Best Tips on What to Pack for Newfoundland | Canada

What to pack for Newfoundland, Canada in spring when you only have carryon? Answer: as many layers as you can possibly fit! We explored Newfoundland in late spring – and here are our tips on what outdoor gear and clothing you need to bring.

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What to Pack for Newfoundland in Spring

The weather in Newfoundland and Labrador is unpredictable – especially in spring. The island portion of the province has a temperate marine climate. This means that thick fog can evaporate to let in sunshine in a matter of minutes. Or not – depending on the day! 

We wanted to see icebergs, puffins (official provincial bird), and – if possible – whales. The prime season for iceberg viewing is mid-May to mid-July each year. Puffins usually arrive in May and stay until mid-September. Prime time for whale watching is mid-July to mid-August, although there are sightings from mid-May to September. 

Read more about puffin-viewing in our post about adventures on Bonavista Peninsula!

Looks like the best time for our trip is June. Average June temps on the Avalon Peninsula – St. John’s and south – are highs of 16 C (60 F) and lows 6 C (43 F). It’s about the same for Gros Morne in Western Newfoundland and a degree or two cooler on Bonavista Peninsula in Eastern Newfoundland. Rainfall varies – greatly.

In other words, pack waterproof gear and lots of layers!

Start with your carryon baggage

Be sure to check with your air carrier for dimensions of carryon permitted if unsure of the correct size. We love our Osprey carryon sets.

Your daypack should be big enough to hold clothing layers that will come on and off with regularity. I use the backpack from our Osprey set when travelling carryon, but Gear Guru like to have his regular daypack to carry a little more gear while hiking.

Love hiking? Check out “Hiking Adventure in St. John’s” for a super scenic trail!

Choose your clothing wisely for a spring trip to Newfoundland

With limited space, pack outer water and windproof gear first, add in layers of shirts, pants, underwear and socks. Remember that you can hand wash and visit a laundrymat if necessary. We took 3 changes of hiking clothes (and one dressier outfit). Use packing cubes to sort and compress clothing.

Start here and see how much room you have for extras.

1. Water and windproof shell (our Gore-Tex coats go everywhere we go.)
2. Water and windproof pants (we rarely use rain pants, but this extra layer was a must for NL in spring!)
3. Wool Toque (especially if you plan on being out on the water chasing icebergs)
4. Wide-brimmed hat (because when the sun shines, the breeze makes it feel cooler than it actually is, and you don’t need a sunburn. The weather in NL is unpredictable and the sun often pops out when you least expect it!)
5. Sunglasses
6. Waterproof gloves (with thin wool liner if you’re hands are often cold)
7. Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes (or hiking boots if you need the support, but don’t forget that we’re doing carryon and space is at a premium)
8. Waterproof gaiters (these roll up small and keep water from running off your pants and into your shoes)
9. Comfortable warm layers (a lightweight fleece and/or wool layers are a must. Be sure to add long underwear to your list. New to Gear Guru on this trip were a pair of Kuhl Renegade Pants. Lightweight, water resistant yet breathable, and comfortable with a light stretch – they have quickly become a new fave. These pants get bonus points for having lots of pockets – two of which zip close on the side for securing a wallet and phone – as well as the articulated knees which are designed to curve at the knee and allow for unrestricted movement while hiking. Quality counts when you’re packing just carryon for a two-week trip.)
10. Quick dry underwear
11. Merino wool socks (why wool? It stays warm even when wet.)

Don’t forget toiletries 

Remember no liquids or gels over 100 ml and all must fit into the security-sized plastic bag – with all your required toiletries (don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent).

Other useful carryon travel items to pack for Newfoundland

• Noise cancelling headphones or earplugs for the flight (I love my Sony headphones and wouldn’t travel without them.)
• Satellite messenger (our Garmin inReach is always in Gear Guru’s pack. While we didn’t need it on this trip, there were many hiking locations where we did not have cellphone coverage. It’s an emergency backup that you hope never to use but are so grateful it’s there when you need it.)
• Binoculars (handy for iceberg-gazing offshore, birding, and catching glimpses of NL’s wildlife – from the ubiquitous moose to rare sightings of caribou.)
• Collapsible cooler bag (this may sound like a luxury – and it is! – but this little cooler proved invaluable for lunches and extra foods needing refrigeration on road trips across the province. Days can be long and it’s nice to stop when and where you want to for a bite of food instead of waiting for the next town.)
• Flip flops are easy to pack and make an excellent choice for your 2^nd set of footwear.
• We never had to use them on this trip to the rock, but headlamps are always packed in our carryon luggage.

A couple last tips

Be sure your daypack has a pack cover to keep it dry.

Don’t bother with many dressy clothes, think utilitarian, comfortable and warm.

We left our hiking poles at home, but our friend brought hers (with no problem in her carryon) – check with your air carrier first to make sure they are allowed. 

I packed my laptop but next time would leave it at home. There was so much to do every day – from stellar hikes to lobster feasts to pub visits – that I had little time for writing and a pen and journal were plenty. 

A cellphone provides enough connectivity for two weeks (just make sure yours is in a waterproof case or otherwise protected – our friend’s phone bit the dust after one soggy, soggy hike!). Don’t forget the charge block, cord and an external battery pack.

Extra large ziplock bags are handy for putting wet clothes and shoes until you can dry them out.

When You Go

You can find more information about sample itineraries, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and activities through Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism.

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