Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is a province in eastern Canada, combining a large Atlantic island with a stretch of continental coastline. The landscape shifts from bare rock and fjord-like inlets to wide boreal forests, while the climate remains cool and often foggy throughout the year.

European fishermen visited the coasts from the 15th century onward, and formal colonies developed centuries before the territory achieved self-governing dominion status. In 1949, it joined Canada as the tenth province after a narrow referendum ended decades of debate over its political future.

Visitors hear a local dialect that carries Irish and British roots, echoing in fishing villages and coastal towns where families have lived for generations. Music sessions fill pubs in the evenings, while kitchens serve recipes based on cod, moose, and foraged berries passed down through centuries.

Travelers reach the province by flying into the capital or by taking ferries that depart several times a week from Nova Scotia. Summer offers long daylight hours for driving and exploring, while winter and early spring bring changeable weather and reduced services in remote areas.

The territory sits in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time, creating a schedule unique within North America. Icebergs drift close to shore in late spring and early summer after breaking off from Greenland, offering views more commonly seen in the Arctic.

Location: Canada

Inception: March 31, 1949

Capital city: St. John's

Reference: NL

Shares border with: Quebec, Nunavut

Website: https://gov.nl.ca

GPS coordinates: 53.00000,-60.00000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 08:14