Newfoundland in April
Jan 10th, 2006, 08:53 AM
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Newfoundland in April
Off to the St. John's area in April over Easter. Is there any chance I may see a whale, iceberg or puffin during that time? I have three days, one day in St. John's, one day to do the Irish Loop and and one to do the drive out to Bonavista and back.
Any suggestions on why to see on my two day trips? Also, I know George street is the place to go for nightlife in St. John's, but where's the best place to kiss a cod?
Any suggestions on why to see on my two day trips? Also, I know George street is the place to go for nightlife in St. John's, but where's the best place to kiss a cod?
Jan 10th, 2006, 05:51 PM
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Although I don't know for sure, I think April is too early to see a whale or puffins. I know that when we went, we deliberately timed it to see the puffins and the best time was end of June /early July, when they were nesting. The rest of the time, they are out to sea.
As for the whales, I think they come in when the caplin come it, which is when it gets really foggy. And again I thinkg April is too early. But hopefully someone from Newfoundland will be able to say for sure.
I forget the place on George street where you can kiss a cod. but anyone will be able to tell you. George street is not that long.
I think you might be pushing it to do the Irish Loop in one day....the weather could be bad. Think about just going halfway down the east side and stop and enjoy the villages along the way. Take the 'off' roads and follow them to the end... You'll see alot more that way than from the main road. Go out to Cape Spear and on your way back from there, deteour out to a special typical town. (sorry , can't remember the name, but you turn off the road to Cape Spear and follow it to the end. Great little town).
Also there are great towns up north from St John's, further up the peninsula. That might be a better idea than trying to go all the way to Bonevista in one day.
Both of the drives you have planned are possible, but not if youwant to stop adn enjoy everything along the way. There is so much!
Good luck.
As for the whales, I think they come in when the caplin come it, which is when it gets really foggy. And again I thinkg April is too early. But hopefully someone from Newfoundland will be able to say for sure.
I forget the place on George street where you can kiss a cod. but anyone will be able to tell you. George street is not that long.
I think you might be pushing it to do the Irish Loop in one day....the weather could be bad. Think about just going halfway down the east side and stop and enjoy the villages along the way. Take the 'off' roads and follow them to the end... You'll see alot more that way than from the main road. Go out to Cape Spear and on your way back from there, deteour out to a special typical town. (sorry , can't remember the name, but you turn off the road to Cape Spear and follow it to the end. Great little town).
Also there are great towns up north from St John's, further up the peninsula. That might be a better idea than trying to go all the way to Bonevista in one day.
Both of the drives you have planned are possible, but not if youwant to stop adn enjoy everything along the way. There is so much!
Good luck.
Jan 11th, 2006, 02:14 AM
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Coastal Newfoundland has its charms in all seasons but for whales and puffins late June through mid August is the best time.
Are you just looking for 'scenery' on your drives, or for historic sites etc?
Jerry
Are you just looking for 'scenery' on your drives, or for historic sites etc?
Jerry
Jan 11th, 2006, 07:03 AM
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I just want a real sense of Newfoundland. I want to see typical fishing outports and see the people. I'm not looking for specific historical sites or natural scenery. From what I'm told, I could spend all my time in the St. John's area and be completely occupied.
I'm leaning towards not doing the Bonavista trip, 700 km return is a bit much, especially if the weather is not good.
I'm leaning towards not doing the Bonavista trip, 700 km return is a bit much, especially if the weather is not good.
Jan 11th, 2006, 08:30 AM
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The most 'typical' outports [picture postcard views] are all outside the immediate St. John's area......but the Avalon and St. John's area will give you a good hint of what the Island is like.
In St. John's and immediate area the following more-or-less mandatory.
Signal Hill-a wonderful view of St. John's harbour -and dripping with history.
Cape Spear -another 'knock your socks off' view and loads of history. On your way back from Cape Spear loop down through Petty Harbour - about the most typical coastal town you will see.
Water Street -check out the Downhomer Shoppe for souvenirs.
A 'real' traditional pub. There are a bunch on George Street....but for a real 'down and dirty' experience try Erin's Pub down on Water Street.
