skszy

Newfoundland has been in the back of my mind for a little while now, and I recently stumbled onto Quirpon Lighthouse Inn. I'm thinking of possibly going there for a solo trip in June, but after seeing how far and remote it is, I' m beginning to think of alternate places. I'm female, have never traveled solo, mid 40's, live in northeast, USA, and not really athletic. Yet...despite all this, for some crazy reason, I am drawn to Newfoundland in general, and this place in particular - and I'm not quite sure why..

I have just started to research this, but just wanted to ask if anyone would be willing to provide any opinions or suggestions.
I'm most concerned about:
1- logistics of how to get there - it seems best to fly into Deer Lake airport, then rent a car and drive to the end, then take a ferry? Do you take the rental car with you on the ferry? Any problem on the long drive? How long of a car ride is it?
2- is this trip too ambitious for a first solo trip? Do you think I should perhaps go somewhere else in Newfoundland - St. John's for example?
3- oh, are the black flies really that bad?

I started researching this a little late...if anyone at all can provide any information, I thank you all in advance. I just joined Fodor, and just getting familar with this forum, so any pointers/suggestions is much appreciated!

SusieQQ - I saw that the only search results that came up with this INN, was your post in 2006, so if you especially would be able to give me any insight/opinions, I'd greatly appreciate it!!
thank you.

SusieQQ

skszy, I went to Quirpon Lighthouse Inn with a small group, but you can certainly do it solo. I spent a few days in St. John's, which I highly recommend, and then flew to St. Anthony. There you can take a taxi to the dock in Quirpon. Transportation by boat to the Island is included in the room price. There are no cars on Quirpon Island, infact there are no roads.

skszy

Thanks SusieQQ! I had no idea there was an airport closer than Deer Park. I just searched, and the only airline that I can find that flies from St. john to St. Anthony is Provincial Air? Is this the one you took? I see the price for this flight alone is currently 475, this trip might be a little too $$ for me right now, but still undecided and hopeful. If you could give me any other helpful information about any part of your trip, I'd appreciate it!

SusieQQ

Yes, it was Provincial Air, but although I don't remember what I paid, I know it was no where near that much.
On my trip I was solo in St. John's and just loved it. It has a great museum, The Rooms, and is a fun town to stroll and eat in. One day I had a taxi driver take me around. That day I saw Signal Hill, Quidi, Vidi,govenment houses, Mile One Stadium, The Battery,etc. There is also a bus tour that you can take to these sights.
I joined a very small group, Classical Pursuits, to go to Quirpon Island. Quirpon Island is deserted except for the Inn and the three people who run it. There are lots of walking and hiking trails, whales and birds can been seen right in front and the food was outstanding. On our way back to the mainland we saw numerous icebergs. Before going back to the airport at St. Anthony we visited the Viking Site, L'Anse aux Meadows....
the people was extremely nice and friendly and I would highly recommend going to Newfoundland.

skszy

Hi SusieQQ, thanks again for your suggestions! I am now leaning more towards going to St. John's for 3 nights. I came across a place called Witless Bay that I'd like to go to as well. Time wise, I do have a week vacation, so I could also go to Quirpon Island, but right now I'm still struggling with whether the extra expense would warrant the trip. The more I research St. John's, the more I think this alone would satisfy me for my introduction to Newfoundland, but not sure. In your opinion, do you agree, or would you recommend just going for it and going to Quirpon Island as well? Budget wise, if I went, I'd have to scale down in St. John's lodging and meals, and perhaps cut my trip by a day. I don't know anyone personally who has gone there or knows anything about Newfoundland, and sometimes researching on the net can't give you a real feel, so I thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions! One more question, do you recall how long the taxi was from St. Anthony airport to the dock? I wonder if cabs are at the airport? thank you.

SusieQQ

Just my own personal opinion, I would just stay in the St.John's area...since that rate for the flight seems really extreme to me. St. John's was great!
The taxi ride from the airport to the dock was about an hour. We had a pre-arranged taxi, so I don't know if they are generally available. If you book at the Inn you could ask them. Everyone we met in the Quirpon area was either related or knew each other. I don't think there are many taxi drivers. The one who picked us up wasn't available for the return trip, so a young girl who was the cousin of someone who knew someone else drove us, after stopping at her family's home to drop off something.