zoomoozophone

Just starting to think about a late-summer trip to Newfoundland and would appreciate any input on what we should fit in! We'll have about two weeks, here's what I have so far - what should we add??

St. John's - 2 days
Gros Morne Nat'l Park - 4 - 5 days
L'Anse Aux Meadows - 2 days
Port Aux Basques (catching on the first and last days to and from the ferry)

We're into kayaking, wildlife and traditional Newfie music. Any suggestions on how to fill up our two weeks? Thanks - Sara

gannetmusic

When approximately were you planning on visiting? Had you at all considered returning [ or arriving.....] via the Argentia ferry.

cheers

Jerry

zoomoozophone

Hi Jerry - we're planning the last two weeks of August. Didn't think about taking the other ferry back, but will now!

nfldbeothuk

I gather you're driving. If you're bringing a kayak there are a lot of places in NL for sea kayaking. If you're looking for a rental/tour, Gros Morne Adventures (in the park) has an operation on the west coast. Terra Nova Adventures has a similar operation on the east coast, with "branches" in Terra Nova National Park (our grade 12 P.E. class thoroughly enjoyed it) and on the Avalon Peninsula. There are a number of well-known outfitters on the Avalon for kayaking: Wilderness Newfoundland Adventures & Eastern Edge Outfitters, for example. All of these have web sites.
Of course, Gros Morne has a number of hiking trails & chances for seeing wildlife. Close to St. John's, the East Coast Trail is a popular hiking destination.
For traditional Newfoundland experiences, I suggest taking a "loop" off the Trans Canada while crossing from the west coast to St. John's. The central circuit from Twillingate across to Wesleyville(leave TCH at Lewisporte; return at Gambo) or Bonavista-Trinity (leave TCH at Port Blanford; return at Clarenville) are both good choices.
For the first, Lewisporte's "Mussell Bed Soiree" is on the 2nd week of August; you're too late for the icebergs in Twillingate, but it has museums, a dinner theatre , and the area from Lumsden to New-Wes-Valley has great beaches, another dinner theatre at the Barbour Premises in Newtown.
For the Bonavista Peninsula, Bonavista has several historic homes & a replica of John Cabot's ship the Matthew; Trinity has a summer-long professional theatre festival and is a very scenic/historic spot.
The provincial web site, http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com"...ndlabrador.com has links to these things, and a lot more.

The Argentia ferry avoids recrossing the island; just remember that it's 14 hours long.

zoomoozophone

Wow - so much information! Thanks! We plan to rent kayaks, so the tour company info is especially useful. I hadn't heard of many of the small towns, so I'll plan to investigate them.

As to the ferry, 14 hours does seem like a long time to sit on a boat. Is it in any better to do a complete circle around the island and depart from Port Aux Basques? Or is this just wasting time?

George

Hi: I would certainly recommend taking the Argentia ferry one way. Arriving in Port-aux-Basques you're 905 kms from St. John's. Based on your itinerary, you will be crossing the Province twice on the TCH. The two weeks available will not allow you to make a lot of detours off the TCH, with the exception of Bonavista and/or Twillingate.

If possible, I would recommend one more day in St. John's - plenty to see & do.

I know that 14 hours on the ferry seems like a really boring way to spend a day. But we've found that the time passes pretty quickly. There are TV viewing areas, movies, a lounge with music, gift shop, board games, and a cafeteria that serves decent food at decent prices. Most of all, we enjoy chatting with our fellow passengers about their travels.

Regards.