There is nothing more beautiful then a sunset over-looking the water. Newfoundland Labrador has some of the most spectacular locations for taking sunset photo.
Where to Catch These Spectacular Sunsets in Newfoundland
My favorite spots are, from The Trailway in Conception Bay South and Topsail Bluff
J Wiscombe Photo from Trailway, Con Bay South
Quick Planning Tips for Sunset Watchers
Set out about 30 minutes before sunset—the skies light up before and after the sun dips below the horizon.
Check the weather first; clear or partly cloudy skies make for stunning, colorful displays.
Bring what you need: camera, warm layers (especially near water), and perhaps a blanket or thermos if you’re staying awhile.
Explore trails and lookouts—places like Topsail Bluff and Summit Drive offer easy access and gorgeous views just steps from the car.
Taken from Trailway Con Bay South
Recommended Sunset Spots at a Glance
Location
Highlights
Topsail Bluff / Portugal Cove
Coastal cliffs and colourful skies near St. John’s.
Summit Drive, Paradise
Elevated, sweeping views across Conception Bay.
Quidi Vidi
Quaint fishing village vibe with great waterfront sunsets.
Fortune Head, Burin Peninsula
Dramatic sunsets over open bays—astounding scenery with a geological twist.
Trout River (Gros Morne)
Serene sunsets over tranquil waters amid iconic Newfoundland terrain.
Captain Cook Site, Corner Brook
Ideal elevated viewpoint for panoramic sunset shots.
Donna Wiscombe Photo from deck over-looking Con Bay
Squid jigging in Newfoundland — a tradition that is both cultural and practical:
🎣 What is Squid Jigging?
Squid jigging is the practice of catching squid (mainly short-finned squid, locally called loligo or squid) using specialized lures called jiggers.
A jig is usually a weighted lure with sharp barbless prongs. Squid grab onto it with their tentacles, and when the line is pulled, they are hauled aboard.
📍 Where it Happens
Widespread along Newfoundland’s coasts, especially in bays and harbours during the summer months.
Famous jigging spots include:
Holyrood (Conception Bay) – linked with the folk song “The Squid Jiggin’ Ground.”
Change Islands – also associated with the song and a rich tradition.
Twillingate, Bonavista, and Trinity Bays – popular for both commercial and recreational jigging.
St. John’s & surrounding areas – locals often jig right from wharves, beaches, or small boats.
🗓️ Season & Timing
Season: Usually July through September, depending on water temperatures and migration.
Best Times: Early morning or late evening, when squid come closer to shore.
Squid arrive in large schools, often creating exciting nights when “the water seems alive.”
🎶 Culture & Festivals
Folk Song:“The Squid Jiggin’ Ground” (written by Arthur Scammell, 1928) is one of Newfoundland’s best-known songs, celebrating the humour and community around jigging.
Festivals: Many towns celebrate with squid festivals (like SquidFest in Holyrood), mixing food, music, and fireworks with the fishing tradition.
Jigging isn’t just about catching squid — it’s also a social event, often with families and neighbours gathering on wharves to share the fun.
🍳 Eating Squid
Freshly caught squid is a Newfoundland delicacy.
Common dishes: pan-fried squid rings, stuffed squid, or squid stew. Locals also freeze squid for winter use as food or fishing bait.
Here are some tasty squid recipes you might enjoy:
1. Fried Calamari (Classic)
Ingredients:
1 lb squid (cleaned, cut into rings)
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt & pepper
½ tsp paprika
Oil for frying
Lemon wedges
Steps:
Pat squid dry, dredge in seasoned flour.
Heat oil to 350°F and fry squid until golden (2–3 minutes).
Drain on paper towel, serve with lemon and garlic aioli.
2. Stuffed Squid (Newfoundland Style)
Ingredients:
8–10 medium squid (cleaned, tentacles reserved)
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
½ cup cooked rice or potato
Salt, pepper, parsley
Steps:
Sauté onion, garlic, and chopped tentacles in butter.
Add breadcrumbs, rice/potato, and seasoning.
Stuff squid tubes, secure with toothpicks.
Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or simmer gently in tomato sauce.
3. Squid Stew
Ingredients:
1 lb squid (rings & tentacles)
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 can)
2 potatoes, cubed
2 tbsp oil
½ cup white wine
Fresh parsley
Steps:
Sauté onion in oil until soft.
Add squid and stir 2–3 minutes.
Add tomatoes, wine, and potatoes. Simmer 30–40 minutes.
Wildfire Situation in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2025
Overview: Canada-Wide Context
Canada is currently experiencing its second-worst wildfire season on record, with over 7.3 to 7.8 million hectares burned this year.
Wildfires have significantly impacted Atlantic provinces—including Newfoundland and Labrador, where dry conditions and human and natural causes (like lightning) are fueling the spread.
The season’s severity is attributed to climate change, which has created hotter, drier, and longer-lasting fire seasons.
Local Fire Incidents in Newfoundland
Several specific wildfires have had major impacts on local communities:
Adam’s Cove Fire (May 8, 2025): Approximately 600 hectares burned, with 40 structures destroyed.(Wikipedia)
Kingston Fire (starting August 3, 2025): Originating near Kingston, the fire expanded through Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove and Western Bay. As of August 13–15, it had scorched 8,000–10,000 hectares, destroyed around 100 homes, and even leveled the Cabot Academy elementary school in Western Bay.(Wikipedia)
Wildfires on the Avalon Peninsula: Named fires like Martin Lake, Paddy’s Pond (near Paradise), and the Conception Bay North wildfire continue to burn:
Martin Lake: ~1,770 hectares, currently out of control.
Paddy’s Pond: ~318 hectares, listed as being held.
