NFLD in September?
Mar 11th, 2008, 09:09 AM
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NFLD in September?
My husband and I generally like to travel in the Fall, when kids are back in school and the weather is still mostly fine. I have seen a couple of comments about tourist services being unavailable after Labour Day. Is that the case? We plan to be in Newfoundland for about 4 weeks and I would hate to be struggling to find accommodation or other services.
All advice appreciated!
All advice appreciated!
Mar 11th, 2008, 11:19 AM
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September is a great time to go! It is unlikely that anyything you are interested in would be closed that early in the season (well, except for the poor deluded folks I saw heading for Marble Mountain once with skis in August: skiing is closed until December...)
Do check out the tourism website at newfoundlandlabrador.com for SEpt events. The trees will be starting to change before you leave esp. in Western NL and on the Northern Peninsula.
It is never too early to book the most popular accom. as great hotels and B&B's in some areas like Twillingate, Gros Morne area downtown St. John's are very popular.
Do go berry picking if you go in September: it is a great deal of fun and you will get to see the real NL.
Do check out the tourism website at newfoundlandlabrador.com for SEpt events. The trees will be starting to change before you leave esp. in Western NL and on the Northern Peninsula.
It is never too early to book the most popular accom. as great hotels and B&B's in some areas like Twillingate, Gros Morne area downtown St. John's are very popular.
Do go berry picking if you go in September: it is a great deal of fun and you will get to see the real NL.
Mar 11th, 2008, 11:37 AM
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Thanks LJ.
I have used the website to order a guide already! There is obviously more to see than we can possibly sqeeze into four weeks!
Do you have any suggestions for places that we could stay for several nights at a time for a base? We do not want to be on the road to a new bed every night, so some centrally located towns would be wonderful.
We love historic buildings, good food, walking, nature, the sea, views, small towns - if that helps!!
Thanks!
I have used the website to order a guide already! There is obviously more to see than we can possibly sqeeze into four weeks!
Do you have any suggestions for places that we could stay for several nights at a time for a base? We do not want to be on the road to a new bed every night, so some centrally located towns would be wonderful.
We love historic buildings, good food, walking, nature, the sea, views, small towns - if that helps!!
Thanks!
Mar 11th, 2008, 11:55 AM
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In St. John', if you like B&B's, I always recommend Maunder Manor ((709) 726-5304...Don and Yvonne are amazing hosts, you are in the heart of that fine old city and both ambiance and price are right. From St. John's you can explore the Avalon Peninsula.Don't miss St. Mary's Bay down the other way.
Then for the western part, Corner Brook is a good place to start. Try the Glyn Mill Inn. It is right in town and there are several good restaurants. You can 'do' much of Marble Mountain and Gros Morne from there and don't forget the Humber River Valley, Blomidon Park and a trip to Captain Cooks Restuarant. If you are feeling wealthy, Strawberry Hill Resort is a very pretty place to stay, but isolated.
Finally, assuming you are planning on L'anse aux Meadows and the Viking Site,you are best to book any accomodation on the Northern Peninsula by recco's from folks who have been there more recently as B&B's tend to open and close quite quickly and that is pretty much all you will find as you get further north.
Have fun and post more specific questions as you get closer to the date.
Then for the western part, Corner Brook is a good place to start. Try the Glyn Mill Inn. It is right in town and there are several good restaurants. You can 'do' much of Marble Mountain and Gros Morne from there and don't forget the Humber River Valley, Blomidon Park and a trip to Captain Cooks Restuarant. If you are feeling wealthy, Strawberry Hill Resort is a very pretty place to stay, but isolated.
Finally, assuming you are planning on L'anse aux Meadows and the Viking Site,you are best to book any accomodation on the Northern Peninsula by recco's from folks who have been there more recently as B&B's tend to open and close quite quickly and that is pretty much all you will find as you get further north.
Have fun and post more specific questions as you get closer to the date.
Mar 11th, 2008, 01:22 PM
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Hi StormsEnd,
Could I inquire as to what type of accomodations you prefer: motels, B&Bs, or fully equipped cottages/apartments?
Knowing your preferences would assist in making recommendations.
As LJ said, most seasonal attractions seem to remain open at least thru Sept. 30th.