The Battery neighbourhood in St. John's for more history and typical wooden houses.
A drive up the coast a bit to Flat Rock -more great scenery.
South of St. John's you will pass some interesting communities and scenery until you get down into the barrens. IF , and only if, the road is clear take a drive into Chance Cove Provincial Park. This road goes through some beautiful boreal forest to the ocean.
At the bottom of the Avalon, IF the road is snow free and in reasonable shape, take the beautiful drive out to Cape Race.
The Trepassey Motel is highly recommended as a place to eat and stay. Simple accomodation and friendly people.
Cape Pine, just souhwest of Trepassey is one of my favourite places in Canada. Again-check road conditions.
Another possibility is to drive on the Trans-Canada west, then south to the Cape Shore. The drive from Placentia to St. Bride's on a clear day is very scenic and IF the road is snow free the views at Cape St. Mary's can be breath-taking.
Should you want to stay in the area , the Manning's at the Bird Island Resort will make you feel very welcome...and the view from their yard is not half bad.
Take the time to talk to the people you meet in restaurants and motels. You will soon be planning your SUMMER trip to Nfld.
Hope these suggestions are helpful.
Jerry
In St. John's and immediate area the following more-or-less mandatory.
Signal Hill-a wonderful view of St. John's harbour -and dripping with history.
Cape Spear -another 'knock your socks off' view and loads of history. On your way back from Cape Spear loop down through Petty Harbour - about the most typical coastal town you will see.
Water Street -check out the Downhomer Shoppe for souvenirs.
A 'real' traditional pub. There are a bunch on George Street....but for a real 'down and dirty' experience try Erin's Pub down on Water Street.
The Battery neighbourhood in St. John's for more history and typical wooden houses.
A drive up the coast a bit to Flat Rock -more great scenery.
South of St. John's you will pass some interesting communities and scenery until you get down into the barrens. IF , and only if, the road is clear take a drive into Chance Cove Provincial Park. This road goes through some beautiful boreal forest to the ocean.
At the bottom of the Avalon, IF the road is snow free and in reasonable shape, take the beautiful drive out to Cape Race.
The Trepassey Motel is highly recommended as a place to eat and stay. Simple accomodation and friendly people.
Cape Pine, just souhwest of Trepassey is one of my favourite places in Canada. Again-check road conditions.
Another possibility is to drive on the Trans-Canada west, then south to the Cape Shore. The drive from Placentia to St. Bride's on a clear day is very scenic and IF the road is snow free the views at Cape St. Mary's can be breath-taking.
Should you want to stay in the area , the Manning's at the Bird Island Resort will make you feel very welcome...and the view from their yard is not half bad.
Take the time to talk to the people you meet in restaurants and motels. You will soon be planning your SUMMER trip to Nfld.
Hope these suggestions are helpful.
Jerry
Jan 11th, 2006, 06:34 PM
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I think you are wise not to try going up to Bonavista. There is so much to see in the area surrounding St.John's without having to go too far.
FOr sure visit the Battery area of St.John's. If it's a nice day, hike up through it to the top of the hill. It's great. YOu can actually hike upand around to Signal Hill, but it might not be safe enough at that time of year.
Jerry has given you some great ideas, around the Avalon Peninsula. Petty Harbour , on your way back down from Cape Spear , is the name of the outport fishing town, I was trying to think of. It's postcard picture perfect.
I'm not so sure I'd try driving to Cape Race at that time of year.
There is no town out there, only a lighthouse , so you really aren't going tto see any Newfoundland way of life out there. Do a tour of the lighthouse at CApe Spear to learn all about life in a lighthouse.
We headed out to CApe Spear and were never sure if we'd ever see civilization again!
YOu could stop at any little ports going down the east side of the Avalon, and find some cute little places, but none as 'typical' as Petty Harbour.
Go down to St Shotts at the south end. A typical type town. YOU may even see caribo going down that road, but I'm not sure at that time of year.
NOw as for going north from St.John's, I agree with Jerry, see Flat Rock, but also see Pouch Cove and Portugal COve. And drive to the end of some of the roads to see how little settlements ended at the water. It is easy to tell that the settlements were founded before they had roads.
