starfish1

Staying at Neddie's Harbour Inn at Norris Point, great place to stay and just spectacular scenery. Have been to Rocky Harbour and heading further north tomorrow to do the Western Brook Pond boat tour and some hiking. Any questions, I'll try and answer.

cmcfong

You are in my dream place. How did you get there? Please suggest some hikes? Are you traveling alone? Are you comfortable hiking alone or are you finding it easy to meet others? Where are you dining?

I am delighted you are willing to share your experiences, this is definitely on my wish list.

starfish1

Cmcfong, this place is a dream. Woke up this morning to an incredibly clear sky which makes it even dreamier. Arrived in St. John's last Monday and arrived Gros Morne on Sunday after taking our time driving across the island via Trinity/Bonavista and then Gambo. Traveling with my husband and we've only done a couple of the hikes close to Norris Point and Rocky Harbour. Heading for a coastal hike today. We've seen lots of solo travelers so I suspect if you're in good shape the hikes would not be a problem, I'm not sure I would hike Gros Morne itself solo as it's about an 8 hour hike. There are lots of shorter ones though. We have eaten dinner at Neddies which was/ is fantastic. The dining room is closed on Mondays so we ate at Jackie's in Rocky Harbour - great fish and chips. Also had a delicious lunch at Java Jack's in Rocky Harbour. We leave tomorrow from Deer Lake and will try and make it up to the Tablelands before our flight. Hope you can visit here one day, it is truly spectacular.

cmcfong

thank you so much, starfish. I hope you will add to this thread as you continue to enjoy your visit!

AnselmAdorne

starfish, thank you for posting this. I have been talking to a friend about a trip to Gros Morne next year. We had been thinking about July, but you are making me think that early September might be ideal.

Are you planning to climb Gros Morne?

starfish1

Just back after a great day hiking and exploring, can't say how fantastic this place is. Hiked the small Berry Hill trail and then the Coastal Trail before the hike out to the Western Brook Pond boat tour. Truly like finding Shangri-La. Hard to find areas this pristine and untouched by development, just raw nature as it was intended. Won't be doing the big Gros Morne hike, and don't feel deprived. There's just so much beauty here in general. Will do a couple of smaller hikes outside of Woody Point tomorrow before heading home, very full of pictures and memories of a fantastic place and people.

starfish1

AnselmeAdorne, meant to say September, according to the locals, is one of the best months to visit. I have to say the weather has been great. However, be aware that there are no whales or puffins if you also want to see them, better to come in July. Although this year they had a dreadful summer. Also, the places that rent kayaks/bikes have all closed for the season if that matters. We just tend to love traveling in September. Enjoy your trip planning, whenever you decide to go you are in for an amazing experience.

kodi

Ahhh I can picture it all and remember how much I love this area. I'm glad you enjoyed the Western Brook Pond boat tour . When we took it, the boat dropped off a couple of hikers at the far end. It was like they were entering such a pristine area. We all waved as the couple got smaller and smaller, as the boat left them behind. I've often wondered about them. I'm sure they enjoyed themselves.

mat54

It's been many many years since we visited Gros Morne but I remember being quite stunned by the unexpected beauty. The Western Brook Pond boat tour was a great experience. In those days years ago Newfoundland didn't get near as many visitors as it now does and we've wondered about going back, how different the experience might be. Of course now in September would, I would guess, be much less busy than it might be in July or August.

If you're travelling to/staying in other destinations within Newfoundland I would certainly be interested in hearing more of your experiences and recommendations.

starfish1

I'm in the process of getting ready to move but am tired of looking at boxes (aka procrastinating) so will do a seriously abridged trip report. Flew to St. John's where we stayed for two wonderful nights at Ryan Mansion. Lovely spot and vey handy to the sights/restaurants. Walked around the downtown area, admiring the Jelly Bean row houses on the way. I can see that on a gray day, they would sure lift your spirits, great, vibrant colours. Stopped for some fish and chips and a Quidi Vidi beer at Kelly's pub. Excellent! Took a cab to the top of Signal Hill and then did the hike down the coastal trail. We were lucky as it was a beautiful late summer day and you could see for miles. Walked back to our place, had tea in the beautiful courtyard and then headed out to dinner at Gypsy Tea Room, also excellent. Next day visited The Rooms, a very good way to get an historical perspective of the island and its people, enjoyed the exhibits and the art gallery. We had heard that at the convent on the grounds of the Basilica, there was a sculpture called the Veiled Virgin which was magnificent. Carved out of one piece of Carrera marble by Giovanni Strazza and given to the Presentation Sisters it is definitely worth a stop. You just go up to the front door of the convent after 10:30am and ring the bell. They will take you through for a wee tour, we loved it. In the afternoon, visited the Quidi Vidi brewery thinking they'd have food as well - wrong. Beer and only beer, which was very tasty though. Then a long walk back along Quidi Vidi lake to tea and then dinner at Bacalao which was absolutely fantastic. A contemporary twist on many traditional Newfoundland dishes, we'd highly recommend dinner or lunch there. Picked up our car the next morning and off to Cape Spear which was the windiest place I've ever been, just awesome. Then down the coast to Witless Bay and a nice lunch at the Irish Loop Cafe before heading to our next destination - Dildo (which is actually what a single peg that locks the oar on a dory is,for those who were going somewhere else!) where we had a great stay and dinner at Inn on the Bay. So this has turned into a bit longer than I'd intended and I'm off to make peace with my boxes. To be continued"...........