Regards
Could I inquire as to what type of accomodations you prefer: motels, B&Bs, or fully equipped cottages/apartments?
Knowing your preferences would assist in making recommendations.
As LJ said, most seasonal attractions seem to remain open at least thru Sept. 30th.
Regards
Mar 11th, 2008, 02:06 PM
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Hi George,
Our preference is either B&B or self-contained, cottage or similar. Not motels or large chain type hotels. We would be in the moderate price range, looking for clean rooms, friendly hosts, private bath, preferably by the sea with some charm, etc.
We would rather spend money doing things than on expensive accommodation, but do enjoy a splurge as well.
LJ - the places that you mention are all on my list. My idea is to have a few bases that can be used for day-tripping, then have travel days inbetween. It worked well for us in Ireland!
Alison
Our preference is either B&B or self-contained, cottage or similar. Not motels or large chain type hotels. We would be in the moderate price range, looking for clean rooms, friendly hosts, private bath, preferably by the sea with some charm, etc.
We would rather spend money doing things than on expensive accommodation, but do enjoy a splurge as well.
LJ - the places that you mention are all on my list. My idea is to have a few bases that can be used for day-tripping, then have travel days inbetween. It worked well for us in Ireland!
Alison
Mar 12th, 2008, 06:46 PM
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Hi StormsEnd,
Let me make some recommendations of a few of our favorite accomodations across the Province. Let me know if there's an area I didn't mention.
St.John's - Of course, within the city there are all types in all price ranges. We prefer to stay just ourside the city. I can strongly recommend "Commerford's Oceanview Suites" in the town of Holyrood,about 40 km from St. John's, at the southern end of Conception Bay. Their website is www.oceanviewefficiencyunits.com. These are spotlessly clean, fully furnished units. We have stayed there every summer since 2002 for between 6-30 nights.
Bonavista Peninsula - "Captain Blackmore's Heritage Manor" in the town of Port Union, midway between Trinity and Bonavista. This a lovingly resorted heritage home. The website is www.captainblackmores.com.
Twillingate - I guess the best place to stay is the "Harbour Lights Inn B&B" www.harbourlightsinn.com. Seems to be a lack of first rate accomodations & dining in this area.
Rocky Harbour - The last two years we've stayed at "Mountain Range Cottages" These are well furnished, clean, and rather secluded, although only minutes from Main St. in Rocky Harbour. www.mountainrangecottages.com.
Northern Peninsula - For a B&B the "Viking Village" in L'Anse aux Meadows was pretty good. "The Haven Inn Motel" in St. Anthony was adequate and has a good dining room. www.haveninn.ca.
Labrador - Not sure if this is in your plans, but if you do go stay at "Seaview Cabins" in Forteau. These aren't really "cabins" but rather one-bedroom apts. Very roomy, well-furnished with jacuzzi, washers & dryers are free. Down the road is the "Seaview Restaurant", where you check-in. They have the best seafood chowder I've ever tasted.
Cape St. George, Western Newfoundland - "Inn At The Cape". This place is amazing! Sits high on a hill overlooking whale feeding grounds. Beautifully appointed rooms with balcony. Full breakfast & dinner included in rates, both of which are outstanding. Website is www.innatthecape.com. All of this for about CAD $100 per night.
Hope this helps a bit.
Let me make some recommendations of a few of our favorite accomodations across the Province. Let me know if there's an area I didn't mention.
St.John's - Of course, within the city there are all types in all price ranges. We prefer to stay just ourside the city. I can strongly recommend "Commerford's Oceanview Suites" in the town of Holyrood,about 40 km from St. John's, at the southern end of Conception Bay. Their website is www.oceanviewefficiencyunits.com. These are spotlessly clean, fully furnished units. We have stayed there every summer since 2002 for between 6-30 nights.
Bonavista Peninsula - "Captain Blackmore's Heritage Manor" in the town of Port Union, midway between Trinity and Bonavista. This a lovingly resorted heritage home. The website is www.captainblackmores.com.
Twillingate - I guess the best place to stay is the "Harbour Lights Inn B&B" www.harbourlightsinn.com. Seems to be a lack of first rate accomodations & dining in this area.
Rocky Harbour - The last two years we've stayed at "Mountain Range Cottages" These are well furnished, clean, and rather secluded, although only minutes from Main St. in Rocky Harbour. www.mountainrangecottages.com.
