Newfoundland is one Canada’s most historically significant provinces. It was the last province to join Confederation, one of the first spots in North America to be visited by European explorers, and one of the transmission points during the first trans-Atlantic wireless message, to name a few. But despite those milestones, many of Newfoundland’s most unique places aren’t connected to its history.
If you’re planning to visit Newfoundland, here are a few incredible spots you won’t want to miss.
Memorial University Botanical Garden
Described as the “the natural place for discovery and wonder,” the Botanical Garden is a good place for those looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Even though its name suggests one large garden, the Botanical Garden is much more than that. It’s a 100-acre nature reserve complete with five trails, a greenhouse, gift shop, and over 15 separate gardens that include a vegetable garden, a rock garden, an Asian garden, and a dried-flower garden.
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
A trip to Newfoundland isn’t complete without a trip to a lighthouse. With that in mind, a favourite is the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, which is over 100 years old and located within the Gros Morne National Park. There are two reasons that the lighthouse should be included as a ‘must-see’ on your next vacation. The first is its view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the second is the lighthouse’s unique architecture; it is a cylinder shaped structure, topped with a lantern, domed roof and weather vane.
Cornerbrook Stream Trail
If you’re vacationing in Cornerbrook area and looking for an outdoor activity, you should consider the Cornerbrook Stream Trail. It’s a network of three different trails in the city that follow the Cornerbrook Stream. The first section of trail is in the downtown area near the Glynmill Inn pond, and it’s 2km long, while the second trail goes along the Gorge area and is about 4km long. The last trail is near Three Bear Mountain and offers a breathtaking view of the city itself and is only 1 km long.
Twillingate Adventure Tours
If you’re looking for a little time away from land, than an ocean adventure, like Twillingate, is the way to go. A narrated, two hour tour Twillingate gives participants the chance to see icebergs, Newfoundland’s ocean scenery and whales while aboard the M.V. Daybreak. There are four different tours, three during the day and a sunset tour at 7:00 p.m.
Canyon River Run Rafting
Maybe whale watching isn’t your thing, so for those looking for a water adventure that doesn’t involve sightseeing, rafting on Exploits River might be a better choice. Done through the Riverfront Chalets, the Canyon Run rafting tour and is for participants 16 years and older. Over a period of two hours, adventurers can raft through an 80-foot deep-water canyon while navigate the intense waves of the river. Riverfront Chalets also offers a tour that’s designed for younger children and families called the Badger Chute.
So, if you’re taking a trip to Canada’s most eastern province, take some extra time to explore beyond St. John’s; you’ll thank yourself in the end.