If you are driving down from St.John's south towardsFerryland, look for the small "Irish Tea Room". We loved it and ate breakfast there every morning. A real Newfie experience. It's run by a lovely woman and there are only aobut 4 or 5 small tables there, and usually locals there. SO it's a real warm experience.
Of go into the small shops on Water street and talk to the people ...Great stories and warm experiences.
Do you kow where you are staying? I know of a wonderful B&B within walking distance of downtown and the owner will tell you a million stories.
Have a great time.
FOr sure visit the Battery area of St.John's. If it's a nice day, hike up through it to the top of the hill. It's great. YOu can actually hike upand around to Signal Hill, but it might not be safe enough at that time of year.
Jerry has given you some great ideas, around the Avalon Peninsula. Petty Harbour , on your way back down from Cape Spear , is the name of the outport fishing town, I was trying to think of. It's postcard picture perfect.
I'm not so sure I'd try driving to Cape Race at that time of year.
There is no town out there, only a lighthouse , so you really aren't going tto see any Newfoundland way of life out there. Do a tour of the lighthouse at CApe Spear to learn all about life in a lighthouse.
We headed out to CApe Spear and were never sure if we'd ever see civilization again!
YOu could stop at any little ports going down the east side of the Avalon, and find some cute little places, but none as 'typical' as Petty Harbour.
Go down to St Shotts at the south end. A typical type town. YOU may even see caribo going down that road, but I'm not sure at that time of year.
NOw as for going north from St.John's, I agree with Jerry, see Flat Rock, but also see Pouch Cove and Portugal COve. And drive to the end of some of the roads to see how little settlements ended at the water. It is easy to tell that the settlements were founded before they had roads.
If you are driving down from St.John's south towardsFerryland, look for the small "Irish Tea Room". We loved it and ate breakfast there every morning. A real Newfie experience. It's run by a lovely woman and there are only aobut 4 or 5 small tables there, and usually locals there. SO it's a real warm experience.
Of go into the small shops on Water street and talk to the people ...Great stories and warm experiences.
Do you kow where you are staying? I know of a wonderful B&B within walking distance of downtown and the owner will tell you a million stories.
Have a great time.
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Jan 12th, 2006, 07:38 AM
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The Irish Loop is the area of the Avalon Peninsula south of St. John's. Generally south to Trepassey, over to St. Stephen's and back north; or sometimes also including the Cape Shore area a bit to the west.
An amazing area for Nfld culture, coastal scenery, wildlife, history and music.
The inhabitants of this region are, as you might have guessed, very predominantly of Irish ancestry.
One of my very favourite areas of Canada.
cheers
Jerry
An amazing area for Nfld culture, coastal scenery, wildlife, history and music.
The inhabitants of this region are, as you might have guessed, very predominantly of Irish ancestry.
One of my very favourite areas of Canada.
cheers
Jerry
Jan 12th, 2006, 02:30 PM
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Ah yes, one of my favourite areas too. They even have an Irish accent. And Hospitality plus! For hiking, the fairly new East Coast Trail is wonderful. Great coastal views from the trail. We stayed in Mobile last trip and did day trips from there.
Mar 27th, 2006, 02:19 PM
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Well, only a few weeks to go and still not sure what exactly to see outside St. John's. I have 3 full days, one I will leave exclusively for St. John's. I was planning on the Irish Loop, but it is really worth it? It is about 340 km roundtrip. I could do just the eastern portion down to Cappahayden and back to St. John's. I've looked into doing the Baccalieu Trail as it appears more coastal will more towns and villages.
Which is better? Irish Loop or Baccalieu Trail? If the weather not great, I'll stick to St. John's and the Killick and Admiral Coast areas. Any comments would be great.
Which is better? Irish Loop or Baccalieu Trail? If the weather not great, I'll stick to St. John's and the Killick and Admiral Coast areas. Any comments would be great.
