I'm in the early stages of planning a 2-week trip to Newfoundland and wonder if anyone can recommend a good guide to the province -- something that shares some history, describes what one is seeing, where to eat and stay and so forth. I've already sent for the government's official book and map but wonder if there are any good privately-published refernces. Thank you.

I see that the Moon Handbook series, which has a good guidebook on the Rockies, also has a guidebook on Atlantic Canada (including Newfoundland).

http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/p/1618/mcms.html

Other good background reading is anything by Helge Ingstad and Anne Ingstad, who discovered the Norse settlement at L'Anse Aux Meadows:

http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/p/20673/mcms.html

"A Hiking Guide to the National Parks adn Historic Sites of Newfoundland", by Barbara Maryniak is terrific. It is small and compact, and gives detailed description and history of many trails and historic sites. It was indispenable to us on our trip. It doesn't however, list places to stay or eat.

HI Sluggo, I just wanted to let you know that the official book from the tourist department is great. I think you'll be pleased with all there is in it. It does list accommodations and different driving tours and most of what you will need. I've been twice now and really love it. I'm sure you'll have a great time. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

We visited in laste June/early July 2003. Agree with Kodi that the official tourism book is great - complete listings and accomodation ratings were fair. Did supplement planning with Fodors and a book by the "other" travel book starting with "F". Can't recall but I think they were editions which covered the Maritimes and Newfoundland.

Would be happy to share experience if you let us know your timing, preferences, etc. We did post a brief trip report last July or August in this forum.

One word of advice - if you are travelling at peak time and are selective on your accomodation, book early. Many of our choices were booked by April and May.

If you can find it, Patrick O'Flaherty's "Come Near at Your Peril" is a wonderful guidebook by Newfoundland writer.

If you are interested in hiking, picnicing and sightseeing on foot, check out the East Coast Trails Association guidebooks. They are updated frequently and are truly excellent.

Oh yes, I agree with LJ. The East Coast Trails book is great. Check out their website for great information.
We did some hiking on the trail and it was great.

Thank you all for the recommendations. Just from the information I've found on this site, we're quite excited about the trip already. I'm sure I'll post frequently with more questions.
Thanks for the tip, dial. I expect to book everything by February, as soon as our dates are firm.

I don't have a guide book for you, but just wanted you to know Newfoundland was a very memorable, wonderful trip. Drove around pretty much the "whole island".

It was pretty neat to see for the first time icebergs "not on TV" and whales "in the wild".

A completely different part of Canada & very friendly, helpful people - especially in the small coastal villages.

Happy planning!

p.s. - it is well worth paying the extra for the "bunkbed dorm-like rooms" if you are taking an overnight ferry.

Thanks, Syv. We'll be flying in and out as driving would take 3 days each way. Today I got a packet of materials from my sister's friend, which will make planning much easier. I'm happy we'll have two weeks to explore this fantastic province. I'm in love already!

While waiting for your official government guide book to arrive, you can check out their online website at www.gov.nf.ca/tourism I booked our entire two week NF vacation in 2000 online using this website and wouldn't hesitate to repeat the experience. You might also consider reading the book Cod by Mark Kalansky (sp?). You will gain an appreciation of the history of the province as well as an insight into the the impact of the Cod Moratorium on the fishing industry in NF.