This moment marks the beginning of this journey and I am right here at Cape Spear Lighthouse where the day begins. I had this rare opportunity to be standing at the cliff's edge of the continent literally turning my back to the rest of the world and quietly waiting for the first morning light over the Atlantic Ocean. What a way to start my 8 day travel to this land, maybe I might find my place under the sun.

I've seen so many sunrise in the past but this one might be the most memorable one.

Chasing Sunrise

I arrived at St. John's with the weather being moody and grey, a big part of me wanted to see the city this way. This made a perfect backdrop for their vibrantly coloured row of houses, it created a great contrast to a grey canvas and this visual phenomenon is seen everywhere. 
It made me realized that this is a creative reflection of the people this province represents, each colour speaks of their unique spirit and distinct cultures.

Grey or not in any season, St. John's always shine through.

This City Shines Through

The hard chase to find an iceberg was suspenseful, even that day didn't promise I will see one, but I am determined the road I took will lead me there. Then we made it and she was there hiding behind the rugged coastal cliffs of Twillingate. We sailed closer and her mighty presence became more powerful. 
How can Mother Nature sculpt a piece of glacier so perfectly and end up with this beauty!

Now I have more memories to keep and stories to tell, this one I told is just the tip of the Iceberg.

The Quest for Iceberg

I rose to bed at the crack of dawn and I'm up for a beautiful sunrise from a small quiet town of Twillingate. Everything was still, there's no sign of movement except from my footsteps and my shutter's click. Everything seems frozen for me to capture it's raw natural beauty.
On my way back for my next adventure, I began to come across some locals who would wave at me like I'm their neighbour, their warmth tells me to stay longer.

I came here for the Iceberg, I left the town with so much more.

The Next Unscripted Moment

A flicker of an early morning light woke me up on my first day at Gros Morne National Park. I can't miss it, after all, this view is worth watching. I saw the mountains on the horizon and I knew I'm up to something huge and majestic! I just can't imagine visiting Newfoundland without seeing this park, this was 500 millions years in the making to create this ancient world.

I may never be able to conquer all of Gros Morne but being able to hike through some of it was enough for now, until next!

Into The Wilderness

Something mystical and ancient about Tablelands is the feeling that I have arrived in another world of a different time. I have walked through the rugged landscape which rolled endlessly and where fresh glacial water is abundant. I have experienced to hold some metamorphic rocks that came from the Earth's mantle which took millions of years for them to be exposed right there.

This part of Gros Morne National Park is truly unique, and I had such an incredible experience I brought home with me.

Lost in Another World

My yearning to see Western Brook Pond triggered the whole journey. Miles of fjords formed by the force of glaciers is such a scenic delight - pristine pond, steep rock wall, lush forest and waterfalls, one of them is among the highest in North America called Pissing Mare Falls, such a phenomenal sight to behold!

The chance to hike the mountain and see the pond from the top is still elusive, but I know one day it will happen. For now, my view from below is still nothing short of breathtaking.



Sail Through The Pond

I arrived at Bonavista Harbour on a foggy afternoon and the wharf was quiet. The history that belongs to this place is still evident, the scent still lingers, after all, this was once the place of the largest salt cod fish mercantile firm in the 19th century.
Not far from the harbour was Newman's Cove - endless coastline, sweeping hills and barrens, raging waves of the sea, dramatic sky and all the natural wild beauty that surrounds this place.

All I can wish now is this to be my own backyard.

Gone Fishing

The journey to the edge of Bonavista Peninsula was another highlight of this trip. I am truly grateful to be living in this country where stunning landscape is abundant and history were kept alive. Cape Bonavista was the first landing site for Italian explorer John Cabot who discovered and claimed this part of North America as the New World and I was standing right in the same place. 

Newfoundland and Labrador exceeded all my expectations and the whole experience surpassed all that I hope for.

Where It All Started

This trip was the highlight of my life this year, another amazing adventure had just wrapped up. I am so blessed and thankful for everything that this province offered and I will share this experience to other people. I may have reached all my destinations here in 8 days but the journey to discover more of Newfoundland will continue - more coastlines to reach, roads to travel, towns to experience and more people to meet. 

At the end of this journey, I know I have found my place in the sun.