Mar 27th, 2006, 03:02 PM
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If you are going to spend one day in St.John's and have 2 days for day trips, I'd suggest one day heading south on the Avalon Peninsula , perhaps going as far as Ferryland. Be sure to go to Cape Spear and Petty Harbour. Part of the fun for me was taking the small roads off the main highway and following them to the end.
On the other day, I'd head north from St.John's up to Flat Rock and Pouch Cove area. Again, poke about and follow the small roads to the end.
Personally, we didn't care for the Baccalieu Trail.. It was the one part of our trip that we could have done without. We really wanted to go there to see Heart's COntent and some of the other towns with such great names. But we found this part of our trip boring. Especially the west coast part of the circle.
On the other day, I'd head north from St.John's up to Flat Rock and Pouch Cove area. Again, poke about and follow the small roads to the end.
Personally, we didn't care for the Baccalieu Trail.. It was the one part of our trip that we could have done without. We really wanted to go there to see Heart's COntent and some of the other towns with such great names. But we found this part of our trip boring. Especially the west coast part of the circle.
Apr 20th, 2006, 06:17 AM
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Had a great time in St. John's. The weather wasn't too bad. Good Friday was great; we saw Signal Hill and did the Killick Coast Trail, the Admiral's Coast Trail and part of the Baccalieu Trail. For Saturday through to Monday, we got authentic Newfie weather; drizzle and fog. Those days we did part of the Irish Loop, the sites of St. John's and we went out to George street all 4 nights. Newfoundland is a great part of Canada to see with load so friendly people. I hope to return one day to see more of the island.
Apr 22nd, 2006, 01:53 PM
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The name of the B&B is "The Roses".
http://www.therosesbandb.com/
We've stayed there 3 times and loved it.
It's within walking distance of downtown.
I've recommended it to a few other people and they've all enjoyed it too.
http://www.therosesbandb.com/
We've stayed there 3 times and loved it.
It's within walking distance of downtown.
I've recommended it to a few other people and they've all enjoyed it too.
Apr 23rd, 2006, 12:48 PM
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Thank you. I have heard that recommended numerous times, so think that is where we will stay. Advice for a place to stay that would be a good headquarter for both Trinity area and Terra Nova? One more question: I read that Rocky Harbour is the "busy" place to stay in Gros Morne and Norris the "scenic" place. Any comments on this from anyone?
Apr 23rd, 2006, 01:19 PM
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I hope you enjoy your stay.
I don't have a place to recommend in Trinity. We were not happy where we stayed...it was in the middle of construction at the time.
Although Rocky Harbour may be busier than NOrris , I don't think it's anything to worry about. And both are scenic. Norris is a bit out of the way, and I'm not sure how many restaurants are there. We really liked Rocky Harbour and didn't find it too crowded..and it was scenic.
I don't have a place to recommend in Trinity. We were not happy where we stayed...it was in the middle of construction at the time.
Although Rocky Harbour may be busier than NOrris , I don't think it's anything to worry about. And both are scenic. Norris is a bit out of the way, and I'm not sure how many restaurants are there. We really liked Rocky Harbour and didn't find it too crowded..and it was scenic.
Apr 23rd, 2006, 02:30 PM
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Hi:
I would second Kodi's recommendation concerning Rocky Harbour. Both towns are scenic but there is a much wider selection of accomodations in Rocky Harbour - motels, cabins/cottages, B&B's. Also several nice gift shops and number of restaurants, my favorite being "Fisherman's Landing"
Really can't help with the first question. Stayed one time at a motel in Clarenville, but nothing special.
Regards
I would second Kodi's recommendation concerning Rocky Harbour. Both towns are scenic but there is a much wider selection of accomodations in Rocky Harbour - motels, cabins/cottages, B&B's. Also several nice gift shops and number of restaurants, my favorite being "Fisherman's Landing"
Really can't help with the first question. Stayed one time at a motel in Clarenville, but nothing special.
Regards
Apr 23rd, 2006, 03:39 PM
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Where is the Doctor's Inn? I also looked at by d'bay cabins in port blandford? Anyone know anything about that area as a base for exploring Terra Nova and Trinity or the cabins? Thanks for all the help.
