As stated in another post my wife and I are planning a four week trip to Newfoundland from UK next September. We're not into "attractions" or tourist traps but are interested in landscape, history, wildlife and just seeing what The Rock and life on it are like.
After arrival at Deer Lake we are thinking of spending the first eleven nights going north to St Anthony (via Labrador) then heading back to somewhere around Corner Brook for a couple of nights before heading east to eventually fly out of St John's.
One of the questions exercising our minds at present is whether or not we should get into the Port au Port Peninsula while in this part of NL (where we intend to explore down Highway 450). Is Port au Port Peninsula going to offer anything greatly different to what we will see elsewhere?
Thanks,
Michael
Port au Port Peninsula - worth a visit?
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The Port au Port Peninsula, while it does have its charms, is not unique and the entry-point town (Stephenville)is quite depressed.
You could get the same experience of fishing ports of days gone by and better scenery by heading west from Corner Brook down 450 along the Humber Arm to Blow Me Down Park (which is magnificent) and on to Lark Harbour and Little Port (which I gather you had already planned?)
LJ,
Thanks.
Looks like a 'no' then. That rather confirms our gut feeling and the omission will help give us a bit of slack in the schedule.
Michael
Actually if you are going to be in Corner Brook area for more than a single day heading down to Port au Port is an excellent day trip. Cape St. George is beautiful, good bird, whale watching, & wave watching. There is park on the south side of the pennisula with some wonderful hiking. The trails go up and over St. George's boot with some totally awesome wild scenery. I believe in all it is 30 km of trail and ends up out at the tip of the pennisula. We have seen moose on this trail and never any people. I have not ever read anything about this park in the tourism info but was introduced to it by a local. I took someone from the Corner Brook area there this past summer who travels about the island all the time. He was totally blown away by by the boot and did not even know it exists despite having been out on the Port au Port Pennisula. As to your question - I have been travelling to Newfoundland for the past 7 years and think the boot is unique and quite wild. Is it worth going out there? It all depends on what you are looking for. The Humber Arm out to Lark Harbour is a beautiful drive and another great day trip. In case you haven't investigated it yet, I suggest you head up to Red Bay & Battle Harbour in Labrador - tourist destinations but really good places. On the northern pennisula Cape Onion is my favorite place to stay. It is about 10-15 minutes from the Burnt Cape Ecogolical Preserve, about 40 mins from St. Anthony and L'ance Aux Meadows.
Good friends stayed at Cape St. George this summer. I'll ask them for their impressions.
The Labrador coast is certainly worth seeing, although the National Historic Site at Red Bay requires some imagination to appreciate. The interpretation centre there, however, is quite informative.
We regret that we didn't get to Battle Harbour this summer for lack of time. While travelling we met people who had visited or who were on their way. One couple was going back for their third time! Perhaps another time.
I heartily endorse katrinasl's recommendation of Cape Onion. We've stayed at the Tickle Inn there twice, and it's simply an unforgettable experience. However it may be closed for the season by the time you get there.
The nearby Burnt Cape Reserve is fascinating--but you must go with a park guide to appreciate it.