Nothing But Gratitude

my place in the sun

Rad Canolo

“The whales are foolish this year.” 

So says my friend Andrew, a proud Newfoundlander who knows a thing or two about both whales and foolishness. When I ask him if this year is special, he admits that some years he might not be in the right place to see lots of whales. But this year, “the whales are just bananas.” 

I take this as a good sign. I’m visiting Newfoundland in hopes of seeing whales—being foolish or going bananas or just swimming by, being their magnificent selves. 


After landing in St. John's we head straight to the Bonavista Peninsula where Andrew reports his best sightings.  “We went to Bonavista's lighthouse twice," he tells me, "and each time we must have seen two dozen whales, all gone cracked."

We cycle to the lighthouse and see three humpback whales offshore. They rise slowly, break the surface of the water, blow and then slide back into the depths with nary a tail wag. This is definitely not cracking behaviour. But it is still thrilling. 


We trade our calm whale viewing for chaotic birdwatching when we head down the road to Elliston where hundreds of puffins are busy doing puffin stuff—nesting, diving, flying, and skimming the water with those cute little puffin butts.


With Bonavista in our rear-view mirror, we rent a cabin on the Baccalieu Trail and settle into the small community of Blackhead for a spell. One evening our neighbour Mardi steps onto her porch, sees me coming up the walk and asks, “Did you hear the whales?”

Indeed I did! Although we’re across the main road and a good 200 metres from the shore, we’ve both heard the distinctive "Pfuussshhhhhh!" of humpbacks as they blow moist, warm air through their blowholes. 

And we’ve heard not just one exhalation but puff after puff after explosive puff.  

Before you can say “Lard Tunderin Jaysus” (a delightfully versatile Newfoundland exclamation) Mardi has jumped on her ATV, handed me a helmet and we’re bouncing our way to the ocean’s edge for a better look. 



And what a look! Some 15 humpbacks (a number that will increase to 20 by tomorrow’s telling of this tale and to more than two dozen the day after that) are in fine form--blowing, waving their fins, showing their tails and leaping into the air to breach again and again and again. 

I feel foolish trying to capture this spectacle with my little iPhone. But then it dawns on me: In Newfoundland, foolishness can be a very good thing.


Cracked Whales and Newfoundland Tales

Ann Britton Campbell

I am a painter, and I love to paint outdoors. I love raw, wild, unspoiled land. Sky full of character. Horizons that call with intrigue and the promise of adventure. Newfoundland was all that. 

I traveled and I painted, from Channel Port-Aux-Basques to L'Anse Aux Meadows, to Twillingate, Bonavista, Witless Bay, St. John's. I painted wildness, beauty, quiet dawns, rough rocks, bright towns. 

I fell in love with Newfoundland, the place, the people, the experience. I look forward to returning! 

A Place of Raw Beauty

Twillingate was one of my favorite places. I drove all over the hills, through town, all around the harbor. This was one of my favorite paintings. 

Twillingate Harbor

Gros Morne drew me in, with its majesty and breadth. It was hard to capture that in a painting, but on a pretty overlook, I made this piece, which begins to tell the story. 

Gros Morne

"The Bird Artist" by Howard Norman is one of my favorite books - so I had to go to Witless Bay and paint. I met another artist while I was there, and that was great fun! 

Witless Bay

This pretty church nestled on a slight hillside in Bonavista. The day was gray and windy, but I was able to set up and paint. 

Bonavista Church

Just around the corner from L'Anse Aux Meadows is the small town of Guimet, where houses and rocks both glowed in an afternoon sunset. 

Guimet

I painted on a wild morning in Eddie's Cove. It rained a little, and the wind blew, and I held tight to the canvas and painted quickly. I think one car passed me, the entire time I painted. 

Eddie's Cove

Cape Spear

Painting the Province

Carrie Jacobson

It doesn’t matter that you come from away. When you arrive at Battle Harbour, Labrador, you are treated like a family member returning home. After Harold brought us here by boat, Trina welcomed us in the general store, where we warmed up beside the woodstove, shared a few stories and browsed the colourful handiwork of local knitters and artisans. Wanda showed us to our room, where each window framed a picture-perfect view of white clapboard houses and red ochre-trimmed work sheds.


