| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/19/2008 4:23:55 PM | Hello all, so I am thinking of coming to Newfoundland over the summer for a little holiday. I have never been there.
Just thought I would ask about the interesting touristy sites?..I am flying out..not sure how much time I should stay before start getting a little bored...1 week...10 days...2 weeks....any suggestions would be awesome.
Feel free to e-mail me directly with any assistance. | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/19/2008 6:15:26 PM | Assuming you are flying into St. John's ... there is lots of touristy things to see and do. If you concentrate on the Avalon Peninsula there is plenty to keep you occupied for as long as you decide to stay.
Cape Spear ... the most easterly point in North America. During the second world war, Cape Spear was used by allied forces to protect the entrance to St. John's Harbour. The concrete bunkers that housed the guns still remain.
Signal Hill ... Where Marconi received sent the first trans-Altantic wireless message, from Cornwall England.
Cabot Tower ... This century-old tower, it is probably the province's most familiar landmark, sits atop Signal Hill. It offers a phenomenal panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and over looks the city from the other.
The infamous George St. ... reputed to have more bars per square foot than any where else in the country. We do love to drink.
The Irish Loop ... an area that encircles the shores of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula. The area was named for the Irish immigrants that first inhabited this particular part of the island. It's geography is quite similar to Ireland, and the accent in this region is almost indistinguishable from that of their ancestors.
Ferryland ... a fascinating on going archealogical dig ... at last count over a million artifacts have been unearthed.They are uncovering the Colony of Avalon , which was founded by George Calvert, later Lord Baltimore, in 1621. Most people have no idea that permanent European settlement in North America dates so far back, and that Newfoundland played such an important role. The Ferryland settlement was "forgotten", and its remainay undisturbed for centuries
Witless Bay offers a variety of boat tour operators. They take you out and around several islands that make up the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This is where the sea birds come to breed and rear their young, as the rest of the year they live at sea. It contains the largest puffin colony in North America (260,000 prs during late spring and early summer), the 2nd-largest Leach's storm-petrel colony in the world(more than 620,000 prs.), kittiwakes, murres. The opportunity is there to possibly see icebergs, whales, dolphins and other wildlife. It is fascinating to see and the operators are mainly previous fisherman whose knowledge of the birds is amazing.
I could go on and on ... museums, artisans, ghost walks, guided tours, festivals, geo centre, micro breweries, hiking trails, restaurants, dinner theatres, live music, plays etc. etc. Depending on your interests, there is plenty to keep you occupied in and around town, and day trips outside of town.
I should warn you that, as far as I am aware, all car rentals charge by the km. and given the size of the province, this can quickly add up.
Assuming you are staying in the downtown core, factoring in taxis to and from the airport, it is much more economical to book your rental within the city, as the rates vary.
As for the time frame, it would depend on how much of the island you are planning to see. It is quite a vast area to cover even in two weeks.
St. Pierre et Miquelon is off our south east coast. It is a quaint little group of French islands that offers the unique opportunity to experience a taste of France. If you happen to be in the area July 14, for Bastille Day ( the National Holiday of France) it is like one big party there.
If you do decide to see the west coast as well, We have one road (TCH) that goes across the province. Unless you want to see it coming and going I would strongly suggest that you drive one way and fly out of the Deer Lake or Stephenville. There is of course a fee for dropping your rental at an alternate location, but it does saave time, and enable you to see more.
Whatever you decide, you are guaranteed to have a great time. We do have the reputation of being the friendliest province.  | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/20/2008 3:24:20 PM | | If I may, I would suggest you go to a "Screech In", they can be a lot of fun. The one at Christians' on George Street is the best one I've seen. The very talented young actor who presides is the son of the fellow who revived this ceremony. During the summer months, it's on every night of the week, and well worth a look see. | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/20/2008 7:14:34 PM | Do you have to kiss the cod to be an honourary Newfie? LOL
I'm in St Johns for a short visit later this week ... first time to the rock!.... and one neighbour of mine said to check out Mustang Sallys. Is the atmosphere good there? How is the food? Just looking for a good bar/restaurant ... nothing to crazy.
Cheers | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/20/2008 7:38:48 PM | The Great Northern Peninsula located on the north west coast of Newfoundland is also something to consider. To get there go to Deer Lake and go north on Route 430 (known as The Viking Trail). Bus service is available daily. It is one road that travels along the coast line, through Gros Morne National Park, all the way up to St Anthony and surround area. It is a beautiful drive. If one was to drive from Deer Lake to St Anthony it would take about 5-6 hours. Along the way I would suggest stopping at Western Brook; located inbetween Sally's Cove and St Pauls, north of Rocky Harbour. There you will find a board walk that will take you to Western Brook Pond. During the summer months a boat tour is offered. Farther north, close to St Anthony, you can visit the L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site of Canada. This is a must see in my opinion. Here are some websites I would recommend checking out....
- website address
L'Anse aux Meadows - http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows/index_E.asp
Western Brook Boat Tour - http://www.bontours.ca/thetours/index.html
The Great Northern Peninsula - http://www.bitstop.ca/northern_peninsula.htm
Signal Hill Tattoo - http://www.signalhilltattoo.ca/ | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/24/2008 2:50:34 PM | | my friend justme05 moved to NL in November i moved to Ontario in Dec I am planning on going up there to party wth my gal since she is single and n0t knowing too many good looking men out there I am hoping that by the time i gets out there someone will be available to show me george street looking to have fun on my vacation and looking to meet new friends WHAT HAPPENS IN NL STAYS IN NL !!!!! just dont tell her LOL one never knows I may like it there and move there ... Hit me up as well hey numbrcruncher when are u going ? maybe we can travel together ...... | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/24/2008 2:54:29 PM | | by the way this is senny not just me05 she is making cookies | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 4/30/2008 6:52:25 PM | WOW!! First time to your folks amazing province. The scenery, the sights but to top it all off ... the hospitality was amazing!! I had a blast and will definetely be back once it is warmer!! LOL
From St Johns to Carbonear, Bonavista and Bunyans Cove I would do it all over again.
Cheers to the East Coast!!
Ski | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 5/1/2008 8:58:24 PM | Glad to hear you had a good time ! 
will definetely be back once it is warmer!!
Looks like you won't be returning any time soon then  | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 6/24/2008 10:27:31 AM | Hi all...this is probably off the topic but i am coming to NFL sometime this year when i get it all mapped out. Can anyone tell me if there is a bus line that goes from the Port of Basque ferry to Corner Brook and if not how much would a taxi cost me to get there? | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 6/24/2008 3:56:52 PM | I'd say if you're nice and chat it up to a few folks on the ferry, you'll hook a ride easy enough.
If not there's DRL Coachline.
BTW .. Corner Brook is beautiful. | |
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| Coming to Newfoundland
Posted: 9/23/2008 6:18:43 AM | I've done 2 trips to Newfoundland (St. John's, 1st trip & the Viking Trail 2nd trip). I enjoyed my time there and will return.  | |
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