Suggestions for Travel Itineraries in Newfoundland
Jul 12th, 2010, 01:41 PM
#21
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Jackie,
I don't think it really matters if you stay in Bonavista or Trinity. They're not that far apart, really. It's probably about a half hour drive between the two. Stay wherever you can get accommodations.
Route 330 is probably not that bad. But it's similar to the Irish Loop. Slow driving in parts and not much to look at in sections. According to the govt website, it's about 2.5 hours to drive from Gambo to Gander Bay taking route 330 or an hour to use the TCH. http://www.stats.gov.nl.ca/DataTools...e/Default.aspx I thought it was longer than that so I take back what I said.
And unfortunately that's the only two routes to take. I don't really like saying that something is boring actually because what I might find boring, you may find exciting. For example, I don't think I could spend two days on Fogo Island but, from what you have written, you'll probably love it!
As far as Terra Nova is concerned, if you decide not to spend a night there, you could always spend a few hours there somewhere. It takes about 3.5-4 hours to drive from Gander to St. John's.
Good luck in deciding your route!! Whatever you pick will be grand.
Jill
I don't think it really matters if you stay in Bonavista or Trinity. They're not that far apart, really. It's probably about a half hour drive between the two. Stay wherever you can get accommodations.
Route 330 is probably not that bad. But it's similar to the Irish Loop. Slow driving in parts and not much to look at in sections. According to the govt website, it's about 2.5 hours to drive from Gambo to Gander Bay taking route 330 or an hour to use the TCH. http://www.stats.gov.nl.ca/DataTools...e/Default.aspx I thought it was longer than that so I take back what I said.
And unfortunately that's the only two routes to take. I don't really like saying that something is boring actually because what I might find boring, you may find exciting. For example, I don't think I could spend two days on Fogo Island but, from what you have written, you'll probably love it! As far as Terra Nova is concerned, if you decide not to spend a night there, you could always spend a few hours there somewhere. It takes about 3.5-4 hours to drive from Gander to St. John's.
Good luck in deciding your route!! Whatever you pick will be grand.
Jill
Jul 12th, 2010, 09:36 PM
#22
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Jackie
We went to Newfoundland last summer and absolutely loved it! You are certainly in for a treat.
Your comment about wanting to see the "authentic NF" was similar to one of my first comments I posted here.
"Besides seeing the places that are mentioned in the tour books, can anyone suggest a special or hidden spot that we just have to visit? Want to see the wonderful scenery where perhaps we can just sit and soak in the view. Walking or hiking to this special place would add to the fun.
Would also love to meet and interact with the people. Any interesting restaurants/coffee shops/etc that would help with that or that you think are rather unique."
Unlike other places we've visited, we really found all of NF to me quite genuine and unique. We stayed at B&B's which gave us a great chance to meet the people, but it wasn't unusual to just strike up a conversation with someone on the street or in a store. If you have the chance to attend a local supper (we went to a moose supper in Cow Head) or even a church service, you will certainly meet the locals and learn so much about the area.
In St John's, we asked a man where a particular restaurant was, and he pointed across the street. But then he said, "Wait. I'm not sure when it's open," and he ran across the street and halfway down the block to read their sign before he reported back to us. This was just so typical of what we encountered there.
We also thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Trinity Pageant. It gave us both laughs and tears as we learned about the history of the area.
The meadow headlands away Bonavista were one of my favorite places. I could have sat there for a long time amidst the wildflowers and crashing waves. Of course walking out to French Head (in Twillingate) and having lunch next to a 2000' iceberg wasn't too shabby either. But, alas, someone said there are no icebergs this year. I guess it's also late in the season, since we were there in June.
For your question about whether to stay in Trinity and/or Bonavista, I'd suggest Port Union. We stayed at Captain Blackmore's which is a very nice B&B. I'm sure there're other places there, too, and it's a nice mid-point stop. Hate to disagree with a native chipmunk, but I think it's more than half an hour between the two towns.
My other suggestion would be that when you return on Day 7 that you stay two nights on the Avalon Peninsula, since you say you want to explore it. I'm not always too interested in historical sites, but did enjoy the guided tour through Ferryland.
I know how tempting it is to try to see everything, but Newfoundland is one of those places that I think you'll have the best time when you really slow down and just wander in a smaller area, meeting the people and learning their history.
Enjoy!
We went to Newfoundland last summer and absolutely loved it! You are certainly in for a treat.
Your comment about wanting to see the "authentic NF" was similar to one of my first comments I posted here.
"Besides seeing the places that are mentioned in the tour books, can anyone suggest a special or hidden spot that we just have to visit? Want to see the wonderful scenery where perhaps we can just sit and soak in the view. Walking or hiking to this special place would add to the fun.