It’s So Good To See You Again

A hundred years ago Battle Harbour was the fishing capital of Labrador. The scale of the cod fishery is smaller, but we still got to enjoy some locally caught fish prepared by Daphne, Myrtle, and Jeannette, accompanied by fluffy melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls that would rival those made by my mom. 

Salmon is salmon, but cod is fish

The people that work at Battle Harbour know the stories of the place. Our walking tour of the historic buildings was skillfully narrated by Nelson Smith, who grew up on the island working long days alongside his father, even as a child, preparing cod fish for market.

The rugged beauty of this big land was a natural draw for landscape artist Jean-Claude Roy. He has been coming to Battle Harbour for seven years, rendering colorful, vibrant canvases infused with the passion of the village and people that stay here. “Everywhere you look there is something to paint” he says.

Beautiful light and no straight lines

At the top of the hill we watched icebergs creep slowly towards our island, with some coming close enough to ground themselves on shore. The changing angle of light brought out the translucent blue seams of solid ice sandwiched between the sculpted white curves of the floating works of art.

Welcome Home to Battle Harbour

Janice Lang

My folks, many years ago traveled to Newfoundland for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. They wanted to see Icebergs. They never did see them that trip and mom passed away without ever seeing one. I took dad out this year, 87 years old, the sole purpose of this trip was to scratch that Iceberg off his Bucket list. Well, we got to see many this time around. Looking at dad as he saw his first berg was a very emotional moment as I knew he was thinking of mom and I know she was right there with him. 

No matter where we went, Blue Hour was always beautiful

The colours...sensory overload. A photographers paradise. A part of the country I have fallen in love with. I can't wait to return again

To see the Bergs

Mitchell Brown

Mur and I visited Newfoundland and Labrador a number of years ago and knew we just had to come back!! We decided this vacation would be leisurely with lots of hiking and taking our time to really get to know Western NL, the Northern Peninsula and some of Labrador. I don't know if you call 47 hikes in 21 days relaxing but we loved every minute!!

Starlite Trail, Codroy Valley

Our first trail took us along the beautifully rugged coastline at Isle Aux Morts. We learned about the Harvey family who rescued many sailors from boat wrecks

Harvey Trail, Isle Aux Morts

This trail was fairly strenuous...for me!! It is located in Barchois Pond Provincial Park near St. George's. The first part of the trail is pretty easy- the second part climbs 340m but offers spectacular views of St. George's Bay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Long Range Mountains

Erin Mountain Trail

We loved these so much we went back a second time! Beautiful views, spectacular rocks and stunning sunsets- so gorgeous!

Cow Head Peninsula Hiking Trails

These two trails are right beside each other. Tracey Hill Trail is comprised of 689 wooden steps up to lovely views of Red Bay. Boney Shore was a dumping ground for whale bones from the 16th century whaling industry. Imagine strolling through hundreds of years old whale bones!! 

Tracey Hill and Boney Shore Trail, Red Bay, Labrador

Hiking Gros Morne Mountain was a dream and a goal come true for us!! 25 Km, 35,000 steps, 285 flights of stairs and 8 hours later we did it!!

Gros Morne Mountain Hike

The hiking in Newfoundland and Labrador was only excelled by the lovely people that we met wherever we went- bed and breakfasts, restaurants, visitor centres- even other shoppers in the grocery stores! Wonderful memories made in our most easterly province! And you know what- we will be back again!!

Hiking Newfoundland and Labrador

Rhonda Drover Beirnes

The first time I went to Fogo Island it was February and the enormous car and passenger ferry glided and crunched its way down a narrow path in the thick ice. It felt like edge of the world. Fogo is so much bigger than you might imagine, with about 2,200 people spread over 11 communities. Winter revolves around cabin hopping — zipping around on snowmobiles, eating, drinking, talking, laughing, singing, even fishing in one of the frozen ponds. I didn’t catch any trout, but I did catch Fogo Fever.

That First Magical Moment

The second time I went to Fogo Island it was May and I impulsively bought a house. My husband and two of my kids were with me, celebrating Mother’s Day by chasing icebergs and puffins, standing on shore marvelling at the pack ice and eating cod every which way. It was ferociously windy, cold and raining when I stood on the sliver of land that would soon be mine, but in that moment, with the ferocious North Atlantic Ocean out front and one of those rocky shallow ponds out back, I knew I was home.

