Newfoundland Hiking
 

I rarely see posts regarding the province of Newfoundland, so I'm not sure if this will generate any response!<BR>My husband and I are visiting in July, and are trying to narrow our hiking choices in Gros Morne and Terra Nova. We definitely want to do the boat trip, but Gros Morne Mt.{James Callihan sp?} Green Gardens {long or short version better?} and several others look good also. Favorites? Thanks!<BR>

This really want help, but last year I spent a week in St. John's Newfoundland and on the Avalon Peninsula. LOVED IT. Nicest people and the weather was gorgeourss. June. Everything I saw and heard though makes me want to go back and tour Gros Morne. If that is your choice would love to hear a report when you return.

I hiked the Gros Morne Mountain Trail last August and I would say that for me it's the most rewarding hike that I have ever done. Just don't plan to do too much the next day! My legs were sore for a week. Get an early start for a more solitary experience.

Thanks, "Yank" and Gavin. I guess I'm not alone after all in finding Newfoundland appealing!<BR>Yank, without exception, every person I've known who has visited the province has raved about the scenery and commented on how very friendly and welcoming the people are - my kind of place! I'll give a report in August or Sept., for sure.<BR>I've learned that the Gros Morne Trail is on the list of most who enjoy hiking, but also that it is grueling! Thanks for the thumbs-up, Gavin, that it is indeed worth the effort! We'll be sure and get there early. Can't wait!<BR>

You might find my trip report to be of some interest.<BR><BR>http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/maybank/...NF-08-2001.htm

Gavin, What a great report - made me feel like picking up and leaving for Newfoundland immediately! <BR>Though not nearly as knowledgable as you about different bird species,my husband and I also love nature and animals, and were excited to learn about the wildlife you saw. Other exciting plans we have are to take a kayaking trip {Avalon area}, where we hope to see whales, puffins {you may be familiar with another great place to see puffins - on Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine and New Brunswick}, etc., and as you did, to see the gannets and other birds at Cape St. Mary's. We'll hope for some clear days!<BR>Thanks!

Hi Laurali,<BR><BR>I would definitely do Gros Morne over Terra Nova. Terra Nova is nice, but Gros Morne is absolutely beautiful, some of the most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen. It's just stunning.<BR><BR>And Yank is right, St. John's is wonderful too...a very unique city. I might be a little biased because I'm from here, but I loved in Toronto for 4 years, and many friends of mine who've come to visit have said it's the most beautiful place they've ever been.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip! Email me if you have any more questions.<BR><BR>Christy<BR>:)

Hi Christy,<BR>I appreciate the info. We planned several days at Gros Morne, but probably won't have time for more than a short hike/drive at Terra Nova. I'm sure that Terra Nova has its appeal, but its good to know that with limited time {even with 16 days!}, we are making the right decision concentrating on Gros Morne. We would like to hike both Gros Morne Mt. and Green Gardens,and a few shorter trails, if our legs hold up! Are we missing a lot if we do only the short version of Green Gardens?<BR>We have also planned an onernight in St. Johns, where we plan on visiting a pub or two for some good Newfoundland music,visiting Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and just walking around and enjoying the city. Is there any special relatively informal retaurant that you would reccommend?<BR>Thanks again, Laurali<BR>

Hi Laurali:<BR>You'll definately enjoy our island, scenery & people, I came back here 20 yrs ago and really enjoy the life. You asked about a few restaurants, Django's is nice for a special meal, also the Duck Street Bistro - amazing soups & entrees. Local pubs, Nautical Nellies on Water St., any pubs on George Street,<BR>

Thanks, Denise!<BR>I made note of the restaurants and pubs you suggested.

Laurali - how was your trip????????? :)

Newfoundland was amazing! Thanks, Christy, for asking.<BR>We took your advise and concentrated on Gros Morne. The scenery and hiking was spectacular, though the hike up the rock face of Gros Morne Mt. was a bit scary! The Green Gardens reminded us a bit of Hawaii.<BR>An iceburg at close range is indescribably beautiful. Whales swam right under our kayak near Witless Bay, and we saw fox, moose, caribou and eagles.<BR>People everywhere were so friendly - we did mostly b&bs. We were a bit surprised that more Americans weren't visiting, especially given the favorable US dollar, and warm reception given the plane passengers after 9/11. We were in the minority.<BR>We did get to St. Johns, but, sadly, for just one night. What a unique city!<BR>We liked strolling around the historic downtown and had a delicious lunch at Duckworth Bistro. We walked to Signal Hill in the evening - beautiful views over the city, and enjoyed the new Geo-museum the next rainy a.m. <BR>I could go on and on - definitely intend to return one day. Thanks to all of you for the tips! L.<BR>