Would also love to meet and interact with the people. Any interesting restaurants/coffee shops/etc that would help with that or that you think are rather unique."
Unlike other places we've visited, we really found all of NF to me quite genuine and unique. We stayed at B&B's which gave us a great chance to meet the people, but it wasn't unusual to just strike up a conversation with someone on the street or in a store. If you have the chance to attend a local supper (we went to a moose supper in Cow Head) or even a church service, you will certainly meet the locals and learn so much about the area.
In St John's, we asked a man where a particular restaurant was, and he pointed across the street. But then he said, "Wait. I'm not sure when it's open," and he ran across the street and halfway down the block to read their sign before he reported back to us. This was just so typical of what we encountered there.
We also thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Trinity Pageant. It gave us both laughs and tears as we learned about the history of the area.
The meadow headlands away Bonavista were one of my favorite places. I could have sat there for a long time amidst the wildflowers and crashing waves. Of course walking out to French Head (in Twillingate) and having lunch next to a 2000' iceberg wasn't too shabby either. But, alas, someone said there are no icebergs this year. I guess it's also late in the season, since we were there in June.
For your question about whether to stay in Trinity and/or Bonavista, I'd suggest Port Union. We stayed at Captain Blackmore's which is a very nice B&B. I'm sure there're other places there, too, and it's a nice mid-point stop. Hate to disagree with a native chipmunk, but I think it's more than half an hour between the two towns.
My other suggestion would be that when you return on Day 7 that you stay two nights on the Avalon Peninsula, since you say you want to explore it. I'm not always too interested in historical sites, but did enjoy the guided tour through Ferryland.
I know how tempting it is to try to see everything, but Newfoundland is one of those places that I think you'll have the best time when you really slow down and just wander in a smaller area, meeting the people and learning their history.
Enjoy!
Jul 13th, 2010, 04:37 AM
#23
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Clousie, you are correct. I did underestimate the time a little. I just checked the government web site and it's about 45 minutes. Glad you pointed it out! Port Union would be a great halfway point if you can get accommodations there. The problem with that peninsula is that a lot of people vacation there so accommodations may be scarce.
Jackie, I just reread your original post and hope that you are still considering the Folk Festival in St. John's. It is a great event held in a beautiful park. It's a relaxed setting with people on lawn chairs and blankets and picnics. And, of course, great music. We're planning on going there ourselves with our young children.
Jill
Port Union would be a great halfway point if you can get accommodations there. The problem with that peninsula is that a lot of people vacation there so accommodations may be scarce. Jackie, I just reread your original post and hope that you are still considering the Folk Festival in St. John's. It is a great event held in a beautiful park. It's a relaxed setting with people on lawn chairs and blankets and picnics. And, of course, great music. We're planning on going there ourselves with our young children.
Jill
Jul 13th, 2010, 07:56 AM
#24
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@ Clouse - What's a Moose Supper? I've never heard of this.It sounds alluring forsure. Can you recommend any other great places to eat along the Bonavista. Do you think its necessary we grab a travel book on NFLD? We're contemplating canceling on of our nights in St Johns at the B&B to stay somewhere in the Avalon. Any recommendation on towns to stay and good B&Bs...?
@Jill - We will still be attending the Folk festival. Our trip is planned around making in back in time for that. Maybe we'll see you around!
I booked my accommodation in Bonavista. Captain's was booked so I took the other recommendation I was given.
@Jill - We will still be attending the Folk festival. Our trip is planned around making in back in time for that. Maybe we'll see you around!
I booked my accommodation in Bonavista. Captain's was booked so I took the other recommendation I was given.
Jul 13th, 2010, 04:06 PM
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Don't know if Clouse is around, but a moose supper is simply a community/service organization/church group fundraiser dinner, where the main course is...moose!
I haven't been around Bonavista for a couple of years, but on Fogo, Nicole's Cafe is good and has local seafood. If you stay at Malady Head campground in Terra Nova Park, you'll be only about 15 minutes from Eastport. I just came from a new restaurant there, in Happy Adventure (yes that's the community). I had the seafood chowder & crab cakes, but there were moose burgers on the menu. We almost didn't go in, as it has the uninviting name of "Chucky's", but the food was good & the view beautiful. Rosie's restaurant in EAstport is more of a traditional "club sandwich" place, but they serve the best Jigg's Dinner you're likely to find.
I haven't been around Bonavista for a couple of years, but on Fogo, Nicole's Cafe is good and has local seafood. If you stay at Malady Head campground in Terra Nova Park, you'll be only about 15 minutes from Eastport. I just came from a new restaurant there, in Happy Adventure (yes that's the community). I had the seafood chowder & crab cakes, but there were moose burgers on the menu. We almost didn't go in, as it has the uninviting name of "Chucky's", but the food was good & the view beautiful. Rosie's restaurant in EAstport is more of a traditional "club sandwich" place, but they serve the best Jigg's Dinner you're likely to find.
