Lost in Newfoundland: Chasing Icebergs with Discovery Sea Adventures
Day 3 of our Newfoundland adventure began with the comforting aroma of a delicious breakfast included in our stay at The Harbourside Inn & Cafe. I love a good breakfast at a B&B and this one did not disappoint. We had a traditional Newfoundland breakfast that included Toutons which are like a pancake crossed with a donut. So good! Fuelling up for the day ahead, we savored a hearty meal before we made our way to our next destination.
Feeling recharged and ready for more adventure, we embarked on a journey that I was really looking forward to with Discovery Sea Adventure Tours. We were on the hunt for whales, puffins and icebergs! I had the pleasure of witnessing an iceberg decades ago on my first trip to Newfoundland and couldn’t wait to do it again.
Often referred to as Iceberg Alley, this stretch of water off the coast of Newfoundland is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. These colossal ice formations are born from the ancient glaciers of Greenland, where massive ice sheets break off into the ocean. Carried by ocean currents, some of these icebergs find their way to Newfoundland's shores, creating a natural spectacle like no other. It was in these very waters that the tragic sinking of the Titanic occurred in 1912, forever etching this place into history.
From the moment we stepped aboard our zodiac boat, I felt a surge of excitement. Guided by our incredible captain Bob, we set sail into the sea, ready to immerse ourselves in the untamed beauty of Newfoundland. The journey was an absolute marvel and we saw tons of puffins and two large icebergs. The sheer magnitude of these icebergs was jaw dropping and there’s nothing like being in their presence. What made them even more remarkable was their age. Many of the icebergs in Iceberg Alley are ten thousand years old (or more), carrying within them a frozen record of the past. Canada never seizes to amaze me with its beauty. I’d never been on a smaller zodiac vessel (only larger boats) and to experience wildlife and icebergs from this vantage point is an experience like no other. It was intimate and immersive while simultaneously reducing the impact on the marine environment. Win win. Our captain also managed to scoop a piece of ice on to the boat for some photos, which was fun!
That afternoon, we embarked on a picturesque drive from Bonavista to Middle Arm Newfoundland. Our accommodation for the night was an enchanting and vibrant Airbnb clad in bold primary colours that sat on the edge of the water. Every corner of this colorful haven exuded charm and coziness, instantly making us feel at home. After a few days of fun and activities it was time to hit the pause button and enjoy an afternoon of lounging. I generally tend to pack a lot of activities when I’m on vacation so it was important to include some rest and relaxation time.
After settling in, we decided to embrace the relaxed atmosphere and spend the afternoon at our Airbnb. The peaceful surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for some well-deserved downtime. We couldn't resist firing up the barbecue and indulging in a mouthwatering feast that included steak, asparagus and potatoes.
As the sun bid us farewell, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we spotted two icebergs floating off in the distance. The perfect way to end off the day.
Yours in wanderlust,
Luis