I’m An Islander

Fogo is an island off an island off the eastern edge of Canada. It’s not easy to get to and that’s a large part of why I love visiting and bringing friends. Fogo forces me to slow down, to talk to my neighbours and to appreciate the small things — like a herd of caribou, a church rummage sale, a particularly fetching quilt or pair of mittens, a new place to eat, a new hiking trail, a spot on the busy ferry, a sunny day. With each visit, I dig a little deeper and fall a little deeper in love.

Spreading The News

Why I Fell For Fogo Island

Jennifer Bain

Newfoundland has always been a place that I have always dreamed of adventuring. When my husband and I decided where we wanted to explore for our Honeymoon we knew instantly that this was the place we wanted to see. Our first stop was the adorable village of Quidi Vidi where the roads twist and turn, the homes are colourful and the food is to die for. Having cod cheeks and local beer at The Mallard Cottage for dinner and spending our first night at their Inn was a highlight of our trip. 

DAY ONE

We had two suitcases packed, one with our clothes and one with all of our camping gear. We couldn't wait to set up our first night in the tent at Butter Pot Provincial Park. Since we went in June, it was still a little chilly and rainy but it made the experience that much more memorable. Before we even set up we wanted to grab our hiking shoes and camera and head straight to a trail. This trail that took us around the water, through the woods and right to this view was outstanding.

DAY TWO

After a night by the campfire and snuggling in the tent, we were looking forward to spending the night somewhere cozy and welcoming. The Painted Fish Bed and Breakfast right on the ocean had the most beautiful view. We walked around the town, taking in all of the scenery and spent the evening watching the clouds move and the waves roll in right from our bed. Not only was the bedroom cozy, it also had a deep soaker tub that warmed us right up.

DAY THREE

Skerwink Trail and Dungeon Provincial Park.. both such beautiful views the entire walk. We were originally planning to just do the Skerwink Trail but a good friend had mentioned to me right before we left that if we end up near Bonavista, Dungeon Park is a must see. It did not let us down! The Skerwink Trail had so many look outs, a variety of terrain and so many friendly people the whole way. 

DAY FOUR

Two nights spend at Terra Nova National Park. From the boardwalks that took us along the water and through marsh land, to climbing stairs taking us to breathtaking views, to spending the night under the stars.

DAY FIVE AND SIX

Twillingate, something about the place I think will stay with me forever. Walking through the streets, exploring the lighthouse, eating the delicious food, seeing the hills of colourful homes, walking nearby trails... It was easily my favourite town. 

DAY SEVEN

Boyd's Cove Beothuk Interpretation Centre, so much to learn about and getting to actually see where the village used to be. The trail took us through the forest, to the village, along a beautiful river and out to this view.

DAY EIGHT

Indian River Wetlands, Rattling Brook Falls and spending the night at Drapers Place. The Wetlands were a site to see and spending the night at Drapers Place hearing stories about the whales, and the nearby trails. We spent the morning walking and the evening on a beautiful deck overlooking the water where we could see Ice Bergs and Whales.

DAY NINE

Alexander Murray Hiking Trail.. WOW.. WOW.. WOW.. you have to climb, and climb and climb but every step is worth every spot on this trail. The amazing view from the top and the waterfalls that you see along the way. Draper had told us the night before that a team of people volunteer to help keep this trail alive and maintained. The hard work is so inspiring and even though i was 3 months pregnant at the time, I am so glad we started and finished this trail. 

DAY TEN

Exploring Gros Morne National Park.. we had the best weather from our entire trip here. We met some amazing people including Heather Nolan, the photographer of this photo, went to the most adorable gift shops, and walked some outstanding trails. The trail options here are endless and every step you take on them, is one we will never forget. 

DAY ELEVEN, TWELVE AND THIRTEEN

Newfoundland.. you sure were an adventure. We got to hike beautiful trails with spectacular views. I could have had an endless amount of nights sitting by the campfire listening to some of our favourite music. I tried tons of yummy food I never thought of trying before,  I got to see Alan Doyle right out the car window and I got to hear the cutest music on the radio. I got to feel our little human move for the first time and drive through the most adorable times. I will never forget this place.

