Travel Jottings

For me, journeys often weave along city streets or wander through remote landscapes, spanning from European familiarity to North American unknowns. While each of these begins with inevitable preparation, it is the art of embracing the unexpected that brings these experiences to life. Every step, whether through bustling cityscapes or tranquil countryside, adds another piece to this evolving anthology of exploration. As new horizons continue to beckon, I look forward to sharing more discoveries with you, letting each journey inspire the next in an endless quest for wonder.

Newfoundland & Labrador: Where Ancient History Meets Wild Beauty

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Newfoundland and Labrador forms Canada's easternmost province, where rugged coastlines, historic settlements and untamed wilderness create a uniquely compelling destination. From the colourful row houses of St. John's to the ancient Norse settlements of L'Anse aux Meadows and from the hidden coves of the Southwest Coast to the ski slopes of Marble Mountain, this vast region offers visitors an extraordinary blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders. Throughout the province, visitors will find accommodation ranging from urban hotels to rural guesthouses, particularly in tourism hubs like Rocky Harbour near Gros Morne or Elliston and Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula.

Natural Wonders

The province's crown jewel is Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic fjords and cliffs, as well as diverse ecosystems. Along the coastline, the East Coast Trail spans over 300 kilometres, offering hikers breathtaking views of cliffs and fjords while connecting numerous coastal communities along the Avalon Peninsula. During spring and early summer, visitors can witness one of nature's most spectacular shows as icebergs drift along the province's shores, easily tracked through local monitoring systems.

For those seeking additional walking opportunities, the Grand Concourse network of trails throughout St. John's metropolitan area provides excellently maintained paths for all abilities. More ambitious hikers can tackle the provincial portion of the International Appalachian Trail, which extends from Port aux Basques through Gros Morne National Park to Crow Head, adding roughly 1,200 kilometres to the international trail network.

Parks and Heritage

The province maintains an extensive network of provincial parks offering camping and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. These protected areas provide visitors with well-maintained facilities and access to some of the region's most spectacular landscapes. Complementing these natural spaces, the province's historic sites preserve and celebrate the region's rich heritage, from its Indigenous past through to its maritime history. In St. John's, Pippy Park offers an urban oasis with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean, providing year-round recreational opportunities within the capital's boundaries.

Cultural Heritage

St. John's, the provincial capital, serves as a vibrant hub of culture and history, with iconic landmarks such as Signal Hill and Cape Spear drawing visitors throughout the year. Just a short journey from St. John's lies Bell Island, where visitors can explore rich coastal scenery and delve into the area's fascinating mining heritage. In Bonavista, visitors can explore the province's rich maritime history while enjoying some of the region's finest coastal scenery.

The region's Irish heritage is beautifully preserved along the Irish Loop, a 312-kilometre scenic drive through fishing villages and coastal vistas on the southeast portion of the Avalon Peninsula with opportunities for wildlife spotting, including puffins and whales. Along the way, visitors can explore notable attractions such as the Colony of Avalon in Ferryland and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, which is home to some of the world's oldest fossils.

For those exploring by road, the Viking Trail offers a remarkable journey along the western coast, connecting historical sites and showcasing the province's Norse heritage, whilst the French Shore presents a unique cultural landscape shaped by centuries of European fishing history. Another driving route is The Heritage Run, beginning at the Trans Canada Highway in Goobies, guides travellers through the Burin Peninsula's diverse landscapes, from fertile woodlands to stark barrens and dramatic coastal vistas. In central Newfoundland, the vibrant community of Grand Falls-Windsor provides an ideal stopping point, offering visitors a blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Getting There & Around

The province is connected to the outside world through various transportation options. Marine Atlantic operates essential ferry services linking Newfoundland with Nova Scotia through Channel Port aux Basques, whilst regional airlines like Air Borealis arrive in and depart from Goose Bay Airport, St. John's International Airport, Deer Lake Regional Airport and Gander International Airport, with the historic aviation town of Gander serving as a crucial transportation hub. Within the province, both Labrador West and Nunatsiavut Marine connect Newfoundland with Labrador, while the former of these also connects coastal communities within Labrador itself. The province also operates its own ferry services, so these also are worth checking to see if they help you get to where you need to be.

Public transport options include the Metrobus system in St. John's and the DRL-LR coach service, which connects 25 communities between St. John's and Port aux Basques. While the DRL-LR service may seem infrequent, with there being only one departure in each direction a day, one only need to look up the distances involved to realise the undertaking that it is. Since this is outside of day trip territory, you need to be sure of your accommodation before travelling.

Southwestern Delights and Winter Sports

The Southwest Coast of Newfoundland offers visitors a compelling mix of rugged beauty and cultural heritage. From the historic lighthouse at Rose Blanche to the fertile landscapes of Codroy Valley, the region presents numerous hidden gems for exploration. The Port au Port Peninsula and Bay St. George South areas showcase the province's diverse coastal character, whilst Stephenville serves as a cultural hub for the region. Winter sports enthusiasts flock to Marble Mountain Resort, where a 750-metre vertical drop challenges skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. During summer months, the resort's scenic chairlift rides offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Labrador

The Labrador region presents a different face of the province, characterised by vast wilderness and profound Indigenous heritage. The Labrador Coastal Drive reveals breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences, while communities like Happy Valley-Goose Bay serve as gateways to outdoor adventures, including hiking, snowmobiling and dog sledding. The region's proximity to the Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve offers visitors unprecedented access to pristine wilderness. In the west, the region's industrial heritage comes alive in Labrador West, known as the Iron Ore Capital of Canada. The area, encompassing Labrador City and Wabush, offers year-round activities from winter skiing to summer geocaching, whilst the Gateway Labrador visitor centre provides fascinating insights into the region's culture and development.

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