Jul 13th, 2010, 04:29 PM
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Yes, as nfldbeothuk said, a moose supper is moose served by a community group. As I've had moose before, it didn't deter me, but our main purpose of going was to support the community and meet the people, not to necessarily eat moose.
Sorry but I really can't make any recommendations of places to eat around Bonovista as Captain Blackmore's served us dinner two nights.
On Avalon, we stayed at Elaine's B&B. Since we had a group of 8 people, it served our needs and was in a good, scenic location. There have been mixed reviews about it, but we found it was a comfortable place to stay, but lacked the charm that some may expect at a B&B. I know there are other places, but again can't be of too much help because I was looking for a place with at least 4 rooms.
As for a tour book, I never leave home without one. Even then I get home and realize that we could have seen more places. Last year, I ripped the Newfoundland chapter out of a book I can't seem to find now (my DH says I probably threw away the rest of it. I didn't!.) I think it was something like The Maritime Provinces. I also took Frommers Newfoundland and Labador. I find it helpful to highlight info ahead of time.
Having only been to The Rock once, I'm far from the expert, but please ask any other questions you may have.
Sorry but I really can't make any recommendations of places to eat around Bonovista as Captain Blackmore's served us dinner two nights.
On Avalon, we stayed at Elaine's B&B. Since we had a group of 8 people, it served our needs and was in a good, scenic location. There have been mixed reviews about it, but we found it was a comfortable place to stay, but lacked the charm that some may expect at a B&B. I know there are other places, but again can't be of too much help because I was looking for a place with at least 4 rooms.
As for a tour book, I never leave home without one. Even then I get home and realize that we could have seen more places. Last year, I ripped the Newfoundland chapter out of a book I can't seem to find now (my DH says I probably threw away the rest of it. I didn't!.) I think it was something like The Maritime Provinces. I also took Frommers Newfoundland and Labador. I find it helpful to highlight info ahead of time.
Having only been to The Rock once, I'm far from the expert, but please ask any other questions you may have.
Jul 16th, 2010, 04:01 AM
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Jackie,
I just had a thought that would completely destroy your plans but I think you would really enjoy -- Woody Island. http://www.woodyi.com/ I haven't been on this tour myself but others have loved it and you would be submersed in Newfoundland hospitality.
Jill
I just had a thought that would completely destroy your plans but I think you would really enjoy -- Woody Island. http://www.woodyi.com/ I haven't been on this tour myself but others have loved it and you would be submersed in Newfoundland hospitality.
Jill
Jul 22nd, 2010, 10:49 AM
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Hey Everyone
So I've been struggling to find good accommodation in the Avalon Peninsula...
I was looking to stay on the west side of the Irish Loop since we'll have a long drive that day and didn't want to do the whole loop. There's hardly anything in Treppasey (sp?)
If anyone has any recommendations of places to sleep on the coast please let me know. We leave in almost a week!! Ahhh! So excited.
Also, are there places to sleep at Cape St Mary's?
Thanks
Jackie
So I've been struggling to find good accommodation in the Avalon Peninsula...
I was looking to stay on the west side of the Irish Loop since we'll have a long drive that day and didn't want to do the whole loop. There's hardly anything in Treppasey (sp?)
If anyone has any recommendations of places to sleep on the coast please let me know. We leave in almost a week!! Ahhh! So excited.
Also, are there places to sleep at Cape St Mary's?
Thanks
Jackie
Jul 26th, 2010, 01:23 PM
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Hi Jackie,
Just back from my own trip across the island to the west coast and Terra Nova. It was nice to get out of St. John's for a while.
I can't personally recommend any places in that area. My parents have a cabin on the Salmonier Line so I stay there any time I travel. However, this place looks nice and they would probably be a half way point for you.
http://www.thecladdaghinn.ca/
I thought that there was another place in Salmonier but I can't find it now.
BTW, have you been using the government's site for accommodations? http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/...y/Default.aspx The search screen is quite flexible. If you do use this site, the scenic tours that you will be traveling are Irish Loop (as you know) and the Cape Shore.
Jill
Just back from my own trip across the island to the west coast and Terra Nova. It was nice to get out of St. John's for a while.
I can't personally recommend any places in that area. My parents have a cabin on the Salmonier Line so I stay there any time I travel. However, this place looks nice and they would probably be a half way point for you.
http://www.thecladdaghinn.ca/
I thought that there was another place in Salmonier but I can't find it now.
BTW, have you been using the government's site for accommodations? http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/...y/Default.aspx The search screen is quite flexible. If you do use this site, the scenic tours that you will be traveling are Irish Loop (as you know) and the Cape Shore.
Jill