HOME TIME

Our honeymoon road trip

Malissa Ellen

The L'Anse aux Meadows Viking Tour is an introduction to the Viking era that should not be missed. St. Anthony's has a wonderful boardwalk trail, as part of the Iceberg Alley Trail, meandering along an impressive coastline. One might be lucky enough to see an iceberg or  a whale or two. There is also a lovely lighthouse, gift shop and museum, and restaurant.

Leaving The viking Coast

We were heading to Woody Point in Gros Morne National Park but instead decided to take a detour to Conche, part of the French Shore. 

 The idea of learning a little about an area we knew nothing of, and to appreciate the splendid tapestry we read about, was exciting.  


The Detour



As we rounded the corner coming into the village, the scenery was like much of Newfoundland, stunning!

Wild daises, and blue lupines danced in the breeze capturing a sense of freedom known only to nature.


The French Shore



The coastal village was peaceful, and pretty inviting passersby to lose themselves for a little while.


The green clapboard building was our real beginning as it was the French Shore Interpretation Centre, and it was open.

Upon entering we paid a nominal fee of $8.00 per adult, or $5.00 per senior.

Upstairs we were greeted with a self guided learning experience. Pictures, artifacts, and documentation of the first settlers. 


The history details the fishing treaty between the French, and the British fishing rights, and the tensions brought about within its wake.

This museum is a former Grenfell Nursing Station, the  location that provided various medical assistance, whether physical, dental or veterinarian. 

A wealth of history told within this centre.

The next room housed a most incredible work of art that has been embroidered by fourteen local women.  

The outline was created by an artist of both French, and Canadian citizenships; Jean Claude Roy. 

This historical story unfolds on a 66 meter, or 216 foot length of linen, and wool threads.



This remarkable project can only be photographed from the doorway as cameras, and flashes, are not allowed in the room.

This hand made tapestry has exquisite colour, balance, and even texture. An amazing work of art!



The village is small with a fish plant, and a convenience store.

There is no gas station but a lovely coastline. 




There is also a well maintained Parish with winsome lupines decorating the grounds.




A visit to Conche, part of the French Shore, is well worth the side trip, and a chance to witness a magnificent work of embroidered art.,


Joanne Smith-Camm

Her name is Sophie Keelan. I touched her arm as she came to the top of the stairs on the boat, aptly named “Safe Passage”. We were off to Silluak, or North Arm considered one of the jewels of Torngat Mountains National Park. Sylvia, the throat singer, was standing at the top of the stairs blocking the way as she maneuvered to her seat. Sophie was stepping up behind her. I wanted to guide Sophie past so she was safe. I held her arm as she nimbly stepped through– as if she needed my help at all.

“Good morning Nancy. No wait!!!! I got your name wrong.” I was a little embarrassed because I knew when I met her she was the real jewel on this trip. She wore her wisdom like a sunbeam. She turned to me. Face to face. She said “Good morning.” with a smile that brought the burst of sunshine of a breaking dawn. I said, “I’m sorry”, as I held her two elbows, “I got your name wrong.” And as naturally as the waves rocked our boat, she leaned in and hugged me.

I didn’t expect it but I melted into that hug. It felt like the hug of a thousand mothers of a thousand years. “I’m Sophie.” she said. ”Hello Sophie.” I replied, feeling like I had a million other things to say. She smiled at me and my hands went to my heart. She was already in there. I didn’t know how much I would love the people I met in Torngat Mountains National Park. It was the beginning of a love story.

The Inuit Culture guides all experiences in the Park. There is a reverence for the land –a love that goes beyond words and into a rhythm that beats with your own sinus rhythm. Humility is the lesson with every step as we walked in single file. Boonie was one of our Bear Guards. We took a moment before heading out to listen to her instructions. I waited to hear about the parameters set for leaving Base Camp and instead she introduced us to her ancestors from millennia before us. 

