Newfoundland

This place has captivated my heart from day one. I’ve been to the island of Newfoundland more times that I can remember, and have still not seen it all.

The raw beauty, the friendly people, the colourful history…it’s everything you want in a relaxed, but fulfilling trip.

General Information:

Canada’s easternmost province of Newfoundland is relatively quiet and untouched. For many tourists, the season only really runs from about mid May to mid October, and for that reason you have a small but unique selection of opportunities available to you as a traveller. The province can experience harsh winters, but at the same time, it boasts some of the best winter season activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Their summers are pleasantly warm, which allow for comfortable excursions outdoors.

Newfoundland has 3 international airports to service flyers, but the availability can be limited depending on the season. It’s very advisable to book flights (and hotels and car rentals for that matter) WELL in advance of your visit to avoid high prices or disappointment. Much of the island boasts unique private accommodation like B&Bs, so as you can imagine, things book up very quickly in the high tourist season. Car rentals are not always readily available, and driving from one side of the island to the other, as many do, can be very costly (most rental companies charge a hefty one-way drop fee). It’s important to review your budgeting in advance to ensure you are comfortable with the expenses.

St. John’s is Newfoundland’s largest city, situated on the east coast. There are many chain hotels there, if that’s what you prefer. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott St. John’s on Duckworth Street. I have to admit, I’m a huge Marriott lover and this hotel was perfect for my stay. It’s centrally located, you can walk to most things in the city. It’s clean, offers free parking, and is not too hard on the wallet. It also offers rooms that face the harbour, which is nice to watch boats coming and going (and maybe even an iceberg if you’re really lucky!).

Newfoundland is packed with small communities and fishing villages, that rest on the edge of nowhere. You can see many small homes and huts in the ‘salt box’ style, painted every colour imaginable, dotting the skyline. The backdrops are typically a coastline or beautiful, rugged rock formations. Newfoundland is one of the most fascinating geological places on earth, with rock surveys dating back more than 3.8 billion years ago. It’s no wonder Newfoundland’s nickname is ‘The Rock.’ Some of the provincial and national parks in the province, like Terra Nova and Gros Morne, will take your breath away.

Gannets on Fogo Island

Fogo Island on the north shore of Newfoundland, is accessible only by ferry. Of course like many areas, there are ample opportunities for hiking. While I visited here, I stayed at Aunt Glady’s which is a refurbished salt box house, owned and operated by the company The Old Salt Box Co. I love these properties because you get an entire fully equipped house all to yourself, that manages to keep the salt box style intact. They offer so much character, even down to the handmade quilts on the beds. It’s similar to an airbnb in that you check yourself in and out. The location of Aunt Glady’s was so beautiful, tucked into a little cove area right on the water. The morning I was leaving, I was lucky enough to experience a gannet show right up close, about 20 feet away. I’ve included a video of their amazing fishing skills!

On the opposite end of the island, I visited Burgeo, which is a small village on the south coast, accessible by one road only. I stayed at another salt box house, Skinner’s House, which was equally as beautiful as the one on Fogo Island. For more details on the salt box homes, please check out their website here The Old Salt Box Co. Burgeo boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Newfoundland at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Its smooth never-ending walkable beach is therapy for the soul. Bask in the sun and listen to the waves crashing as you walk along, looking over the sea urchins you find along the way.

On the north-west peninsula, at the very top, lies St. Anthony. In the right season, which is typically May to July, this is the best place for iceberg viewing, whale spotting, and puffin watching. In the area, it also boasts the historic site of L’Anse Aux Meadows, North America’s only Viking settlement. The visitors centre and site itself is fascinating to see. When I visited St. Anthony, I stayed at the Crows Nest Inn, which is perched right on top of a hill, affording excellent views of the ocean. It’s a clean, comfortable, and affordable inn.

Further south on the west coast is the gorgeous and one-of-a-kind Gros Morne National Park. There are many driving routes, hiking trails, lookout points, and unique accommodation all throughout the park and surrounding area. The views are absolutely stunning, it’s my favourite place in Newfoundland…that I’ve seen so far! The small communities of Cow Head and Rocky Harbour host events throughout the year, so check out the events calendar at the Newfoundland tourism website for further details Festivals & Events.

Corner Brook, a sizeable city on the west coast, situated near the picturesque Humber Valley, has many services and amenities. It’s a very pretty and green city, with rolling hills, beautiful walking trails, bay views, and snow capped mountains. The downtown core plays host to many events throughout the year, cruise ships in the summer, and galleries, museums, and historical attractions. The Hew & Draw Hotel is a personal favourite. This newer, boutique style accommodation, has all the comforts of home with a unique look and feel, complete with an on-site restaurant and brewery. The Humber Valley is home to Marble Mountain, a ski resort in the winter and a zip liner’s dream in the summer. Of course, there are ample trails in the area, for hiking, ATVing, and snowmobiling.

The Canadian dollar is the currency of choice. Credit and debit card are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry cash as well for some of the smaller more remote locations you plan to visit. English is the main language spoken. Although at times, that’s debatable if it’s really English…the Newfinese language (as some locals call it) can be very hard to understand! There is no doubt however, that Newfoundlanders are the friendliest, most accommodating people you’ll ever meet. You’ll come away feeling refreshed and grateful after your visit.

Newfoundland is very easy to navigate on your own and self-driving trips are a very common and practical way to travel. Cruising has become increasingly popular, with 3 ports visited on the island by several major cruise lines. You can also hop on a guided coach vacation and have all of the details taken care of for you. Some reputable companies to mention are: McCarthy’s Party, Maxxim Vacations, and Globus Journeys.

Notable Attractions:

Signal Hill, St. John’s

St. John’s:

Trek up the hill to Signal Hill National Historic Site and soak in the stunning views; remember the historical significance including climbing to the top of Cabot Tower; and explore the hiking trails in the area.

Just a short drive from the city is Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America. You’ll be astounded by the natural beauty of the area, which is sometimes complete with whale and puffin sightings! Read about the important significance of the lighthouse on sight.

Little Fogo Island

Fogo Island:

Be sure to take in a boat tour while visiting, with Fogo Island Tours & Charters. You can visit the Little Fogo Islands, as locals call it, and see an abandoned village complete with resident sheep and thousands of puffins.

Port au Port Peninsula

Port au Port Peninsula:

Embark on a driving trip from Corner Brook to this beautiful looped peninsula. The crashing waves against rock walls, contrast to the gentle swooshing water upon beach after beach, will have you feeling captivated and rested all at the same time.

If you want to know more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!