Northern Peninsula - For a B&B the "Viking Village" in L'Anse aux Meadows was pretty good. "The Haven Inn Motel" in St. Anthony was adequate and has a good dining room. www.haveninn.ca.
Labrador - Not sure if this is in your plans, but if you do go stay at "Seaview Cabins" in Forteau. These aren't really "cabins" but rather one-bedroom apts. Very roomy, well-furnished with jacuzzi, washers & dryers are free. Down the road is the "Seaview Restaurant", where you check-in. They have the best seafood chowder I've ever tasted.
Cape St. George, Western Newfoundland - "Inn At The Cape". This place is amazing! Sits high on a hill overlooking whale feeding grounds. Beautifully appointed rooms with balcony. Full breakfast & dinner included in rates, both of which are outstanding. Website is www.innatthecape.com. All of this for about CAD $100 per night.
Hope this helps a bit.
Mar 18th, 2008, 04:51 AM
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Hi Alison,
Can't say that we've ever visited NFLD in September, but we did do a May trip there in 2006. I'd recommend scheduling the Western side first, especially if you're looking at Labrador or L'anse aux Meadows. Then explore Gros Mourne NP before heading east. You'll be safe without reservations in the larger cities such as Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Gander, but I'd strongly suggest making and then confirming (enroute)reservations elsewhere, even in the tourist areas as Newfies seem to operate a bit differently than we do here in the Chicago burbs. To cite an example, when we scheduled our trip in ' 06 our dates were determined in part by the start date of the boat trip to Western Brook Pond which was listed in the official travel guide and on the website. I even called a couple of weeks ahead and tried to make reservations two days after the opening date as listed in the guide, but they wouldn't take my CC # or confirm my reserveration (A big <font color="red">RED</font> flag there, which I ignored.) After flying into Deer Lake, I again called to confirm our reservation, but was told that they wouldn't take the boat out that early in the season without at least 8 paying customers. As there were four of us in our party, I offered to pay double if they'd take us out to no avail. Later at the Gros Morne Visitors Center that day, I learned that the boat was in dry dock as it was being repainted and wouldn't be ready until sometime the following week...so much for the schedule listed in the guide!
I do not want to leave you with a negative impression of the locals, however, as my husband and I have always found them to be quite helpful and very geniune. Since 9/11, we have tried to stay in a community around Gander for a day or two to bring some of our tourist dollars back to the people who opened their communities and their homes to the travelers who were grounded there when the US closed its airspace for several days. We've stayed at the Lilac Inn in Glovertown and it is a lovely facility. Just east of there you will find a small peninsula jutting out into Bonavista Bay which is often skipped by tourists as they head over to Terra Nova NP and on to the more touristy Bonavista Peninsula. The towns of Eastport and Salvage each had a B&B when we were last there and they're certainly worthy of a stop if you're looking for a bit of adventure off the beaten path.
Can't say that we've ever visited NFLD in September, but we did do a May trip there in 2006. I'd recommend scheduling the Western side first, especially if you're looking at Labrador or L'anse aux Meadows. Then explore Gros Mourne NP before heading east. You'll be safe without reservations in the larger cities such as Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Gander, but I'd strongly suggest making and then confirming (enroute)reservations elsewhere, even in the tourist areas as Newfies seem to operate a bit differently than we do here in the Chicago burbs. To cite an example, when we scheduled our trip in ' 06 our dates were determined in part by the start date of the boat trip to Western Brook Pond which was listed in the official travel guide and on the website. I even called a couple of weeks ahead and tried to make reservations two days after the opening date as listed in the guide, but they wouldn't take my CC # or confirm my reserveration (A big <font color="red">RED</font> flag there, which I ignored.) After flying into Deer Lake, I again called to confirm our reservation, but was told that they wouldn't take the boat out that early in the season without at least 8 paying customers. As there were four of us in our party, I offered to pay double if they'd take us out to no avail. Later at the Gros Morne Visitors Center that day, I learned that the boat was in dry dock as it was being repainted and wouldn't be ready until sometime the following week...so much for the schedule listed in the guide!
