Every year between May and October, the largest population of humpback whales in the world call the waters off of Newfoundland and Labrador home—and they bring their friends! Tagging along are another 21 species of whales and dolphins and, together, they bring the ocean view to life. Many whale watching tours operate out of Newfoundland and Labrador, including sea kayak adventures that promise to give you a truly unforgettable experience with these majestic creatures. But not to worry if you’re more comfortable on land because there is plenty of tail slapping and breaching clearly visible from shore.

Another annual visitor to the waters off of Newfoundland and Labrador are icebergs. As winter fades to spring, these floating islands of ice broken free from the ancient glaciers in Greenland and Canada’s Arctic, make their entrance down Iceberg Alley. From size to colour, no two icebergs are the same and each one is mesmerizing in its unique form. They float through the waters here from spring to early summer with the ideal viewing period being late May through early June. And just like whale watching, you can see the icebergs on boat and kayak tours or from dry land.

The wit, language and creativity of the people in Newfoundland and Labrador is what helped earn them a spot in Maclean magazine’s Top 10 Friendliest Cultures in the World. Drawing from their ancestors of multiple origins, the people of this Canadian province cultivated a culture all their own where their warm and welcoming nature is just the beginning. From their colourful architecture and impromptu musical performances to their knack for storytelling and hundreds of words and phrases unique to the region, the people here will have you wanting your own seat at the table—and they will be happy to give you one.

The lighthouses that dot the coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador are all distinct in design but united in their original purpose to help navigate ships through dense fog and dark nights. Their light gave hope to sailors that land was near. Visit one or more of these steadfast structures and share their view of the vast and ever-changing ocean. From Cape Spear—the oldest standing lighthouse in the region—to Cape Race—the lighthouse that received Titanic’s distress signal—each one has a story to tell.