Middle Cove Beach

Middle Cove Beach, NL, is a family-friendly tourist attraction that offers outstanding views of nature. The beach is sheltered by a mountainous terrain, making it an excellent place to see huge ocean waves pound the coast. Whales and icebergs are frequently seen in the area during their migration through Newfoundland waters. Middle Cove Beach is also the location of the "annual capelin roll", a natural event in which capelin (small fish) come ashore at the end of their life cycle to spawn. The capelin roll is a highly popular attraction that draws hundreds of people to the beach annually.

Ocean waves slam into the rugged cliffs at Middle Cove Beach sending jets of high pressure sea water into the air.

Powerful ocean waves curl upward preparing to unleash their force on the rugged cliffs of Middle Cove Beach.

Middle Cove Beach encourages family fun but care must be taken to avoid injury from the unpredictable ocean waves.

Beach rocks are swept into the ocean with each retreating ocean wave, leaving an unblemished sandy beach behind.

Middle Cove Beach lookout is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean and NL coastline.

Massive ocean waves pound the cliffs at Middle Cove Beach sending jets of ocean spray high into the air.

From atop a cliff at Middle Cove Beach, a visitor is thrilled to be sprayed by ocean waves slamming the coast.

Minke whale swimming near the shore at Middle Cove Beach, NL.

Capelin Roll

Early in the summer, thousands of small fish (capelin) roll ashore to spawn along Newfoundland's coastlines, including Middle Cove Beach. This seasonal occurrence draws large crowds of people who come to witness the event and to collect the capelin to use as food or crop fertilizer. The tiny fish that escape being collected ultimately die on the rocks.

Capelin lay dying amongst kelp after rolling ashore to spawn on the beach rocks.

Visitors use dip nets, buckets, or their hands to capture the capelin that roll ashore at Middle Cove Beach, NL.

Please continue to follow my blog as I showcase more amazing tourist attractions in eastern Newfoundland.

Sandra Murray, owner of Murray House Vacation Home and writer of Newfoundland Travel Blog.