Grates Cove · Newfoundland & Labrador
Wildlife & Nature
A front-row seat to the wild North Atlantic — whales, icebergs, seabirds and wild berries await at the tip of the Avalon Peninsula.
Grates Cove sits at the tip of the Avalon Peninsula, surrounded by the rich waters of the North Atlantic. Its proximity to Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve — home to Newfoundland’s largest seabird colony — makes it one of the most extraordinary wildlife watching destinations in Atlantic Canada.
May — September
Whale Watching
The waters around Grates Cove are feeding grounds for several whale species during the summer months. Humpback whales are the most frequently spotted, often seen breaching and feeding just offshore from the village.
Minke whales, fin whales and the occasional sperm whale also pass through these rich North Atlantic waters, drawn by capelin and other fish that school near the surface in summer.
Species You May See
- 🐋 Humpback Whale — Most common, seen breaching offshore
- 🐋 Minke Whale — Frequently spotted near the coast
- 🐋 Fin Whale — Second largest animal on Earth
- 🐋 Sperm Whale — Occasional deep water visitor
- 🐬 Atlantic White-sided Dolphin — Often in pods
Iceberg Facts
Icebergs originate from Greenland glaciers- They can be up to 10,000 years old
- Only 10% of the iceberg is visible above water
- Best viewing is from the Big Hill boardwalk or Motion Trail
- Peak season is April through June
April — June
Iceberg Season
Every spring, icebergs drift south along Iceberg Alley — the stretch of ocean off Newfoundland’s coast — and some of the most spectacular views can be had right from Grates Cove.
These ancient giants, calved from Greenland’s glaciers thousands of years ago, occasionally lodge in the cove itself, giving visitors an extraordinary close-up encounter with one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.
Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve
Seabirds & Birdwatching
Just offshore from Grates Cove lies Baccalieu Island — home to the largest Leach’s Storm-Petrel colony in the world and one of the most significant seabird sanctuaries in all of North America.
Atlantic Puffin
Newfoundland's beloved seabird — colourful, comical and commonly seen fishing offshore during summer.
Leach's Storm-Petrel
Over 3 million breeding pairs nest on Baccalieu Island — the largest colony of this species in the world.
Northern Gannet
Spectacular divers that plunge from great heights into the ocean at high speed — an unforgettable sight.
Common Murre
Black and white seabirds that nest in large noisy colonies on cliff ledges around the island and coastline.
Late Summer · August — September
Wild Berries of the Barrens
The coastal barrens surrounding Grates Cove burst into colour in late summer as wild berries ripen across the landscape. Berry picking is a beloved Newfoundland tradition and the barrens around the village are some of the most productive in the region.
As you hike the trails, keep your eyes — and your hands — open for these delicious wild treats that have sustained Newfoundlanders for generations.
What to Look For
- 🫐 Blueberries — Small, sweet and abundant on the open barrens
- 🍓 Partridgeberries — Tart red berries, a Newfoundland favourite
- 🍇 Crowberries — Dark purple berries on low spreading shrubs
- 🫐 Bakeapples — Rare golden berries, highly prized in Newfoundland
- 🍓 Wild Strawberries — Tiny but intensely flavourful
Plan Your Wildlife Visit
Wildlife by Season
- 🧊 Icebergs peak
- 🐦 Seabirds arrive
- 🌿 Wildflowers bloom
- 🐋 Whales feeding
- 🐦 Puffins nesting
- 🦅 Best birdwatching
- 🫐 Wild berries ripe
- 🐋 Late whale season
- 🍂 Stunning colours
- 🦅 Winter seabirds
- 🌊 Dramatic seas
- ❄️ Arctic visitors
Ready to Experience the Wildlife?
Plan your visit to Grates Cove and experience one of Newfoundland’s most extraordinary natural destinations.