Spring fling with the bergs

Each year visitors from around the world head to Newfoundland and Labrador to take in the hundreds of majestic icebergs that drift along the north and east coasts of the island. Recognized as the greatest iceberg theatre in the world, the area is known as Iceberg Alley.

And according to the Canadian Ice Service, this year it looks as though the province will enjoy a bumper crop of bergs. Last month over 600 bergs were recorded -- significantly higher than the 558 logged in the same period last year.

"The wonder of seeing an iceberg never ceases," says Judy Sparkes-Giannou, president of Maxxim Vacations, a tour company which specializes in Atlantic Canada. "I recently took my 85-year old mother to Signal Hill here in St. John's to see the first ones of the season, and we were both thrilled -- even after all these years."

The icebergs, which are about 10,000 years in the making, return from the Arctic every spring. (See a video). On a sunny day, the bergs can be seen from many points along the northern and eastern coasts. Some of the more popular viewing spots either from shore or tour boats include: Bay Bulls/Witless Bay, St. John's/Cape Spear, Bonavista, Twillingate, La Scie, St. Anthony, Point Amour, Battle Harbour and Cartwright. (Check out this iceberg finder.)

Whale and bird watching

And while you're there, you'll want to take in some whale watching. Known internationally for their whale watching venues, Newfoundland and Labrador have more than 20 species of sea-faring mammals, including sperm whales and blue whales.