We love to go iceberg hunting near St. John’s! Icebergs are one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth. These massive floating ice chunks have captivated the imaginations for centuries, with their sheer size, unique shapes, and striking colors. From the towering ice formations of Antarctica to the majestic icebergs that drift along the coast of Newfoundland, there is something truly magical about these frozen giants.
In this blog post, we’ll take you “up the shore” to Ferryland. We found one of these giants, and even got to take a piece home to enjoy a delicious cocktail.
Never ask a lady her age
The age of an iceberg can vary depending on how it was formed. Icebergs that break off from glaciers or ice shelves can be thousands of years old! They are made up of compacted snow and ice that has accumulated over centuries. In some cases, icebergs may contain layers of ice that date back tens of thousands of years. This provides a unique record of climate and environmental conditions from the past. However, not all icebergs are ancient. Some may be relatively young, having formed from more recent snowfall and ice accumulation. Ultimately, the age of an iceberg will depend on a variety of factors. Its location, how it was formed, and how long it has been floating in the ocean.
Happy hour!
It's iceberg season!
Newfoundland is known for its iceberg season, which typically runs from April to June. During this time, large icebergs break off from glaciers in Greenland and float south along the Newfoundland coast. The icebergs become visible from shore, providing a stunning and unique natural spectacle for locals and visitors alike.
Safety first!
When you go iceberg hunting around Newfoundland, it is very important that you stay safe. Of course it’s okay to go onto a sheltered beach. Collect a bit of ice to take home for your drinks! But only when the waves are not big. Please don’t go down on the rocks at, for example, Cape Spear. A rogue wave is not uncommon in these parts. In fact, it’s also not uncommon for some curious sightseer to get swept out to sea. Obey the posted signs so that you’re around for years to come to continue to marvel at these giant wonders! Not only that, you’ll want to be around to enjoy a lovely cocktail with some millenia-old ice.
When you get your piece of ice home, there’s no need to gingerly chip pieces off. Simply wrap it in a clean towel or cloth, and beat it with a hammer or rolling pin. After a couple of whacks, open up your towel and collect your spoils. Best to put it in a bag and get it into the freezer right away.
After we’ve “processed” our ice, we like to reward ourselves with a refreshing gin and tonic. Pro Tip: Check out Wooden Walls Distilling on Harbour Drive in St. John’s to get your fabulous locally-distilled gin.
Need some other ideas of what to do here in St. John’s? Click on the button below to get access to our free guide! What to do, where to go, and what to see in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
