Exploring Newfoundland’s Legendary East Coast

Newfoundland and Labrador is poised to have a big year this summer with more Canadians seeking to stay within our borders on their travels. “The Rock” has an allure to people “from away,” — visitors who want to experience the legendary hospitality and rugged landscapes of our furthest East coast. Taking a road trip from vibrant St. John’s to picturesque Trinity and the Bonavista Peninsula allows visitors to sample some of the best that Newfoundland has to offer.

Beyond St. John’s

Most visitors will fly into St. John’s, although it is possible to ferry from the mainland, or fly into the smaller airports at Gander, Deer Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay or Wabush. Staying in St. John’s a few days to see the colourful jellybean row houses, visit pretty Quidi Vidi village and have a pint or two with live music on George Street is a great way to kick off a Newfoundland vacation. If visitors stay only in the city though, they will miss a huge chunk of the province’s charm. 

Roads in Newfoundland lend themselves to roadtrips, but make sure your clients stick to driving in daylight hours. On average, more than 500 vehicle-moose accidents occur each year in Newfoundland, mainly between dusk and dawn and they spike during the summer. Armed with wildlife awareness, visitors can head out in a rental car (book well in advance, selection can be limited) and explore more. A fascinating slice of Newfoundland can be found by travelling northwards from St. John’s to the “Legendary Coasts” as the tourism industry likes to call it, along the central East Coast.

A caribou at Salmonier Nature Park (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)

Venture Inland

Atlantic Canada is prized for, among many things, the Atlantic. It’s wild and beautiful, but don’t discount inland Newfoundland as a tourist destination. Drivers from other parts of Canada may be struck by the absence of farmland on the Rock. Whizzing past acres of wheat and canola is a roadtrip given in much of the country, but not in Newfoundland, where arable land is sparse. Instead, the scenery is mainly rocky outcroppings and weatherbeaten forest.

A short drive (less than an hour) west from St. John’s, The Wilds Resort is a family-friendly property with self-contained suites available. Golf-inclined tourists can take advantage of the championship course. Encourage clients to block out some time to visit the nearby Salmonier River Nature Park. A 3 km boardwalk winds its way through the boreal forest, passing by animal enclosures of animals that are either healing and getting ready to be released back into the wild or have been deemed unsuitable for release and now have a protected home in the park. Part of the trail would be difficult to navigate with a stroller or mobility device, but there is a flat portion that is mainly accessible near the Discovery Centre facility. 

Puffin viewing in Elliston, Newfoundland (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)

Quirks and Culture in Newfoundland

Heading back towards the coast and Northwest towards Bonavista, visitors will encounter an abundance of quirks and a unique culture that is immediately endearing. 

A slight detour will bring travellers to Cupids Legacy Centre, which showcases the history and hardships of living in the region, starting from the arrival of colonial Europeans. Cupids is the second-oldest colony in North America (after Jamestown, Virginia). A short walk on a rural road leads to Cupids Cove Plantation Provincial Historic Site. The archeological dig site has unearthed the remains of four 17th century buildings. Some of the floorplans have been framed out to help visitors envision the living conditions of the settlers. Documentation from the time indicates at first there were 39 men and 15 beds. While the likely explanation is that they slept in shifts, this writer likes to think some of the settlers chose to cuddle up on the cold Newfoundland nights.

Another spot to hit for a bit of Newfoundland colour is Elliston, The Root Cellar Capital of the World (yes, there is one, and yes, they are actually kind of neat.) There’s also a seasonal viewing area for puffins, with hundreds of the squat little birds circling and landing within metres of visitors. Elliston is also home to the Home from the Sea, John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre and a touching memorial to the dangerous occupation. 

Heading out for a whale watching tour in Trinity, Newfoundland (Photo Credit: Jen Mallia)

Trinity and the Bonavista Peninsula: History and Adventure

The loveliness of Trinity needs to be experienced; it's what people imagine when they picture a Newfoundland fishing village. Lodging options include home rentals (several which are managed through Artisan Inn Vacation Homes) or rooms at the charming Rosewood Suites. The Twine Loft is celebrated for its cuisine, or book a beachside lobster boil with Bonavista Adventure Tours to eat your fill. 

Basing themselves in Trinity gives visitors a handy place from which to set out on adventures, like whale-watching, hiking around the Discovery Geopark and Dungeon Provincial Park, or climbing the tower at Cape Bonavista historic lighthouse. 

Lovers of history can get their fill in the region as well. A handful of historic buildings in Trinity are open to the public during the summer season, or head to Port Union to wander the streets of Canada’s only union-built town.

The fishery that has played just an important part in Newfoundland’s history is the main focus at Ryan Premises National Historic site and a fascinating visit even for those who don’t think they will be interested.

With domestic travel set to make big waves this summer, finding new corners of the country to help clients explore is going to add a new dimension to business for travel advisors. The East Coast of Newfoundland is a prime spot for travellers to head this year. 

Topics From This Article to Explore