JamesL

My wife and I are planning 3 weeks in Newfoundland next summer (2006). I've been devouring messages on this and other boards for several days and benefitted hugely. Thanks to all.
I'm trying to select the 3-week period between roughly June 15 and August 10 where the weather gods are most likely to smile on us. Our itinerary ranges from Chance Cove to St. Anthony so "just where do you have in mind?" doesn't clarify much.
I've seen references to "unsettled" weather in June and heavy fog on the Acadian Peninsula in July. Is there an optimal time or should we just ignore this issue and let other considerations drive our schedule?
Thanks for any insight you have.

JamesL

gannetmusic

James,
For maximum wildlife action [whales and nesting seabirds] July is best. For a bit less chance of fog on the Avalon probably mid-July is better than earlier.

For icebergs 'earlier is better' but they generally can be found near St. Anthony later in the season.

For general tourism July would be my choice.

cheers

Jerry

JamesL

Thanks, Jerry. That's a helpful response. One of our thoughts was to fly in on Friday, June 30, and celebrate Canada Day with the Newfoundlanders in St. John. That would put us on the Avalon south and southwest of St. John's from (roughly) the 3rd through the 6th. Any reason (other than the fog issue) that's not a good idea?

JamesL

katrinasl

JamesL - We've been to NL 3 times in the late June to July timeframe. I wouldn't let the threat of fog stop you. Some days there may be heavy fog but it seems to clear up. Other days are perfectly sunny. The fog hasn't stopped us from hiking or any other activities. We spent a Canada Day in St. John's one year and the activities were quite moving. Seems like a huge part of the NL regiment was wiped out in battle on July 1 in WWI. We went to the memorial service, walked down the street with the parade, watched fire works at night. It made this American want to be Canadian. In the time period you are talking about you should see lots of whales, seabirds nesting, and if you are lucky ice bergs. I'll leave the rest up to GannetMusic. He gives excellent advice. Enjoy your trip and enjoy the planning.

gannetmusic

LOL ....we were at Cape St. Mary's on July 10, 11 and 12 this year and the fog lifted for a total of about 3 hours ! Still a wonderful place, none the less. To make up for the fog at CSM, Cape Pine and St. Vincent's were wonderful. Witless Bay is having an amazing humpback whale season.

Jerry [still smiling from my 9th visit to the Island...]

Denise

Hi James:

I live in St. John's and we watch the fog creep in over the harbour and back out again. Its part of the magic of living here. The southern shore often has more foggy days, but its Newfoundland and we are sitting in the middle of the North Atlantic. Don't let the weather keep you away, Kevin Spacey, Dame Judy Dench, Russell Crowe (who along with Alan Doyle entertained us at a pub on George Street), Meg Ryan (spotted in both Trinity & Brigus this month)seem to think the people are the best part of the island, I agree after living here for the past 23 years and I'm originally from New York.

Denise

JamesL

Thanks to everyone who has responded. We're aiming at flying into St. John's on July 7th and flying out of Deer Lake on the 30th. Booking lodging at this time. We're looking forward to all kinds of fabulous fog while we're in Newfoundland.

JamesL

Raleigh_NC

You will have an amazing time in Newfoundland as long as you accept that you may get miserable wetaher - no matter when you travel.