“We are about to tread in the footsteps of my ancestors.” She said. “All their wisdom is here in every step. When we walk on the land, we take all of our emotions – frustration, anxiety, happiness and sadness – and we leave it here. The land will absorb it and will give you back what you really need; it holds the wisdom of all our ancestors.” It was the ultimate lesson in self-love. 

Armed with these lessons, I could only imagine getting from an ashram, I absorbed the beauty of the ancient mountains that surrounded us. I was brought to tears at the sight of the majestic Polar bear that was watching us as much as we were him. I was cradled by the lilt of the throat singing which seemed to come from far beyond the ladies who rocked each other there next to the mass grave on Rose Island. The spirits of Hebron filled my heart with a pride of place I had never known.

I am changed forever and grateful for the experience. It is the most magical and spiritual place I have ever had the privilege of visiting. Special thanks to photographer David Howells for his portrait of Sophie and the Polar Bear in black and white.

Her Name is Sophie Keelan

Gillian Power Marx

We started our road trip to Northern Peninsula starting from St. John's, and our first stop was in Gambo at Joey's Lookout. It was named for the province's Father of Confederation, former Premier Joseph R. Smallwood, born in Gambo. The lookout provides a picturesque view of the town and the surrounding area. 

Our Next stop is the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander. The place got a variety of artifacts and displays chronicling Gander's role in transatlantic aviation development.

Day One - St. John's to Gander

After a long ride, we stopped in Arches Provincial Park in Portland Creek for a break. We waited to see the fantastic sunset over the arches, and it was an enchanting view.

It's a natural rock archway created by tidal action. You will find three arches cut through by the sea but still connected.
The arches themselves are spectacular. The stone beach has hundreds of fascinating, multi-colored, and multi-patterned round stones.

Well worth a visit if you need a break from the road.


Day One - Gander to Daniel's Harbor

We stayed at Bennett lodge on the 1st night and headed to St. Anthony on the following day. On our way, we stopped at Port au Choix National Historic Site. It was the most fascinating archaeological site with a rugged coastline of unique limestone barrens. Just down a gravel road, Point Riche Lighthouse and burial sites uncovered in the town in the 1960s & 70s provide evidence of its earliest settlers from the Maritime Archaic Indians to the Groswater Dorset Palaeoeskimos to the recent Indians.

Day Two - Daniel's Harbor to Port au Choix

We visited the Grenfell House Museum, and it was built between 1909 and 1910 was the home of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, his wife, and their three children.

A 20-minute walking trail provides an easy walk to the top of Tea House Hill. It offers the best views of this sensitive forest area without damaging the environmental resources within.

St. Anthony's Lighthouse and Grenfell Interpretation Centre are interesting places to visit to know about the area and its history in Dr. Grenfell's time. 

Day Two - Port au Choix to St. Anthony

We stayed at a nice local place at Quripon, and it was a perfect night for stargazing. We were fortunate to capture the fantastic Milky Way falling across the L'anse Aux Meadows.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement are evidence of the first European presence in North America. The excavated remains of wood-framed peat-turf buildings are similar to those found in Norse Greenland and Iceland.

Day Two - St. Anthony

We headed to L'anse Aux Meadows's for a morning walk. It was super interesting because you can meet costumed interpreters as you tour the recreated base camp and discover original artifacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.

You can also walk along the walking trails and explore the area.

Day Three - St. Anthony - L'anse Aux Meadows's

We prepared our meals for the day and headed back to the road again. After roaming around the L'anse Aux Meadows area and being at the northernmost point of Newfoundland by the evening, we marked our next place in Gross Morne National park for camping.

The campsite was located along with the beach, and it was known as the Green Point campsite.

Day Three - St. Anthony to Gros Morne

Early morning we headed to Tablelands. We visited the Discovery Centre to know more about the area. From the Centre, you can learn about geology, plants, moose, caribou, marine life, arctic life, and the people of the past and present. All of your questions will be answered here. It also includes a geology exhibit that reveals the secrets of Gros Morne’s fantastic geology and the reason for being a UNESCO World Heritage. We got excellent maps and souvenirs from the gift shop.

Day Four - Tablelands - Discovery Center

Its 4 km return trail is a good starting point for exploring Gros Morne National Park. The Tablelands geology marks a time when Africa and North America's continents collided, pushing rocks that were originally beneath the ocean to their present position. You can see the Earth's inner soul: the mantle - exposed to the world to see.