I do not want to leave you with a negative impression of the locals, however, as my husband and I have always found them to be quite helpful and very geniune. Since 9/11, we have tried to stay in a community around Gander for a day or two to bring some of our tourist dollars back to the people who opened their communities and their homes to the travelers who were grounded there when the US closed its airspace for several days. We've stayed at the Lilac Inn in Glovertown and it is a lovely facility. Just east of there you will find a small peninsula jutting out into Bonavista Bay which is often skipped by tourists as they head over to Terra Nova NP and on to the more touristy Bonavista Peninsula. The towns of Eastport and Salvage each had a B&B when we were last there and they're certainly worthy of a stop if you're looking for a bit of adventure off the beaten path.
Mar 18th, 2008, 07:13 AM
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Kudos to Retired Teacher for filling in some blanks and for pointing out that the tourism industry in NL is still a little on the unsophisticated side. (I loved the story of the boat in dry dock with none of the locals willing to 'fess up and have NO trouble believing it!)
Eastport and Salvage (pronounced as if the 'vage' part rhymes with page) are lovely communities, but you would need to book in advance there as these towns are very popular with Newfoundlanders as weekend getaways all through the season.
And, totally off the record, please do not refer to Newfoundlander/Labradorians as 'Newfies': it is considered a slur when used by non-NL's and even among those of us who are from there, is used with great care. Many years ago, 'mainlanders' (those from the rest of Canada) used to tell 'Newfie' jokes in the same way that unenlightened folks told ____ jokes (substitute the underdog of the day). For many, this still stings.
Eastport and Salvage (pronounced as if the 'vage' part rhymes with page) are lovely communities, but you would need to book in advance there as these towns are very popular with Newfoundlanders as weekend getaways all through the season.
And, totally off the record, please do not refer to Newfoundlander/Labradorians as 'Newfies': it is considered a slur when used by non-NL's and even among those of us who are from there, is used with great care. Many years ago, 'mainlanders' (those from the rest of Canada) used to tell 'Newfie' jokes in the same way that unenlightened folks told ____ jokes (substitute the underdog of the day). For many, this still stings.
Mar 19th, 2008, 05:06 AM
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LJ, thank you for being so kind in correcting me for I did not mean to be politically incorrect. I thought that it was a term of endearment and shall not use it again!
As to tourism in Newfoundland, my husband and I have noticed great strides since our first trip to 'the Rock' back when most of the B&B signage was handpainted or hand stenciled on small wooden boards and even some motel accommodations were not always obvious. One night my husband and I got into a terrible argument as I had made reservations at the Plum Point Motel on the northern arm knowing that we would arrive well after dark with the thought that this facility would best accommodate our schedule that evening. DH drove through town several times while I frantically searched back through my notes looking for clues.... Yes, we were in the right town and my notes indicated that we were looking for a large facility that even took tour buses, so why couldn't we find it? Making another pass, DH spotted a long, single story structure with a lit porch light and no visible signage. We had arrived! The next morning we discovered that our motel was in fact a large two story structure, with the lower story set into the hillside blocking it from view with a large unlit wooden sign on the rooftop.
Subsequent trips to Newfoundland have taught me to reconfirm reservations with small establishments and to go with the flow especially during low tourist seasons.... However, your provience is a treasure which my husband and I continue to enjoy with each subsequent trip.
As to tourism in Newfoundland, my husband and I have noticed great strides since our first trip to 'the Rock' back when most of the B&B signage was handpainted or hand stenciled on small wooden boards and even some motel accommodations were not always obvious. One night my husband and I got into a terrible argument as I had made reservations at the Plum Point Motel on the northern arm knowing that we would arrive well after dark with the thought that this facility would best accommodate our schedule that evening. DH drove through town several times while I frantically searched back through my notes looking for clues.... Yes, we were in the right town and my notes indicated that we were looking for a large facility that even took tour buses, so why couldn't we find it? Making another pass, DH spotted a long, single story structure with a lit porch light and no visible signage. We had arrived! The next morning we discovered that our motel was in fact a large two story structure, with the lower story set into the hillside blocking it from view with a large unlit wooden sign on the rooftop.
Subsequent trips to Newfoundland have taught me to reconfirm reservations with small establishments and to go with the flow especially during low tourist seasons.... However, your provience is a treasure which my husband and I continue to enjoy with each subsequent trip.
