Newfoundland, Canada
September 15-22, 2018
Newfoundland and Labrador forms the most easternly province of Canada and encompases over 29,000 km's of coastline. It truly is a place you are lost and found. Wether exploring a magical trail, getting to know the friendly locals, or simply sharing a conversation over a good plate of fish n' chips, Newfoundland steals a piece of your heart as you journey along this unique island. Best advice: be open to adventure, remain flexible, pack snacks and have fun!
Map Of Our Newfoundland Route
St. John's
The capital city of Newfoundland, was settled by the British in the 1600's and is famous for its colorful houses, vast history and rugged coastline. It offers big city living with small town charm.
Our Accommodations in St. John's
We found a lovely Airbnb 2 Story Condo just a 10 min walk from the main streets of historic downtown.
Exploring St. John's
Quidi Vidi - "Kitty Vitty"
This oddly named part of St. John's is a historic fishing village that has been lovingly restored.
Its home to a arts and craft co-op, restaurant and the largest microbrewery in Newfoundland.
The Quidi Vidi Brewing Company is famous for its iceburg beer...made with 20,000 year old iceburg water!
Signal Hill Lookout - National Historic Site
Signal Hill was the location of the city's harbor defenses from the 17th centruy until WWII. The iconic Cabot Tower was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland. Hot chocolate kept us warm!
Petty Harbor
The small village of Petty Harbor dates back to the 1600's and is a picturesque place about 15 minute drive south of
St. John's. There are approximately 900 residents and people here are involved in cod and snow crab fishing.
We had a wonderful chat with a local couple who gave us insight into their daily lives in this beautiful village.
Cape Spear
Cape Spear is a National Historic Site because its lighthouse is the oldest surviving in the province built in 1835.
The site contains a military complex from WWII and its also the most easternly point of Canada.
Trinity
Trinity is located about 3 hours west of St. John's. Its one of the most picturesque villages in the province. As we rounded the turn heading into the village we were suddenly awe struck by the sight of this pretty little village! Its been used in movies like "The Shipping News" and "The Grand Seduction". Though it now has a modest population of 200 people and largely dependent upon tourism, Trinity was once a thriving fishing and trading hub that was more popular than St. John’s. The harbour was first used by European fishermen in the 16th century exporting cod, oil, seals and salmon.
Our Accommodations in Trinity
We stayed a quaint B&B called Trinity Eco Tours & Lodging. The property backed onto the water and was located in the heart of the village centre. Our room included a hot cooked breaky done up by a couple of lovely gals always willing to be helpful. Rooms are small but newly renovated and very cozy.
Exploring Trinity
The Twine Loft Restaurant
The Twine Loft is a famous upscale restaurant known for its fixed three course meals based on what's fresh and local.
Set in a restored fishing loft, people come to enjoy a drink on the water's edge and the cozy atmosphere.
Reservations are a must as they are booked up consistenly.
Skerwink Trail
The Skerwink Trail has been named one of the top 35 walks in North America and includes sites of meadows,
dramatic bluff and coastline scenery, rock formations and forest.
We were lucky to spot our ONE AND ONLY MOOSE just a few minutes into our trail.
Bonavista and Elliston Puffin Site
We visited the monument of John Cabot.
We explored the rugged coastline of Bonavista and viewed the root cellars dotted along the hillsides.
We visited the strange rock formation at Dungeon Provincial Park.
We visited Elliston in hopes of spotting a puffin but the last of them had sadly left a few days before we arrived.
We visited a gallery called "home from the sea" dedicated to the sealing tragedy of 1914.
Gros Morne National Park
It took 485 million years to form Gros Morne National Park!
Its a unesco world heritage site and covers approximately 1800 km's. The landscape is so diverse and different than the eastern part of Newfoundland and it was certainly a highlight of our trip!
Our Accommodations in Gros Morne Park
We found a lovely airbnb rental called Dolls House located in Glenburnie just a 5 min drive from Woody Point where the Gros Morne's Discovery Centre is located. Our house overlooked the ocean with a wonderful area for sitting and reflecting.
Morning coffee never tasted so good with this kind of view!
The Gros Morne Area
The area of Gros Morne is dotted with small villages, park discovery centres, and many hiking trails.
We took time exploring whatever caught our eye, basked in the lovely scenery, and chatted with a few locals.
Western Brook Pond Boat Tour
Western brook pond was carved by glaciers billions of years ago leaving behind a land locked fjord with cliffs towering 600 meters. The boat tour is offered by only one company called Bon Tours who provide a lovely 2 hour excursion through this magnificant fjord. You are required to walk in 2.5 km one way in order to arrive at the dock but the trail is well paved and its a pretty stroll. We were so lucky to have a beautiful day to explore it!
Some facts about the pond:
Western Brook Pond is 16 kilometres long and 165 metres deep.
The only outlet of the lake is Western Brook – so it takes about 15 years for the water to completely change over.
Western Brook Pond is home to some of the world’s purest water.
More than 20 streams empty into Western Brook Pond; many of them are seasonal.
The pH of Western Brook Pond is close to neutral – mainly because the largest feeder stream is buffered by limestone.
It’s considered to be one of the last wild, oligotrophic lakes in the world.
The Tablelands
The tablelands is the only place in the world where you can walk on earth's mantel! The rock was forced up from the depths during a plate collision several hundred million years ago. The distinct red and barrren landscape is an obvious site to the rest of the park and a unique experience!
110,000 moose live on Newfoundland island and this is the only sighting we shared together!
Saying Goodbye to Newfoundland!
Our week together flew by so fast and sadly it was time to leave it all behind. Newfoundland was beautiful, diverse and welcoming. Its the kind of place that stays with you long after you've left. But so does the memories you create with family. We explored together, laughed together and grew stronger together. For that, we're so grateful!
Archived videos from Newfoundland
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