If you drive the scenic route 431 - the road between Woody Point and Trout River is truly one of the most spectacular views to see as well.


Day Four – Tablelands

The complete trail is 16km long, a seven to eight-hour hike at a leisurely pace. The beginning of this hike is quite steep and can be difficult for some. On the loopback, the trail is much easier. It is essential to be well-prepared before starting this hike. Keep in mind the wind and slippery conditions with layers and sturdy shoes. It was challenging but totally worth it because with all the gorgeous views waiting on the top.

Day Five - Gros Morne Mountain Hike

After our 16km trail, we stayed at the campsite at night, and the following day we packed our camping gear and moved to our next place. We stayed in a cabin at Rocky Harbor, and then we traveled around the area. The last place to visit on that day was at Lobster cove lighthouse located in Lobster Cove Head.

Day Six - Rocky harbor

For more than 70 years, Lobster Cove Head was the domestic bustle scene, light-keeping chores, and activities with neighbors. Today to visit this place about experiencing the site's delights, walking paths, pastures, and the seaside. We were fortunate to end the day with a fantastic view of the sunset at the Lobster Cove Lighthouse.

Day Six - Rocky harbor - Lobster Cove Head

On the Seventh day of our trip, we went to Western Brook Pond. This trail area includes 650m cliffs and pristine water up to 165m deep. This is one of the jewels of Gros Morne National Park. 

There was a boat tour going around the pond area to explore these scenic views. Still, due to COVID-19, those facilities were not operational at the time.

Day Seven – Western Brook Pond

There are beautiful viewpoints to have a small break and gives you different spectacular views in Gross Morne National park. We stopped to see the sights in Jenniex House at Noris point, Dear Arm Brook, S.S. Ethie Shipwreck, and by the afternoon, we packed our things again headed our way back home. 

Day Seven - Gross Morne View Points

On our way back home, we stopped at the Newfoundland Insectarium and Butterfly garden in Reidville. This place is a world-class nature museum near Deer Lake.

It houses thousands of live and mounted specimens, including a butterfly garden, glass beehive, and ant colony. You could walk through the area filled with live butterflies of all types and view all kinds of insects.

They also have a well-stocked gift shop with all things related to insects.

Day Seven - Gros Morne to Reidville

Seven days around the great northern peninsula is totally worth the trip. We got to hike beautiful trails with spectacular views. Hope we could stay longer and see more things around the area. That's for another trip for sure. 

Beautiful memories, time to relax, enjoy the beauty of nature, hike around the cliffs and mountains, and stargaze as well. All in one place. That's Newfoundland!!! Thank you for all the lovely memories!!!

Day Seven - Back to Sweet Home

Seven days in Great Northern Peninsula

Janani Jayatilake

   My experience with Newfoundland started in 2015 with our first trip to “The Rock.” The story, however, begins long before that in Key West, Florida. It so happens that at that time I was a young U.S.Navy enlistee assigned to the Fleet Sonar School. As I was being educated in surface sonar technology, I learned that there was an entirely different group in very secret classes. All we knew was that when they finished, they would be assigned “isolated duty” in some remote corner of the world. 

 Places like Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad, Eleuthera, San Juan P.R., Iceland, Wales and Argentia. I made a mental note to someday visit one of these locations.
	After my navy time I became interested in geology and that is where I discovered that the mantle of the earth lies above the crust in very few places. Gros Morne Park for one.  This was something I definitely had to see. But alas, life intervened and many more years passed and my thoughts of visiting Newfoundland faded into 

the background.
	Then came 9/11. It was in the aftermath of that event that I became very interested in the stories about how the people of Newfoundland reacted to this crisis. I read everything I could and knew that I had to go and see this island. The memories flooded back and I realized that I now had a bucket list of three reasons to make the trip. And so it was that the 2015 trip took place.

   During our planning, my wife commented that there were very few hotels on the island, but there were unlimited B and Bs. I guess I’d have to suck it up and deal with it. All things ready, we drove the 1,000 miles from Albany, NY to N. Sydney N.S.  At the ferry line we were waiting behind a pick up truck with probably 10 people in the rear. It took a while but we finally realized that these were first nation people and they were drumming and singing. It was a good omen of things to come.

