elberko

I'm thinking I might go to Newfoundland in mid-July, mostly to see puffins and whales. I would fly into St. Johns, and stay probably a week. I'll probably be traveling by myself--a slight concern. I can do NYC by myself, but boonies and car travel concern me a bit, for probably no good reason.

My question, at this point, is if I will find enough to keep me occupied for a week in St. John and the surounding area? I'm guessing I wouldn't do more than 1 boat trip. I would probably rent a car, but don't want to go too far afield.

Any random thoughts about my random thoughts? ��

cmcfong

GO! You loved Scotland and you'll love Newfoundland. Add Port Rexton to your time in St John, you will have a full and wonderful trip.

eliztravels2

I think you will find lots to do in and around St. John’s. Here a few of my favourites to get you started:

www.obriensboattours.ca About 30 minutes drive from St. John’s. The best whale watching I’ve ever experienced, And then there are all those puffins!

www.colonyofavalon.ca A small archeological site of a early settlement in Ferryland, about 30 minutes further down the coast from Bulls’ Bay

www.lighthousepicnis.ca A charming spot also in Ferryland. They give you a flag to mark your spot and blanket to spread on the grassy cliff high above the sea, You may be lucky a spot a whale as you wait for your lunch to be brought to you (in a picnic basket, of course)

Also, take a look at www.maxximvacations.com They have several self drive tours, which was how we saw Newfoundland the first time. We found there was a nice balance between prearranged events and time to explore on our own. Staying at the smaller inns and BnBs gave the opportunity to meet with other travellers and compare notes on different destinations.

Regardless of what you decide, don’t worry about being in ‘the boonies’ Newfoundland is laid back and not at all scary and the people are very friendly and more than willing to help if needed.

elberko

Thanks for the encouragement and the list of interesting things! This is sounding more doable all the time.

CindyW

Okay, I was just waiting for someone to ask about Newfoundland! My family went last July, and we LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! We are convinced that it's the friendliest place in the world! I think that you could be very happy visiting St. Johns for a week. There's so much beauty just right around there, and so many interesting little fishing villages. Go get some fish and chips and hear some local music at The Ship. Then eat some more fish and chips at Ches's. And check to see if they are doing the pottery bake at one of the beaches near St. Johns. That was a really fun experience! If you want to go to a sweet tiny village not too far away, plan to stay at Harbour Couture (rental) in Southport. OH, I am jealous!

elberko

I've made some initial refundable reservations, and am getting more exited about this trip!

Tentitively, I'll spend 3 days here:
http://trinityecotours.com

Then 4 days in St. Johns. My son may decide to join me--the photos from the Trinity site peaked his interest.

NGNewfoundland

Don't forget to pick up the National Geographic Travel Map of Newfoundland... a great help when designing itineraries --> http://tinyurl.com/nltourism