Icebergs in abundance: Already a 'banner year' in Newfoundland
According to Iceberg Quest Captain Barry Rogers, it's already been a banner year for iceberg spotting off the coast of Newfoundland
This year is shaping up to be an exceptional one for iceberg sightings along Newfoundland’s coastline, with massive formations already appearing early in the season.
An estimated 90 percent of icebergs off Newfoundland originate from glaciers in Western Greenland, where they break off and journey southward into the North Atlantic.
MV Cetacean Quest amidst 12,000-year-old ancient Greenland icebergs in Twillingate, Newfoundland, May 2025 | Ray Mackay Photography
Captain Barry Rogers, who operates iceberg tours in the Twillingate area, is currently tracking three large icebergs, along with several smaller ones surrounding the region. Using radar in foggy conditions and marking their movements with precision, Rogers ensures his tours bring visitors up close to these frozen giants.
Persistent onshore winds have pushed more icebergs closer to the shoreline, aiding visibility. While such winds can make navigation more challenging, their benefits outweigh the difficulty. When the icebergs calve, it’s a dramatic spectacle, says Rogers.
"You hear a lot of cracking noises, like a cannon shot, and when the ice falls, it breaks into smaller pieces we call ‘bergy bits.’ I always say they’re the hissing noise of a thousand cats."
Rogers’ team collects this ancient ice, which tour participants can taste.
"It’s the purest water on earth," Rogers says.
The #AncientOne in all her glory: Twillingate, Newfoundland, May 2025 | Ray Mackay Photography
Given the current volume of ice in nearby waters, Rogers predicts iceberg tours could continue into late July—a longer-than-usual season for iceberg enthusiasts.
Thumbnail image courtesy: Ray Mackay Photography