cooler summers
Like most places in the world, Canada is heating up in the summer months. As humidity becomes unbearable and forest fires rage, why not escape to the pleasant Newfoundland climate? Summer temperatures average 16-25 °C, which is far more manageable and ideal for hiking. On average, it rains every two days, which can be a good thing when it comes to keeping the island lush and green (and safe from the worst wildfires!).
9. Options for city life
As you may imagine, Newfoundland has lots of small, remote communities. What you might be surprised to learn, however, is there are also options to live in a bigger town or city. Don’t rule Newfoundland out if you prefer city life! The capital city of Newfoundland, St John’s, is inhabited by around 40% of the province’s population. Other options include Corner Brook on the West Coast or Grand-Falls Windsor in the middle of the island.
Though these locations may not be quite as large as a metropolis like Toronto, you’ll still have a choice of big-name supermarkets, shops, restaurants, bars, and recreational trails, often within walking distance (perfect for those who don’t own a car).
10. Immigration pathways
If you come to Canada on a working holiday and fall in love with the country, you might want to apply for permanent residency. Unfortunately, Canada has been cracking down on immigration and making it harder for people to stay.
If you’re willing to consider life in Atlantic Canada, good news! Newfoundland has multiple PR pathways, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which are slightly easier to achieve than the more oversubscribed programs like Express Entry.
0 comments
{{like.username}}
Loading...
Load more