ST. JOHN'S FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Quidi Vidi by Rod: Two Hours on the Water, One on the Wharf
A concise, 3-hour cod-fishing outing from Quidi Vidi that pairs coastal history with hands-on fishing and a wharf-side clean-and-eat session.
Quidi Vidi by Rod: Two Hours on the Water, One on the Wharf.
Adventure brief
Quidi Vidi by Rod: Two Hours on the Water, One on the Wharf
From a small stage in Quidi Vidi you push out through the Gut into open North Atlantic water, skirting landmark coastlines as you fish; the outing folds history, marine wildlife and a practical, wharf‑side lesson in cleaning and eating your catch into a compact three‑hour experience.
Located in the historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland, QV Charters offers an authentic outdoor adventure combining rich maritime history with the thrill of fishing and wildlife viewing. This small but dynamic outfit takes visitors on a journey through rugged waters bursting with stories of generations of fishermen. As you board the vessel, the salty breeze fills your senses, setting the scene for a day of discovery. The main attraction is cod fishing—an age-old Newfoundland tradition—where you’ll learn from seasoned guides about sustainable practices and the art of angling. But it’s not just about the catch; expect to encounter playful whales breaching nearby and seabirds circling overhead, adding a touch of wildlife thrill to the experience. After landing a fish, the guides show you how to clean and gut your catch, making the entire process immersive and educational. Best of all, you can enjoy the freshness of your bounty with a simple meal right on the wharf. QV Charters stands out for blending history, personal hospitality, and eco-consciousness, ensuring that every trip leaves you with a stronger connection to Newfoundland’s maritime culture. Their fleet is well-maintained, and their guides are passionate about sharing stories and knowledge, which makes this adventure not only fun but deeply informative. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious newcomer, this trip caters to all levels. The waters around Quidi Vidi are particularly lush in spring and summer, perfect for whale sightings and fishing. Spring’s mild weather offers calm seas, ideal for newcomers, while summer’s vibrant marine life makes it a lively choice. Fall provides cooler waters and fewer crowds, and winter adventures, though less common, can feature on-ice fishing with proper gear. Overall, QV Charters provides an engaging, well-rounded Newfoundland fishing experience that celebrates the region’s fishing heritage and natural beauty.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
A handful of compact stops: the stage in Quidi Vidi, passage through the Gut and open water fishing, and a return to the wharf for cleaning and eating.
Quidi Vidi Stage
Meet on the stage in Quidi Vidi for an introduction to the village’s fishing history before departure.
Through the Gut
Head out through the Gut into more open water, passing Signal Hill, Cabot Tower and The Narrows while watching for whales and seabirds.
Fishing on Open Water
Spend roughly two hours on the water trying your hand at fishing.
Back to the Wharf
Return to the stage where you will learn to clean and gut your catch and eat it on the wharf.
The booking is a three‑hour outing that includes two hours on the water and one hour on the wharf; the operator accepts participants of all ages and limits groups to up to 12 people.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Quidi Vidi’s Five‑Century Fishing Story
The tour begins on the stage in Quidi Vidi with an introduction to the village’s long fishing history before you head out through the Gut into the open water.
Coastal Landmarks and Wildlife
As you pass Signal Hill, Cabot Tower and The Narrows keep an eye out for whales and seabirds that frequent these coastal corridors.
Hands‑On Fishing, Cleaning and a Wharf Meal
Spend time trying your hand at fishing, return to the stage on the wharf to learn how to clean and gut your catch, then eat it right there on the wharf.
What the day feels like
How the Tour Feels
The rhythm is deliberate: gather on the Quidi Vidi stage for a short history, slide through the Gut into open water for roughly two hours of fishing and wildlife watching, then return to the wharf for a practical lesson in cleaning and eating what you caught.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should plan otherwise.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total outing time is 3 hours: approximately 2 hours on the water and 1 hour on the wharf.
Comfortable footwear and a jacket and/or extra sweater are recommended.
The tour begins on the stage in Quidi Vidi; departures proceed through the Gut into open water.
Adult rate, child rate and private‑charter pricing are published for the experience (see operator rates).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs three hours in total: two hours on the water and one hour on the wharf.
What are the rates?
Adult rate is CA$190; child (13 and under) is CA$90; a private charter for up to 12 people is CA$1400.
How many people can join a tour?
Group size is limited to up to 12 people; private charters are available for groups up to that size.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable footwear and a jacket and/or an extra sweater.
Where does the tour begin and what will we see?
The tour begins on the stage in Quidi Vidi, travels through the Gut into open waters, and passes landmarks such as Signal Hill, Cabot Tower and The Narrows while offering opportunities to spot whales and seabirds.
What happens to the fish we catch?
After returning to the stage on the wharf, the operator will teach you how to clean and gut your catch and you can eat it right there on the wharf.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:47.841Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.