   The passage to Channel Port Aux Basques was very pleasant and we soon arrived ready to start our adventure. After a night at the local hotel, we began our drive north. Little did I know that I would not stay in another hotel for the entire three weeks!  Our first stop was Gros Morne. Item 1 checked off by walking the tablelands and touring, by boat, Western Brook Pond. The picture does not do this place justice.   Next was L'anse Aux Meadows.

I now know how the vikings survived in such a harsh land. It was amazing to see what they were able to build.
   On to Twillingate and the icebergs. A sight not to be missed in this lifetime. We even saw one in someone's backyard!  
   Gander as the next stop did not disappoint. In walking around this small town, 
I found it almost impossible to conceive that the population had almost doubled overnight on 9/11.

I personally wanted to thank every Canadian citizen for what they did during those dark days but I realized I couldn't meet them all, but I did try! It was quite humbling to realize that good people do exist and can be exceedingly generous.
Our next stop was St. John’s. A prettier city I can’t imagine. We hit all the touristy places  like Bidgood’s for some seal flipper stew (definitely an acquired taste) and gum drop cake. Our children provided us with a gift certificate to Mallard Cottage and

it was excellent. We surely have to stop watching the food network. Absolutely not enough time to see everything but we did make the attempt.
   On to the Irish Loop. Fascinating to learn that Baltimore MD was not the first Lord Baltimore colony. Drove down to Cappayhaden, Cape Race, Trepassy and ended up in St. Vincent’s.  It was there that we met Rita and Ned Raymond the proprietors of the Whale Song B and B.  While staying with them we met some of their extended family and had many

 a night of songs and stories. We hated to leave and felt we had become part of the place and we correspond to this day. BTW we have been back to them 3 more times.
   The last 2 days we spent traveling to Argentia the location of the “secret” U.S. Navy facility.
Alas, it was not to be as there was no way to gain entry. Sixty years later and I can’t get in? It’s not a secret place anymore, they use it to track whales! What a disappointment.
   All is not lost however, as I can truly say


   that our trip to Newfoundland was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Having been to Europe and the Caribbean area, I have a little travel under my belt. None of those places affected me to the extent Newfoundland did. It was visceral and highly emotional. I truly hated to leave. I felt a connection that I cannot even begin to explain. Are we coming back? You bet! As soon as this covid thing is cleared up.  And that my friends is "Why Newfoundland?"
William R. Keleher Sr.   9/9/20


Why Newfoundland?

William Keleher

I visited the rock many years ago on a tour by Denure and arrived in St John's just after a choral festival. Being a choir singer myself I had wished I had arrived early to enjoy the music. One of the highlights of my stay in the city was a walking tour by two young ladies for just myself and they also sang and played the guitar on the tour! It was a tour of the whole island but I will remember most the friendliness of the people especially my taxi driver who shook my hand  on my departure

Friendliest People Anywhere

John McBain

It started Feb. 9th. 2015 at 3 am... I awoke and realized that I had a mission to visit every community on the Island of Newfoundland....
It took 5 years, with two months per year (approximately), 60,714 km. 348 days. (300 in NL), 806 communities...
On Sept. 27th, 2019 I visited the last community to complete my quest... That being Francois, NL... 
An unbelievable journey, for sure.... Meeting people from all over the world and meeting the awesome people living on this great Island. Thank you!

I had to do something!!

In 2020 I was looking forward to visiting the last of the communities... I added Labrador in 2018 after traveling to Lab City and traveling the great Trans Labrador Highway..
The 11 communities were along the great Labrador coast from Goose Bay to to Nain... Covid19 prevented me from doing that.... Hopefully 2021.
Thank you ever so much Newfoundland and Labrador for your unbelievable hospitality and great, no awesome attitude to life. Hugs to all the ladies I've met, great pat on the back guys..

My Quest!

Harold Noseworthy

Known affectionately as "The Rock," Newfoundland abounds in photogenic geology.

outside the visitors' center at L'Anse aux Meadows

Every time we travel in Newfoundland, I say, "I wish we had a geologist along to explain what we're seeing.

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my place in the sun

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