Modern Travel - 5 Great Places to Kayak in Newfoundland & Labrador
/Photography by Rugged Rock Media unless otherwise noted.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a world-class Canadian destination, famous for so many things, including spectacular kayaking experiences.
Regardless of what your kayak adventure-seeking level is and what your skill level is, there’s something for you here.
If you’re asking “where can I kayak in Newfoundland and Labrador?” This list is can be your itinerary or added to your list, all in the name of spending time on the water in Canada’s exceptional east coast gem.
Before you dive in to the list, remember that safety is the most important aspect of being on the water. Always wear a personal flotation device, always let someone know where you are, ask for help if you need it and if you’re uncomfortable at any point, head back to shore.
With that, let’s show you five great places to kayak in Newfoundland and Labrador!
Smugglers Cove
On the souther side of Newfoundland and Labrador is where you’ll find Smugglers Cove in Burin, which is an attraction in itself - more on that later.
Launching from the dock at Frontier Town, enjoy a relaxing, leisurely kayaking experience in the sheltered pond. As you paddle, you’re welcomed by exceptional greenery and you can easily spend an hour or two enjoying the calm waters. Make sure to snap a few pictures as you head back for a terrific view of this famous property. They’ve got kayak rentals on-site and if you’ve got others joining you who want a different watercraft, they’ve got peddle boats available. And of course, life jackets are provided.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, Tom’s Roadhouse restaurant has so many delicious dishes, a lively atmosphere and adds to the allure of this cool attraction.
Want to stick around for even longer? They’ve got camping pods, bunkies and RV parking to extend your stay.
Book your rental here.
Burin Eco Tours
A mere three kilometres away from Smugglers Cove lands you at your departure point with Burin Eco Tours. It’s also where the aforementioned bunkies are, so it’s easy to find.
Dubbed “Smugglers Run,” you’ll be whisked away and given the history of the surrounding islands plus unique knowledge shared directly by locals.
On the kayaking side, the team straps a kayak to the roof of their boat and brought me to Great Burin Harbour, bookended by Shalloway Island and Burin Island. Off the boat and into the kayak you go, complete with views of the vast Atlantic Ocean oh-so close by. Enjoy peaceful paddling as you admire nature’s magnificence here. The sea kayak rentals are high quality to help make the experience memorable and safe. Make sure to paddle in different directions to get a panoramic view of the area.
Burin Eco Tours also offers a hiking tour option if you want to do that before or after your kayaking. The hike tour brings you by boat to the community of Stepaside, where you’ll explore the rich historical grounds.
There’s also an islands and inlets tour, where you’ll see goats (not in the water…come on now, they’re on land but if you’re lucky, you’ll see them) birds and sweet scenery.
Ocean Quest Sea Cave Kayaking
Launching from Conception Bay, this three hour tour is absolutely exhilarating.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins swim beside the boat so have your cameras ready as they simply arrive instead of sending an ETA text.
You’ll pass Bell Island and afterward, the rugged scenery on your right is mesmerizing and a snapshot at what the world was like far before we were here.
Once you reach the sea caves, you’re safely loaded into your kayak (single or tandem depending on experience and comfort) and then carefully start paddling while always following your friendly, knowledgeable guide. You’ll be led into what feels like another world inside the sea caves. Of all my kayaking experiences in the Atlantic Ocean, this is in the top three. The waves can have some added height and motion, so while all of this is exciting, safety must remain your top priority. You can also paddle along the coastline to get the full scope of what this amazing part of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.
Once back in the boat, you’ll continue to explore other caves in the area and learn about the history of the area and the science behind it.
If you’re into adventure on the water and some of the most unique kayaking in the province, this is absolutely for you.
Gypsy Sea Adventures
Make it to Clarenville and the good people at Gypsy Sea Adventures will get you on the water quickly and safely. With several kayaks to select from, both single and tandem, you’ll launch from the comfort of their private beach and paddle your way into Dark Hole (the name makes it sound daunting but the views are bright.)
Lazily glide across the water and soak up the views, or if you’re looking to see more, follow the eastern coastline around the bend and bring yourself into Lower Shoal Harbour.
It’s easy to stay on the water for a couple of hours as the scenery is splendid and can stay close to the coastline if slower paddling is your thing.
Gypsy Sea Adventures also offers a puffin tour, lighthouse tour cave tour and fishing village tour, all excellent choices to do either before or after you’ve wrapped up paddling experience.
A Wilder Experience
On the eastern shores of Newfoundland and Labrador is Cape Broyle, home to the adventure team at A Wilder Experience. Take part in an exciting, adventure-filled kayak tour in Cape Broyle Harbour that’s packed with sensational views, history, nature and the serenity of paddling the Atlantic Ocean’s waters. They call their tours “Unique Adventure Tourism-Based Excursions” with good reason. Part of the tour includes a dip into Gallows Cove and Gentlemans Cove.This sea kayak tour offers half day, full day or sunset options, all offering exceptional experiences. Sea stacks, sea arches, birds, waterfalls and more are what you’ll see on the tour. Bonus points for increased accessibility here as this tour is great for those with lower experience levels and families.
