Icebergs begin the trek from Greenland and arrive on the coasts of Newfoundland two to three years later. They are made of pure fresh water and adults and kids alike can be seen drinking beverages containing “bergie bits.” Bergie Bits are pieces of ice that have fallen from the icebergs and are retrieved by the boat crew or tourists using nets. They are chipped away to add cool clear mini bergs to a drink.
Newfoundland Boat Tours
Many boat tours are offered along the shores of Newfoundland. They leave the dock several times a day so there is no need to worry about missing these grand towers of glacial magnificence. Many tours offer upper deck viewing and as one captain said “they will go as common-sense close to the iceberg" as possible to allow for optimum viewing and close up pictures. The turning of large icebergs is what keeps the boats at a safe distance.
Iceberg Facts
These monstrous beasts of beauty are drop- your- jaw awe inspiring. Pointed fingers and trance like gazes are proof of the beauty of the ice. Colors of deep aqua and glistening white keep the eyes glued to its source of tremendous delight.
- Icebergs are fresh water that have broken off from glaciers
- The word iceberg means “ice mountain” and originates from the Dutch
- Icebergs are often referred to as “bergs” and small broken pieces are called “bergie bits”
- Icebergs are said to have ten percent of the mass above water and ninety percent below
- “Iceberg Alley” is the area around Newfoundland and Labrador where the current is said to carry icebergs along the coast. This area runs from Northern Labrador to the Grand Banks
Shapes of Icebergs
Tourists and locals alike can be heard discussing the different shapes of the icebergs as they float before them. Both kids and adults consider it a game to identify and sort these heavenly pieces of art.
- Dome: rounded tips
- Pinnacle: one or more towers
- Wedge: Slope on one side and a steep edge on another
- Dry Dock: the iceberg has eroded to form a channel
- Blocky: the iceberg has steep sides and a flat top
When to Travel to Newfoundland and Labrador
The best time to see icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is early in the summer season. Sometimes the icebergs can still been seen in later summer months as well. But of course icebergs not only move but they melt as well. You can use Iceberg Finder to choose the best time to visit an area for iceberg viewing.
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