The Canadian Red Cross is deeply involved, having registered over 6,500 evacuees from 3,200+ households and providing emergency lodging, hygiene kits, and information services in Conception Bay South and Carbonear.
The National Wildland Fire Situation Report (as of August 20, 2025) provides these status updates:
Martin Lake Fire: 1,770 hectares, out of control.
Paddy’s Pond: 318 hectares, being held.
Conception Bay North: 10,708 hectares, out of control.
Nationally, Canada is at Preparedness Level 5, indicating full mobilization of resources with domestic and international support being deployed.(Wildfire Info Canada)
Hurricane Erin, although staying offshore, may complicate firefighting efforts by bringing gusty winds and surf to coastal areas like the Avalon Peninsula. Fire officials have noted that rain would help—but high winds pose significant operational risks.(Global News)
Nationwide, there are calls for improved fire preparedness and adaptation. The wildfire season’s duration and severity are pushing stakeholders to rethink land management, infrastructure, and climate resilience.(The Guardian)
Summary Table
Aspect
Details
Scale of Fire Season (Canada)
Second-worst on record; 7.3–7.8 million hectares burned
Key Local Fires in NL
Adam’s Cove, Kingston area fires, Avalon Peninsula fires
Newfoundland music is rich, lively, and deeply tied to the island’s culture, history, and storytelling. It blends Irish, English, Scottish, and French influences with a uniquely Newfoundland flavor.
🎶 Traditional Newfoundland Music
Irish & Celtic Roots: Many songs come directly from Irish jigs, reels, and ballads, brought over by settlers. Fiddles, accordions, tin whistles, and bodhráns are common instruments.
Sea Shanties & Ballads: Music was often about the sea, fishing, sealing, shipwrecks, and everyday life. Songs like The Ryans and the Pittmans (“We’ll Rant and We’ll Roar”) became iconic.
Kitchen Parties: Informal gatherings where families and friends played instruments, sang, and danced. The “kitchen party” is still a Newfoundland cultural hallmark.
🎵 Well-Known Newfoundland Songs
I’se the B’y – A lively folk song known across Canada.
The Ryans and the Pittmans – A rousing sea shanty.
Sonny’s Dream – Written by Ron Hynes, one of Newfoundland’s greatest songwriters; covered worldwide.
Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s – A heartfelt ballad about love of place.
Lukey’s Boat – A humorous traditional tune, often performed by Great Big Sea.
🎤 Famous Newfoundland Musicians & Bands
Great Big Sea – Brought traditional Newfoundland music to international audiences with energetic folk-rock.
Ron Hynes – Known as “The Man of a Thousand Songs,” revered for his songwriting.
Figgy Duff – Helped revive traditional folk music in the 1970s and 80s.
The Ennis Sisters – Blending traditional and contemporary sounds with rich harmonies.
Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers – Comedy, storytelling, and music, beloved across Newfoundland.
🪕 Instruments Commonly Used
Fiddle 🎻
Accordion 🎹
Tin whistle & flute 🎶
Bodhrán (Irish drum) 🥁
Guitars & mandolins 🎸
Voices – strong harmonies are a hallmark
💃 Dance & Social Life
Set Dancing & Jigs: Music is tied to dance, often fast-paced and communal.
Community Concerts & Festivals: Events like the Newfoundland Folk Festival in St. John’s celebrate traditional and modern performers.
🌊 Themes in the Music
The sea (fishing, sailing, shipwrecks).
Community life and humor.
Longing for home and resilience.
Faith and storytelling.
:
Here’s a short history timeline of Newfoundland music, highlighting key moments and traditions:
Early Roots (1600s–1800s)
Indigenous Music (Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu): Traditional songs, chants, and drumming reflected spiritual life, hunting, and storytelling.
Irish & English Influence: With immigration in the 1700s–1800s, Irish reels, jigs, and English ballads shaped Newfoundland folk traditions. Fiddle, accordion, and bodhrán became central instruments.
Sea Shanties & Ballads: Fishermen and sailors sang work songs and narrative ballads about the sea, sealing, shipwrecks, and outport life.
1900s–1940s
Song Collecting: Folklorists like Maud Karpeles recorded traditional songs, preserving oral heritage.
Radio & Local Bands: Early Newfoundland radio carried folk music, dance tunes, and accordion styles across the island.
1950s–1960s
Folk Revivals: Local groups began performing traditional material on stage, blending Irish, Scottish, and Newfoundland styles.
Cultural Identity Strengthened: Music became a key expression of Newfoundland nationalism during Confederation debates.
1970s–1980s
The Rise of Bands:
Ryan’s Fancy (formed in 1971) brought traditional Newfoundland songs to a wider Canadian audience.
Figgy Duff (founded in 1976 by Noel Dinn) fused rock with traditional Newfoundland ballads and became a cultural landmark.
Wonderful Grand Band mixed comedy, rock, and folk on television, boosting Newfoundland identity.
Revival of Traditional Songs: “I’se the B’y,” “Lukey’s Boat,” and “The Kelligrews Soiree” became widely recognized.
1990s–2000s
International Recognition:
Great Big Sea (formed 1993) modernized Newfoundland folk, blending it with pop-rock and reaching global audiences.
Artists like Ron Hynes (“Man of a Thousand Songs”) gained fame for songwriting rooted in Newfoundland stories.
Celtic & Folk Festivals: Newfoundland folk festivals expanded, celebrating heritage.
2010s–Present
Diverse Styles: Traditional music remains strong, but genres like indie rock, hip hop, and classical have grown in the province.
New Voices: Artists like The Once, Amelia Curran, Fortunate Ones, and Rum Ragged carry the folk tradition forward.
Cultural Exports: Newfoundland music continues to showcase a strong sense of place, storytelling, and seafaring heritage to the world.
